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OFFICIAL ARMY RECORDS
1864-5
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, December 7, 1864.
COLONEL: The commanding general of the military division is already informed by my
current official dispatches of the principal incidents of the late campaign against Price in this
department, but it is proper that I should submit a more detailed and connected report of the
operations for a correct understanding of their extent and the importance of the results.
From early in the spring it was known through the lodges of the O. A. K.'s and other rebel
sources that Price intended a great invasion of this State, in which he expected the co-operation
of that order and of rebels generally, and by which he hoped to obtain important military and
political results. In pursuance of these plans the lodges with rebel recruiting officers and agents
sent into Missouri clandestinely, or under cover of the amnesty oath for that purpose, began an
insurrection in Platte County on the 7th of July last. From that time guerrilla warfare raged in the
river counties west from Callaway on the north and from Cooper on the south side of the
Missouri. This department having been depleted of troops permission was obtained to raise
volunteers to meet the exigencies of our situation, and under it about five complete and as many
incomplete regiments of twelve-months volunteer infantry had been organized previously to the
raid. On the 3d of September General Washburn sounded the tocsin by information that the force
under Shelby at Batesville, Ark., was about to be joined by Price for the invasion of our State.
The ripening of the corn lent to this additional color of probability, so that on the 6th, Maj. Gen.
A. J. Smith passing Cairo with a division of infantry on the way to General Sherman, I
telegraphed General Halleck the state of affairs, requesting orders for this division to halt at that
point and wait until we could ascertain the designs of the enemy. The division was halted, and on
the 9th General Smith received orders from General Halleck to "operate against Price & Co.,"
but deeming it impracticable to penetrate between 100 and 200 miles into Arkansas with a small
column of infantry in pursuit of a large mounted force, the exact whereabouts as well as
intentions of which were still unknown, he decided to move his command to a point near Saint
Louis, whence he could readily move by rail or river and await Price's movements. From that
time information accumulated showing the imminence of the raid. On the 23d we received
certain information that Price had crossed the Arkansas with two divisions of mounted men,
three batteries of artillery, a large wagon train carrying several thousand stand of small-arms, and
was at or near Batesville on White River. From this point midway between the Mississippi and
the western boundary of the State there are three practicable routes of invasion. One by
Pocahontas into southeast Missouri, another by West Plains and Rolla or vicinity north toward
Jefferson City, a third by Cassville north either through Springfield and Sedalia or by the Kansas
border to the Missouri River. Strong military reasons favored the movements of their main force
by the central route; while a detachment should go by Pocahontas and strip Southeastern
Missouri. Under these circumstances my first object was to secure our great depots at Springfield
and Rolla, the hay cut during the summer, and our train of Government wagons required to
maintain the troops in the Springfield district. To do this and as far as possible save the scanty
agriculture of the country from devastation it was necessary to hold both Springfield and Rolla.
Indeed, to have abandoned these points would have been not only to abandon the loyal people of
those districts and their property to destruction, but to invite the enemy to destroy our trains
while moving them, capture our stores, and beat our troops in detail. Generals Sanborn and
McNeil were therefore informed and ordered to place the trains and public property of their
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districts under the protection of the fortifications at Springfield and Rolla, to put their forts in the
best possible state of defense, using every foot and dismounted cavalry soldier, including citizens
and local militia, to the best advantage, and with all their efficient mounted force to watch the
enemy's motions and report the earliest indications of the direction of the coming storm. General
Brown was ordered to concentrate all troops from the west of the Central District at Sedalia, to
notify the citizen guards, and see that neither they nor their arms were exposed to capture. On the
24th Shelby was reported south of Pilot Knob, moving toward Farmington, with 5,000 men and
four pieces of artillery. General Ewing was ordered to concentrate the troops, in the southern part
of his district at Pilot Knob and Cape Girardeau, and to verify the accuracy of this report, which
proved true. On the 26th General A. J. Smith, with two of his brigades, was ordered to a point on
the Iron Mountain Railroad "as far toward Pilot Knob as he deemed compatible with certainty
that his position would not be turned," and the enemy get between him and Saint Louis. On the
day before Sanborn had orders to move with all his mounted force to Rolla, it having become
evident that the enemy would not probably strike west of that point. The safety of Saint Louis
was vital to us. I therefore telegraphed Brig. Gen. H. E. Paine, commanding in Illinois, who
promised me assistance from some regiments of returning 100-days' volunteers, who, though
they had already served beyond their time, generously consented to come for the defense of the
city. The enrolled militia of Saint Louis, though but skeleton regiments, were called out and the
citizens also requested to organize and arm. General Ewing was sent to Pilot Knob, with
directions to use his utmost exertions to find out whether any more than Shelby's division was in
Southeast Missouri, and to that end to hold Pilot Knob until he was certain. With a soldierly
comprehension of the importance of his duties, while reporting the current rumors of the advance
of Price with his whole force, he expressed his doubts, and held his position until the 27th, when
he sustained a terrific assault in Fort Davidson, a small field-work in the valley, surrounded by
hills within cannon-range, which he held with about 1,000 men, one-half raw troops, establishing
beyond question the presence of all Price's command in that quarter. He gloriously repulsed,
killing and wounding some 1,500 of the enemy, and lost only 28 killed and 56 wounded, as
appears from his report herewith. While Ewing's fight was going on Shelby advanced on Potosi,
and thence to Big River bridge, threatening General Smith's advance, which withdrew from that
point to within safer supporting distance of his main position at De Soto. Previous to and
pending these events the guerrilla warfare in North Missouri had been raging with redoubled
fury. Rebel agents, amnesty oath-takers, recruits, sympathizers, O. A. K.'s, and traitors of every
hue and stripe, had warmed into life at the approach of the great invasion. Women's fingers were
busy making clothes for rebel soldiers out of goods plundered by the guerrillas; women's
tongues were busy telling Union neighbors "their time was now coming." General Fisk, with all
his force, had been scouring the brush for weeks in the river counties in pursuit of hostile bands,
composed largely of recruits from among that class of inhabitants who claim protection, yet
decline to perform the full duty of citizens on the ground that they "never tuck no sides." A few
facts will convey some idea of this warfare carried on by Confederate agents here, while the
agents abroad of their bloody and hypocritical despotism--Mason, Slidell, and Mann in Europe--
have the effrontery to tell the nations of Christendom our Government "carries on the war with
increasing ferocity regardless of the laws of civilized warfare." These gangs of rebels, whose
families had been living in peace among their loyal neighbors, committed the most cold-blooded
and diabolical murders,. such as riding up to a farm-house, asking for water, and, while receiving
it, shooting down the giver, an aged, inoffensive farmer, because he was a radical "Union man."
In the single Sub-District of Mexico its commanding officer furnished a list of near 100 Union
men, who, in the course of six weeks, had been killed, maimed, or "run off" because they were
"radical Union men or damned abolitionists."
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About the 1st of September Anderson's gang attacked a railroad train on the North Missouri
road, took from it twenty-two unarmed soldiers, many on sick leave, and after robbing placed
them in a row and shot them in cold blood. Some of these bodies they scalped, and put others
across the track and ran the engine over them. On the 27th this gang, with numbers swollen to
300 or 400, attacked Major Johnston with about 120 men of the Thirty-ninth Missouri Volunteer
Infantry, raw recruits, and, after stampeding their horses, shot every man, most of them in cold
blood. Anderson a few days later was recognized by General Price at Boonville as Confederate
captain, and with a verbal admonition to behave himself, ordered by Colonel Maclean, chief of
Price's staff, to proceed to North Missouri and destroy the railroads, which orders were found on
the miscreant when killed by Lieutenant-Colonel Cox about the 27th of October ultimo.
On the 28th, when information of Ewing's fight and Price's presence at Pilot Knob came to
hand, General Smith, discovering the enemy on his front moving to west and north, in pursuance
of his orders to hold "the most advanced position compatible with the certainty of keeping
between the enemy and Saint Louis," determined to leave De Soto and retire behind the
Meramec, a stream which, at from ten to fifteen miles south of Saint Louis, offers considerable
obstacle to the passage of a hostile force with wagons and artillery. General Ewing, finding
Mamaduke's and Fagan's rebel divisions before him, and his position commanded by a
numerically superior artillery, acting on suggestions made when discussing with him the
possibilities of the position, on the night of the 27th spiked his heavy guns, blew up his
magazine, ammunition, and supplies, and with the field battery and remains of his command
retreated through the hills toward the Meramec Valley, hoping to reach a point on the railroad
from whence he could move to Saint Louis. But, as will be seen from his reports, the enemy
pursued him, harassed his rear on the march, which he directed along a ridge where the enemy
could not flank him, and overtook him near Harrison's Station, where, seizing and extending the
temporary defenses constructed by the militia, he displayed such vigor that after harassing him
for thirty-six hours and making several attacks, on the approach of a detachment of Sanborn's
cavalry the rebels left him and he escaped with all his command to Rolla. The enemy's strength
and position thus developed, my first business was to secure the points he could best strike---
Saint Louis, Jefferson City, and Rolla. General Smith's 4,500 infantry and the mounted force we
could raise, the Seventh Kansas, just in from Memphis, part of the Thirteenth Missouri Volunteer
Cavalry, under Colonel Catherwood, and the recruits of Merrill's Horse, hastily mounted and
organized, a total of 1,500 men, were all the force we could place between Saint Louis and an
invading army of at least 15,000 mounted men, whose advance was within a day's march of the
city. Meanwhile Brigadier-General Pike, ably seconded by Generals Wolff and Miller, of the
Enrolled Missouri Militia, had assembled and armed skeletons of the First, Second, Third, Fifth,
Sixth, Seventh, Tenth, Eleventh, Thirteenth, and Fifty-second Regiments of Enrolled Militia. The
mayor and others, under the direction of the Hon. B. Gratz Brown and Major Ledergerber,
organized the citizens exempt from militia duty, who volunteered for the defense of the city, into
companies and regiments, numbering by the 30th some 4,000 or 5,000 men. The One hundred
and thirty-second, One hundred and thirty-fourth, One hundred and thirty-eighth, One hundred
and fortieth, and One hundred and forty-second Illinois (100-days' volunteers) also began to
arrive on the 30th, and were all in by October 1 and formed into a brigade, under Colonel
Wangelin, for the immediate defense of the city, beyond which they did not wish to serve, as all
of them were out over time, and many having desirable offers as substitutes.
The enemy moving up by Potosi seemed to halt at Richwoods, about forty miles southwest of
Saint Louis, in the hills between Big River and the Meramec, as if concentrating for an attack on
the city. This appeared the more possible from the magnitude of his interest in it, and the fact that
he did not show much force in the Meramec Valley, even on the 30th. On that day Major-
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General Smith was ordered to occupy Kirkwood, which commands the Richwoods road and
crossing of the Meramec to Saint Louis, his cavalry to reconnoiter south and west, Colonel
Merrill going as far as Franklin. General Fisk, previously ordered to join General Brown with all
his available force, reached and reported from Jefferson City to-day. At the close of it news came
that a brigade of rebel cavalry had burned the Moselle Bridge and were moving north toward
Franklin. General Smith was ordered to send a brigade of infantry to support the cavalry at that
point, and on the 1st of October Colonel Wolff, with his brigade, reached Franklin, and after a
sharp skirmish drove the enemy from the place, but not until he had burned the depot.
The rebels were now apparently at bay with 1,500 cavalry and 4,500 infantry. General Smith
was not in condition to attempt offensive movements against a force of 15,000 veteran mounted
rebels who could reach Saint Louis from any point in the Meramec Valley where he might
confront them in haft the time it would take his infantry to reach it. Our obvious policy under
these circumstances was to keep as close as possible to the enemy without risking Saint Louis
until General Mower's command should arrive from Arkansas, or at least we be able to join to
Smith's our mounted forces at Rolla. Every hour's delay of the enemy in the Meramec Valley
brought Mower nearer and increased our chances of striking him as it did the security of
Jefferson City. On the 2d the enemy was reported massing in the vicinity of Union, on the road
either to Jefferson City or Rolla, and General Smith was ordered to Franklin. But as the enemy's
movements appeared to tend westward, on the 3d General Smith was advanced to Gray's Summit
and General Pike moved to Franklin. On the 4th General Smith pushed his cavalry toward the
Gasconade, advanced his infantry to Union, followed up by General Pike's militia. On the 5th
Price's command took Hermann, burned the Gasconade bridge, and was crossing that stream at
the old State Road Ford. General Smith followed him. General Mower reported his arrival at
Girardeau out of supplies, his teams worn down, part of his cavalry dismounted, and many
horses unshod. Transports and supply-boats were at once dispatched, and on the 8th and 9th his
command reached Saint Louis, from whence the infantry was pushed forward by water as rapidly
as the low stage of the river would permit to join General Smith. The cavalry under Winslow
reshod and started by land from Saint Louis on the 10th toward Jefferson City, which point it
reached on the 16th instant, one day in advance of the infantry. On the 6th the enemy began
crossing the Osage at Castle Rock and one or two other fords, under cover of his artillery,
opposed by Colonel Philips with the available cavalry at Jefferson City. While thus engaged
Generals McNeil and Sanborn reached Jefferson City by a forced march with all the mounted
force from Rolla, and uniting with Fisk and Brown gave us a garrison there of 4,100 cavalry and
2,600 infantry, mostly the new and partially organized twelve-months' men, with a few citizens
and militia. As this force, though capable of giving a strong battle behind intrenchments, was not
very formidable to act offensively against a veteran force like that of the enemy, it was decided
by General Fisk, the other three generals concurring, to oppose a moderate resistance to the
enemy's advance across the Moreau, a small stream with muddy banks and bad bottom, four or
five miles east of the city, and then to retire and receive his attack at the defensive line, which
with industry and good judgment had been prepared by the entire laboring force, civil and
military, at Jefferson City. The enemy burned the Osage bridge and crossed the river on the 6th.
On the 7th he advanced on the city, crossed the Moreau after sharp fighting, and developed a line
of battle three or four miles long, east, south, and west of the place. But after reconnoitering its
apparently formidable intrenchments, warned by his Pilot Knob experience in storming earthworks,
he declined attacking, and passing his train in rear moved around, massing on the west,
and finally retiring.
On the 8th General Pleasonton, on his arrival at Jefferson, under orders to assume command,
dispatched General Sanborn with all the available cavalry, 4,100 men, to follow and harass the
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enemy until General Smith's command could come up. General Smith was informed of the rebel
failure at Jefferson and directed to move by the most expeditious route to that place, where
Mower's infantry were to join and the cavalry overtake him. He was to send all his cavalry, under
Colonel Catherwood, in advance to report to Pleasonton, who, on its arrival, was to join
Sanborn's and assume direction of the Provisional Cavalry Division thus formed. General Pike,
with his militia, was charged with the control of the country and the defenses of our line of
communication from Saint Louis to Jefferson City. Sanborn followed the rebels, attacked their
rear guard at Versailles, where it was uncertain what course they would take, found they were
going north toward Boonville, followed and drove them into line of battle near that place, and
when he found himself nearly enveloped by their entire army, fell back out of their reach to meet
Catherwood's command and his provisions, which both arrived at California on the 14th. The
enemy taking advantage of this crossed the La Mine at Scott's and Dug Fords and moved north
toward Arrow Rock. Sanborn immediately followed this movement by Georgetown bridge,
keeping between the Pacific Railroad and the line of the enemy's march, and holding the line of
the Blackwater a western tributary of the La Mine, while Price, crossing a part of Shelby's
command at Arrow Rock on the Boonville ferry-boat to the north side of the river, advanced on
Glasgow, which he captured after a seven-hours' fight with a part of Colonel Harding's regiment,
Forty-third Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and small detachments of the Ninth Missouri State
Militia and Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry. On the 17th our cavalry, following his westward
movement, keeping south of without pressing him, until Generals Smith's and Mower's troops
could be brought up, kept the line of the Blackwater, and on the 17th reported themselves out of
supplies and the enemy between Marshall and Waverly. On the 17th Mower's infantry, except
two small regiments, arrived at Jefferson City and went at once by rail to La Mine bridge to join
General Smith, who, passing Jefferson by land on the 14th, had followed the cavalry movement
to that point, taking charge of the supplies which, in consequence of the destruction of the bridge
by the rebels, could go by rail no farther. Winslow's cavalry, marching, reached Jefferson, the
advance twenty miles beyond at California, on the 16th, and was ordered to join General
Pleasonton without delay. On the 18th General Smith was ordered to move to Dunksburg near
the cavalry headquarters, taking five days' rations and leaving minimum garrisons to guard and
handle stores at Sedalia and La Mine bridge. The 19th found this movement accomplished, the
cavalry with its center near Cook's Store, its right behind the Blackwater toward Marshall, and its
left near Kirkpatrick's Mills toward Warrensburg. The enemy apparently hesitated in the vicinity
of Marshall as if uncertain whether to go west or double on his tracks between Sedalia and
Jefferson, but our cavalry advanced, receding a few miles to meet supplies and concentrate on
the 17th and 18th, seemed to decide his movements toward Lexington, where General Curtis
telegraphed me on the 19th the head of his column had arrived, General Blunt, after a sharp
skirmish, retiring toward Independence and destroying the bridges in his rear. I informed General
Curtis of our position; that our troops reported Price near Waverly; advised that Blunt check his
advance at Wellington, and as soon as we were sure his main force was moving on Lexington we
would endeavor by a forced march to strike him in the flank. To ascertain Price's real intentions
General Pleasonton was directed to make a strong reconnaissance toward Waverly. The results of
this reached me on the morning of the 20th, and Pleasonton was directed at once to push the
center of his cavalry to Lexington, and General Smith, with his infantry, to support the
movement. At 7 p.m. Pleasonton reported the enemy had left Lexington, going west, and McNeil
and Sanborn entering the town. October 21 our cavalry advance followed the enemy to Fire
Creek Prairie, Brown's and Winslow's brigades reaching Lexington at 2 p.m. and the infantry at 9
p.m. of the same day. General Curtis also reported a fight with the enemy's entire force at the
Little Blue from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and that to prevent being flanked he should retire to the Big
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Blue, where his militia and artillery were in strong position. Supposing the enemy could not
cross the Big Blue in the face of Curtis, I dispatched General Pleasonton my belief that he would
move south, and that while McNell's brigade should harass his rear, he, with the other three
brigades, should move toward Lone Jack, near which would be General Smith's infantry, now
marching from Lexington to Chapel Hill. At 10 p.m. a dispatch from Pleasonton informed me of
the receipt of these conditional orders, and that the enemy in full force was moving far to the
west, followed by his cavalry. October 22 Pleasonton's cavalry reached the Little Blue at 10
a.m.; found the bridge destroyed; a temporary one was constructed, the enemy's skirmishers
driven, the command crossed, when the enemy opened with artillery, and was steadily driven
toward Independence, which place was taken by a brilliant cavalry charge, in which
Catherwood's regiment captured two guns complete. Near a hundred prisoners fell into our
hands, and our troops pushed the enemy's rear guard all night. At 8 p.m. Pleasonton reports "all
my brigades have been engaged; the enemy have left 40 killed and many sick and wounded in
my hands. Heard nothing from Curtis. If Smith can come up in case we get a fight it will be well.
Have sent McNeil's brigade to Little Santa Fé. Price is reported intrenched this side of the Big
Blue. Fighting still going on with an obstinate rear guard. Let Smith come to this place."
Reluctantly General Smith was dispatched to move to Independence, as requested, the messenger
reaching him at Chapel Hill as he was putting his column in motion to march there in response to
a direct message from General Pleasonton advising him of the posture of affairs.
On the morning of the 23d Pleasonton began to move on the enemy. At the crossing of the
Big Blue, where the fight opened at 7 a.m. and continued until 1 p.m., when Shelby, who had
been fighting General Curtis' command, finding Marmaduke and Fagan were giving away,
turned on Pleasonton and "for a moment shook Sanborn's brigade," but by the skillful use of
Thurber's battery, throwing double-shotted grape and canister, and the gallant charging of our
troops, they were routed and fled southward, pushed by Generals Pleasonton and Curtis that
night beyond Little Santa Fé. General Smith's command arriving at Independence at 5 p.m. was
ordered to move that night by a forced march to Hickman Mills, hoping it would strike the
enemy in flank while passing that point. Had he been ordered and marched for that point instead
of Independence the day before General Smith would have arrived in time to strike the enemy's
compact column and train with 9,000 infantry and five batteries. But it was too late. He did not
reach the Mills until long after not only the enemy's but our own column had passed there. News
from the cavalry fronts during the night showed that nothing remained but to push the enemy
with our cavalry, allowing the infantry to follow as best it could to act as support in case of
possible reverse to us or re-enforcements which were constantly reported on their way to meet
the enemy. On the 24th, with the Kansas troops in advance, we pursued the enemy until within
fifteen miles of the Trading Post, when, at General Curtis' request, General Pleasonton's
command took the lead and at the end of a sixty-miles' march overtook the rebels about
midnight, at the Marais des Cygnes; began skirmishing, and on the 25th, at 4 a.m., opened upon
their bivouac with artillery, creating the greatest consternation, following it up by an attack
which drove them promptly from the field, leaving in our hands horses, mules, wagons, arms,
and some prisoners. Our troops followed them in a running fight until 2 p.m., when they came up
with them at the Little Osage Crossing in position, with eight pieces of artillery on their line of
battle. With the instinct of a true cavalry general, Pleasonton immediately ordered an attack by
Benteen's and Philips' brigades, which by a magnificent charge completely routed them,
capturing 8 guns, 2 stand of colors, Major-General Marmaduke, Brigadier-General Cabell, 5
colonels, many other officers, and near 1,000 prisoners, besides wagons, small-arms, &c.
Sanborn's brigade, which was one mile and a half behind, and the Kansas troops still farther in
the rear, did not arrive in time to take part in this battle, but Sanborn's brigade led in the pursuit
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of the routed enemy, overtook them at a small stream a few miles beyond the battle-ground,
charged them in the timber, drove them across it into the open prairie, where they formed in
order of battle three lines deep. But such was the enthusiasm of the men of this brigade when
they reached the edge of the wood and saw this triple line they charged it without orders,
knocked it in pieces, and chased the fugitives until night closed the pursuit, and the enemy fled
under cover of the darkness toward the Arkansas border. Besides the wagons captured during
this day at the Marais des Cygnes, on the way to and at the Little Osage, the enemy had
destroyed many, including ammunition-wagons, and for twenty-five or thirty miles beyond the
Osage battle-field their route was strewn with debris of burning wagons and other property.
Pleasonton's cavalry had now been in motion almost day and night for six days, during which
it had marched at least 204 miles and fought four battles. It was pretty well exhausted and broken
down and went into Fort Scott that night for food and a little rest. He reported to me the results
of his day's work, that the enemy was going at his utmost and his own troops were so broken
down it would be impossible without fresh horses to strike the enemy another great blow this
side of the Arkansas, and recommended that Generals Sanborn and McNeil follow, to support
Curtis' troops in pursuit so long as there was any prospect of damaging the enemy, and then
return to Springfield and Rolla. On the receipt of the news of the enemy's rout General Smith,
whose command was out of provisions, was directed to move to Harrisonville and thence get
supplies from Warrensburg, where 100 wagons were waiting with provisions for our command,
sending 30,000 rations to the cavalry. Further reports of the enemy's condition satisfied me there
would be no use of breaking down any more of our horses since General Curtis, whose cavalry
horses were fresher than ours, supported by Sanborn and McNeil on their way down the State
line, would be more than ample to deal with any resistance Price's command would offer this
side of the Arkansas. Orders Were accordingly given and General Pleasonton returned with
Philips' brigade, the cannon, and part of the prisoners to Warrensburg. The Kansas troops and
Benteen's brigade pursued the enemy's flying columns, a part of whom made their last stand at
Newtonia, Mo., where General Blunt overtook and attacked them on the 28th, but was being
worsted when Sanborn, having marched 102 miles in thirty-six hours, arrived in time to save the
day. The enemy fled and made no further stand this side of the Arkansas. In a country destitute
of food for man and beast, five times defeated, pursued 400 or 500 miles, with the loss of nearly
all their artillery, ammunition, and baggage train, demoralization and destitution, and want of
supplies would drive the rebels across the Arkansas for supplies at the risk of falling into the
hands of Thayer's forces or Steele's cavalry, and if allowed would almost disintegrate and
disband them on the way thither. General Curtis thought pushing them was best, and accordingly
followed, although he did not again overtake them. At his urgent instance, against my own
judgment as well as that of Generals Sanborn and McNeil, I pushed their two brigades down to
the Arkansas border, whence Sanborn sent an advance to Fort Smith, reaching there on the
morning of the 8th [November], to notify General Thayer of the enemy's desperate condition and
the direction he had taken from Cane Hill toward the Indian Nation, between Fort Smith and Fort
Gibson. Meanwhile at Sherman's request, followed by orders from the General-in-Chief, I
directed Maj. Gen. A. J. Smith to move his command by the most expeditious route to the
Mississippi, in the vicinity of Saint Louis, there to embark and proceed to Nashville and report to
Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas. On the 3d of November I returned to Saint Louis to be there
during the election, and on the receipt of the news of the enemy having crossed the Arkansas
directed the cavalry to repair to their respective districts and Winslow's cavalry to move by the
best route and join General Thomas at Nashville.
In entering into details I have aimed to give the general commanding a sort of military
photograph of our daily condition and movements as well for his critical judgment as for history,
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omitting events of whatever magnitude not having a bearing on our movements and most of the
minor ones which did enter into their determination. I trust that the precautions taken in advance
of Price's movements, the preparations before we knew where he was coming, the measures
taken to secure our most important points and occupy him until we could concentrate the forces
to strike him with a certainty of success outweighing any damage he could meanwhile do us, the
energy and activity in concentration, vigor in pursuit, and fiery gallantry of our troops in battle,
will receive the approbation of the general commanding the military division.
It will appear from these details and accompanying reports that our dismounted cavalry,
infantry, and militia nobly performed their duty, watching, marching, and fighting whenever and
wherever opportunity offered, that by their aid in holding our depots and supporting our mounted
force we have saved all our important posts and most of the country, from pillage, except a belt
of some twenty miles wide along the route of the invasion, and with less than 7,000 effective
cavalry have pursued, overtaken, beaten in several engagements, and finally routed an invading
cavalry, variously estimated at from 15,000 to 26,000 men, re-enforced by 6,000 armed recruits
from Missouri, taken from them 10 pieces of artillery, 2 stand of colors, 1,958 prisoners of war, a
large number of horses, mules, wagons, and small arms, compelled them to destroy most of their
remaining wagons, train, and plunder, blasted all the political schemes of the rebels and traitors
who concerted with Price to revolutionize Missouri, destroy Kansas, and turn the State and
presidential election, against the Union cause, and by our triumph in the late elections have given
to gallant and suffering Missouri the fairest prospect she has ever yet seen of future freedom,
peace, and prosperity, all the fruits of a campaign of forty-eight days, in which most of our
victorious troops had never before seen a great cavalry battle. Rarely during this or any other war
has cavalry displayed more persevering energy in pursuit, more impetuous courage and gallantry
in attacking, regardless of superior numbers, or had its efforts crowned with greater fruits of
success. While paying a just tribute of thanks to all the officers and soldiers of the cavalry,
artillery, infantry, militia, and citizen guards who served during the raid, for their prompt and
cheerful obedience to all orders, whether to labor, march, or fight, I must refer to the
accompanying reports of their commanders for special mention of individual gallantry. Major-
General Pleasonton deserves the thanks of the country for the able manner in which he handled
and fought the cavalry, and for the brilliant and fruitful victories he won over triple his own
force. I hope he may receive promotion in the regular army. Maj. Gen. A. J. Smith deserves
thanks for promptitude, energy, and perseverance in all his movements, and for the good
judgment displayed in his campaign. Nor must I omit a tribute of admiration to those brave and
true soldiers who, under Mower, followed Price from Arkansas, marching 300 miles in eighteen
days, and after going by boat from Cape Girardeau to Jefferson City, again resumed the march
after him, making another march of 462 miles before they embarked for Nashville to take part in
the not doubtful contest before that city for the mastery of Middle Tennessee. The district
commanders all deserve my thanks for prompt and cordial co-operation in the measures
precautionary and preparatory for the raid. General Ewing deserves special mention for military
judgment, courage, and gallantry, in holding Pilot Knob till he had certainty of the enemy's force,
as well as for the manner in which he withdrew his troops to Rolla. General McNeil for
promptitude and energy in putting Rolla in a state of defense, and for moving with all force to
Jefferson City in time to succor it. General Fisk for the prompt and cheerful discharge of very
trying administrative duties, and for the energy and good sense in preparing the defenses of
Jefferson City, as in the subsequent repair of La Mine bridge. General Brown displayed energy
and good sense in preparing the city for a good defense, and General Sanborn for vigilance,
energy, and soldierly judgment while commanding the cavalry advance between Jefferson City
and Dunksburg, as well as throughout the campaign. Col. J. V. Du Bois, aide-de-camp, chief of
9
staff; Captain Henry, assistant quartermaster of General Steele's staff, volunteer staff
quartermaster in the field; Capt. G. Scull, chief commissary; Surg. P. V. Schenck, medical
director in the field; Captain Hoelcke, acting aide-de-camp, engineer; Major Fischer, Fifth
Missouri State Militia, on engineer duty; Capt. J. F. Bennett, assistant adjutant-general, and my
personal aides, Maj. F. S. Bond, aide-de-camp, and Capt. R. S. Thorns, aide-de-camp, Captain
Hills, Tenth Kansas, acting provost-marshal, accompanied me during the campaign, and were
zealous and indefatigable in the discharge of their respective duties. Major McDermott, First
Iowa Cavalry, who, with his battalion of First Iowa Cavalry, did such good service in North
Missouri and behaved very gallantly in the pursuit of the rebels from Jefferson City to Boonville,
commanded the escort from Sedalia, and deserves honorable mention. Brig. Gen. J. B. Gray,
adjutant-general of Missouri, and Brigadier-General Pike, of the Enrolled, are entitled to public
thanks for their valuable and indefatigable services in connection with the Enrolled Militia. Col.
T. J. Haines, commissary of subsistence, to whom all the armies West, as well as the country,
owe a debt of gratitude for invaluable services not likely to be overpaid, displayed his usual
promptitude and foresight in providing for the wants of our troops and depots. Col. William
Myers, chief quartermaster, in supplying animals, fitting up trains, and providing for the wants of
our troops, exhibited his characteristic care and skill.
I must also mention the voluntary services of those tried veterans, Colonel Wangelin, late of
the Twelfth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and Colonel Laiboldt, who did all in their power to aid
in the defense of Saint Louis. Senator B. Gratz Brown and Mayor Thomas, seconded by the
efforts of many patriotic citizens of all classes, did much to prepare for the defense of the city,
and deserve my thanks. I should be glad to call the general's attention to many militia officers,
such as General Craig, whose able management in the northwest, in the absence of General Fisk,
Colonel Gale, who so promptly organized his militia regiment (Fifty-fourth Enrolled Missouri
Militia) at Franklin, and many others scattered over the State, who rendered great service to the
country. But as the chief motive of these officers and the men of their commands was their
country's good the consciousness of duty manfully performed must be their chief reward, until
the day comes when our children, pointing to them as to others who have borne arms in this
great national struggle, shall say, "There go some of the men who helped to save our nation."
The accompanying reports show our total losses in this campaign were 164 killed, of whom
116 were murdered at Centralia, 336 wounded, 171 prisoners, of whom many, if not all, are
illegally parolled, 681 hors de combat, besides which there were several small squads of
prisoners illegally captured and parolled in Southeast Missouri, and the troops at Glasgow whose
surrender was, I think, justifiable and possibly lawful.
W. S. ROSECRANS,
Major-General.
Lieutenant-Colonel CHRISTENSEN,
A. A. G., Mil. Div. of West Mississippi, New Orleans, La.
GENERAL ORDERS No. 220.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, Mo., December 8, 1864.
I. The reports of the commanders of troops in the late campaign against Price, delayed till
now by the necessities of the case, furnish a record so brilliant of arduous service and gallant
fighting, that the commanding general deems it a duty to express to the officers and men of his
command his admiration of their behavior, and to congratulate them and their fellow-citizens on
the result.
10
II. Vague rumors and threats of an invasion of Missouri by Price had been in circulation for
months among rebels, bushwhackers, and "O. A. K.'s."
About the 21st of September these rumors ripened into certainty by the information that
Price, crossing the Arkansas with two divisions of cavalry and three batteries of artillery, had
joined Shelby near Batesville, sixty miles south of the line of our State, and would invade us
with from 15,000 to 20,000 veteran mounted men.
We had then about 6,500 mounted men for field duty in the department, scattered over a
country 400 miles long and 300 broad, which, with the partially-organized new infantry
regiments and our dismounted men, constituted the entire force to cover our great depots at Saint
Louis, Jefferson City, Saint Joseph, Macon, Springfield, Rolla, and Pilot Knob, guard our
railroad bridges against this invasion and protect, as far as possible, the lives and property of our
citizens from the guerrillas who swarmed over the whole country bordering on the Missouri
River. Fortunately, Maj. Gen. A. J. Smith's troops, passing Cairo toward Nashville, at the urgent
solicitation of the general commanding, were ordered to halt and oppose Price, thus giving us
4,500 veteran infantry.
III. Unable to concentrate until the point was determined where the enemy would strike,
without surrendering all the remaining portion of the State, you could only make preliminary
preparations and await the coming storm, while the Enrolled Missouri Militia, which had never
yet failed to respond to the call of patriotism, prepared to defend their homes against the invader
and his traitor friends in our midst.
IV. When Springfield appeared safe from the blow, General Sanborn moved with all his
available cavalry to re enforce Rolla, where General McNeil was preparing to secure our depots
and great supply trains, while Ewing and his band of heroes, the young Forty-seventh Missouri
Infantry, detachments of the First, Second, and Third Missouri State Militia, the Fourteenth Iowa
Infantry, and Battery H, Second Missouri Light Artillery, by their grand defense of Pilot Knob,
September 27, proved the presence of the enemy's entire force in Southeast Missouri, gave him
the first staggering blow, and allowed time for the Enrolled Missouri Militia and citizens of Saint
Louis to prepare for its defense, then covered only by General Smith's infantry and three
regiments of cavalry, thrown as far as practicable toward the enemy.
V. The zeal and energy of the citizens, aided by the timely arrival of the One hundred and
thirty-second, One hundred and thirty-fourth, One hundred and thirty-sixth, One hundred and
thirty-ninth, One hundred and fortieth, and One hundred and forty-second Illinois Regiments
(100 days' volunteers), who generously and promptly came to our assistance, soon put us at ease
about the safety of Saint Louis, and struck the second blow to the invasion. The gallant First,
Second, Third, Fourth, Tenth, Eleventh, Thirteenth, Eightieth, and Eighty-fifth Regiments of
Enrolled Missouri Militia, and the National Guard of Saint Louis, under Generals Pike, Wolff,
and Miller, organized to support General Smith's infantry, and roll the rebel tide westward.
General Brown concentrated at Jefferson City the troops of the Central District, and reenforced
by General Fisk, with all available troops north of the Missouri, prepared for the
defense of the capital of the State, the citizens of which vied with the military in their
enthusiastic exertions to bring the great invasion to naught.
The enemy, after waiting at Richwoods for a day or two and threatening Saint Louis, started
for the State capital, accompanied by Tom Reynolds, Trusten Polk, and other Missouri traitors,
to inaugurate another bogus election. McNeil and Sanborn, moving with all their available
cavalry, by forced marches reached the point of danger a few miles in advance of him, and
uniting with Fisk and Brown saved Jefferson City, and struck the third blow to the hopes of the
invaders and traitors, who had boasted they would plant themselves there and hold the State.
11
VI. On the 8th of October, when General Pleasonton assumed command at Jefferson City, he
sent Sanborn with all his mounted force, 4,100 strong, to follow the rebel track and harass them
until all our remaining cavalry could join you, and the infantry supports come up. You drove the
enemy's rear guard upon their main force in line of battle near Boonville, and bearded them in
position with a force of only 5,500 men. Pursuing their retreat westward, and keeping them
between you and the Missouri River, without an opportunity to double on their track, you waited
the arrival of Winslow's command, 1,500 strong, which followed the enemy from Arkansas, and
when, on the 19th, it joined, forming the Provisional Cavalry Division of 6,500 men, exclusive of
escort guards, under General Pleasonton, you moved on the foe for battle and victory, overtook
and gave them the first sweet taste of your sabers on the 22d, at Independence, where you routed
Fagan and captured two of his guns. On the 23d you forced the passage of the Big Blue, fought
them from 7 in the morning until 1 p.m. Their advance quitting Curtis then fell upon you, when
by the combined use of Thurber's double-shotted canister and the saber you routed their main
force, and by dark had thrown them beyond Little Santa Fé.
On the 24th, at midnight, after marching some sixty miles, with little water, except the rain
on your backs, and less food for men or horses, you again overtook them at the Marais des
Cygnes, began skirmishing, and at 4 a.m. on the 25th, opening with artillery, routed them with
loss; capturing mules, horses, &c. Thence, in a running fight, you pursued them to the Little
Osage Crossing, where two advanced brigades, under Benteen and Philips, charged two rebel
divisions, routed them, captured eight pieces of artillery, and near 1,000 prisoners, including
Generals Marmaduke and Cabell Sanborn's brigade again led in pursuit, overtook them and made
two more brilliant charges, driving everything before it, across the Marmiton, whence the enemy
fled, under cover of night, toward the Arkansas. After thus marching 204 miles in six days and
beating the enemy, his flying columns were pursued toward the Arkansas by the Kansas troops
and Benteen's brigade, while Sanborn, following, marched 104 miles in thirty-six hours, and on
the 28th reached Newtonia, where the enemy made his last stand, in time to turn the tide of battle
which was going against General Blunt, again routing the enemy, and giving the final blow to the
greatest cavalry raid of the war.
VII. The substantial results of this brilliant series of operations are, that while our infantry
and dismounted men nobly performed their share of the work by fighting at Pilot Knob and
Glasgow, holding the depots and important points, and backing your hazards, the enemy,
entering the State with a mounted force of veteran troops, variously estimated at from 15,000 to
26,000, and eighteen pieces of artillery, with vast expectations of revolutionizing the State,
destroying Kansas, and operating on the Presidential election, after having added to his force
6,000 Missourians, which General Marmaduke told General Pleasonton were armed and
organized into a division, has been defeated in all his schemes, his mischief confined to the
narrow belt of country over which he passed, and routed by you in four engagements, he has lost
ten pieces of artillery, a large number of small-arms, nearly all his trains and plunder, and,
besides his killed, wounded, and deserters, 1,958 prisoners, which we have now in possession,
and the latest reports confirm the statement that when the enemy's forces recrossed the Arkansas,
demoralization, desertion, and losses had reduced their strength to less than 5,000, but partially
armed and mounted, with three pieces of artillery, and their horses in the most wretched
condition. All this has been accomplished by less than 7,000 cavalry, most of whom never before
saw a great battle, and your entire loss in killed, wounded, and missing is only 346 officers and
men. The records of this war furnish no more brilliant and decisive results.
VIII. To Major-General Pleasonton and the officers and soldiers of the Provisional Cavalry
Division, by whom this work was wrought, the general commanding tenders his thanks for their
12
gallantry and efficiency in the campaign, and congratulates them on having acquired the true
spirit of cavalry service.
He also returns his thanks to the district commanders, to the officers and soldiers of our
infantry and artillery, and the Enrolled Militia, and to Maj. Gen. A. J. Smith and his command
for the zeal and energy with which they performed all the duties devolving upon them in the
campaign which brought to naught Price's formidable raid and defeated the schemes of the rebels
and traitors in Missouri and elsewhere against the State and the Nation.
IX. A department order will announce the regiments entitled, and the names of the
engagements they are to inscribe on their banners.
By command of Major-General Rosecrans:
FRANK ENO,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
FIRST DIVISION, COMMANDED BY COL. JOSEPH J. WOODS, TWELFTH IOWA
VOLUNTEERS.
During the past month this division has been actively engaged as a portion of the army
pursuing the rebel General Price through Missouri. Marching has been almost continuous and
very hard, making as high as thirty-three miles per
THIRD BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION, COMMANDED BY COL. SYLVESTER G. HILL,
THIRTY-FIFTH IOWA INFANTRY.
October 1.--Marched at 7 a.m. from near Poplar Bluff, Mo., toward Greenville, Mo., thirteen
miles; command on three-quarter rations.
October 2.--Marched at 6 a.m.; forded the Saint Francis River; encamped at Greenville;
fourteen miles.
October 3.--Marched on Cape Girardeau road; seventeen miles.
October 4.--Marched at 2 a.m.; a forced march; raining and roads bad; encamped at 8 p.m. on
White Water Creek; thirty miles.
October 5.--Marched to Cape Girardeau; eighteen miles; encamped one mile below town.
This concludes a march of 317 miles in nineteen days from Brownsville, Ark.
October 7.--Embarked on boats for Saint Louis.
October 9.--Re-embarked at Saint Louis for Missouri River.
October 18.--Landed at Jefferson City, Mo., and moved by cars to La Mine Bridge.
October 19.--Marched via Sedalia to Roletta; went into camp at 11.30 p.m.; nearly the whole
command left by the roadside exhausted; thirty-three miles.
October 20.--Marched sixteen miles.
October 21.--Marched into Lexington; twenty-five miles.
October 22.--Marched southwest twenty-four miles.
October 24.--Marched at 1 a.m. via Independence to Big Blue River; eighteen miles.
October 25.--Marched via Little Santa Fé, Kans.; fifteen miles.
October 26.--Marched to Harrisonville, Mo.; twenty-three miles.
October 27 to 29.--Remained in camp waiting supplies.
October 30.--Marched to Pleasant Hill, Mo.; twelve miles.
October 31.--Marched to Chapel Hill, Mo.; sixteen miles; went into camp at 9 p.m.
SECOND BRIGADE, THIRD DIVISION, COMMANDED BY COL. JAMES L. GILBERT,
TWENTY-SEVENTH IOWA INFANTRY.
October 1.---Found this command at Jefferson Barracks, Mo.
13
October 2.--Marched in the morning, forming a part of the command under Maj. Gen. A. J.
Smith, to Kirkwood; thirteen miles.
October 3.--Marched to Dutch Holland; eighteen miles.
October 4.--Marched to Summit Station; ten miles.
October 5 and 6.--Lay in camp.
October 7.--Marched to Cedar Creek; ten miles.
October 8.--Marched on Jefferson City road; eighteen miles.
October 9.--Lay in camp.
October 10.--Marched on Jefferson City road, fording Gasconade River; eighteen miles.
October 11.--Marched to Big Mary Creek; twenty-two miles.
October 12.--Marched to Moreau Creek; nineteen miles.
October 13.--Passing through Jefferson City, nine miles, west; thirteen miles.
October 14.--Marched to California, passing Lookout Station; seventeen miles.
October 15.--Lay in camp.
October 16.--Marched to La Mine Bridge; twenty-four miles.
October 17.--Lay in camp.
October 18.--Marched, passing Sedalia two miles toward Georgetown; eighteen miles.
October 19.--Marched on Lexington road, passing Georgetown; fifteen miles.
October 20.--Marched on Lexington road to Deer Creek; seventeen miles.
October 21.--Marched into Lexington; twenty-three miles.
October 22.--Marched on Harrisonville road fourteen miles and took the Independence road;
seventeen miles.
October 23.--Marched on Independence road eighteen miles.
October 24.--At midnight passing Independence to Big Blue River; fifteen miles.
October 25.--Marched south, passing Santa Fé, and encamped on Big Blue; fifteen miles.
October 26.--Marched at 3.30 o'clock in the morning and passed one mile beyond
Harrisonville; twenty-six miles.
October 27 to 29.--Lay in camp.
October 30.--Marched on the Warrensburg road to within one mile of Pleasant Hill; eleven
miles.
October 31.--Mustered for pay and marched toward Wellington to Big Snibar River; twelve
miles.
The command has thus marched during the month 369 miles, and is now in camp for the
night, en route for Lexington.
HDQRS. FOURTEENTH IOWA INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS,
Rolla, Mo., October 3, 1864.
On the 25th [September] I moved with my command by rail on the Iron Mountain road. By
order I detached and left at various stations, from Jefferson Barracks to Mineral Point, Mo., five
companies of my command, namely, Companies A, G, H, I, and K. Encamped at Mineral Point
on the night of the 25th. Proceeded from thence on the morning of the 26th, with Companies B,
C, D, and E, to Pilot Knob, Mo, whence we marched to Ironton, distant one mile, where we
encamped during the night of the 26th of September.
On the morning of the 27th, at early daylight, the enemy appeared in force, when they were
engaged by two pieces of the Second Missouri Battery. The enemy being too strong in numbers
we were compelled to fall back, which was done in good order to the southeast point of
Shepherd's Mountain, where our forces again formed line of battle under command of Major
Wilson. Here I was joined by a detachment of eighteen men of Company H, Fourteenth Iowa
14
Infantry. I was ordered, with my command, to occupy the summit of Shepherd's Mountain,
which I did. At this point I had a brisk skirmish with the enemy, who attempted to flank my
position, and I fell back to the rifle-pits of Fort Davidson, where I remained till I was ordered, at
1 p.m., to occupy the face of Shepherd's Mountain south of the fort. I held that position till the
enemy attacked me in heavy force, and I was compelled to fall back within the fort, when a
general engagement commenced.
On the morning of the 28th, at 2 a.m., by order of Brigadier-General Ewing, I moved my
command in advance, and took up line of march on the Caledonia road, arriving at Webster,
distant thirty miles, where we encamped. On the 29th of September, at 1 a.m., took up line of
march, covering the retreat with my command to Leasburg, distant thirty-six miles. About 10
a.m. the enemy attacked our rear guard of cavalry, and drove them in. I immediately formed line
of battle, and checked the advance of the enemy. The column moved forward, and I covered the
retreat, with continual skirmishing the entire way. Arriving at Leasburg at sunset my command
was formed in line of battle on the left, facing the enemy, where we remained encamped during
the night. On the 30th of September commenced building temporary fortifications, which were
occupied till the morning of October 2, at 2 o'clock, when we took up our line of march for
Rolla, Mo., distant thirty-one miles, where we arrived at 6 p.m., and are encamped at the present
time.
The officers and men of my command behaved with the utmost coolness and bravery during
the several engagements in which we took part. First Lieut. Hugo Hoffbauer, acting adjutant, has
my warmest thanks for the manner in which he conducted himself, and the valuable service
rendered by his untiring energy during the several engagements, and while on the march.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. J. CAMPBELL,
Captain Company K, Comdg. Fourteenth Iowa Infty. Vols.
Lieut. G. D. O. KELLMAN,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
HDQRS. SECOND DIV., CAV. CORPS, DIST. OF WEST TENN.,
October 23, 1864.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of detachments
of about 2,000 men of my command:
Under instructions from Maj. Gen. C. C. Washburn, commanding District of West
Tennessee, I crossed the Mississippi River at Memphis, Tenn., with about 1,900 officers and
men of my division, the detachments from First Brigade in charge of Col. Joseph Kargé and
those from the Second under command of Lieut. Col. George Duffield, Third Iowa Cavalry.
Marched at noon of the 2d of September, moving on the military road to Clarendon, 100 miles,
arriving at 11 a.m. 6th instant, having bridged four bayous and ferried one--Black Fish--where
seven men of the Fourth Missouri Cavalry, one negro, and four horses were drowned by the
sinking of the boat. The Saint Francis and L'Anguille Rivers were forded without trouble. It
would be quite impracticable to move a column by this route during the wet season. On the 7th
instant [ultimo] I was directed by Major-General Steele, commanding Department of Arkansas,
to move to Brownsville, and being ferried over the White River, marched to that point, thirtynine
miles, arriving on the 9th instant [ultimo] at noon. I had sent about 100 men and animals
from Clarendon by river to Memphis, and on my departure therefrom left 150 men sick and
dismounted, with about 100 horses, at Brownsville. During our stay at this point many of my
men became ill, the weather being very warm and the water very bad. The animals were
insufficiently supplied with forage. Notwithstanding every possible effort was made I could not
15
get my animals shod, and because of this many were abandoned during the march to Cape
Girardeau. Colonel Kargé was left at Brownsville sick, and the command of his brigade devolved
on Major Simonson, Seventh Indiana Cavalry. The Second New Jersey Cavalry, about 250 men,
which I had directed to report to Major-General Mower at Memphis, was here returned to the
command. On the 18th instant [ultimo], under orders from Major-General Mower, commanding
expedition, I moved from Brownsville and arrived at Cape Girardeau, Mo., on the 5th of October
at noon. Distance 316 miles direct march.
October 7, the command embarked on steamers for Saint Louis, arriving on the 8th, 9th, and
10th, and going at once to Benton Barracks. Here I caused to be turned in all unserviceable
animals, and the command was supplied with 500 fresh horses, five ambulances, and five sixmule
teams and wagons. (Our transportation to this time had included no wagons.) The men
were also supplied with clothing, which was much needed. At 5 p.m. 10th instant the First
Brigade moved toward the Missouri River, arriving at noon next day, thirty-five miles, and
embarked on steamers for Jefferson City, while I marched with the Second Brigade at 6 a.m. on
the 11th instant, reaching Independence, via Washington, Russellville, California, Tipton,
Sedalia, and Lexington, on the evening of the 22d instant, distance about 305 miles direct. A
portion only of the First Brigade joined me on the march, the Second New Jersey and Nineteenth
Pennsylvania Regiments having fallen to the rear by orders from Major-General Pleasonton. At
Independence we first came up with an enemy, and my command was directed to support that of
Brigadier-General Brown (Missouri State Militia) in pushing the enemy over Big Blue River.
General Brown, saying his men were out of ammunition, directed me to take the advance at dark,
which I did, and with the Third Iowa (dismounted) pushed the enemy from Independence to
within two miles of the river, where I was ordered to halt, at 10.30 p.m. On the morning of the
23d, General Brown's brigade being ordered to the front and himself to the rear, I was requested
by the major-general commanding to take charge of the front and conduct the fighting.
Immediately assuming direction, I formed on the edge of the stream one regiment of Missouri
State Militia, together with the Fourth Missouri, Captain Knispel, and one battalion of the Fourth
Iowa, Captain Doe, which I had previously placed there, and ordered a charge upon the enemy
on the other bank. The enemy were at once driven back upon his main line, half a mile farther
back. Almost three companies, being partially surrounded, would have been captured from the
enemy but for awkwardness or negligence on the part of some militia officers. Dismounting two
other regiments of Missouri State Militia, and directing Captains Knispel and Dee to hold their
commands in reserve, and at the same time ordering forward my whole command, I advanced
upon the main position of the enemy. Their line was formed in the edge of a long piece of
timber, just on the brow of the rising ground, while in front was a fine open stretch of clearing
descending gradually to the river. When within 400 yards of the enemy I directed the line to
advance rapidly and drive them from the timber. This was well commenced only, when the
whole line gave way under the fire of the enemy and retreated in disorder to the reserve, where I
succeeded in reforming the broken detachment. I again ordered an advance with the Third and
Fourth Iowa Regiments closely supporting. This time we reached the woods, and after a short,
spirited resistance from the enemy drove them out of position with some loss. The retiring foe
was followed by our troops through the skirt of timber about two miles, when, having been
struck, just as we gained the edge of the timber, in the leg with a rifle-ball, and disabled thereby,
I turned over the command to Lieut. Col. F. W. Benteen, Tenth Missouri Cavalry, who had
commanded the Second Brigade since leaving Washington, Mo.
Having been left on the field I could not learn our loss or that of the enemy. I know of
Captain Brown and Lieutenant Watts, Third Iowa, and Lieutenant Bowman, Fourth Iowa
Cavalry, being wounded while gallantly leading their men. I presume our loss to this time did not
16
exceed in my division 25 all told. The command is still pursuing the retreating enemy. During
the march to Clarendon and until nearing Brownsville, Ark., the command was but partially
supplied with grain, and had very little hay. From Brownsville, Ark., to Cape Girardeau, Mo.,
grain was readily found and some hay was obtained. From Saint Louis to time of arrival at
Independence a sufficient amount of grain and considerable hay was secured. That the march
was severe in many respects is evident, and yet at the time of the fight, 23d of October, there
were no dismounted men. Of course during the march from Saint Louis no horses were taken
from citizens. Previous to the arrival of the command at Cape Girardeau about 250 animals were
taken and captured, all of which were branded, and most of them turned into the quartermaster's
department at Benton Barracks. The men were dismounted and led their animals from one-eighth
to one-fourth of each day's march, and every effort was made by steady moving, frequent rests,
and regular and abundant feeding, when practicable, to keep the command in an effective
condition. The officers generally did all they could to second my endeavors, although, as is the
case in all our movements, many company commanders neglected to enforce obedience to orders
received from higher authority. I am especially indebted to the several brigade commanders, and
to Lieut-A. Hodge, acting assistant adjutant-general; Captain Fitch, aide-de-camp; Lieutenant
Madigan, acting commissary of subsistence; Capt. J. F. Young, Tenth Missouri Cavalry, acting
assistant quartermaster, and Lieutenant Thiel, aide-de-camp, for much valuable aid.
Immediately after the return from the pursuit of Price the command should be reunited, and I
respectfully represent the necessity of this being done. The detachment in Missouri is composed
of details from about every company in eight regiments, the company and regimental records
being yet at Memphis with the portion there encamped.
I submit herewith a statement of the daily marches with remarks. Only the direct marches are
shown, to which aggregate should be added 25 per cent for scouting, flanking, and foraging.
Miles marched, 772; traveled by boats, 150; total distance, 922 miles.
Respectfully submitted.
Your obedient servant,
E. F WINSLOW,
Colonel, Commanding Division.
Capt. S. L. WOODWARD,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Cavalry Corps, Dist. of West Tennessee.
HEADQUARTERS FOURTH BRIGADE, CAVALRY DIVISION,
Near Kansas City, October 23, 1864.
LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to submit the following brief report of operations of my
command from the 16th instant to date:
By direction of the major-general commanding the department, I reported to the majorgeneral
commanding division from Prince's Ford on Osage River, where my command was then
in bivouac. From this point the command moved thirty miles per diem, to Wellington, camping
at dark on the 21st instant; moved at 12 o'clock same night in rear of Sanborn's brigade to
Independence, when I was directed to support Brigadier-General Brown and aid in driving the
enemy to Weston. Moved at 5 p.m., and by direction of General Brown my brigade took the
advance, pushing the enemy (Clark's rebel brigade in the rear) to within three miles of Big Blue,
when, at 10.30 p.m., I received orders to wait for the moon to rise. Moved about 4 a.m. 23d,
driving the enemy over Big Blue, at which stream General Brown's brigade was ordered to take
the advance and General B. ordered to the rear. At the request of the major-general commanding
division I assumed direction of the fighting in front, the enemy being posted on the opposite
bank of the river with their main line formed about half a mile from the stream. With one
17
battalion Fourth Iowa Cavalry, 100 Fourth Missouri Cavalry, and one regiment of Brown's
brigade, Missouri State Militia, formed on the bank of the stream, the enemy were at once driven
to their main line by a vigorous charge. Dismounting two other regiments of Missouri State
Militia and forming line about 400 yards from that of the enemy, under the cover of the crest of a
small hill, I directed a charge on the enemy, having previously placed a regiment in reserve.
When within about 100 yards of the enemy the entire line broke and ran to the rear. Succeeded in
rallying upon the reserve most of the broken troops, and bringing forward my brigade in support
I again ordered a charge on the enemy's line. This movement was perfectly successful, though
the enemy held their position, a good one, until our men engaged them hand-to-hand. Just as the
enemy turned to run I was struck in the left leg with a rifle-ball, and, though able to keep the
saddle until the enemy had been driven a mile, was obliged then to turn over my command to
Lieutenant-Colonel Benteen, Tenth Missouri Cavalry.
I cannot give a list of casualties, not having received any reports, but think the losses in my
own command will not exceed 25 killed and wounded, principally in the Third Iowa Cavalry,
which did the work on the night of the 22d.
I respectfully call the attention of the major-general to the condition of my command, which,
though having marched over 800 miles direct line, had then no dismounted men.
Very truly, yours,
E. F. WINSLOW,
Colonel Fourth Iowa Cavalry, Commanding.
Lieut. CLIFFORD THOMSON,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS FOURTH BRIGADE, CAVALRY DIVISION,
Cross Timbers, Mo., November 3, 1864.
GENERAL: I beg respectfully to submit the following report of the operations of this brigade
since I have had the honor of commanding it: On the morning of the 23d of October, Colonel
Winslow commanding, was unfortunately wounded in the leg and had to retire from the field,
and the command devolved upon me as the next ranking officer. At that time I found the enemy
well posted on the opposite side of the Big Blue with a very strong position and in considerable
numbers. Captain Dee, of the Fourth Iowa Cavalry, had succeeded, with a detachment of that
regiment, in gaining a position on the same side with the rebels and the brigade of General
Brown had been ordered to the front. As soon as the command devolved upon me I dismounted
the Third Iowa Cavalry, Maj. B. S. Jones commanding, and advanced them as skirmishers
toward the enemy, through the woods that lined the immediate banks of the creek, until I arrived
at an open space, some 200 yards in width, on the near side of which I found 200 or 300 men of
the Missouri State Militia posted behind some houses at which the enemy was pouring a very hot
fire. By dint of great urging and exertion of authority, I succeeded in getting them from behind
their places of shelter, and then, with them and my dismounted men, advanced across the field at
a double-quick to the woods beyond; the enemy at the same time resisting us stoutly. The woods
attained, we pushed the enemy through them rapidly to the prairie beyond, where he had
stationed a battery, from which he played among us shell after shell. My command, nevertheless,
moved on and with such rapidity that the rebel commander, fearing, I suppose, for the safety of
his cannon, withdrew them with his command rapidly and fell back quite a distance across the
prairie beyond even the range of artillery. In the meantime I had sent for the Fourth Iowa Cavalry
and dismounted them and advanced them in line of skirmishers as a support to my advanced line.
The enemy thus for the moment having been pushed beyond our reach, my whole command was
brought forward on the prairie, and after a few minutes being allowed for rest the whole was
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mounted, and, at your direction, 1 moved out on what was called the Ridge road toward the
position the enemy had taken. It had now got to be past noon, and after some distance had been
gained, I sent Captain Young to find you and obtain permission to feed our hungry animals. The
captain shortly after reporting that he could not ascertain your whereabouts, I took the
responsibility upon myself to halt my command in a large corn-field and take a few minutes to
feed. I had not taken much time when I perceived there was work to be done, as I could plainly
see a battle raging in our front, and immediately ordered my men into the saddle and moved out
on a trot toward the State line. A few minutes sufficed to bring us to the scene of the conflict.
Here I found the enemy making a charge and some of our troops ingloriously falling back. I
tried, with the assistance of Captain Young, to rally them, but without avail. I then ordered my
leading regiment, the Tenth Missouri Cavalry, to form a line to the left and ordered them to make
a counter-charge, which they did in gallant style, turning the rebels and driving them. I then
formed the rest of my brigade and ordered a charge, in which the whole command participated,
driving the enemy far beyond the battle-ground, beyond Missouri into Kansas and beyond the
town of Santa Fé. In this charge Second Lieut. M. C. Auld, Company I, Tenth Missouri Cavalry,
was severely wounded. Our horses having become jaded and worn down, I formed my column
and proceeded to a point just beyond the Kansas line and about two miles and a half from Santa
Fé, and halted to rest both animals and men. Here I received orders from you to go into camp for
the night and in the morning move out and meet you at or near the last-named town.
On the morning of the 24th, just after daylight, we moved out to Santa Fé, and taking our
position just in the rear of General Sanborn's command marched until late that night, reaching
the Osage River, where, on the order of General Sanborn, we bivouacked around the house of
Elder Williams, that officer deeming it too dark and the enemy too well posted for an attack that
night. That day we marched over a desolated country, where even water was scarce, at a speed
that necessarily kept the rear at a trot, and bivouacked, without forage for our jaded horses, a
distance of at least forty-two miles. The morning of the 25th broke and gave promise of a dull
and dreary day, when I was ordered with my brigade to march to the river and cross, receiving
from you the order to charge the enemy whenever the opportunity offered. I crossed, and
reaching the prairie formed my column in the following order: First, the Tenth Missouri Cavalry,
Maj. W. H. Lusk; second, the Fourth Iowa Cavalry, Maj. A. R. Pierce; third, the Third Iowa
Cavalry, Maj. B. S. Jones, and fourth, the Seventh Indiana Cavalry and Fourth Missouri Cavalry,
consolidated, under the command of Maj. S. E. W. Simonson, of the former regiment, and
moved as rapidly as possible after the retreating enemy. The skies now cleared, and the sun
smiled out upon the scene as if foretelling the glorious day that awaited us. After forming, a few
advanced skirmishers were thrown out to prevent a too sudden approach upon the enemy, who
might be behind any of the numerous hills of the undulating prairie. Three short miles were
scarcely accomplished when one of the advanced skirmishers galloped back and reported that the
enemy was only a few hundred yards ahead in line of battle, in large force, and with eight pieces
of artillery. About the same time Major Hunt, of General Curtis' staff, came up and told me the
enemy's exact position, stating that there was a brigade already in position in his front, but too
weak to begin the attack. I at once determined to form on the left of this brigade, especially as a
few more paces brought us in view of the line of rebels; seeing the position in which he had his
artillery, I immediately surmised that the rebel commander had committed a fatal blunder, and
resolved to capture it. I sent an officer to the commanding officer of the brigade on my right with
the information that I was going to charge, and a request for him to charge with me, for God's
sake, and at the same time formed my command in column of regiments in the same manner I
had formed them for marching, and immediately sounded the charge. The line of the brigade on
my right was soon passed, but it did not charge with us; this brigade I have since learned was the
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one commanded by Col. J. F. Philips, of the Missouri State Militia. The fire of the enemy was
now so hot that for a moment it staggered even my own gallant regiment, but it soon recovered
and went on with an exulting yell. At the time the charge was sounded, I gave the orders for the
different regiments to execute a right half-wheel, and dispatched my staff to see it executed, then
to completely cut off the enemy's chance to escape with his artillery. This maneuver was
successfully executed, and we captured the guns in a shorter space of time than is necessary to
record it. Then began a fierce hand-to-hand fight, one that surpassed anything for the time it
lasted I have ever witnessed.
My loss in this part of the day's transaction was large, but in comparison with the gains it was
small. Lieutenant Curtiss, of the Fourth Iowa Cavalry, was instantly killed while gallantly
encouraging on his men,. and Lieut. B. Armbrust, Company A, Fourth Cavalry Missouri
Volunteers, was wounded in the bridle-arm while bravely charging at the head of his company.
The enemy was completely routed and driven in the wildest confusion from the field; several of
his wagons were abandoned in the narrow road that crosses the creek just in the rear of his
position. Many of his force were left dead and wounded upon the field and in our hands. It is a
matter of impossibility for me to state the number, as I had no opportunity of passing over the
scene of the conflict afterward. After the action of the morning my brigade took no part in any
lighting, until the final one of the day, when the enemy drew up his whole force in the afternoon
upon what I am informed is called the Little Marmiton Creek. In this action I formed my
command as you ordered for a charge as follows: The Tenth Missouri in line of battle, the Third
and Fourth Iowa and Major Simonson's command in column of squadrons in their rear, with the
intention to charge as soon as a striking distance could be reached. I ordered the charge at one
time, but the enemy fell back too rapidly upon his strong lines and I felt that it would be more
than useless to continue, so I halted and formed a line of battle, my ammunition by this time
being reduced to a very few rounds per man and my horses completely tired out. Major
Simonson's command was not included in the line of battle, as you had stationed him to support
the section of artillery you had stationed to the left and rear of the command.
In this lost action we lost several men wounded, and amongst them Maj. A. R. Pierce, of the
Fourth Iowa Cavalry, who was severely wounded in the foot while leading his men toward the
rebels. He did not leave the field until the night had set in and the command bivouacked on the
field, the enemy in the meantime having retired. This ended the fighting up to the present time in
which we have had any participation. The next morning I moved my command to Fort Scott,
halting to feed on the road. The next day I received orders from you to report to Major-General
Curtis, and am at present still under his orders.
This report does not pretend to give any history of our operations previous to my assumption
of command. I suppose Colonel Winslow, my predecessor, will make his report as soon as
possible of the movements up to the time of his departure.
You will find annexed Exhibit A, which gives a list of the casualties of the command for the
whole period of time the command has been in pursuit of Price. Hundreds of prisoners have
fallen into our hands, but owing to the nature of our movements, I have not been able to keep a
record of them.
My thanks are due to the officers and men for their gallant and cheerful performance of duty
at all times. Maj. W. H. Lusk, of the Tenth Missouri; Maj. A. R. Pierce, of the Fourth Iowa; Maj.
B. S. Jones, of the Third Iowa; Maj. S. E. W. Simonson, of the Seventh Indiana, and Captain
Knispel, of the Fourth Missouri, are entitled to especial mention for the brave examples they set
their men and the gallant style in which they led them into danger. To Private James Dunlavy,
Company D, Third Iowa Cavalry, belongs the honor of capturing Major-General Marmaduke,
and to Sergt. Calvary M. Young, of the same company [Company L,] and regiment, that of
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taking General Cabell. We also captured besides the guns and prisoners two stand of colors. Of
my staff, I beg particularly to mention Capt. J. F. Young, Tenth Missouri Cavalry, acting
assistant adjutant-general, and Lieut. August Thiel, of the Fourth Missouri Cavalry, acting aidede-
camp, for their gallantry in the field and their unceasing attention to duty at all times. I do not
desire to make any invidious distinctions, however, for all did well and nobly and deserve the
thanks of their country.
In conclusion, allow me, general, to return you my sincere thanks for the uniform kindness
you have displayed toward me during our official connection, and I shall always cherish it with
the kindest of feelings and regard.
I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. W. BENTEEN,
Lieut. Col. Tenth Cavalry Missouri Vols., Comdg. Fourth Brig.
Maj. Gen. A. PLEASONTON.
HEADQUARTERS THIRD IOWA CAVALRY,
Benton Barracks, Mo., November 28, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the actions of the Third Iowa Cavalry
in the recent campaign in Missouri against the rebel forces commanded by General Price:
In pursuance of orders I assumed command of 483 men with 15 line officers, all the available
mounted forces of the regiment, and marched from camp near Memphis, Tenn., at 2 o'clock on
the morning of the 2d day of September, 1864, and formed a part of Winslow's brigade, with
which I crossed the Mississippi, and marched to Brownsville, Ark., where I arrived on the 9th
day of September, and remained with the brigade almost without forage for my horses, awaiting
the arrival and fitting up of an infantry force, commanded by Major-General Mower, until the
morning of the 18th of September, during which time I left sick in hospital fifty men and one
officer, when we marched with said force via Austin and Searcy, and crossed White River fifteen
miles below Batesville, and Black River at Elgin, ten miles above its junction with White River.
Bridged and crossed the latter stream, marched up its left bank, crossing into the State of
Missouri, at or near Poplar Bluff, turning to the east, and marching to Cape Girardeau, Mo.,
where we arrived on the 5th day of October, 1864. Embarked on transports and moved to Saint
Louis, Mo., where I arrived and refitted my command on the 10th and marched out on the 11th
up the valley of the Missouri River on the direct road to Independence, marching rapidly and
constantly until the 22d day of October, when we joined the forces of the Department of the
Missouri, commanded by Major-General Pleasonton, and which were fighting the enemy near
Independence, Mo. Winslow's brigade being ordered to the front that evening, my regiment not
having the advance was, however, dismounted, sent to the front, and immediately engaged the
enemy on the Kansas City road, fighting and driving Clark's (rebel) brigade, from 5 o'clock until
9.30 p.m., a distance of five miles, when my command was relieved. The command rested on the
field for the night in the face of the enemy, having marched from 12 o'clock on the night of the
21st, and without forage or water for our animals. Our brigade was in motion again at 4 a.m. of
the 23d, the Fourth Iowa Cavalry and Tenth Missouri in the advance, and drove the enemy after
light skirmishing to and across the Big Blue (a distance of two miles) to a strong position. A
brigade of Missouri State Militia was thrown in to dislodge them, but failed to accomplish it. My
command was dismounted and formed line on the right and in front of the enemy, who were
posted across an open field behind piles of rails in the woods. We charged them, killing and
wounding many of their men (Company A captured one stand of their colors) and completely
routed them from their strong position, but suffered a considerable loss in wounded. Soon after I
mounted my command and proceeded with my brigade to the front on the open prairie, and
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joined in a gallant mounted charge against the enemy in column of regiments, following the
Tenth Missouri and Fourth Iowa Cavalry, which was continued through farms and over the
prairie for five or six miles, breaking his lines, and completely scattering his men in every
direction, and inflicting severe loss upon him in killed, wounded, and prisoners. Here again I
lost in both killed and wounded, and our brigade camped for the night on the State line between
Missouri and Kansas, fed our hungry and jaded animals on corn and fodder from a fine field on
the rich and free soil of Kansas, and rested fearless of an enemy. We marched early, constantly,
and rapidly on the 24th, in a southerly direction, after a retreating enemy, down the line dividing
Missouri and Kansas, over extensive prairies dotted with devastated farms and lonely chimneys
which mark the ravages of war before the rebellion, and in of which it would have been worse
than fanaticism to the days have prophesied that on the 24th day of October, 1864, the
governments of Missouri and Kansas would unite as they did on that day and drive out the
defenders of African slavery and the destroyers of the Government, as it was our delight to do,
uniting with the Army of the Border, commanded by General Curtis, with which we marched
without halting until 3 a.m. of 25th, at Trading Post, on the Osage River, where we found the
enemy and eagerly waited for daylight.
The enemy having been routed from their position on the river, was followed by Winslow's
brigade at a gallop in the order of Tenth Missouri, Fourth Iowa, Third Iowa, Fourth Missouri,
and Seventh Indiana Cavalry for several miles, and when he attempted to make a stand, formed
in two lines of battle, supported by eight pieces of artillery, my command was formed in line of
battle, with the brigade in column of regiments in their order of march, and, constituting the left
center of our whole line, charged the enemy, breaking his right and center, killing, wounding,
and capturing many of his men. Among the captured was Major-General Marmaduke and
Brigadier-General Cabell, the first by Private James Dunlavy, of Company D, and the latter by
Sergeant C. M. Young, of Company L, both of the Third Iowa Cavalry. Companies C, D, and E
captured three pieces of the enemy's artillery. The whole of my command did nobly on that field,
as also on others, and the highest commendations are due to every man and officer. The
remainder of this day was one continual charge upon the enemy and his complete rout. We rested
on the open prairie over night near Fort Scott, Kans. On the 26th day of October we rested with
our brigade at Fort Scott, and early on the 27th again joined in the pursuit of the enemy and
continued through Arkansas and Indian Territory to a point on Arkansas River forty miles above
Fort Scott, without again seeing the enemy, and from which we returned to this place, having
marched since September 2, 1,650 miles, and participated in three general engagements, and
marched through a country destitute of forage, or having been devastated, by the enemy, and
many times without having food for my men, having had only three-fifths rations from the 28th
ultimo to 7th instant and not any bread from the 7th to 12th instant in consequence of the
destitution of the country (Indian Territory) through which we marched, and great distance from
the base of supplies.
Hoping you will make proper allowances for the length of this report,
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
B. S. JONES,
Major, Commanding Third Iowa Cavalry Veteran Volunteers.
N. B. BAKER,
Adjutant-General of Iowa.
HEADQUARTERS FOURTH IOWA CAVALRY,
Diamond Grove Prairie, October 27, 1864--7.30 p.m.
22
GENERAL: Fearing that justice will not be done my regiment in the reports made of the
battle of Osage, I take the liberty to call your attention to the charge made by them on the
enemy's right, at a time when our line on the right had halted and were receiving a destructive
fire from the enemy. At that time a perfect rout of our line appeared to be almost certain. My
regiment had just formed on the extreme left of our line when I commenced the charge. The
three companies on the right of my regiment charged through the line of the Tenth Missouri
Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, which was formed in their front. In that charge we crushed the
enemy's right completely. We pressed them so close that I cut eight rebels from their horses with
my own saber. My regiment captured over 200 prisoners with two stand of colors. We advanced
so far into the enemy's ranks that Major-General Pleasonton ordered our own battery to shell us,
thinking we were the retreating enemy, and my men were obliged to scatter to avoid being cut to
pieces by our own shells. I should have called to see you, general, had not I received a severe
wound in my foot, which prevents my riding my horse.
A. R. PIERCE,
Major, Commanding Fourth Iowa Veteran Cavalry.
Major-General CURTIS.
SAINT LOUIS, MO., November 30, 1864.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the movements and actions of
the First Brigade while operating under Brigadier-General Sanborn, commanding in the late
campaign after the rebel forces under Price. This report has been thus far deferred on account of
my serious affliction of sore eyes and prostrate health:
On the 8th day of October I had been engaged all the afternoon skirmishing and fighting with
the enemy from Jefferson City west to the Moreau. At night I had selected position and gone into
camp when 1 received the order assigning me to the command of the First Brigade of your
cavalry division. The brigade was composed of the First Iowa Cavalry, Major McDermott
commanding; First Missouri State Militia, Col. James McFerran commanding; Fourth Missouri
State Militia, Maj. G. W. Kelly commanding; Seventh Missouri State Militia, Lieut. Col. T. T.
Crittenden commanding. On the morning of the 9th I moved at 5 a.m. and pressed rapidly
forward to the junction of the two roads leading from Jefferson City to Russellville, where I
found that the general commanding had passed with the remainder of the division, and had stuck
the enemy's rear and was pressing him with great vigor through Russellville. I closed up
immediately and so marched until we arrived at this town. Here it was determined, in view of the
enemy's supposed purpose to carry his main column to Versailles, to move on his right flank and
gain California at an early hour. I was ordered to bring up my brigade and take the advance on
account of my knowledge of the route. I had not gone far before I discovered that the enemy had
sent no inconsiderable force directly in my advance toward California, and on reaching an
eminence within one mile of the town we discovered the enemy had formed a junction there of
his entire army and had left Marmaduke's command to dispute our entrance into town. He was
already in position just south and southeast of town, and on the appearance of the head of my
column he opened on us with two guns, compelling us to halt, as our approach was through a
narrow lane and the enemy had perfect range. The advance regiment, Fourth Missouri State
Militia, was immediately dismounted and deployed, and the remaining regiments of the Missouri
State Militia were promptly up and the Seventh thrown forward dismounted, with instructions to
extend the line well to the left and move boldly on the enemy's right, while the First Missouri
State Militia was dismounted and advanced to the center of our line, forming the connection
between the Fourth and Seventh. The First Iowa Cavalry was quickly up and was held in reserve.
23
In the meantime a section of artillery, under command of Lieutenant Wachsman, had come
up and was by the general commanding (who was ever present to see and direct) assigned a
position and began to reply vigorously to the enemy's guns, now shelling us with fearful
precision. Our whole line advanced. The Seventh Missouri State Militia had moved at the
double-quick, driving in the enemy's skirmishers, and came so suddenly upon his right as to
cause it to give way as if alarmed. The enemy's position was much exposed to our artillery, and
his center, to which this artillery practice was directed, soon fell in sympathy with his right, and
the whole began to retire hurriedly to the north side of the railroad track, leaving their guns only
partially protected, which fact was quickly discovered by the officer in charge, who "limbered
up" and left in hot haste. The Seventh Missouri State Militia had now reached the town, and soon
swept it of the last straggling rebel.
My casualties in this engagement were, 1 officer (Lieutenant Chambers), I sergeant, and 1
private Fourth Cavalry Missouri State Militia., wounded with a shell. The loss of the enemy was
much greater. Citizens of California informed me that they carried off large numbers of
wounded.
I cannot in this connection fail to make special mention of the cool bravery and gallant
conduct of Robert Weeden, commissary sergeant, Seventh Cavalry Missouri State Militia. When
his regiment dismounted to fight he had tied his horse, and supposing the men left in charge of
the horses would bring his forward, as they brought up the others, he went on into town with the
command. At dark he discovered that his horse had been left behind. Accompanied by Colonel
Crittenden's orderly (Joshua Lorring, a faithful friend and true soldier) he started in quest of his
horse. While hunting him these boys were approached from the brush by a party of straggling
rebels, some twelve in number, who inquired of Weeden, "Is our boys in town?" "Yes." "Who
are you; what commands?" was Weeden's inquisitive answer. "I belong to Colonel Slemons'
brigade," was the answer. As quick as thought, Weeden shot him. The orderly's pistol failed to
fire. Weeden followed up his work and succeeded in killing some three or four of the party and
mortally wounding one. He got his horse, returned to camp, and in his coolness and modesty,
scarcely considered his adventure worthy of mention.
We encamped with the division for the night at California. At daylight on the morning of the
10th we marched west, on the line of the Pacific Railroad, via Clark's Station and Tipton, when
we turned north and moved direct for Boonville. After arriving within ten miles of Boonville
night was on us, and we bivouacked for the night near the "coal mines." On the morning of the
11th our line of march was resumed. When a short distance out, in obedience to orders from the
general commanding, I sent one regiment, the First Missouri State Militia, under command of
Colonel McFerran, toward the Bell Air and Boonville road, on our left, with instructions to pass
over, if possible, to the Boonville and Georgetown road, and ascertain whether or not the enemy
was passing on these roads, and to gather all the information possible of his movements and
designs. About 4 p.m. I was ordered to move with my entire brigade over to Georgetown and
Boonville road, and if the enemy was found moving his train westward, to attack it fiercely, and
if unable to capture it to punish him severely, or if the enemy was found not to have moved west
to attack his pickets, drive them in, and feel the enemy well, to ascertain his position, and
strength. It was dark when I tapped the road. I soon learned the enemy was not passing west.
Eight miles from Boonville I found his outer pickets, drove them in, capturing their good hot
supper, just prepared at a hospitable farm house. We steadily drove the pickets, constantly
increasing in strength, for two miles, where I found the enemy had several regiments in camp
and seemed disposed to resist stubbornly my farther advance. Disposing the command so as to
secure it against any movement the enemy might attempt on me under cover of the darkness, I
pressed forward two battalions of the Fourth Missouri State Militia to annoy and punish the
24
enemy. The night was so dark and the enemy's position so well taken, it was found difficult and
hazardous to approach him, without incurring more danger to my own men than I could
reasonably hope to justify in any success to be had in a general onset. I therefore contented
myself with keeping up a brisk and alarming fire on the enemy's camp from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m.
with the two battalions, while the remainder of the command slept quietly beyond range. The
enemy, however, was kept up in force and in line much of the night. Leaving these battalions to
demonstrate on the enemy, I quietly withdrew the brigade and rejoined the division at 4 a.m. on
the Tipton road. Colonel McFerran had, prior to my arrival with the remainder of the brigade,
come upon several bands, a hundred strong in some cases, chasing and firing on and wounding
quite a number and capturing some horses and arms. My entire casualties through the night were,
I man, William Wiley, private, Company G, Seventh Cavalry Missouri State Militia, killed, and
2 men Fourth Cavalry Missouri State Militia captured. I have since learned that we wounded
quite a number of the enemy, some of whom died.
I cannot in this connection refrain from expressing my admiration of and wonder at the
temerity of that generalship which enabled our division commander, with a force of less than
5,000 cavalry, to hang for two nights and one day on the enemy's rear, front, and flank,
threatening, attacking, and seemingly investing an army of 15,000 or 20,000 men. The military
strategy thus displayed was as splendid as the boldness of design was magnificent in execution.
On the 12th we were compelled to fall back to California for rations. Returning on the 13th to
the theater of operations it was found the enemy had left Boonville and moved west. We
followed briskly, passing through Palestine and Bell Air, and encamped for the night at Nebo
Church. On the 14th we marched at 4 a.m., via Pleasant Green, Cole Neck, and Georgetown, and
encamped for the night on the Basin Fork of Blackwater, having marched forty-three miles that
day. On the 15th I sent heavy scouting parties north through Brownsville and moved the brigade
fourteen miles to vicinity of Cook's Store, La Fayette County. Here we remained until the 17th.
In this time I sent heavy reconnoitering parties toward Waverly and Grand Pass, driving in and
skirmishing with the enemy's flanking parties and gathering much valuable information. On the
17th I dropped down the road toward Georgetown about twelve miles, and went into camp on the
Bee Branch, a tributary of the Blackwater, throwing out parties of observation to the north, it
being understood the enemy were in that direction in camp, and sending Lieutenant-Colonel
Crittenden to Georgetown after a commissary train made up for the use of the division. It was
here I learned that Capt. O. B. Queen, Company M, Seventh Cavalry Missouri State Militia, sent
to Sedalia on the night of the 15th after ammunition, was found at that town with his squadron by
the rebel forces under Jeff. Thompson when they captured the place on the 15th. Captain Queen,
supposing it was [the duty] of the militia forces to defend it, very properly placed his command
behind the improvised defenses and was fighting gallantly, when he discovered that the garrison
had precipitately [fled] and left him unsupported. He was instantly surrounded and himself and
27 of his company were taken prisoners and irregularly paroled by the mock general Jeff.
Thompson. On the 19th I moved my brigade, in obedience to the order of the general
commanding, about seven miles to Brownsville, with instructions to observe the movements of
the enemy and collect important information. At Brownsville Brig. Gen. E. B. Brown came up,
and in pursuance of orders of Major-General Pleasonton assumed command of the brigade,
whereupon I returned to the command of my regiment.
Thanking the staff officers of General Sanborn for the uniform courtesy shown me, and
acknowledging my grateful appreciation of the marked kindness of the general himself,
I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN F. PHILIPS,
Col. Seventh Cavalry Missouri State Militia, Comdg. Brigade.
25
Capt. WILLIAM T. KITTREDGE,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI,
Springfield, Mo., November 13, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to report, for the information of the major-general commanding, the
part taken by my command in the recent campaign in Missouri against the rebel army,
commanded by Major-General Price, while reporting to Major-General Pleasonton:
Under paragraph 5 of Special Orders, No. 1, dated headquarters U.S. forces, Jefferson City,
Mo., October 8, 1864, I immediately proceeded with all the available cavalry force of the
command and one battery of light artillery in the direction of the enemy. This command
consisted of the following regiments and detachments, viz: First, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth,
Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Regiments Missouri State Militia Cavalry, Sixth and Seventh
Provisional Regiments Enrolled Missouri Militia, Second Arkansas Cavalry, First Iowa Cavalry,
Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry, with Battery H, Second Missouri Light Artillery, to which was
added one section of Battery L, Second Missouri Light Artillery, the whole under command of
Captain Thurber, of Battery H, numbering in effective force pressed for duty about 4,100 men.
This force was at once organized into brigades as follows: First Brigade, consisting of the First,
Fourth, and Seventh Missouri State Militia Cavalry and the First Iowa Cavalry, under command
of Col. John F. Philips, of the Seventh Missouri State Militia; Second Brigade, consisting of the
Third, Fifth, and Ninth Missouri State Militia Cavalry and the Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry, with
a battery of mountain howitzers, under command of Colonel Beveridge, of the Seventeenth
Illinois Cavalry; Third Brigade, consisting of detachments of the Sixth and Eighth Missouri State
Militia Cavalry, Sixth and Seventh Provisional Enrolled Missouri Militia, and the Second
Arkansas Cavalry, under command of Col. J. J. Gravely, of the Eighth Missouri State Militia
Cavalry. The artillery (six guns), Captain Thurber commanding, was attached to the division
generally to act under my orders. The First Brigade, Colonel Philips commanding, already in
motion, was ordered to continue its march on the Jefferson City and Springfield road toward
Versailles and Warsaw, and the Second and Third Brigades were ordered forward along the line
of the railroad toward California and Tipton. Before I left Jefferson City artillery firing was
heard in the direction of the Springfield road, and soon after I received a dispatch from Colonel
Philips informing me that the enemy had made a stand at the crossing of the Moreau, occupying
a very strong position, and that artillery was needed to enable him to carry this position without
serious loss. The Second Arkansas Cavalry had already been sent to his support, and I
immediately ordered the rest of the Third Brigade, Colonel Gravely commanding, with one
section of Thurber's battery, to turn off from the California road, and move forward to the
support of Colonel Philips. The enemy retired from the Moreau before the arrival of Colonel
Gravely, with some loss in killed and wounded, leaving about seventy horses abandoned on the
field. No loss was sustained by my command. The First and Third Brigades and one section of
artillery bivouacked on and near the Moreau that night, and the Second Brigade, with three
sections of artillery, at Gray's Creek, about ten miles from Jefferson City, on the California road.
At daylight on the 9th the entire force of the enemy moved forward rapidly on the Springfield
road toward Versailles from its place of bivouac east of Russellville, the Third Brigade moving
in pursuit. The Second Brigade moved across by a neighborhood road from the California road to
the Springfield road and advanced to the support of the Third Brigade, already engaged with the
enemy's rear guard. The enemy resisted the advance of the column strongly with a heavy line of
dismounted skirmishers and strong reserves while passing through the heavily timbered country
east of Russellville. The entire Third Brigade was immediately formed in line, with a line of
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dismounted men as skirmishers in front, and the other brigades moved forward in support. The
enemy, on account of the timber and formation of the ground, was able to resist the advance of
our skirmishers to such an extent that it was deemed proper to charge with a mounted force
through the enemy's line of skirmishers and attack his reserves. This was accomplished by a
detachment of the Sixth Missouri State Militia Cavalry, under Lieut. R. B. Riggs, Company K,
Sixth Missouri State Militia, and the enemy retreated rapidly through Russellville, leaving
several dead on the field. My loss in this affair was Lieut. R. B. Riggs killed and -- wounded.
Lieutenant Riggs was a most gallant officer, and fell within five yards of the enemy's reserves,
which he was charging so vigorously. The Seventh Provisional Enrolled Missouri Militia,
deployed as skirmishers, and the Sixth and Eighth Cavalry Missouri State Militia, which were
also engaged, behaved most gallantly. This cleared the road to the open prairie, on which the
enemy's columns and trains were plainly visible within artillery range. When my advance
emerged from the woods artillery was immediately opened upon the flying columns, which
continued to move forward toward Versailles until it had passed every road turning to the right
toward California but one, viz, the road at High Point. This movement of the enemy induced me
to move by the shortest route and by a rapid march to California for the purpose of striking his
flank if he should turn north toward Boonville at High Point, and also for the purpose of moving
rapidly on his flank during the night toward Warsaw, with a view of reaching that point before
him, if he continued his march in that direction. The First Brigade, with one section of artillery,
led in this march and the Second and Third Brigades followed, with another section of artillery
with the rear brigade. The head of the column emerged from the timber upon the open prairie
near California about 5 p.m., and found a large force of the enemy in that town, a portion
engaged in tearing up the railroad and a large force in line of battle. The enemy opened with one
section of artillery upon my advance immediately. The First Brigade was at once formed in close
column of squadrons in rear of the crest of a ridge running east and west, about half a mile south
of the town, and dismounted and formed line in rear of this crest, the right extending northeast of
the California and Russellville road, on which my command was marching, and the left
extending in a southwesterly direction across this road toward the road leading from California to
High Point. The section of artillery with the First Brigade, under Captain Thurber, went into
position on the left of the road about 700 yards from the enemy's guns and opened a welldirected
fire. Three squadrons of the First Iowa Cavalry, mounted, were ordered to our extreme
left on the road leading from California to High Point, as a party of observation. The Second and
Third Brigades were still in reserve with the exception of two regiments. The line was ordered to
advance and moved forward with the utmost alacrity. The enemy soon ceased his fire and as the
left of our line entered the town he fled with great precipitancy, leaving five dead on the field.
Our loss was one man wounded in the First Brigade. It was now dark. Shelby's division moved to
and occupied Boonville during the night. The main body of the enemy bivouacked on the
Moniteau and moved out on the Boonville road at daylight. My command started at daylight
also, and moved through Tipton, bivouacking for the night within nine miles of Boonville, on the
Tipton and Boonville road. During the evening Fagan's division was reported moving into
Boonville. Early in the morning of the 11th the Sixth Provisional Regiment Enrolled Missouri
Militia was sent across to the Boonville, Pisgah, and California road, with orders to Lieutenant-
Colonel McMahan, commanding, to advance up that road as far as possible. The balance of the
Third Brigade was ordered forward on the Tipton and Boonville road. At the same time Colonel
Eppstein, of the Fifth Missouri State Militia Cavalry, was ordered to proceed west to the
Boonville and Georgetown road, and advance up that road, driving in the enemy's pickets and
ascertaining whether the enemy had moved west or not. The Second Arkansas Cavalry, which
had the advance of the Third Brigade, on the Tipton road, encountered the enemy's pickets about
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three miles south of Boonville, and drove them in in the most spirited manner. The enemy
deployed a line of skirmishers about two miles in length. The Sixth Provisional Enrolled
Missouri Militia came up on the Pisgah road without opposition and joined the Second Arkansas
Cavalry, and the enemy's skirmish line, though repeatedly re-enforced, was driven back to his
main line. Lieutenant Gideon, Company H, Sixth Provisional Enrolled Missouri Militia, with one
company advanced into the outskirts of the town and entered, and for a short time occupied two
or three houses for protection to his men. The enemy opened artillery upon these houses and the
line, and his main line opened fire. I ordered the line to retire, the enemy advancing but a short
distance as it withdrew. The line was ordered to advance again, and moved forward to within
short musket range of the enemy's main line. A dispatch from Colonel Eppstein, on the
Georgetown road, announced that no portion of the rebel army had moved west, and I withdrew
my lines to the south side of the Petit Saline. In the affair of this day my loss was 1 man killed
and -- wounded. The enemy's loss is known to have been 15 killed, and 28 so severely wounded
that they could not be moved, and a large number were wounded and taken along with the army.
Several officers, one a colonel, were reported among the rebel wounded. My command had been
out of rations for thirty-six hours, the men had become much exhausted, and I could not learn of
any train on the way to me. I determined to move toward California in the morning, until I
should meet a subsistence train, and return immediately upon procuring supplies. Four days'
rations were procured and issued at California, and the command moved back to its position in
front of Boonville by 10 o'clock on the morning of the 13th of October. Colonel Catherwood's
brigade of veteran troops, 1,500 strong, reported to me at California and held the advance in this
day's march. A reconnaissance made by a detachment of the Seventh Kansas Cavalry, under
Captain Turley, developed the fact that the enemy had left Boonville on the morning of the 13th
and moved westerly, crossing the La Mine River at Dug Ford and Scott's Ford. My apprehension
was that the enemy would move by rapid marches to Lexington and into Kansas, and thereby
prevent the organization and concentration of the troops of that department on the border against
him, and at the same time place so great a distance between his army and the infantry and
cavalry of this department, then moving to the front in support of my command, that it would be
impossible for them to join me if I should follow him, and thereby avoid a battle with the large
number of troops then being marshaled for that purpose or with any command larger than my
own. Hence all my movements after the enemy left Boonville were made with the view of
holding the enemy in or near Saline County until the Kansas troops were organized and on the
border, and Winslow's brigade of cavalry and General A. J. Smith's command of infantry and
artillery should be within striking distance. I therefore moved my command, with the exception
of a small force under Captain Turley, which was ordered to follow the enemy's trail by Nebo
Church, through Georgetown up the Georgetown and Lexington road to Cook's Store, arriving at
this point at 3 p.m. on the 15th day of October, with the view of resisting the advance of the
enemy, and attacking his flanks if he should advance immediately.
After the first day's march from Boonville the enemy moved slowly, portions of his
command halting a short time near Marshall, Arrow Rock, and Waverly. Detachments from my
command reconnoitered the position and movements of the enemy daily. On the 17th day of
October some movements were reported that indicated a design on the part of the enemy to move
southeast through Marshall, and his advance not having appeared at Dover I moved south to the
Blackwater to be in a better position to strike the enemy if he should move in that direction.
Subsistence supplies had also been exhausted for two days, and it was absolutely necessary to get
a train from Sedalia. Immediately upon my command moving south to the Blackwater the enemy
commenced moving west rapidly. Subsistence was obtained and issued on the 19th day of
October, and on this day I received the first dispatch from General Blunt, giving the force and
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position of the troops from Kansas and indicating a state of readiness on the part of General
Curtis and himself. On the same day I received information from your headquarters of the arrival
of Winslow's brigade of cavalry and General Smith's corps at Sedalia, and your order
reorganizing the cavalry and taking immediate command. I sent a dispatch to Major-General
Blunt immediately upon receiving his dispatch informing him of the position of the enemy and
of all our forces and intended movements, and having on this day, by order of the general
commanding, moved the First Brigade to Boonville and the Second Brigade to Kirkpatrick's
Mill, I moved with the Third Brigade to Cook's Store and halted. At 3 p.m. I received a dispatch
from Major-General Blunt, then in Lexington, and sent one immediately in return. I ordered Col.
John E. Phelps, Second Arkansas Cavalry, to move forward on the Dover road at midnight till he
should strike the main body of the enemy or reach the Missouri River. At 3 a.m. a dispatch from
him announced that the rebel army had been moving through Dover west during the afternoon
and evening of the 19th, and that cannonading was heard late in the evening in the direction of
Lexington, adding that he would move forward and attack the force remaining in Dover. This
information was immediately communicated to the general commanding, and the entire [force] at
once commenced advancing. I sent dispatches to General Blunt on the evening of the 19th and
again on the morning of the 20th. None of these dispatches reached him, and I consider it the
most unfortunate thing of the campaign that he did not know our position and plans at this time.
A determined stand by the forces in the enemy's front at Lexington, Little Blue, or Independence,
which would have been made, of course, if the commanding officers had been fully advised of
our position and intended movements, would have brought all our forces, including the infants,
into action, and the entire destruction of the enemy would seem to have been made certain.
On this day, General Pleasonton coming up in person, I assumed command of my brigade
and moved forward in support of General McNeil's brigade, which held the advance. On the
following day, 21st, I moved in the same order to Independence, where the leading brigade
became quite heavily engaged with the enemy. Pursuant to orders from the general commanding
I moved my brigade to the right of the Second Brigade under a severe artillery fire, dismounted
the men, formed in two lines, and advanced rapidly on the left of the enemy's position. Colonel
Phelps, Second Arkansas Cavalry, held the advance and moved forward through gardens, yards,
and streets so rapidly that he captured a staff officer of General Cabell's and the general's sword,
and their whole line commenced giving way. A charge by the Thirteenth Missouri Veteran
Cavalry, simultaneously made, carried everything, and the enemy was routed, losing his artillery
and many prisoners. The enemy reformed on the west bank of Stony Creek, and I moved by a
circuitous route on our right with a view of turning this position. But before I reached the desired
position the gallant fighting of Winslow's brigade had forced the enemy back, and he was at this
time, though long after dark, fighting heavily and driving the enemy rapidly toward the Big Blue.
At 5 o'clock on the following morning I moved forward to the support of the First Brigade,
holding the advance. This brigade commenced advancing at 7 o'clock and in a short time was
hotly engaged with the enemy at the Big Blue, advancing and driving the enemy in the most
gallant manner. Soon after my command reached the front line the Second Arkansas Cavalry was
dismounted and ordered to advance against the enemy's right. The regiment moved forward and
the enemy fell back, whereupon, pursuant to an order from the general commanding, I charged
with the rest of my brigade in line and drove the enemy back to the Harrisonville road, a distance
of some three miles. The lines were now reformed and soon the order came to charge again. In
this instance the order was given directly to regimental commanders in two or three cases, and
the points at which the several regiments were to strike the enemy's line were not designated.
The result was that, although the troops charged with the greatest gallantry and carried the
enemy's position, the charge was made so far to our right that the enemy was allowed to escape
29
with his artillery on the Harrisonville road. My line immediately preceding the charge had been a
little confused by one of our own batteries opening upon it from the rear, and hence was not in as
good a position as it was a few moments before. As it was, the enemy burned a large number of
wagons and abandoned a large amount of artillery, ammunition, and other property. The Second
Arkansas Cavalry pursued the enemy across the creek south, killing 8 of them in a skirmish at
the creek. My command moved forward this night to Little Santa Fe, and the following day, the
24th, it moved to the immediate vicinity of the Marais des Cygnes, a distance of sixty miles,
passing the commands of Generals Curtis and Blunt, and taking the advance on the road twelve
miles south of this point, followed by the First, Second, and Fourth Brigades, all having been
placed by General Pleasonton under my direction for the night. My advance reached this point a
little after mid night and immediately commenced skirmishing with the enemy. The road leading
to the Trading Post, on the Marais des Cygnes, passes through a gap between two high mounds
about half a mile from the river, each from one-half to a mile in length. Col. J. J. Gravely, Eighth
Cavalry Missouri State Militia with his own regiment and the Sixth Cavalry Missouri State
Militia, Maj. William Plumb commanding, was ordered to advance until the position of the
enemy should be fully developed. The night was dark and it was raining heavily. Colonel
Gravely advanced gallantly with his command and the enemy opened musketry fire from the
gap. The line was deployed as skirmishers and advanced toward the base of the mounds. The
enemy opened a line on fire from the foot, sides, and summits of the mounds and the intervening
gap, and in an instant the clamor and noise of many voices indicated that we were near the
position of the enemy.
My ignorance of the topography of the country, the impenetrable darkness and incessant rain,
induced me to postpone a general attack until 4 o'clock in the morning. Previous to this hour
Lieutenant-Colonel Benteen, commanding Fourth Brigade, had by my order sent one regiment of
his brigade along a road leading west to a ford about three miles above the Trading Post and the
place where the enemy was camped, and had sent forward the Fourth Iowa Cavalry to report to
Colonel Gravely and assist him in taking possession of the two mounds. Colonel Gravely was
ordered to advance and occupy the summits of the two mounds and the intervening gap without
delay, and Captains Thurber and Montgomery were ordered to open fire with all their guns at 16
degrees elevation, bearing across the right end of the mound on our left through the gap, the
mounds and gap being now just visible through the receding darkness. The Fourth Iowa Cavalry
gained the mound on our right without serious opposition, but Colonel Gravely met with strong
resistance in his advance toward the crest of the mound on our left. The enemy's line extended
the entire length of this mound, and as our line advanced it opened a rapid but ill-directed fire.
The line formed by the Sixth and Eighth Cavalry Missouri State Militia, almost crawling upon
the ground by reason of the abrupt assault, moved steadily forward until within a few yards of
the enemy, when a loud cheer from our line, followed by one or two sharp volleys of musketry,
proclaimed the position gained. Captains Thurber and Montgomery had kept up a steady fire
from their batteries during this advance, and, was afterward ascertained, many of their shell
exploded in the enemy's camp, creating the greatest excitement and confusion. General
Pleasonton was now upon the ground and ordered me to advance my line to the Marais des
Cygnes and cross the river as soon as possible. This order was immediately executed, and in a
few moments my command occupied the ground just abandoned by the enemy, who left one
piece of artillery and many wagons, horses, mules, cattle, sheep, cooking utensils, &c. Colonel
Phelps, Second Arkansas Cavalry, was directed to take the advance and move forward as rapidly
as possible. He soon reached the river and found the enemy busily engaged felling trees across
the road on the opposite side. The Seventh Provisional Enrolled Missouri Militia was at once
dismounted and thrown across the river, about 400 yards above the ford, and ordered to advance
30
as skirmishes down the river till it should reach the ford. Colonel Phelps at the same time
advanced, under a heavy musketry fire, and the enemy was driven from his position opposite the
ford, where he had felled but two trees of moderate size across the road. The Second Arkansas
Cavalry continued to advance, followed by the Sixth and Eighth Cavalry Missouri State Militia,
which were already nearly exhausted from their labors during the night. The other two regiments
of my brigade were still deployed as skirmishers. Upon reaching the open prairie, about half a
mile from the ford, the enemy displayed a long line of battle, supported by one section of
artillery. I ordered Colonel Phelps not to charge this line until other troops came up, unless he
was certain that he could break it and capture the artillery, and proceeded to the ford to hurry up
some artillery and other troops. The enemy had already opened his artillery and General
Pleasonton was at the ford, throwing forward troops and artillery as rapidly as possible. Colonel
Phelps, with his regiment, aided by the Sixth and Eighth Cavalry Missouri State Militia,
dismounted, had already charged the enemy's position and had forced them to yield. A section of
artillery now came up and was immediately placed in position on our left within good range of
the enemy's guns and opened fire rapidly. Colonel Phelps came forward with his entire brigade
upon the gallop, and advanced upon the enemy's left, and Colonel Benteen brought his brigade
upon the field with similar spirit, although two of his regiments had been on duty nearly the
entire night, and advanced against the enemy's center. The Third Brigade bearing strongly to the
left at this time, the enemy gave way immediately, followed rapidly by Philips' and Benteen's
brigades, and fled with such precipitancy that it seemed improbable that he would form again
soon. My brigade having been on duty all night and engaged all the morning without anything
for horses or men to eat, by permission of the general commanding I fell to the rear to feed for a
few moments. Hardly were the horses unbridled when musketry firing was again heard beyond a
ridge to the front, which was soon followed by artillery. "To horse!" was immediately sounded,
and the brigade moved off on a gallop to the scene of conflict. Before it could reach the spot,
however, the impetuosity and gallantry of the First and Fourth Brigades had broken the enemy's
line, captured his artillery, and put him to complete rout. I moved forward rapidly and took the
advance again about three miles from the battle-field, and moved forward in line at a walk until
near the Little Osage, where the enemy had reformed under cover of thick timber and brush, at
which point I received an order from the general commanding to charge their position and move
through the timber to the open prairie beyond and there halt and reform. The brigade charged the
enemy concealed in the timber in the most gallant manner; drove him across the Little Osage and
through the timber, where we halted and reformed the line. Three full lines of the enemy were
visible within rifle-range, and the command became so eager for the fray that it seemed
impossible to restrain them, and the entire brigade charged the enemy again, without any orders,
and drove him fully four miles, killing and wounding many, capturing a number of prisoners, and
compelling the enemy to burn a large number of wagons and other property; nor would the
brigade have halted here, but the powers of nature both of men and horses had failed, and not
even the excitement of battle could keep them up longer. The Second Brigade moved on in
pursuit, and after an hour's rest my command moved forward, but could not again reach the
enemy that day, and moved to Fort Scott for subsistence, and there rested for one day. On the
morning of the 27th I left Fort Scott with my command and one section of Montgomery's battery,
under Lieutenant Smiley, with the hope of striking the enemy one more blow in the vicinity of
Newtonia or Neosho, as it was probable that he would make a short stay there to obtain supplies
before entering the desert region of Northern Arkansas. I marched sixty-two miles that day,
keeping the artillery and teams along, and reached Newtonia on the 28th about 4 p.m., having
marched 104 miles with artillery and a train in thirty-six hours. I found General Blunt heavily
engaged with the enemy, his line slowly receding, and the enemy's line extending much beyond
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his on both flanks, advancing rapidly upon the right and left. General Blunt directed me to form
upon his left, and if possible to turn the enemy's right. The horses being exhausted and the fields
intersected with stone walls and other obstacles, I was induced to dismount my command and the
regiments were ordered to advance as fast as they could dismount and form. The Sixth Cavalry
Missouri State Militia was the first to meet the advancing force of the enemy. This regiment
advanced most gallantly, and had fired two or three volleys in rapid succession, when a
triumphant cheer from the line announced that the enemy had turned and was falling back. All
the regiments of the brigade behaved with equal promptness and vigor, and the enemy was
driven back some three miles, when darkness, the flight of the enemy, and the exhaustion of our
troops closed the battle and the pursuit. During the night I received the orders of the general
commanding to proceed with my command to Springfield and assume command of my district,
and on the following morning I moved in compliance with said order.
In a campaign of greater hardships and privations for its duration than any in which I have
ever taken part, the troops of my entire command conducted themselves in the most
uncomplaining, energetic, and gallant manner. I neither saw nor heard of a single straggler
during the campaign, and the greatest effort required of me was to restrain the advance from a
general attack upon the enemy until the rear was in supporting distance. The commanders of
brigades, Colonel Philips, of the Seventh Cavalry Missouri State Militia; Colonel Beveridge, of
the Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry, and Colonel Gravely, of the Eighth Cavalry Missouri State
Militia, throughout the campaign, while under my command, conducted themselves in the most
energetic and soldierly manner, and have earned the gratitude and confidence of the country. My
staff officers--Capt. William T. Kittredge, assistant adjutant-general; Surg. H. H. Maynard,
acting medical director; Maj. A. B. Freeburn, Second Arkansas Cavalry; Capt. John G. Quinn,
Sixth Cavalry Missouri State Militia; Capt. Charles W. Rubey, Sixth Provisional Enrolled
Missouri Militia; Lieut. S. Lee Davis, Seventh Minnesota Infantry, and Lieut. D. E. Murphy,
Eighth Cavalry Missouri State Militia, my personal aides, and Lieut. George Graves, Sixth
Provisional Regiment Enrolled Missouri Militia, acting commissary of subsistence, and Lieut.
Samuel Turner, Sixth Provisional Regiment Enrolled Missouri Militia, acting quartermaster--
conducted themselves throughout the entire campaign in the most prompt, energetic, and gallant
manner.
During the campaign my brigade captured 1 piece of artillery, 250 stand of small-arms, and
800 prisoners, including those captured in the district. The casualties in my brigade during the
entire campaign were 1 officer killed and 5 officers wounded, and 9 enlisted men killed and 76
enlisted men wounded, and 1 man missing, as will appear more fully from the accompanying
lists. Reports from subordinate commanders are transmitted herewith.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN B. SANBORN,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
Lieut. CLIFFORD THOMSON,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Cavalry Division.
HDQRS. EIGHTH CAVALRY MISSOURI STATE MILITIA,
Springfield, Mo., November 15, 1864.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by a detachment
of the Eighth Cavalry Missouri State Militia in the late campaign against the rebel force under
Maj. Gen. Sterling Price, from the 27th of September, 1864, to the 31st of October, 1864:
The detachment, under my command and composing a part of General Sanborn's brigade, left
Springfield, Mo., on the 27th of September, 1864, with 13 commissioned officers and 298
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enlisted men, and marched to Jefferson City, Mo., via Rolla, Cuba, Vienna, and encamped on the
Moreau, three miles from the city, October 5, 1864, and was directed to act in conjunction with
the Sixth Cavalry Missouri State Militia, as an advance post, and to resist the enemy advancing
toward the city. On the afternoon of the 6th the pickets commenced fighting two miles south of
the Moreau. The enemy was held in check, or did not attempt to advance until 6 a.m. on the 7th
of October, 1864. The Sixth Cavalry Missouri State Militia, and the Eighth Cavalry Missouri
State Militia were arranged so as to check and annoy the enemy as much as possible in their
advance. The enemy advanced their line of skirmishers about 7 a.m. and attacked Squadron C of
the Eighth Cavalry Missouri State Militia, commanded by Captain Human, who resisted them
stubbornly until ordered by me to fall back, the enemy having moved a strong column to his left
flank. The fighting commenced at this time, the Eighth Regiment being arranged one squadron in
rear of the other, and each in turn fighting the enemy until ordered to fall back. Captain Foster
had his horse killed while encouraging his men to fight at the commencement of the attack.
When overpowered and flanked by the enemy, the two squadrons (C and F) moved to the rear;
the enemy seeing that they had compelled this move ordered a charge which soon brought them
to a line formed near the edge of the timber, composed of Squadrons A, E, G, D, and K; the fight
was renewed by these squadrons with energy; the officers and men fought well, driving the
enemy's skirmish line, and again compelling him to bring up artillery to drive us from our strong
position, as had been done in their attack on Captains Human and Foster. The Eighth Cavalry
Missouri State Militia was then moved across the Moreau, and were relieved by the Sixth
Cavalry Missouri State Militia, posted so as to protect the crossing. The Eighth Regiment was
again formed on a ridge near the Fair-Ground, and again fought the enemy stubbornly for more
than one hour, assisted by the Sixth Cavalry Missouri State Militia, and in compliance with
orders the command moved into Jefferson City. On the 8th of October I was placed in command
of the troops from Southwest Missouri, leaving the Eighth Cavalry Missouri State Militia under
command of Capt. R. G. Chitwood, Company G, Eighth Cavalry Missouri State Militia.
On the 9th of October one squadron of the Eighth Cavalry Missouri State Militia, under
command of Lieutenant Chitwood, assisted Major Mitchell, Seventh Provisional Enrolled
Missouri Militia, to drive in the strong rear guard of the enemy near Russellville, Mo., seventeen
miles west of Jefferson City, and did good service. The Third Brigade was not engaged in the
battle at California on the evening of October 9, 1864. The battle at Boonville, on the 11th of
October, was fought by the Second Arkansas Cavalry and the Sixth Provisional Enrolled
Missouri Militia, only one squadron of the Eighth Cavalry Missouri State Militia, being in front
as body guard. Company F and -- did good service and acted with coolness and bravery.
On the 20th of October I was relieved from the command of the Third Brigade by General
Sanborn, and took command of my regiment. At the battle of Independence, October 22, the
Eighth Cavalry Missouri State Militia was dismounted and marched to the right of the city as a
reserve, and was not engaged during the fight. On the 23d of October, after the enemy had been
driven from the crossing of the Big Blue and formed on a prairie ridge west of the stream, my
regiment was ordered to move forward until we found the enemy's lines and halt until the army
came up. About 2 p.m. Major Suess, of Major-General Pleasonton's staff, ordered me, in
command of my own and the Sixth Regiment Cavalry Missouri State Militia, to charge the
enemy's line near a house on a prairie ridge, which was done under a most terrific [fire] from a
section of the enemy's artillery in position near the above-named house, and a heavy fire of
musketry from the enemy's line formed for the protection of the artillery. The enemy's force was
much larger than ours, but gave way, and we gained the ridge with a loss of about 25 men. Rebel
officers captured gave it as a reason for retreating that they supposed our army was moving to
their left to cut them off from the force on the Harrisonville road. This charge prevented the
33
rebels from using their artillery against the main force of our army on our right. The officers and
men of my regiment did their duty well and acted bravely on this occasion. On the 24th of
October I was ordered, about 11 p.m., to move my regiment and the Sixth Cavalry Missouri State
Militia forward until I found the enemy. When near the Marais des Cygnes, a branch of the
Osage, my advance was fired on by the enemy's pickets, who were found to be encamped on the
stream at a village called Trading Post. I halted the command and about 3 a.m. October 25 was
ordered to drive in the enemy's pickets and to attack them. I moved forward and found a strong
skirmish line formed on a mound in their rear, which I immediately attacked, and, after a spirited
contest, drove them beyond the mound. At the dawn of day we found the enemy in strong force
near the ford of the creek, and, in conjunction with the Fourth Iowa Cavalry, attacked and drove
them across the stream; this was the commencement of the battle of the Osage, October 25,
1864. After the battle was over my regiment was placed in charge of the prisoners, and delivered
them at Fort Scott about daylight October 26. On the 28th of October, 1864, we reached
Newtonia, Mo., where we found Major-General Blunt's command engaged with the enemy. I
was ordered to move my command forward rapidly and form on the left of General Blunt's
command, and aided in checking the advance of the enemy and finally driving him from the
field. From Newtonia we marched to Springfield, Mo., at which place we arrived October 31,
1864.
The following are the losses sustained by the regiment in the different engagements: In the
battle on the Moreau, October 7, 1864, 1 noncommissioned officer and 1 private killed, 1 captain
and 14 enlisted men wounded. At the Big Blue, October 23, 1864, 1 captain and 8 enlisted men
wounded. At the Marais des Cygnes, October 25, 1 enlisted man wounded. The enemy admit a
loss of 1 major and 15 men killed and 1 lieutenant-colonel and 25 men wounded at the Moreau.
The damage inflicted at other engagements estimated with losses sustained by them in the
battles.
In conclusion, I desire to return my thanks and that of my entire command to Brigadier-
General Sanborn, commanding, for his uniform kindness and the deep interest he manifested for
our welfare during the arduous campaign; and also to express our gratitude to his staff for their
attention on all occasions.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. J. GRAVELY,
Colonel Eighth Cavalry Missouri State Militia.
Capt. WILLIAM T. KITTREDGE,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Dist. of Southwest Missouri.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH MISSOURI,
Glasgow, Mo., September 27, 1864.
GENERAL: I have the honor to report that on Monday, the 19th instant, I left Saint Joseph
with Companies B and M; Ninth Cavalry Missouri State Militia; Companies C and D,
Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry, and a section of mountain howitzers, Company C, Second Missouri
Artillery. I moved to Macon by railroad, and on the morning of the 21st marched from Macon,
my force having been augmented by Companies C and E, Ninth Cavalry Missouri State Militia. I
camped near Huntsville on the night of the 21st and moved thence to Roanoke, where I divided
the command, sending a portion direct to Fayette under Lieutenant-Colonel Draper, Ninth
Cavalry Missouri State Militia, and marched with the balance of the command to this post. I had
in the meantime ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Matthews, Third Cavalry Missouri State Militia, to
move his entire command from Sturgeon to Rocheport, and there establish his headquarters, and
directed Lieutenant-Colonel Stauber, Forty-second Missouri Volunteer Infantry, to move from
34
Macon to Sturgeon with three companies. I also ordered General Douglass to move from Mexico
toward Rocheport, with 200 of the First Iowa Cavalry Volunteers. The best information I could
obtain indicated that the guerrillas, under Perkins, Quantrill, Thrailkill, Todd, Anderson,
Holtzclaw, Davis, and others, were concentrating in the Perche Hills on or about the line
separating Howard and Boone Counties. I made dispositions accordingly and as secretly as
possible, and moved upon the haunts of the villains from Fayette, Glasgow, Sturgeon, and
Mexico. The guerrillas were routed from their camps and found to be about 400 strong, under
Quantrill and Perkins. On Friday evening, the 23d instant, a portion of the train of the Third
Cavalry Missouri State Militia was surprised by the guerrillas ten miles northeasterly from
Rocheport, and twelve men were brutally murdered after they had surrendered. Some of our dead
were thrown upon the burning wagons which the fiends destroyed and their bodies were partially
consumed. Our troops made but a slight resistance and fled panic-stricken from the field. They
were outnumbered by the bushwhackers four to one. Perkins, the guerrilla chief, is reported
severely wounded at this engagement. His pocket-book and papers were found scattered on the
ground of the massacre. Had Lieutenant-Colonel Matthews moved his command together we
should have been spared this disaster; although General Douglass reports to me that the colonel
ought not to be censured for his action in the premises. The guerrillas immediately scattered in
every direction. Major Leonard, Ninth Cavalry Missouri State Militia, who was moving from
Fayette to Roche-port, came upon a gang of these guerrillas, and killed 6 of them, capturing 32
horses and 30 revolvers. Our only casualty was 1 wounded. Among the dead bushwhackers was
a Captain Bissett, recently a terror in Platte and Clay Counties.
On Saturday morning the guerrillas from different points concentrated upon Fayette and
charged into the town at 10.30 a.m., yelling like demons, their advance being clad in Federal
uniform. They were properly welcomed by the small force in garrison and most handsomely
whipped after three unsuccessful attempts to dislodge our troops. Thirteen of the villains were
killed outright and -- so severely wounded that they died on Saturday night. One rebel captain,
name not known, was among the dead. Their wounded numbered 30, judging from the carriages
stolen to remove them. We are daily learning of the death of some one of the wounded. Our loss
was 1 killed and 2 wounded. I had on the same day ordered Major King, Thirteenth Cavalry
Missouri Volunteers, from this post to Fayette, with 200 well-appointed men. He arrived at
Fayette two hours after the discomfited rascals had left in the direction of Roanoke, and pushed
on after them without delay. On Sunday, the 25th instant, the brigands sat down in the front of
Huntsville, and in the name of Colonel Perkins and the Southern Confederacy demanded a
surrender. The militia stationed at Huntsville, under Lieutenant-Colonel Denny, showed fight,
and, Major King being close after the villains, they moved toward Renick, tearing down the
telegraph wires by the mile. Major King pursued them as rapidly as possible with his jaded
horses, and at last advices, 1.30 p.m. Monday, the 26th, was very near them at Middle Grove, in
Monroe County. Several stragglers from the guerrillas have been captured and summarily
mustered out. Lieutenant-Colonel Draper, with a detachment of the Ninth Cavalry Missouri State
Militia, moved from Fayette toward Renick on the 26th instant, General Douglass, with the Iowa
troops, toward Sturgeon, scouting through the Perche Hills, and' will unite or co-operate with
Major King. In several small skirmishes with the bushwhackers on Saturday and Sunday our
troops were successful in killing the buskwhackers. No better region than this could be selected
for guerrilla warfare. The topography of the country and the hearts and consciences of the people
are adapted to the hellish work. There is scarcely a family but what has its representative in
either Price's invading force or in the corps de bush. Men and women of wealth and position give
their entire influence and aid to the knights of the bush. The hand of the Government must be
35
laid heavily upon them. I shall remain in this section and on the North Missouri Railroad until
affairs are in a better condition.
I expect a full report of the Keytesville disaster to-day. Cowardice and treason combined
caused the loss of Keytesville and the brutal murder of Mr. Carman, one of the best of citizens,
and of William Young, an aged loyalist, serving faithfully as a Federal scout himself and had
three sons in the Union army. The fiends murder none but radical Union men, while
conservatives of undoubted loyalty are spared in property and person. The radicals are hunted
from their homes, and their substance appropriated and destroyed. Our troops being chiefly from
the radical portion of the community, it is with great difficulty they are restrained from
depredations upon the class favored by the bushwhackers. I will promptly and vigorously urge
the people to a response to your admirable General Orders, No. 176. You have struck the
keynote. Let the masses rise up in their strength and give an exhibition of their devotion to
loyalty and the Union, and Price will never again invade Missouri with his thieving horde. I am
placing every county court-house in as safe condition as possible, but there are so many towns to
protect, so many railway bridges, stations, and trains constantly exposed to attack, capture, and
destruction by the fiends, that we must expect serious trouble in that direction. I will keep you
posted daily of movements in the district.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CLINTON B. FISK,
Brigadier-General.
Maj. Gen. W. S. ROSECRANS,
Commanding Dept. of the Missouri, Saint Louis, Mo.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH MISSOURI,
Macon, December 8, 1864.
COLONEL: I have the honor to report that on the 30th day of September last, being then at
Glasgow, Howard County, I received a telegram from the major-general commanding, directing
me to move to Jefferson City with all possible dispatch. The troops of my command were at that
date scattered through the counties lying between the Hannibal and Saint Joseph Railroad and the
Missouri River, fighting the hordes of fiendish guerrillas who, under Anderson, Todd, Thrailkill,
Perkins, and Holtzclaw, were making a pathway of blood across the district, plundering and
burning the property of Union citizens, and destroying railway trains, depot buildings, and
bridges. Seventy commissioned officers from Price's army had already been sent into North
Missouri to gather up the recruits that had been enlisted in the rebel service during the summer.
Colonel Peery, of Carroll County, chief of the rebel recruiting party, was killed by Colonel
Shanklin, Thirtieth Enrolled Missouri Militia, on the 28th of September; three of his officers
shared his fate. Official papers taken from their dead bodies indicated their mission. Immediately
upon receiving orders to move to Jefferson City I dispatched messengers to the several
detachments of my available troops, ordering them to proceed direct to Jefferson City without
delay. Detachments of the Third and Ninth Cavalry Missouri State Militia, Seventeenth Illinois
Cavalry Volunteers, First Iowa Cavalry Volunteers, Thirty-ninth, Forty-third, and Forty-ninth
Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and one section of Company C (small howitzers), Second Missouri
Artillery, were thus ordered. Telegraph lines being destroyed and mail lines almost altogether
interrupted, orders were dispatched by messengers, who in many instances were captured by the
enemy. I arrived in Jefferson City on the night of October 3, with 200 men of my command.
During the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th other detachments of my troops arrived, aggregating 1,800, of
whom 1,000 were composed of companies of unorganized infantry regiments who had never
been drilled an hour. I found on my arrival at Jefferson City that Brigadier-General Brown
36
occupied the city and held the country to the Osage River, his force all told being 3,000, one-half
of whom were unorganized infantry volunteers, Enrolled Missouri Militia, and citizen guards. I
did not assume immediate command on arrival at Jefferson City, as telegrams from the majorgeneral
commanding indicated that himself or other officers ranking myself would speedily
arrive. I therefore directed my troops to report to General Brown for orders and devoted my
personal attention to the concentration of troops from my district at Jefferson City, and pushing
them to the work in the trenches or to the front as rapidly as possible.
On the morning of the 6th Generals McNeil and Sanborn reported from Rolla--the former
with 1,000 cavalry and eight pieces of artillery, the latter with 1,400 cavalry. The major-general
commanding telegraphed me on the 6th to assume command of the combined forces at Jefferson
City. I immediately organized the force into four brigades, under Generals Brown, McNeil, and
Sanborn, and Col. Franklin W. Hickox, Enrolled Missouri Militia. The effective strength of the
fragments of commands thus hastily thrown together from different districts of the department,
including Enrolled Missouri Militia and loyal citizens, was, of officers and men, 7,200. Generals
McNeil and Sanborn, who had for many days been in immediate proximity to the enemy,
informed me that Price's army numbered not less than 20,000 men, and that he could put 15,000
well appointed veterans and more than twenty pieces of artillery into action. The major-general
commanding had previously ordered that the State capital must be successfully defended at all
hazards. A force of 1,500, under Colonel Philips, Seventh Cavalry Missouri State Militia, was
fighting the advance of Price's army on the Osage when I assumed command. The enemy were at
that time crossing the Osage River in force at Prince's, Bolton's, and other fords, covering a space
of about eight miles in width on the routes leading to the State capital. General Sanborn's
mounted troops were resisting the advance of the enemy on the road leading from the Fair-
Ground to the Moreau and Osage. The force at the front were ordered to vigorously contest the
passage of the Osage and Moreau, and when driven to fall back fighting to the city and withdraw
to the intrenchments. General McNeil's brigade was assigned to the right, General Brown's to the
left, and General Sanborn's to the center, within our fortified lines. Colonel Hickox's brigade was
posted as a reserve. All troops not ordered to the front and the citizens of the city were busily
engaged digging rifle-pits and preparing for the best possible defense of the State capital. On the
morning of the 7th the enemy had driven our advanced lines back to the Moreau and appeared in
heavy force on its east bank, his main column on the Bolton road, and drove our troops steadily
to the Fair-Ground. Our force was all withdrawn to the intrenchments at 1 p.m. The enemy
pushed his lines to the front of our left and center and opened on our fortified lines with his
artillery from a wooded height at the left of the Fair. Ground. Thurber's battery, on the left of our
line, and Sutter's, in the center, both of the Second Missouri Artillery, simultaneously poured
their well-directed shots into the enemy's artillery, dismounting one of his pieces at the first fire.
After an exchange of a few shots, and an inspection of our earth-works, the enemy withdrew his
artillery, retired his lines, and moved his columns toward our right, with the evident design of
investing the city. During the night of the 7th our entire command were busily engaged
strengthening our earthworks, digging additional rifle-pits, and preparing to receive an assault at
any point on our line. The movements of the enemy during the night indicated his preparation to
mass his force to assault our right.
At daylight on the morning of the 8th he appeared in force in front of McNeil, but withdrew
before advancing near our earth-works. As the enemy retired and a reconnaissance to the Moreau
revealed the fact that his entire army had passed to our right, the mounted troops of Sanborn's
brigade were thrown upon his rear, killing many and capturing a large number of men and arms.
At 8 a.m. all the mounted troops of the command were ordered in pursuit of the enemy with five
days' field rations in their haversacks and 140 rounds of ammunition.
37
The capital of the State had been saved from the polluting presence of her traitorous sons in
arms. One of the chief objects of Price's invasion of Missouri, the seizure and occupancy of her
political capital for the purpose of holding elections and the transaction of other business by the
itinerating traitors who style themselves the State and legislative departments of Missouri, was,
by the courage, industry, and determination of our small force at Jefferson City, defeated; a
substantial success had been gained, and the soldiers who through one of the severest of
equinoctial storms made long and forced marches to the capital, many of them leaving their own
homes to certain destruction by the guerrillas, and the citizens who so cheerfully and earnestly
seized spade or musket for its defense, deserve and will receive the gratitude of the loyalists of
Missouri. I have the honor to bear full and hearty testimony to the conduct of all officers and
men and citizens for their faithful service.
The reports of Generals Brown, McNeil, and Sanborn, forwarded direct to department
headquarters, will give tabular statements of losses in killed and wounded,. and list of prisoners
lost and captured.
At 10.30 a.m. on the morning of the 8th Major-General Pleasonton arrived at Jefferson City,
and in obedience to orders from the major-general commanding assumed command.
I have the honor to be, colonel, with great respect, your obedient servant,
CLINTON B. FISK,
Brigadier-General.
Col. JOHN V. DU BOIS,
Chief of Staff, Dept. of the Missouri, Saint Louis.
ROCHEPORT, September 24, 1864.
Colonel Matthews' escort of eighty men for baggage train was surprised late yesterday
evening seven miles northeast from this place. Twelve of his men were killed on the ground and
quite a number are yet missing. The entire train, consisting of quartermaster and commissary
stores and all his ammunition, was captured. The rebels were said to be commanded by the two
Todds, Anderson, and Gooch, numbering 300 men. On receiving news of the fight, I sent the
First Iowa and part of the Third Missouri to the scene of action. They arrived in the night and
remained on the ground, and Colonel Draper having arrived I ordered him out at 3 o'clock this
morning with 250 men, making the whole Federal force about 350. The rebels moved west into
Howard County toward the river. We are out of commissary supplies send us some by first boat.
J. B. DOUGLASS,
Brigadier-General.
Brigadier-General FISK.
FAYETTE, September 25, 1864--11 a.m.
GENERAL: I have the honor to report that I left Rocheport this morning with 550 men,
consisting of the First Iowa, Seventeenth Illinois, Third and Ninth Missouri State Militia. After
seeing your letter to Colonel Matthews, in which you stated that you would leave Glasgow and
move toward Rocheport, I determined to remain here until I heard from you, but later news
received just before night, in which it was reported that this place had been captured by
Thrailkill, Todd, Anderson & Co., and was in their possession, I determined to move early this
morning with my entire force and give them battle; but on my arrival here I was happily
disappointed in the result of the engagement of yesterday, and from what little information I have
been able to gather up our troops acted bravely and well, losing 1 man killed and 2 wounded.
There are five dead rebels on the ground besides others said to be carried off, and quite a large
number wounded. I will remain here until I hear from you, unless I can learn of some movement
38
of the rebels which it is important to meet at once. I would be happy to receive orders from you
by return messenger. My command are anxious to meet the enemy and get revenge for the
wanton massacre of the Third Missouri State Militia. Colonel Matthews should not be censured
for the disaster, as he had taken, as he thought, all necessary precautions to insure its safe arrival,
and on my arrival at Rocheport, and learning from Colonel Matthews that his baggage train
would be in that day, I ordered him to send out thirty cavalry to meet them, and they had just met
them when the fight took place. The rebels burned all the train except the commissary and
ammunition wagons, which, strange to say, were not destroyed, and we now have them in our
possession. We lost 12 men killed, the bodies of whom have been found, and 3 negroes
(teamsters). All the soldiers were shot in the head, showing that they had been murdered after
being captured. Captain Roberts and Captain McFaden are yet out, and fears are entertained that
they have been killed. I would like to have the fifty men of First Iowa Cavalry to join me before
leaving this part of the county.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. B. DOUGLASS,
Brigadier-General.
P. S.--I have the pocketbook of Colonel Perkins, found on the battleground of the disaster to
Third Missouri State Militia, and I am inclined to think he was mortally wounded.
J. B. D.,
Brigadier-General.
Brig. Gen. C. B. FISK,
Glasgow, Mo.
HEADQUARTERS SAINT LOUIS DISTRICT,
Saint Louis, October 20, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to report that on the night of the 24th of September the major-general
commanding, having learned that Price's army had entered the department by way of Poplar
Bluffs and Bloomfield, ordered me to take a brigade of the Second Division, Sixteenth Army
Corps, which was then at Jefferson Barracks, and patrol and garrison the Iron Mountain
Railroad, reporting to Maj. Gen. A. J. Smith, who was to follow next day with the other brigades
of the division. At De Soto, leaving the rest of the brigade to await further orders from General
Smith, I went on with the Fourteenth Iowa Infantry, strengthening the garrisons at all the bridges
and making temporary headquarters at Mineral Point. From each station where there was
cavalry I sent scouting parties east and south, which returned by Monday morning, reporting no
enemy north of Fredericktown. They brought, however, apparently credible rumors that Price
was at Fredericktown with all his army. At 10 Monday morning I took Companies B, C, D, E,
and H, Fourteenth Iowa Infantry, under Captain Campbell, and went to Pilot Knob. Maj. James
Wilson, Third Missouri State Militia Cavalry, then commanded the Third Sub-District of this
district, with headquarters at that post. He had under orders withdrawn his outposts from
Patterson, Centreville, Fredericktown, and Farmington, and collected at Pilot Knob all the
available force of his sub-district, except bridge guards. The force there present consisted of
Companies A, F, E, G, H, and I, Forty-seventh Missouri Infantry, and Captain Lindsay's
company, Fiftieth Missouri Infantry, which were raw troops, with an aggregate of 489 officers
and men for duty, and Companies A, C, D, H, I, and K, Third Missouri State Militia Cavalry;
Company L, Second Missouri State Militia Cavalry; Company G, First Missouri State Militia
Infantry, and Captain Montgomery's battery, which, with the detachment of the Fourteenth Iowa,
made an aggregate of old troops for duty of 562. My instructions from Major-General Rosecrans
were to have Major Wilson endeavor to hold Pilot Knob against any mere detachment of the
39
enemy, but to evacuate if Price's main army should move against it. The village of Pilot Knob,
which is the terminus of the railroad and the depot for supply of the lower outposts, is eighty-six
miles south of Saint Louis. It lies in a plain of about 1,000 acres, encircled by Cedar and Rock
Mountains on the north, Pilot Knob on the east, and Shepherd's Mountain, stretching around the
valley, on the south and west. Each hill is from 500 to 600 feet in height, and rises abruptly from
the valley, with the sides toward it covered with rocks, gnarled oaks, and undergrowth. The
southern and western slopes of Shepherd's Mountain are accessible, and several roads lead over
them to "the coalings" on its summit. Stout's Creek flows along the base of Shepherd's Mountain
and through a gap between it and Pilot Knob into a larger valley of several thousands of acres,
encircled by a chain of hills, in the northern end of which and about a mile from the town of Pilot
Knob is the flourishing village of Ironton. Through this gap runs the road from Pilot Knob to
Fredericktown, passing out of the larger valley by the "Shut-in," a gap four miles southeast of
Pilot Knob. The two valleys are called Arcadia.
Fort Davidson is a hexagonal work, mounting four 32-pounder siege guns and three 24-
pounder howitzers en barbette. It lies about 300 yards from the base of the knob and 1,000 from
the gap. From the fort to the remotest summit of these hills visible from it is not over 1,200
yards, while all parts of the hill-sides toward the fort, except the west end of Shepherd's
Mountain, are in musket-range. The fort was always conceded to be indefensible against any
large army having serviceable artillery. Early last summer I sent competent engineers to select
another site, but such are the difficulties of the position no practicable place could be found any
more defensible. I therefore had the roads leading up the hills obstructed, cleared the nearest hillsides
of timber, and put the fort in a thorough state of defense by deepening the ditches,
strengthening the parapet, and adding two rifle-pits leading north and south, commanding the
best approaches. On reaching Pilot Knob at noon of Monday, September 26, I found scouting
parties had been sent the night before on all the main roads, but that the party sent toward
Fredericktown had returned after going but six or eight miles. I forthwith sent two companies to
make a thorough reconnaissance toward Fredericktown, and a small scouting party under
Captain Powers to cross the roads leading from the south to that place, and learn of the loyal
people on them as much as possible as to the force of the enemy. Both commands met Price's
advance in Arcadia Valley, near Shut-in Gap, and were forced back into the town of Ironton,
where, with Captain Dinger's company, Forty- seventh Missouri, then on duty there, they made a
stand. I re-enforced them with the detachment of the Fourteenth Iowa, Captain Campbell
commanding, and a section of Montgomery's battery, Lieutenant Simonton commanding, and all
my available cavalry, placing the whole under command of Major Wilson, with orders to drive
the enemy, if possible, through Shut-in Gap. He drove them to the gap, but was unable to hold
them there, and was being forced back gradually when night and a rain-storm suspended the
engagement. By midnight it was evident that the enemy were in strong force, as their column
could be heard coming into the valley in steady procession, and their encampment grew
extensive. We still did not know positively that Price's main army was there, though all our
information was decidedly to that effect. But the advantages of delaying the enemy two or three
days in his march northward and of making a stubborn fight before retreating were so great, even
though the defense should be unsuccessful and much of the garrison be lost, that I resolved to
stand fast and take the chances. I immediately forwarded up the railroad all the quartermaster and
commissary stores not needed in the fort, and all the rolling-stock, and started the quartermaster's
wagons empty. Details were set at work constructing in the fort six platformed barbettes for the
field artillery, four pieces of which were taken into it. Lieut. David Murphy, Forty-seventh
Missouri Volunteers, a most gallant officer and experienced artillerist, was assigned to duty on
my staff as aide- de- camp and given general control of the artillery. Major-General Smith,
40
whose immediate command was at De Soto and Mineral Point, was kept fully advised by
telegraph of my information, movements, and purposes, until 11 o'clock Tuesday forenoon,
when the line went down.
At daylight Tuesday the enemy forced Wilson back through Arcadia Valley to the gap
between Shepherd's Mountain and Pilot Knob. While they were trying to force the gap I ordered
the detachment of the Fourteenth Iowa to take position on the east end of Shepherd's Mountain,
and ordered Wilson to fall back with his cavalry along the side of Pilot Knob, thus commanding
the gap from both sides and opening a clear range from the fort. Wilson soon sent me word that
the enemy were displaying a flag of truce. I knew it was a trick to effect a safe passage of the gap
while parleying about a surrender, and therefore ordered him to renew the fight at once. A long
and obstinate struggle followed in which the enemy lost considerably in an unsuccessful effort to
pass the defile. During an hour of comparative quiet which followed they threw a force around
Shepherd's Mountain and approached from the west, but that approach was too greatly exposed
and they were driven from it by our artillery, aided by two companies of skirmishers. An hour
more and my troops were summarily ejected from the points commanding the gap, the enemy
following them along the hill-sides in strong force. When they had well advanced we opened on
them with all our guns and drove them back in disorder and with heavy loss. We retook the gap,
were again forced from it, and again with artillery drove them from the hill-sides. They got two
pieces in position on the east end of Shepherd's Mountain commanding a part of the side of Pilot
Knob, which being equally commanded from the fort became neutral ground. We still held with
skirmishers the sides of Shepherd's Mountain except the gap, and the side of Pilot Knob not
raked by their artillery. After an hour of lull, lines of the enemy were seen at exposed points on
the summits of the two hills moving down; and almost before we could open fire on them
another white flag was raised on a rock near the summit of Shepherd's Mountain where a group
of officers had been taking observations under shelter. With the opening of a brisk cannonade on
the group the flag was hauled down. The design was plainly to suspend the firing so that their
forces might approach to the assault in safety. I now ordered into the fort the section of artillery
operating outside, but the horses stampeded and could not be got in. The section remained under
cover of our fire, however, and was brought in before dark. Here the enemy opened on us with
two guns from the summit of Shepherd's Mountain at about 800 yards, and two from the side at a
less distance. The guns were well covered and we could not silence them, the two nearest getting
and keeping our range exactly. The division on Shepherd's Mountain was Marmaduke's, which,
on the withdrawal of the white flag and the opening of their artillery, moved rapidly down to the
assault, his line greatly broken by the rugged and steep descent, and by our fire, which told with
marked effect upon them. On reaching the plain the most of the assaulting force took cover in the
deep bed of the creek, from which they opened and kept up an incessant fire. About 100 ventured
on to the assault but fell or were driven back before they reached the ditch. Almost
simultaneously with the movement of Marmaduke's division, that of General Fagan moved over
Pilot Knob in stronger force, and less disturbed by our fire sweeping back in disorder or cutting
off our companies which held the town and part of the mountain sides. His lines were greatly
broken by the houses and fences of the skirt of the town, but were hastily reformed by him and
by General Cabell, who led the assault, and swept upon the plain in handsome style, yelling and
on the double-quick. We opened on them when at 600 yards from the fort with musketry from
the ramparts and from the long line of the north rifle-pits, and with canister from seven pieces of
artillery. They rushed on most gallantly, but were broken, confused, and swept down by our
rapid and well-directed fire until the advance reached the ditch, when the attacking forces fled in
dismay, leaving apparently almost half their comrades dead or wounded on the plain. Pending
the assaults the enemy threw a large cavalry force around the west end of Shepherd's Mountain
41
to occupy the road north of us to Mineral Point. As they moved along the base of Cedar
Mountain just after the last assault was repulsed, a sortie was made from the north ditch by
which they were routed and lost considerably. A half hour of ineffective musketry and artillery
firing ended the engagement with the approach of night.
An examination of prisoners that evening convinced me that Price was there with about
12,000 men and ten pieces of artillery, Shelby's division with eight pieces having gone from
Fredericktown to Farmington. I had found myself unable with my force intact to hold the
mountain sides so as to prevent his planting artillery there. My command was now reduced onefourth
in effective strength, as I had lost 75 killed and wounded and in our possession, and
double that number missing. I knew that the next morning the enemy having possession of the
mountain tops and sides would place all his artillery in position to command the fort, which
would make it certainly untenable. That morning, at the time when telegraphic communication
ended, two infantry regiments of Major-General Smith's command were at Mineral Point,
twenty-three miles north of us, and four miles east of Potosi. I thought they were probably there
still and that by getting a good start we could effect a junction with them and fall back or stand as
the movement and force of the enemy might permit. I therefore determined to evacuate that
night. The chief danger was that the preparations for the retreat might be observed and the
garrison cut to pieces or captured in the confusion incident to the exit. The works of the iron
company at the north base of Pilot Knob had been fired by the enemy and the immense pile of
charcoal adjacent to the works glowed and flamed all night, making the valley as light as
noonday. Moreover, I learned Colonel Slay-back's command held the Mineral Point road just
north of the town, leaving the Potosi road the only exit not certainly in the possession of the
enemy. But, with all its dangers, the policy of retreat was clearly best, and preparations for it
began at midnight. I had Colonel Fletcher arrange for having the magazine (which was large and
filled with every variety of ammunition) blown up in two hours after we left, or as soon as our
exit should be discovered by the enemy. We took possession of the town and valley and drove
from them all straggling rebels. The garrison was then aroused, knapsacks packed, haversacks,
and cartridge-boxes well supplied and everything destructible, which we could not take away and
the enemy might use, placed near or on the magazine. At 3 o'clock Colonel Fletcher silently led
the infantry out of the sally port around the ditch, and through the north rifle pit, forming them
under cover of a deep shadow at the end of the pit. The drawbridge was then covered with tents
to muffle the sound, and the cavalry and battery marching out formed column with the infantry
and took a by-way to the Potosi road. We left Slayback's camp on our right and another rebel
camp near the road on our left, both unapprised of our movement. The body of the rebel army
was at Ironton and thinking us sufficiently hemmed in were busy making fascines and scaling
ladders for an assault in the morning. They even failed to take the hint when the magazine, an
hour before daylight, shook the hills with its explosion. At sunrise I started Captain Hills, Tenth
Kansas, acting aide-de-camp, with ten men to Mineral Point to acquaint the command there of
my approach and request it to march and join me. On starting, they, with our advance, fell upon
about twenty-five rebels in the town of Caledonia and routed them, killing one. We then learned
that our forces had fallen back from Mineral Point and that Shelby had taken Potosi the evening
before, and I therefore at once left the Potosi road and took that through Webster toward Rolla.
I afterward learned that after his repulse Tuesday Price ordered Shelby's division down from
Potosi to Pilot Knob, to take part in a second attack, and that the squad we routed at Caledonia
was Shelby's advance. He waited several hours with his division to give us battle two miles north
of Caledonia, thus giving us a good start on the Webster road before pursuing. Marmaduke's
division left Pilot Knob at 8 that morning to overtake us and joined Shelby in the pursuit at
Caledonia. At sundown we reached Webster, thirty-one miles from Pilot Knob, and rested until
42
midnight. From information received there I determined to go to Harrison, Leasburg, on the
southwest branch of the Pacific Railroad, because part of Colonel Warmoth's militia regiment
was there, but especially because the road to Rolla was one on which we could be easily
surrounded by a superior cavalry force, while that to Harrison led nearly all the way along a
sharp spur of the Ozark range, separating the waters of the Huzza and the Courtois, and through
the gorge of the Huzza, walled in with untraversable cliffs, to Rolla was fifty-five miles, to
Harrison thirty-five. I here sent Captain Hills, with ten men in advance, to Franklin with
instructions to telegraph thence to the major-general commanding at Saint Louis and to General
McNeil at Rolla of our movements and to arrange means for securing our safe and speedy
withdrawal from Harrison to Rolla or Saint Louis.
The night was intensely dark and stormy and we groped our way with great effort and little
progress. We had just reached the ridge at 8 Thursday morning, when the enemy charged on our
rear guard and drove it upon the column. I placed the detachment of the Fourteenth Iowa
Infantry, Company H, Forty-seventh Missouri, Companies C, D, and K, Third Missouri State
Militia Cavalry, and Lieutenant Smiley's section of artillery, in the rear, all under the command
of Major Williams, Tenth Kansas, acting aide-de-camp, and; with occasional halts to rake the
woods with grape and canister, we made a good and successful march, the enemy almost
constantly engaged with our rear guard, but unable to break through or flank it until we came
within four miles of Harrison. There the road debouches on a high sweep of gently rolling
woodland and from that out we fought hard for every step we gained. The refugees, men,
women, and children, white and black, who clung to the command, nearly sacrificed it by their
panics. I had to throw out the available fighting force, infantry and cavalry, as advance and rear
guard and flankers, leaving in the body of the column the affrighted non-combatants, and two
sections of artillery not often brought into action on the retreat. Repeated and stubborn efforts
were made to bring us to a stand, and could they have forced a halt of an hour they would have
enveloped and taken us, but our halts, though frequent, were brief, and were only to unlimber the
artillery, stagger the pursuers with a few rounds, and move on. We reached Harrison just after
dark, having made the march of sixty-six miles in thirty-nine hours. We found Warmoth's militia
gone. This station is thirty-five miles from Rolla, forty-five from Franklin, and eighty-two from
Saint Louis. The position is naturally strong, being on the crest of a ridge, with no timber to
obstruct the range for 200 yards on either side. A cut for the railroad track gave shelter for the
horses. A large number of ties were there, of which the militia had made breast-works, and the
adjacent buildings were well situated for purposes of defense. My command had just time to
form and the artillery to unlimber, when an assault was made, but aided by darkness and our rude
defenses we repulsed it. Just then the eastern train arrived with military stores for Rolla, and cars
enough to move my command. We got the command aboard and were about to start for Saint
Louis, with the cavalry and artillery horses moving on a parallel road, when the nearest stations
north and south of us were seen in flames. The command was at once taken off the cars and the
night spent in fortifying.
At daybreak Friday the enemy appeared in force and prepared apparently for an assault. They
kept up a demonstration through the day, accompanied with a heavy fire of skirmishers, which
was well replied to from our defenses. Having less than thirty rounds to the gun we used our
artillery but little, reserving it for the moment of assault, or the emergencies of a farther retreat.
The day passed in instant expectation of an attack in force and in unremitting labor on the
defenses, which were extended and strengthened, so they grew formidable. Friday night another
assault was repulsed and the night passed in snatches of rest, amid hourly and most harassing
alarms. Hearing nothing of re-enforcements I at midnight dispatched a citizen messenger to Rolla
to ask help from there, and Lieutenant-Colonel Maupin to Franklin, to advise the general
43
commanding of my condition and to endeavor to bring some mounted militia from Franklin
County to my aid if nothing better could be done, my now total want of service-able cavalry and
the exhausted condition of my infantry having made a farther retreat an extremely hazardous
undertaking. The citizen got to Rolla, but Lieutenant-Colonel Maupin and Captain Schenck, and
Lieutenant Fletcher, who accompanied him, could not accomplish their errand and barely
escaped capture. Saturday morning the enemy appeared in increased force, thoroughly
reconnoitered our position, and made every disposition for assault, but the forenoon passed in an
incessant fire with their skirmishers and constant expectation of an attack in force. I think our
thorough readiness and plain purpose to fight it out made him feel we would cost more than our
worth. He drew off at 2 p.m. and at 4 Lieutenant-Colonel Beveridge, Seventeenth Illinois
Cavalry, with 500 men of his command, came to our rescue from General McNeil at Rolla.
Strong cavalry pickets were at once posted on four roads occupied by the enemy north of our
encampment, and were pushed out more than a mile. At midnight, leaving a hundred men to
occupy Harrison and re-enforce the pickets if necessary, and to destroy the few stores left in the
train unissued, I withdrew my command and marched for Rolla. On arriving at Saint James,
twelve miles from Rolla, at noon Sunday, the infantry were sent to that post by railroad. Next
day I turned over my infantry and cavalry, worn out with toil and watching, to General McNeil,
to garrison Rolla, whereupon he marched with his cavalry and that of General Sanborn and my
battery to the defense of Jefferson City. Tuesday I got an escort of forty men and passing in the
rear of the enemy reached Saint Louis with the members of my staff Wednesday night.
Our loss at Pilot Knob was about 200 killed, wounded, and missing, and in the several
engagements on the retreat to Rolla about 150. Of the missing the most were cut off in
detachments and escaped capture, so that our actual loss was about 150 killed and wounded, and
50 captured and paroled. Among our severely wounded were Lieut. Smith Thompson,
Fourteenth Iowa; Lieut. John Fessler, First Infantry Missouri State Militia, and Lieut. John
Braden, Fourteenth Iowa Infantry, since dead; Maj. James Wilson, Third Cavalry Missouri State
Militia, after being wounded was captured on Pilot Knob, and subsequently with six of his
gallant men was brutally murdered by order of a rebel field officer of the day. The rebel loss at
Pilot Knob, killed and wounded, exceeded 1,500, as is shown by the inclosed letter of T. W.
Johnson, surgeon in charge of our hospital there, and also by corroborative testimony gathered
since our reoccupation of the post. In the rebel hospital at Ironton, on the 12th instant, we found
Colonel Thomas, chief of General Fagan's staff, 3 majors, 7 captains, 12 lieutenants, and 204
enlisted men, representing seventeen regiments and four batteries, all dangerously and nearly all
mortally wounded. The rest of the rebel wounded who were not able to follow the army were
sent south by General Price, under escort of Colonel Rains' regiment. As to the loss of the enemy
in the pursuit and at Harrison I have no knowledge.
To the officers commanding the several detachments, to wit, Col. Thomas C. Fletcher, Fortyseventh
Missouri Infantry; Capt. William J. Campbell, Fourteenth Iowa Infantry; Capt. William
C. F. Montgomery, Second Missouri Artillery; Lieut. John Fessler, First Infantry Missouri State
Militia; Capt. Robert L. Lindsay, Fiftieth Missouri Infantry; Capt. A. P. Wright, Second Cavalry
Missouri State Militia, and also to Maj. H. H. Williams, Tenth Kansas; Capt. Charles S. Hills,
Tenth Kansas; Capt. H. B. Milks, Third Cavalry Missouri State Militia; Lieut. David Murphy,
Forty-seventh Missouri Infantry, and Surg. S. D. Carpenter, of my staff, I am indebted for an
intelligent and thorough discharge of duty which contributed largely to our success. Nearly an
hundred citizens of Pilot Knob and Ironton (among whom were General McCormick, Colonel
Lindsay, Captain Leeper, Major Emerson, and other well known gentlemen), organized and
commanded by Capt. P. F. Lonergan, First Infantry Missouri State Militia., fought and worked
well. A colored man named Charles Thurston, organized and commanded a company of negroes,
44
who eagerly bore their share of labor and danger. I owe it to the cherished memory of Major
Wilson, to add in conclusion an honorable mention of his name, not only because of the nerve
and skill with which for two days preceding the assault he embarrassed and delayed the
overwhelming forces of the enemy, but also because of his long and useful service in this district
unblemished by a fault.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOMAS EWING, JR.,
Brigadier-General.
Col. J. V. DU BOIS,
Chief of Staff, Headquarters Dept. of the Missouri.
GENERAL ORDERS No. 189.
HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, Mo., October 6, 1864.
With pride and pleasure the commanding general notices the gallant conduct of Brig. Gen.
Thomas Ewing, jr., and his command, in the defense of Pilot Knob, and in the subsequent retreat
to Rolla. With scarcely 1,000 effective men they repulsed the attacks of Price's invading army,
and successfully retreated with their battery a distance of 100 miles, in the face of a pursuing and
assailing cavalry force of five times their number. Such conduct deserves imitation, particularly
when contrasted with the cowardly conduct of the troops at Osage bridge. The general
commanding presents his hearty thanks and congratulations to Col. Thomas C. Fletcher, Fortyseventh
Missouri Volunteers; Maj. James Wilson, Third Cavalry Missouri State Militia; Capt.
Robert L. Lindsay, Fiftieth Missouri Volunteers; Capt. William J. Campbell, Company K,
Fourteenth Iowa Volunteers; Capt. W. C. F. Montgomery, Second Missouri Artillery; Capt. A. P.
Wright, Second Cavalry Missouri State Militia; Lieut. John Fessler, First Infantry Missouri State
Militia, and the officers and men under their command. They have deserved well of their
country. The general commanding desires also publicly to recognize the courage and efficiency
of Lieut. Col. Amos W. Maupin, Forty-seventh Missouri Volunteers; Maj. H. H. Williams, Tenth
Kansas Volunteers; Capt. Charles S. Hills, Tenth Kansas Volunteers; Capt. H. B. Milks, Third
Cavalry Missouri State Militia; Capt. P. F. Lonergan, First Infantry Missouri State Militia; and
First Lieut. David Murphy, adjutant Forty-seventh Missouri Volunteers. Under such
commanders Federal troops should always march to victory.
By command of Major-General Rosecrans:
FRANK ENO,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
BATTLE OF THE OSAGE; OCTOBER 25, 1864.
Mine Creek, a branch of the Osage, and the Osage at this point, are small streams several
miles apart, both skirted with timber and surrounded by open prairie country. After the affair of
Trading Post, considerable delay and consequent separation of troops had occurred at the
crossing of the Marais des Cygnes. While General Sanborn halted to breakfast his brigade
General Pleasonton led the advance, consisting mainly of Colonels Benteen's and Philips'
brigades, in rapid farther pursuit of the enemy. About three miles from Trading Post the enemy
formed on the north side of Mine Creek and made stubborn resistance. The brigade of Colonel
Philips, composed of Missouri troops, came into line of battle and commenced firing at long
range, his men displaying good discipline and great gallantry. Colonel Ben-teen, whose brigade
comprised Iowa, Indiana, and other troops, came up on the left of this line. Meantime the heavy
roar of cannon induced me to hurry forward my own escort, with two little howitzers and other
45
artillery, at the utmost speed. Colonel Benteen met some of my staff officers on his arrival at the
left, who suggested an immediate cavalry charge. The colonel had already resolved on this
movement, and only waited for the same order to be communicated to Colonel Philips. Major
Weed conveyed the order to Colonel Philips. Colonel Benteen's brigade came into line in a
moment and dashed against the enemy's right, outflanking and surrounding it, gaining position
on and beyond the creek. Colonel Philips also, with his brigade, moved quickly upon the enemy,
so as to surround or overpower a large detachment of them, who immediately surrendered as
prisoners of war (among them were two rebel generals, Marmaduke and Cabell), killing another
(General Graham), and many colonels and other officers, and taking altogether 500 or 600 men.
General Pleasonton, being in command of the advance, had directed the general movement and
took an active part in the field. General Lane, Colonel Blair, Colonel Crawford, Colonel Roberts,
Major Weed, Major McKenny, Major Hunt, and Major Curtis, of my volunteer and regular staff,
and Captain Hinton and others of General Blunt's staff, were also very active in the field on this
occasion, which occupied perhaps thirty minutes.
I directed Colonel Blair, who presented General Marmaduke to me as a prisoner of war, to
turn him over to Lieutenant-Colonel Sears, Eighteenth U.S. Colored Troops, whom I directed to
act as provost-marshal and take charge of the prisoners. I also detailed a regiment of Missouri
troops to take charge of them, soon after informing General Sanborn and General Pleasonton of
the detail. All this transpired as we moved forward, crossing Mine Creek, and while the advance
was still skirmishing with the enemy. The rear brigades were also coming up at full speed and
the enemy again forming on a hill about a mile in front. This point he soon abandoned, and we
halted to form and close up our extended lines. After our rear brigades came near the whole force
advanced with caution in two lines, our skirmishers pressing the enemy beyond the ridge which
divides Mine Creek and Osage. He now formed on the Osage, and the rear of our troops still
being far behind, although I had repeatedly sent orders to hurry them up, I mentioned the matter
to General Pleasonton as somewhat remarkable. He told me General McNeil seemed
insubordinate or neglectful of his orders and did not come forward as directed. His brigade being
in front of General Blunt's division any delay by General McNeil also delayed all the Kansas
troops. I then sent my adjutant, Major Chariot, with a special order, which brought forward the
brigade of General McNeil at the utmost speed of his horses. On reporting to me the general said
his delay was no fault of his, and it was evident General Pleasonton's orders had never reached
him, which caused some misunderstanding. And he further assured me that I would find him
ready to obey all orders as promptly as possible. I directed him to deploy as quick as possible
and take the advance, which he did with great success. I also told him to continue to report to
General Pleasonton, who commanded the division. Before this occurred, the skirmish line
reporting to me as broken down from fatigue, General Sanborn, at my instance, had changed
them by placing Colonel Cloud, of my staff, with some of the Second Kansas Volunteers, on this
duty. Entering fields and forests Colonel Cloud continued the skirmishing to the valley of the
Osage and beyond the stream. Meantime General McNeil, with his brigade, soon broke the lines
of the rebels that had extended for miles on the heights beyond the Osage, and after about an
hour's fighting in corn-fields and timber, where our troops manifested great gallantry in repeated
charges, the enemy again broke in great disorder, scattering arms, utensils, wagons, and all kinds
of equipments over the field. General Blunt's division came up rapidly about the close of this
battle of the Osage and began to deploy, but the flight of the enemy was so rapid I could not get
all the troops in line before it was necessary to resume the march in column. All this conflict
between Mine Creek and Osage, and including the fighting at both streams, occupied some two
hours or more, and as the accompanying map will show you, extended over several miles of
onward march.
46
Being mostly a prairie country the troops of both armies were in full view, and the rapid
onward movement of the whole force presented the most extensive, beautiful, and animated view
of hostile armies I have ever witnessed. Spread over vast prairies, some moving at full speed in
column, some in double lines, and others as skirmishers, groups striving in utmost efforts, and
shifting as occasion required, while the great clouds of living masses moved steadily southward,
presented a picture of prairie scenery such as neither man nor pencil can delineate.
I present extracts from the reports of my comrades who mingled bravely in the great
panorama, showing some of the details of this eventful struggle.
Colonel Blair, now acting on my staff, after detailing his movements at or near Marais des
Cygnes, [says]:
I here fell in with Major Weed, of your staff, and Surgeon Walgamott, and we advanced in
front of the left of our line. On an eminence in rear of where their last line of battle was formed
we came across an abandoned wagon, the first I had seen since the burning ones south of their
camp. Finding a lot of books, letters, and papers of various kinds in the wagon we stopped a few
minutes to make a hasty examination of the contents, and on resuming our forward movement I
observed that the brigade on our right was some distance past us although we were still in
advance of the one on our end of the line. Arriving on the table-land, which forms the summit
level between the Marais des Cygnes and Osage, we again saw the enemy's line, and at this time
it was evident he was in full force, although his whole line was not visible, his right being behind
the brow of a hill which descended into Mine Creek. Meanwhile the gallant brigade on our right
was steadily advancing, with skirmishers well out, though brought to a check, apparently
unsupported, in the face of this overwhelming force. The artillery was playing with great rapidity
and considerable effect. I looked at the enemy's line, close, serried, and vomiting fire; I looked at
the dauntless little brigade which was unflinching and steadfast in its front, and then turned to the
rear, and it seemed a fearful distance to the head of the supporting column. I called Major Weed's
attention to the situation, and he galloped to the rear to hurry forward re-enforcements, as it was
evident here the battle was to be fought and the desperate issue joined on which the fate of the
south tier of Kansas at least depended. Advancing alone to see if possible how far the right
extended behind the cover of the hill, the bursting in the air and the tearing up of the earth soon
satisfied me that they were firing canister at an enemy that they supposed was advancing on their
right and hidden from view by the acclivity immediately in their front. This conviction on their
part, I am satisfied, saved the brigade on our right, as a rapid and vigorous advance at that time
would either have overwhelmed or utterly put it to rout. I moved to the right to get out of the
sweep of the canister and then advanced till their extreme right was developed to view, and then
rode rapidly to the rear with a tolerably full understanding of the situation. Meeting Colonel
Crawford but a short distance back I explained matters to him very hastily, told him they had
commenced canister-firing, and urged him to go back and hurry up the troops, as he was
acquainted with most of the brigade officers of General Pleasonton's division and I had no
acquaintance whatever with any of them. He agreed to do so and again started to the rear. I then
moved off to the brigade on our right, and when I arrived there found it engaged at long range
and halted for our other troops to come up in line. The enemy's artillery was playing on this line
with fearful effect and we had nothing but musketry to reply, but the men were steady and selfpossessed
and perfectly easy under the fire. I don't know how long it was before the other
brigade came up. To me it seemed a long time, and I had ridden from this brigade back toward
the enemy's right once or twice before it came up. When it did come on line the whole command
advanced to short range, and for a time the fire was incessant and terrific. Both lines seemed like
walls of adamant---one could not advance; the other would not recede. The crash of musketry,
the scream of shell, the hissing sound of canister and balls, mingled with the shouts of the
47
soldiers and the cries of the wounded, set off, too, by the walls of fire in front and girdles of steel
behind, which marked both lines, formed a scene more easily remembered than described.
During this terrible conflict I passed along the whole line and met your gallant staff officers
everywhere, counseling, encouraging, exhorting, and commanding, and the tenor of the whole
was " Charge!" It was evident that our only safety was in a successful charge by which we might
capture the guns. At length the movement commenced, slowly at first but increasing in velocity
until it swept on resistless as an avalanche. A rush, a scramble, and all was over. The guns were
captured, the enemy broken and flying to the rear, while our victorious squadrons were in almost
breathless pursuit. So rapidly was this accomplished that when our left pushed forward into a
field on the south side of the ravine the shell from our own artillery was crashing right into their
midst. I was to the right of this, but so close that I could see this result, and also see Captain
Hinton, of General Blunt's staff, in the midst of our victorious line. Pushing rapidly forward I
witnessed the capture of Major-General Marmaduke by Corpl. James Dunlavy, of Company D,
Third Iowa Cavalry. Marmaduke was endeavoring to rally his men and Dunlavy was galloping
toward him, occasionally firing at him. Marmaduke evidently mistook him for one of his own
men and started toward him, reproving him for firing on his friends. At least I so judged from
what I could see and hear, and so the boy afterward told me. The boy stopped and coolly waited
until Marmaduke got within twenty or thirty rods of him, then covered him with his carbine and
ordered him to dismount and surrender or he would fire. Marmaduke dismounted and his horse
galloped off. Seeing that I was an officer the boy proposed to turn him over to me, but I declined
being bothered with a prisoner. General Marmaduke then said: "Sir, you are an officer. I claim
protection at your hands. I am a general officer--General Marmaduke." I then took charge of him
and informed him that I would protect him until delivered to you as a prisoner of war, at which
he seemed very much relieved. The boy then spoke up and said, "Colonel, remember I took him
prisoner; I am James Dunlavy, corporal of Company D, Third Iowa Cavalry." I told the boy (who
was severely wounded in the right forearm, but who still grasped his pistol with vigor and
energy) to come along also, and he should have the honor of being introduced to you as the
captor of Marmaduke. On the way General Marmaduke complained of being dismounted, and
Dunlavy promptly apologized, saying, " If I had known you were a general officer I should have
allowed you to remain on horseback." Marmaduke then informed me that he was very faint and
weak and could not walk much farther. Meeting a soldier with a led horse I took charge of him
and mounted my prisoner. Soon after this I met Major McKenny, of your staff, and proffered to
turn the prisoner over to him, but he was too intent on getting to the front to be troubled with
him. On my way back I saw one or two general officers, but preferred delivering my prisoner to
the commanding general of the Army of the Border, and you will remember that I accordingly
placed him in your own hands, at the same time introducing his captor, giving his full name,
company, and regiment. This is the true, unvarnished story of the capture of Marmaduke, about
which there has been so much misrepresentation in the newspapers.
Having rid myself of this responsibility, I again hurried to the front. When I overtook the
advance I found it halted at the foot of the precipitous mounds descending into the Osage Valley.
Leaving Colonel Cloud, of your staff, here, Captain Hinton and myself pushed forward on to the
skirmish line, away in the advance, almost as far as we could see over the smooth prairie, and on
arriving there we could plainly see the rebel column moving straight in the direction of Fort
Scott. At the same time a smaller column was effecting a junction with it and came from a point
to our right higher up the Osage, and which was most probably the force engaged by Colonel
Moonlight near Fort Lincoln. The column in our front moved off and disappeared from sight,
while our own line still remained stationary in our rear. I picked up an orderly from the skirmish
line, who belonged to the Second Kansas Cavalry, and sent him back with a message to Colonel
48
Cloud, requesting him to get General Pleasonton to move forward, as I feared for Fort Scott, and
at the same time got a citizen who had come forward with us to make a detour to the right and try
to reach Fort Scott with a verbal message for the commanding officer to hold out to the last if the
enemy struck him, as we were immediately upon his rear. Minutes passed and still our line did
not move. I grew impatient and sent another man of the Second Kansas with a second message to
Colonel Cloud, requesting him to see you and tall you that the enemy was moving in a direct line
toward Fort Scott, and that to save it something must be done immediately. I feared that some
one unacquainted with the topography of the country had led you to believe that the enemy was
diverging to the east, as I knew at that time he was not. At length my suspense was ended, and
the line began to move, and from this on there was no unnecessary delay. Simultaneously the
skirmish line also advanced. I waited until General Pleasonton came up (he being with the
advance), explained to him the topography of the country, the direction the enemy had taken, my
fears for Fort Scott, its situation, amount of stores, &c., and then hurried forward again to the
skirmish line.
It is proper to say here that the delay at the mound spoken of and subsequently on the summit
was only sufficient for General McNeil's brigade to come up and take the advance, which
seemed absolutely necessary to relieve the weary troops that had before acted in front. Fort Scott
was Colonel Blair's home and his regular post, and a few moments seemed to him a long period,
besides Colonel Cloud was then in the advance by my orders, leading the skirmishers, and could
not have received Colonel Blair's reports.
The movement was then rapid and continuous till the skirmish line was checked near the
verge of the Osage timber. The woods seemed alive with rebel soldiers but in rapid motion. The
skirmishers kept up occasional firing at them until the advance brigade came up and we all
charged rapidly down into the timber, but the enemy disappeared before our arrival. Colonel
Cloud was in the charge, with about sixty veterans of the Second Kansas Cavalry. He halted in
the timber to rest his horses for a few minutes and I passed on with the advance brigade, which I
think was Brigadier-General McNeil's. At all events it was commanded by a general officer. We
followed down the stream some distance, crossed at the ford, and just as we were emerging from
the timber on the south side the head of the column was fired on by the enemy's skirmishers. We
soon dislodged them, however, and pushed on toward a corn-field on the left of the road. The
head of the column was here checked by a heavy fire from the field, and it was evident another
battle was to be fought. Accordingly the general (McNeil) formed his brigade in close column of
companies, and made them a little speech while forming to the effect that it made no difference
whether there was 1,000 or 10,000 men in that field, he wanted them to ride right over them. The
men responded with a yell, the dismounted skirmishers tore down the fence in the face of a
galling fire, and the column swept through it like a tornado. In the rear of the corn-field another
line was formed on the prairie, the right resting on a skirt of timber fringing a small stream, while
the advance of the brigade, rapidly deploying into line, charged and broke them at the first onset.
A third line of battle was formed still farther to the rear, in a low basin, where there had been an
evident intention to encamp, which was surrounded by a semicircle of hills, where they held us at
bay under a severe fire for about twenty minutes or more, and until the whole brigade formed in
line and charged. Before this impetuous charge they were again broken, and as I passed through
their temporary halting place there was abundant evidence of the haste they were in, in the
broken wagons, dismounted forges, fragmentary mess-chests, and smashed crockery with which
the ground was strewn. The chase this time continued about a mile to the top of the hill south of
the valley of the Osage, and on getting view of the enemy from the summit of the hill I was
gratified to observe that he was bearing very palpably to the east, them giving me my first
reasonable hope that Fort Scott might be spared. I noticed, too, with increased satisfaction, that
49
we were at least a mile east of the wire road and that for the first time the enemy's direction was
turned from this place. Satisfied that I could render no further service, I determined to come
directly here (Fort Scott) to see to a certainty whether the post which was my special care was
safe or not, and to satisfy those cravings of hunger which, though persistently ignored for three
days and nights, would still, despite of resolutions, occasionally become clamorous.
I refrain from adding the glowing compliments properly bestowed on others of my staff by
Colonel Blair, although he and they deserve all he has written, for undoubtedly much of the
success of this day's operations is due to their unceasing and extraordinary efforts.
Col. W. F. Cloud, acting on my staff, with a small detachment of his own regiment (Second
Kansas), reports these battles as follows:
Accompanied by a small detachment of Kansas Cavalry (the Second), commanded by
Sergeant Peck, I moved forward in the space between our extreme right and the left, giving such
orders and encouragement to our forces as seemed necessary. In this order we came to a rebel
battery, the men of which had ceased to fight from fear, at which a rebel colonel (Jeffers)
surrendered to me, claiming protection for himself and men. Giving such directions as seemed
proper for guarding the prisoners, I moved to another part of the field, assisting in arresting
prisoners and securing several pieces of artillery abandoned by the rebels in their retreat through
the brush and creek. Seeing General Pleasonton upon the field near to a section of artillery, I
moved forward and reported facts as directed, and then observing that he was directing the fire of
our artillery upon a detachment of our own troops I so informed him, but was rebuked. Still
persisting in my statements, I had them confirmed by an officer from the detachment under fire,
whose assurances were united with my own and prevailed upon the general to give the order to
cease firing, saying at the same time, "You should carry your colors upon the battle-field." At the
order of General Sanborn the Second Kansas Cavalry was moved forward as skirmishers, some
mounted, some dismounted, and drove the enemy out of the woods and across the river. Here the
enemy had another line formed, and our troops were ordered forward, the Second Kansas
remaining in its position on the right, and in this order, pressing forward, we reached from right
to left in the form of a crescent, which placed us in the advance of the center. When the rebels
retreated from our steadily advancing army, my command had the advance from the
advantageous formation of the ground, and leading in this manner pursued the enemy for the
distance of three miles in a continuous charge until compelled to halt from sheer exhaustion of
the horses, many of them falling under their riders.
Colonel Cloud was very active during the campaign, and his immediate connection with the
capture of Colonel Jeffers and the battery of rebel guns at Mine Creek and leading the
skirmishers at the Osage, are distinguished achievements which ought to secure his promotion.
Major Weed, of my staff, additional aide-de-camp and commissary of musters of my
department, also participated in this day's fight, and reports his detached services as follows:
I remained with the major-general commanding until Philips' brigade had crossed the stream
at Trading Post, when I was ordered over with a message to General Pleasonton, and after
delivering it proceeded to the front with Colonel Blair and Maj. R. H. Hunt. Three miles south of
Trading Post, with Mine Creek in their rear, we found the entire fighting force of the enemy
(Shelby's division excepted) drawn up in line of battle. As only one brigade of our own troops
had come up, I rode a short distance back on a road running parallel with and to the left of the
one on which Philips' brigade had marched, and very soon met Lieutenant-Colonel Benteen at
the head of his brigade, and informed him of the position of the enemy. He pushed rapidly
forward, and on coming in sight of the rebel line at once formed his brigade for a charge. I then
started to return to the troops already on the field, to urge upon the commanding officer a charge
at the same moment with that of Benteen. Before reaching the command, however, I was
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accosted by an officer who pointed to the right center regiment of Philips' brigade, and asked me
to take that regiment into action, and to tell the men their colonel would soon be with them. He
then rode off at a rapid pace in a northwesterly direction, probably on some urgent mission. I at
once rode to the head of the regiment indicated, gave the message to all the officers, and to
lessen as much as possible the depressing effect of the commanding officer's absence upon the
men, charged with and in advance of them. As they came near enough to the enemy's line to
open fire I crossed their front and took position in the line on the right, where, in conjunction
with Maj. R. H. Hunt, I did what I could to encourage and urge it forward. After the enemy's line
had been broken and his whole force put to flight, I rode to the left of our line and assisted in
gathering together and sending to the rear a large number of prisoners who had been captured
with the artillery taken by Benteen's brigade. While engaged in this duty I heard of the capture of
General Marmaduke, and some twenty minutes later, meeting General Pleasonton, who was just
coming to the field, I informed him of the fact also telling him that Marmaduke had already been
sent to the rear. I then, at his request, took several squads of our men who had been separated
from their commands during the charge and proceeded to pick up prisoners, who were scattered
over every part of the battle-ground, some under guard and many making their way to the rear
without guards and no guides except their own fears. After having performed this duty, I
reported to the commanding general (who had already crossed Mine Creek) and was directed to
proceed to the rear and urge forward the division of Major-General Blunt and the brigade of
General McNeil with all possible speed. These troops had been delayed by the breaking down of
some transportation wagons at the most difficult point of crossing, and some time elapsed before
the road could be opened. I returned to the front with General McNeil and Major Chariot, and on
arriving there reported to and remained with the commanding general until nearly sundown.
Maj. S. S. Curtis, Second Colorado, and an aide-de-camp on my staff, after the close of the
fight at the Marais des Cygnes, went forward with General Pleasonton, and reports as follows
concerning matters at the battle of Osage:
I overtook General Pleasonton and rode with him for some distance. When about three miles
from Marais des Cygnes we commenced to hear firing at the front, and General Pleasonton sent
orders back for McNeil and Sanborn to hurry forward with all practicable dispatch, while we
pushed forward at a trot and canter. When we first heard the firing Benteen's brigade was on a
parallel road to the one we were on and to our right. He immediately put his command on the
gallop and we fell to the rear of his column, as the roads soon came together. Benteen's brigade
broke into regimental columns as they approached the battle-field, and as they came up on the
left of Philips' brigade went forward into line and right on into the charge. The enemy was
cannonading Philips' brigade when we came into sight, but the musketry firing had nearly
ceased. General. Pleasont requested me to take his escort company and support a section of a
battery which just then came up. General Pleasonton went forward, and I directed the lieutenant
to post his guns on a small elevation and shell the enemy's right where the artillery was posted.
But two shots were fired when I heard the yells raised by Benteen's brigade and saw the enemy's
line breaking. I immediately ordered the guns forward to a better position, and had just got them
in position when General Sanborn rode up and directed the lieutenant to fire upon some troops
on the south side of Mine Creek, and on our extreme left. I felt doubtful as to whether they were
rebels or our own troops, but a second thought made me conclude they were rebels. Four shots
were fired at them when I saw by their falling back to our lines that they must be our own men. I
rode forward to the guns to stop their firing, when Generals Sanborn and Pleasonton both rode
up and ordered them to cease. At this time the enemy's cannonading on our right had not yet
ceased. The enemy by this time being in full retreat, with the exception of their extreme left,
which could scarcely be reached with artillery from where we were without danger to our
51
command, and directly in front of us, our troops were immediately on the heels of the retreating
rebels. I told the lieutenant in charge of the guns to follow as fast as he could, while I, with the
escort company, pushed forward to rejoin General Pleasonton. A short distance before reaching
the creek I found Major Weed, who told me of the capture of General Marmaduke. I pushed on
and told General Pleasonton, and just as I did so General Cabell was brought up a prisoner. At
this time we could see a second rebel line forming on top of the hill ahead of us, and our troops
being scattered in pursuit General Pleasonton sent orders for them to halt and reform. I assisted
in reforming the line and sending prisoners to the rear until General Pleasonton again ordered an
advance, when I advanced with him. I waited on the hill until General Curtis came up and rode
with him to the banks of the next stream, when I rode up to the summit of the hill to the right of
the road to obtain, if possible, a view of the charge being made by McNeil's brigade, which had
taken the advance through the timber on Little Osage.
General Pleasonton, as commander of the advance division, acted with great coolness and
propriety throughout this battle of the Osage, and if our battery fired on a portion of Colonel
Benteen's troops after they crossed the creek my son, Major Curtis, clearly exonerates General
Pleasonton from directing the matter, which was one of those incidents of battle which often
occur. Colonel Benteen and his brigade evidently took the lead in the movement which captured
the prisoners and guns at Mine Creek and deserves the greatest applause for personal gallantry.
Brigadier-General McNeil concluded the matter on the height beyond the Osage with great
success and courage. Nearly all these troops being of General Pleasonton's division and under his
general supervision, he also deserves the gratitude of the country. General Blunt's division,
crowding forward and augmenting the power and force which overcame the enemy, is equally
deserving of the honors of the day. We were everywhere successful, and the following officers of
my staff, although some of them have been already named, deserve special commendation for
their unceasing toil and extraordinary gallantry at this battle of the Osage: Hon. J. H. Lane, Col.
C. W. Blair, Col. W. F. Cloud, Col. S. J. Crawford, Maj. T. I. McKenny, Maj. C. S. Chariot, Maj.
R. H. Hunt, and Maj. S. S. Curtis. Captain Hinton, and others of General Blunt's staff, also took
an active part. The reports of Major McKenny and Major Hunt are especially interesting, but the
extracts here made seem to cover the entire field and facts, and I refer to theirs and others here
submitted as well deserving of general perpetuity.
General Sanborn commanded the district about Fort Scott and Newtonia where Price's forces
were foraging and burning and murdering, and if not driven out would also have returned on my
department with his marauding bands of guerrillas, bushwhackers, and "deserters," which I
desired to have as far from my lines as Texas. Having now promulgated your order so as to bring
the forces back to the pursuit, immediately returned to Newtonia, and on the next day, October
31, I moved toward Cassville as far as Gadfly, where I ascertained that Price had moved with his
main force toward Pineville and resumed his position on what is known as the State Line road. I
therefore turned due south and camped near Keetsville, making short marches to allow my
expected re-enforcements to come up. On the morning of November 1 Lieutenant Colonel
Benteen joined me at the ruins of Keetsville with his brigade, about 1,800 strong. This force was
composed of portions of the Tenth Missouri, Third and Fourth Iowa Cavalry, and some Indiana
cavalry, all veteran volunteers, many of whom had served with me in my campaign of 1862
through this same country and shared in the glory of our struggles at Keetsville, Cross Timbers,
Sugar Creek, and Pea Ridge. This brigade was the best equipped, disciplined, and commanded
force in the field, and I now had about 3,000 men with sufficient artillery also so arranged by
doubling teams as to move with the usual speed of cavalry forces. I moved forward and camped
near Pea Ridge, Ark., where, as I telegraphed you, I expected McNeil would overtake me. This
52
force not arriving I remained the 2d, during which period I received a re-enforcement of fifty
men from Cassville, forwarded by Major Melton, who commanded the post. I also ascertained
that my couriers sent to Generals McNeil and Sanborn did not overtake them till they were near
Springfield, and being near they had gone to get supplies, &c. Still I hoped they would overtake
me, but determined to proceed and press the foe with my 3,000 against their boasted 30,000. I
sent prisoners taken on the road to General Rosecrans with the following note:
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE BORDER,
In the Field, Camp near Pea Ridge, Ark., November 2, 1864.
Major-General ROSECRANS:
Understanding that you have ordered most of your prisoners to Saint Louis, I send you those
taken since. I have waited the return of some more of your troops for the pursuit of Price, but
will proceed cautiously with what I have, hoping to deter the enemy from besieging taking the
posts in Western Arkansas and to rid the country of Price's desperate hordes.
I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant,
S. R. CURTIS,
Major-General
ENGINEER DEPARTMENT,
Fort Leavenworth, November 10, 1864.
COLONEL: In obedience to your request, I have the honor to submit a statement of different
conversations held with Major-General Rosecrans and officers of his staff, October 26 and 27,
1864.
In obedience to an order of Major-General Curtis, a copy of which is hereunto annexed,
under date of 21st of October, 1864, I left the line of Big Blue at midnight and proceeded to
Kansas City with my assistants and immediately called out the citizens and militia to work upon
the lines of fortification there. The battle of Westport commenced at daylight of Sunday, October
23, and the enemy commenced his retreat at about 12 m. of this date. I should here state that on
Saturday night at 12 o'clock, in a conversation with General Curtis I understood him to say that
he had no precise knowledge as to where Major-Generals Rosecrans and Pleasonton were, and
in his general conversation and directions to me appeared to depend entirely on his own force to
keep the enemy in check. I at this time proposed to Major-General Curtis to take a small steam
ferry-boat lying at the levee, Kansas City and run down the Missouri River until 1 could hear
from or see some of the forces of Major-General Rosecrans and carry such dispatches and
information as to our situation from General Curtis to General Rosecrans as might be proper. At
first General Curtis approved the plan, but finally gave it up as being too hazardous, not knowing
where to find, or rather not having any information as to where General Rosecrans could be
found. I did not know that our forces had the best of the fighting until Sunday night at dark,
when ascertaining that Price's forces had retreated and were being closely pressed by Generals
Curtis, Blunt, and Pleasonton, I began to collect my tools from the trenches and prepare to follow
on and catch up with the advance of our troops. My duty in collecting the Government property,
for which I was accountable, kept me in Kansas City until Monday morning, October 24. at 10
o'clock, at which time I took the road with my assistants, and, accompanied by Colonel
Ellithorpe, editor of Leavenworth Conservative, we reached Little Santa Fe the same day at
about 2 o'clock; distance, nineteen miles south of Kansas City. Here, as I was entering the town
from the north, I met the advance guard of Major-General Rosecrans entering the town from the
east or northeast, coming from the direction of Hickman Mills, General Rosecrans in person
being some two miles in the rear of his advance. I halted until the general came up, and after
seeing him for a few minutes he informed me that he should encamp there for the night, as he
53
informed me his maxim was " to camp early and start early." He at the same time pressed me to
remain with him until such time as we should catch the column of General Curtis, stating that he
was anxious to push on before daylight and should undoubtedly catch General Curtis before the
next night (Tuesday); that he earnestly desired to see me after he had his supper to obtain such
information as I was possessed of as to the movement of both forces from Lexington to the
present time. A few moments after, Captain Hoeleke, engineer officer on the staff of General
Rosecrans, came to me to procure maps of the country between Fort Scott and our present
position, stating that the general desired to have him (Captain H.) make copies of the maps at
once as General Rosecrans had no maps or guides for that section of country. I very cheerfully
gave him full maps of the country and all the information I was possessed of. At about 7 o'clock
that evening I was told by an officer that General Rosecrans desired to see me. I went
immediately to his quarters and found him at supper. I waited until he came out, when he desired
me to give him a free statement of what General Curtis had been doing. I did so as nearly and
correctly as I could. After finishing my statements the general turned around to his chief of staff
(Colonel Du Bois, I think, was his name, although I was not introduced to any of General
Rosecrans' staff) and said to the colonel:
Old Curtis appears to be trying to drive Price right back into Missouri.
The colonel's reply was:
Yes; he is getting things beautifully muddled up.
I said to the general:
General, you do not suppose that General Curtis would open a clear road for Price to go
straight through Kansas?
General R. turned quickly toward me and said:
But you know nothing about it.
One of the officers, I think Colonel Du Bois, said General Curtis was a "regular old muddlehead."
Captain Hoelcke made the remark that--
The old general was not what he used to be when he knew him; he was getting old and
childish.
There appeared to be a general feeling between all the staff officers of General Rosecrans
against General Curtis. During the interview, General Rosecrans turned to me and said:
My dear sir, I have had the greatest difficulty in getting General Curtis to believe that Price
was in Missouri at all. I have sent him dispatch after dispatch, telegram after telegram, to the
effect that Price, with his whole army, was in Missouri, and that he must be on the lookout for
him, as it was Price's intention to go to Kansas. In answer, I received from General Curtis a
dispatch that the idea of Price, with 3,000 men being in the State of Missouri, was monstrous.
General Rosecrans then turned to Colonel Du Bois and said:
And now, colonel, I guess the old man finds that Price is no fiction ; that he is a reality, eh?
The colonel replied:
I should think he did.
Again General Rosecrans said to me:
I have been over persuaded by that man (having reference to Major-General Curtis) against
my own military judgment to send all my troops via Kansas City. It was my wish to send them
farther south, but the constant cry of Kansas City, Kansas City, induced me to order my troops
there, with the beautiful result of losing the whole thing. Hereafter when I listen to another man
and take his advice I shall be a bigger fool than he is.
Again:
I understand, sir, that Jim Lane is running this border ruffian institution, and actually in
command of the whole machine.
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I told General Rosecrans that General Lane was certainly at the front and doing his duty as a
common soldier as were many other Kansas men, but as to his having command of any portion
of the troops it was not so. General R. said:
Oh, yes, I understand the whole thing, sir, much better than you possibly can do; I understand
and know Jim Lane thoroughly.
A moment after he said to me:
Lieutenant, you are not as much of a Fremont man as when you were on his staff.
I told him I was not. Shortly afterward I went to my own quarters. The column took up the
line of march next morning at 7 o'clock, marched until 12 m., making about twenty miles, when
a halt was ordered for an hour. I then asked the general what time he intended to camp. His reply
was, "Very soon." I ventured to reply that such marching would not catch General Curtis. His
reply was:
My dear sir, when you get to be a general remember to start early and camp early, and when
you do find your enemy you will be able to fight him with fresh men and fresh horses. You will
see that I will have to finish this thing up yet with my infantry--slow but sure. I have the finest
body of infantry in the world, and I shall catch Price with them after all the cavalry are used up.
Such racing cannot last over forty-eight hours longer, and then comes my turn.
About 1.30 the column took up the line of march again, and at 3 p.m. halted for camp.
Finding that if I continued with General Rosecrans my chance of ever rejoining my own
command was exceedingly poor I decided upon pushing on and letting General Rosecrans come
up with his infantry in his own way. Calling my men together I started on. General Rosecrans
was sitting on a log at the side of the road, and asked me where I was going. I told him my place
was with my command, and I thought I would not be able to reach it if I remained with him. He
jumped up from the stump or log and in a very angry manner said, "Go on, then." There I left
him, nor saw nor heard of him afterward. Some five miles farther on my road south I saw coming
from the northeast a column of cavalry approaching the road I was then on, moving south. Upon
looking at them through my glass I saw a large white flag flying from a lance staff. We waited
for them to come up, when I had a conversation with the officer in command. It proved to be a
company of the Third Iowa Cavalry, under command of a first lieutenant, carrying a flag of
truce, and from forty to fifty prisoners of war, captured at or near Lexington. The lieutenant
informed me he carried orders from General Rosecrans to take these prisoners into the lines of
Price. I informed him that General Rosecrans was only about five miles back, camped, at which
he seemed much surprised, and dismounting his men and prisoners, rode back to see General
Rosecrans and get further orders. I marched on, leaving the command and prisoners dismounted
on the road. The circumstance at the time struck me as very strange that prisoners should be sent
into Price's lines under a flag of truce upon the field of battle.
This, colonel, is a full and correct statement of affairs and conversations held with General
Rosecrans. I could not fail to see plainly that a bitter feeling existed between General Rosecrans
and his staff toward General Curtis. His actions were spoken of in a very sneering manner; that
every move made by General Curtis was made wrong and in a "bungling manner," or, in the
language of Colonel Du Bois, "beautifully muddled up." My first impression was (after
ascertaining that General Rosecrans was hostile in feeling toward General Curtis) to leave
General Rosecrans at once, but I deemed it my duty to ascertain, as nearly as possible, what the
precise difficulty was, so that if disaster should befall General Curtis through any lack of cooperation
on the part of General Rosecrans I might, perhaps, be able in part to account for such
lack. After mature deliberation, coupled with such information as I could glean from casual
remarks from different officers connected apparently closely with General Rosecrans, it is my
firm conviction that the plan of General Rosecrans was to have Price whip the few raw,
55
undisciplined troops of General Curtis and then crush Price himself (which it strikes me he could
have done at any time after Price had entered Missouri), carrying off the palm of victory himself
at the fearful cost of sacrificing the whole Kansas frontier.
It is a fearful thing to accuse a man, hitherto honored and respected as Major-General
Rosecrans has been and is now, of being a traitor to his flag; yet his lack of co-operation, his
tardy pursuit, cast a black shadow upon all his former services, and true, loyal men will see only
a desire on his part to hand the State of Missouri over to our enemy without a blow being struck
for its defense. I was informed by an officer at Fort Scott that Major-General Smith,
commanding the infantry force, had repeatedly urged upon General Pleasonton the necessity of
attacking Price and bringing him to bay, so as to allow General Smith to get up with his infantry
and artillery force and bring on a general engagement. This General Pleasonton neglected to
obey, and finally a fifth order was sent to General Pleasonton to the effect that if General
Pleasonton did not attack Price at once he (General Smith) would be obliged to send General
Pleasonton to the rear. If, colonel, this is the case (and the orders of General Smith can be readily
obtained) there has been a criminal neglect upon the part of General Rosecrans and General
Pleasonton to attack and defeat Price.
I am, colonel, your obedient servant,
GEO. T. ROBINSON,
Lieutenant and Chief Engineer, Department of Kansas.
Lieutenant-Colonel STARK,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of Kans., Leavenworth, Kans.
HDQRS. SUB-DISTRICT No. 2, SOUTH KANSAS,
Fort Scott, Kans., January 1, 1865.
SIR: As volunteer aide-de-camp on your staff, I have the honor to transmit herewith,
according to your direction, a brief report of events of the 25th of October last, all of which I saw
and part of which I was.
On the march of the night before from West Point down, my brigade occupied the rear of the
column, and when the column halted, and no word was sent to the rear to bivouac, I supposed
that the advance had come to the timber of the Marais des Cygnes, and was clearing the
obstructions which all thought the enemy would create to oppose our forward movement.
Accordingly, we waited patiently, standing by our horses' heads, without fire, food, or forage.
Toward morning, becoming chilled by the rain and cold night air, I mounted my horse, and,
accompanied by an orderly, rode forward in search of fire. About midway up the column I found
a fire, and had scarcely succeeded in warming any benumbed limbs when the sound of artillery
called my attention to the front. I immediately started forward, and as soon as it was light enough
to distinguish objects, I saw by the broken and slippery condition of the roads that it was
impossible for the rear to get over the river till a late hour in the morning, and, sending my
orderly back with directions to Lieutenant Beam, my assistant adjutant-general, to keep the
brigade closed up to the main column, I hurried to the front to see if I could be of any service in
some other capacity. At the same time, if a general battle was imminent in which all our troops
would be engaged, I would have the advantage of observing the ground before the arrival of my
force, and be ready to take command of them in action. Ascending the high mound overlooking
the stream, I saw the skirmish line about midway from its base to the timber pushing steadily to
the front. I immediately started forward to overtake them, having been joined in the meantime by
Sergeant-Major Rebstein, of my brigade, and just as I entered the timber I was met by Maj. R. H.
Hunt, chief of artillery on your staff, who announced that there was neither enemy nor
obstructions on the north bank of the river. Pushing forward, I joined the skirmishers just as they
56
received the fire of the enemy's skirmish line on the south bank. The skirmish line here waited
till the advance regiment came up, which, I think, was the First [Second?] Arkansas Cavalry.
With it came also Col. S. J. Crawford, of your volunteer staff, and Capt. R. J. Hinton, aide-decamp,
serving on the staff of Major-General Blunt. On crossing the river we found, to our
surprise, no obstructions, save two trees which had been felled in the road, and which were
rapidly removed by the advancing troops.
Emerging from the timber, I observed a body of men about half a mile distant on our left
flank, drawn up in line in front of a farm fence. Some discussion arose as to whether this was the
enemy or a portion of our own troops who might have crossed below the main ford. I informed
the officer who seemed to be in command that I was satisfied there was no ford so close below
the main one, and called his attention to the further fact that the line displayed no guidons--a sure
sign in my estimation that they were the enemy. The question was settled by the charge being
sounded, and, half way to the enemy's line, we flushed his skirmishers, concealed in the high
grass, under the brow of a gentle declivity, who fired a hasty volley and retreated on the main
line, which moved off by the left flank at full speed, our flying squadrons in rapid pursuit. This
line of battle was formed facing the west, and about one mile and a half farther on another line
was formed facing the north, strengthened by two rifled guns and one small smooth-bore, the
right of the line resting on a skirt of timber which ran up a small ravine from the main river, and
the left on a knoll, on the summit of which was a log cabin. Here the artillery played pretty
fiercely, but they fired mostly with solid shot, seeming to reserve their shell as if it were scarce,
although the screaming of the shell through the air was by no means unfrequent. At this point
(Colonel Crawford and Captain Hinton still being with me) I sent Sergeant-Major Rebstein back
with instructions to find the officer in charge of the first artillery, and request him to hurry
forward with his guns. Finding that the artillery did not arrive as soon as we hoped, and fearing
the enemy would not stand much longer, we undertook conjointly to bring about a charge in the
hope of capturing the guns. The regiment that had first crossed the river (the Second Arkansas, I
think) advanced gallantly to the charge on our right, but was not promptly supported by the
regiment on our left, which was a Missouri militia regiment, and consequently were compelled to
forego the design. At this time Major Hunt came to the front, and galloped up to the
commanding officer of the Arkansas regiment, and told him that the "general expected him to
capture those guns." "I would have done so five minutes ago, sir, if I had been properly
supported," was the reply. "I will see that you are supported," said the major, and turned off to
bring up the regiment on the left. As it came up on line both regiments charged in gallant style,
other troops coming close on their rear, and the enemy broke to the rear before coming to close
quarters, leaving their small guns on the field, which we took, but the delay enabled them by
rapidly limbering to the rear to save their Parrott guns, which were the prizes we really aimed at.
After a short delay and moving on some distance, we saw another line of battle formed upon
a high eminence, apparently about two miles off, but as we approached it, after firing a few shots
from their rifled guns, they moved off rapidly again to the rear. I here fell in with Major Weed,
of your staff, and Surgeon Walgamott, and we advanced in front of the left of our line. On an
eminence in rear of where their last line of battle was formed, we came across an abandoned
wagon, the first I had seen since the burning ones just south of their camp. Finding a lot of
books, letters, and papers of various kinds in the wagon, we stopped a few minutes to make a
hasty examination of the contents, and on resuming our forward movement I observed that the
brigade on our right was some distance past us, although we were still in the advance of the one
on our end of the line. Arriving on the tableland, which forms the summit level between the
Marais des Cygnes and Osage, we again saw the enemy's line, and this time it was evident he
was in full force, although his whole line was not visible, his right being behind the brow of the
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hill which descended into Mine Creek. Meanwhile the gallant brigade on our right was steadily
advancing, with skirmishers well out, though brought to a check, apparently unsupported, in the
face of this overwhelming force. The artillery was playing with great rapidity and considerable
effect. I looked at the enemy's line, close, serried, and vomiting fire; I looked at the dauntless
little brigade which was unflinching and steadfast in its front, and then turned to the rear, and it
seemed a fearful distance to the head of the supporting column. I called Major Weed's attention
to the situation, and he galloped to the rear to hurry forward re-enforcements, as it was evident
that here the battle was to be fought and the desperate issue joined on which the fate of the south
tier of Kansas, at least, depended.
Advancing alone to see if possible how far their right extended behind the cover of the hill,
the bursting in the air and the tearing up of the earth soon satisfied me that they were firing
canister at an enemy they supposed were advancing on their right and hidden from view by the
acclivity immediately in their front. This conviction on their part, I am satisfied, saved the
brigade on our right, as a rapid and vigorous advance at that time would either have
overwhelmed or utterly put it to rout. I moved to the right to get out of the sweep of the canister
and then advanced till their extreme right was developed to view, and then rode rapidly to the
rear with a tolerably full understanding of the situation. Meeting Colonel Crawford but a short
distance back I explained matters to him very hastily, told him they had commenced canister
firing, and urged him to go back and hurry up the troops, as he was acquainted with most of the
brigade officers of General Pleasonton's division and I had no acquaintance whatever with any of
them. He agreed to do so and again started to the rear. I then moved off to the brigade on our
right, and when I arrived there found it engaged at long range and halted for our other troops to
come up on line. The enemy's artillery was playing on this line with fearful effect and we had
nothing but musketry to reply, but the men were steady and self-possessed and perfectly easy
under the fire. I don't know how long it was before the other brigade came up. To me it seemed a
long time, and I had ridden from this brigade back toward the enemy's right once or twice before
it came up. When it did come on line the whole command advanced to short range, and for a
time the fire was incessant and terrific. Both lines seemed like walls of adamant-- one could not
advance; the other would not recede. The crash of musketry, the scream of shell, the hissing
sound of canister and balls, mingled with the shouts of the soldiers and the cries of the wounded,
set off, too, by the walls of fire in front and girdles of steel behind, which marked both lines,
formed a scene more easily remembered than described. During this terrible conflict I passed
along the whole line and met your gallant staff officers everywhere, counseling, encouraging,
exhorting, and commanding, and the tenor of the whole was "charge!" It was evident that our
only safety was in a successful charge by which we might capture the guns. At length the
movement commenced, slowly at first but increasing in velocity until it swept on resistless as an
avalanche. A rush, a scramble, and all was over. The guns were captured, the enemy broken and
flying to the rear, while our victorious squadrons were in almost breathless pursuit. So rapidly
was this accomplished that when our left pushed forward into a field on the south side of the
ravine the shell from our own artillery was crashing right into their midst. I was to the right of
this, but so close that I could see this result, and also see Captain Hinton, of General Blunt's staff,
in the midst of our victorious line.
Pushing rapidly forward, I witnessed the capture of Major-General Marmaduke by Corpl.
James Dunlavy, of Company D, Third Iowa Cavalry. Marmaduke was endeavoring to rally his
men and Dunlavy was galloping toward him, occasionally firing at him. Marmaduke evidently
mistook him for one of his own men and started toward him, reproving him for firing on his
friends. At least I so judge from what I could see and hear, and so the boy afterward told me. The
boy stopped and coolly waited till Marmaduke got within twenty or thirty yards of him, then
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covered him with his carbine and ordered him to dismount and surrender or he would fire.
Marmaduke dismounted and his horse galloped off. Seeing that I was an officer the boy offered
to turn him over to me, but I declined being burdened with a prisoner. General Marmaduke then
said, "Sir, you are an officer. I claim protection at your hands. I am a general officer--General
Marmaduke." I then took charge of him and informed him that I would protect him until
delivered to you as a prisoner of war, at which he seemed very much relieved. The boy then
spoke up and said, "Colonel, remember I took him prisoner. I am James Dunlavy, corporal of
Company D, Third Iowa Cavalry." I told the boy (who was severely wounded in the right
forearm, but who still grasped his pistol with vigor and energy) to come along also, and he
should have the honor of being introduced to you as the captor of Marmaduke. On the way
General Marmaduke complained of being dismounted, and Dunlavy promptly apologized,
saying, "If I had known you were a general officer I should have allowed you to remain on
horseback." Marmaduke then informed me that he was very faint and weak and could not walk
much farther. Meeting a soldier with a led horse I took charge of him and mounted the prisoner.
Soon after this I met Major McKenny, of your staff, and proffered to turn the prisoner over to
him, but he was too intent on getting to the front to be troubled with him. On my way back I saw
one or two general officers, but preferred delivering my prisoner to the commanding general of
the Army of the Border, and you will remember that I accordingly placed him in your own
hands, at the same time introducing his captor and giving his full name, company, and regiment.
This is the true, unvarnished story of the capture of General Marmaduke, about which there has
been so much misrepresentation in the newspapers. Having rid myself of this responsibility, I
again hurried to the front. When I overtook the advance I found it halted at the foot of the
precipitous mounds descending into the Osage Valley. Leaving Colonel Cloud, of your staff,
here, Captain Hinton and myself pushed forward on to the skirmish line, away in the advance,
almost as far as we could see over the smooth prairie, and on arriving there we could plainly see
the rebel column moving straight in the direction of Fort Scott. At the same time a smaller
column was effecting a junction with it which came from a point to our right higher up the
Osage, and which was most probably the force engaged by Colonel Moonlight near Fort Lincoln.
The column in our front moved off and disappeared from sight, while our own line still
remained stationary in our rear. I picked up an orderly from the skirmish line, who belonged to
the Second Kansas Cavalry, and sent him back to Colonel Cloud with a message requesting him
to try to get General Pleasonton to move forward, as I feared for Fort Scott, and at the same time
got a citizen who had come forward with us to make a detour to the right and try to reach Fort
Scott with a verbal message to the commanding officer to hold out to the last if the enemy struck
him, as we were immediately upon his rear. Minutes passed and still our line did not move. I
grew impatient and sent another man of the Second Kansas with a second message to Colonel
Cloud, requesting him to see you and tell you that the enemy was moving in a direct line toward
Fort Scott, and that to save it something must be done immediately. I feared that some one
unacquainted with the topography of the country had led you to believe that the enemy was
diverging to the east, as I knew at that time he was not. At length my suspense was ended, and
the line began to move, and from this on there was no unnecessary delay. Simultaneously the
skirmish line also advanced. I waited until General Pleasonton came up (he being then with the
advance), explained to him briefly the topography of the country, the direction the enemy had
taken, my fears for Fort Scott, its situation, amount of stores, &c., and then hurried forward again
to the skirmish line. The movement was then rapid and continuous till the skirmish line was
checked near the verge of the Osage timber. The woods seemed alive with rebel soldiers but in
rapid motion. The skirmishers kept up occasional firing at them until the advance brigade came
up and we all charged rapidly down into the timber, but the enemy disappeared before our
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arrival. Colonel Cloud was in this charge, with about sixty veterans of the Second Kansas
Cavalry. He halted in the timber to rest his horses for a few minutes and I pushed on with the
advance brigade, which I think was Brigadier-General McNeil's. At all events it was commanded
by a general officer. We followed down the stream some distance, crossed at the ford, and just as
we were emerging from the timber on the south side the head of the column was fired on by the
enemy's skirmishers. We soon dislodged them, however, and pushed on toward a corn-field to
the left of the road. The head of the column was here checked by a heavy fire from the field, and
it was evident that another battle was to be fought. Accordingly the general formed his brigade in
close column of companies, and made them a little speech while forming to the effect that it
made no difference whether there were 1,000 or 10,000 men on that field, he wanted them to ride
right over them and saber them down as fast as they came to them. The men responded with a
yell, the dismounted skirmishers tore down the fence in the face of a galling fire, and the column
swept through it like a tornado.
In the rear of the corn-field another line was formed on the prairie, the right resting on a skirt
of timber fringing a small stream, which the advance of the brigade, rapidly deploying into line,
charged and broke at the first onset. A third line of battle was formed still farther to the rear, in a
low basin, where there had been an evident intention to encamp, and which was surrounded by a
semi-circle of hills, where they held us at bay under a severe fire for about twenty minutes or
more, and until the whole brigade formed in line and charged. Before this impetuous charge they
were again broken, and as I passed through their temporary halting place there was abundant
evidence of the haste they were in, in the broken wagons, dismantled forges, fragmentary mess
chests, and smashed crockery with which the ground was strewn. The chase this time lasted
about a mile to the top of the hill south of the valley of the Osage, and on getting view of the
enemy again from the summit of this hill, I was gratified to observe that he was bearing very
palpably to the east, thus giving me my first reasonable hope that Fort Scott might be spared. I
noticed, too, with increased satisfaction, that we were at least a mile east of the wire road and
that for the first time the enemy's direction was turned from this place. Satisfied that I could
render no further service, I determined to come directly here to see to a certainty whether the
post, which was my especial care, was safe or not, and to satisfy those cravings of hunger which,
though persistently ignored for three days and nights, would still, despite of resolutions,
occasionally become clamorous. As I had been a sharer in all the fighting, and a participant in
every charge heretofore during the day, I determined to get a good position and look at one from
a sate distance, as I saw the enemy had formed two lines of battle a mile or more to our front.
Accordingly, I secured the highest spot of ground in the vicinity, took out my field-glass, unused
in all the previous events of the day, and deliberately watched the operations. Major-General
Pleasonton directed this attack in person, assisted by Major McKenny, who, as usual, was in the
front. Of the perils or particulars I cannot speak, but of the results I can say that both lines broke
and fled before our forces got even within respectable distance. I then turned the head of my
"gallant gray" homeward, and never drew rein till I struck our picket post three miles from town,
where some forty of our citizens, with Col. Perry Fuller at their head, were impatiently expecting
news from the triumphant Army of the Border.
I cannot close this report without saying that I met the gallant officers of your staff
everywhere during the stirring events of the day, and found them always active, energetic, and
devoted. Major McKenny, in especial, seemed to be almost ubiquitous; wherever I went and
whichever way I turned I was sure to meet him, and he was always to be found where the fire
was the deadliest and the battle raged the fiercest.
I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHAS. W. BLAIR,
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Colonel Fourteenth Kansas Cavalry.
Maj. Gen. S. R. CURTIS,
Comdg. Department of Kansas, Fort Leavenworth, Kans.
HDQRS. EIGHTH MIL. DIST., ENROLLED MO. MILITIA,
Mexico, September 12, 1864.
GENERAL: I have the honor to report that I left this place on the 6th instant with 200 men of
the First Iowa Cavalry, and divided them into three squads; marched in the direction of Boone
County; camped the first night fifteen miles in the edge of Boone County. Next morning divided
my men again. Soon came upon a small rebel camp of about twenty-five men; routed them, they
running in every direction. Camped that night at Columbia. Started out next morning early;
traveled north some ten miles in two columns, thoroughly scouring the brush between my two
columns, and right and left. Found Captain Todd with fifty men; had a skirmish with him,
wounding some 4 or 5 of his men, killed 1 horse, captured l, and some 14 guns (completely
breaking up his command for the time being). I then turned west, went into Howard County.
Camped for the night on the Moniteau Creek; sent that night to Fayette for Major Leonard to
meet me that night; but he did not arrive until the next morning. On his arrival I learned for the
first time that you had ordered troops to Glasgow, and not knowing the intention of the move, I
determined to move the First Iowa Cavalry back in the Perche Hills. Ordered Major Leonard,
after scouring the country around Rocheport (which was done in conjunction with the Iowa
Cavalry), to move north and east of Fayette, thence west, and open communication with troops
from Glasgow. I wrote you of my intended move, but learned on my arrival at headquarters last
night (from Major Evans) that you had not received my letter. I was in the saddle constantly for
six days, and the only regret that I have is that my scout was not more successful in killing these
bands in place of routing them. Nothing will dispirit these marauders so much as surprising and
cutting them to pieces. This must be done, and I am again ready to take the field for that purpose.
I was exceedingly anxious to find Bill Anderson, and let some small bodies pass almost
unnoticed, with a view of finding him. He was in the neighborhood of Rocheport, but the most of
his men were divided out with other commands. The number of men in bodies of from twenty to
eighty in Boone County number about 200. Other small bodies would swell the number to, say,
300 men. This does not include Holtzclaw, who, I learn, was in Howard County, or Frank Davis'
band, and divers other bands in the surrounding counties.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. B. DOUGLASS,
Brigadier-General.
Brig. Gen. CLINTON B. FISK,
Saint Joseph, Mo.
SAINT JOSEPH, September 11, 1864.
The detachment sent out from Glasgow yesterday under Major King, Sixth Cavalry, Missouri
State Militia, attacked Holtzclaw's band, numbering sixty, just east of Roanoke, in Howard
County, and gave him a running fight of five miles. Six of the villains were killed, several of
their horses and a large number of shotguns and revolvers were captured. In the chase 2 of our
men were wounded, 1 severely.
The First Iowa are stirring up the bushwhackers in Boone.
CLINTON B. FISK,
Brigadier-General.
Col. O. D. GREENE,
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Asst. Adjt. Gen. and Chief of Staff, Saint Louis.
HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITION FOR RELIEF OF
CAPTAIN FISK'S EMIGRANT TRAIN FOR IDAHO,
Fort Rice, Dak. Ter., October 4, 1864.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report for the information of the general commanding that in
pursuance to instructions from headquarters Northwestern Indian Expedition, dated September
10, 1864, I left this post on the morning of the 11th of September with a command of 850 men,
viz, 550 infantry, 300 cavalry, and one section of artillery, and followed the trail of the
Northwestern Indian Expedition for five days. I then bore to the left, going a very little south of
west, on the trail of the emigrants, seeing but two or three small parties of Indians until the tenth
day out from this post, when we reached the corral of the emigrant train, after marching a
distance of 180 miles. They had fortified themselves, and were in a condition to resist any attack
made by the Indians. The emigrants stated that the Indians had left some days previous to my
arrival at the corral, evidently satisfied that they could not take it, and that no Indians had been
seen since they first left. I think there is no doubt but that the Indians moved forward into the
Bad Lands (which were quite close by), thinking perhaps the train would commence to move
when they disappeared, when they undoubtedly could have captured the whole train, as they
could not have doubled the train up short enough to have protected it with the force they had.
Captain Fisk told me he had been trying to get the emigrants for some days to break the corral
and move forward, but he could not get them to do it. The emigrants told me they never intended
to move one mile forward without a strong escort. They appeared to be fully aware of the danger
of going forward into the Bad Lands. I think Captain Fisk deserves censure at least for trying to
urge the emigrants forward under the circumstances, and knowing as much as he should of the
Indian character. I informed Captain Fisk and the emigrants that I had come to relieve them and
escort such as wished to go back to Fort Rice to that point. Captain Fisk requested me to send
two companies of cavalry to escort him and the train for three or four days, which he claimed
would put him beyond danger, when, as he stated, he could go through without an escort. I of
course refused to grant any such request, knowing the folly and madness of such a move as that.
I informed the emigrants that my command would march at 9 o'clock the next morning for
Fort Rice on its return and that any who wished the protection of the command could have it by
being ready at that time. Captain Fisk made another and a last effort to get the emigrants to go
forward with him without an escort, calling on them to divide and show by that their decision in
the case; at the same time faulting them for what he called backing out. They divided and about
twenty decided to go on with Fisk, the rest to go back with me, saying they would never go
forward without a heavy escort. Fisk declared his determination to go on with the twenty men
and even less, but after sleeping on the matter and finding in the morning that a number of the
twenty men had changed their minds and were going back with my command, he concluded to
return with them. I left the corral at 9 o'clock on the 21st of September with the whole train,
arriving at this post on the afternoon of the 30th without meeting with any Indians and seeing but
one or two small parties. I crossed a number of trails of small parties and one of a large party
apparently going south toward the Black Hills. I also saw fresh tracks and evidences of small
parties on the Cannon Ball River on my return, but saw but one small party of six or seven
Indians on the river. The losses in the command were 1 man, 15 horses, and a few oxen. The
man obtained liquor from some of the emigrants and became intoxicated the morning we left the
corral and supposed to have laid down and [been] left behind. He belonged to the Eighth
Minnesota Volunteers.
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On the sixth morning out from this post at your 50 camp, a small party of Indians charged
through the picket-line just at the break of day, and stampeded about thirty horses, and succeeded
in getting away with fifteen. We were compelled to leave about fifteen or sixteen oxen, they
becoming completely worn out. As before stated I arrived at this place on the afternoon of the
30th and the following day ordered the troops of the command to their several destinations as
directed by you, viz: The detachment of the Second Minnesota Cavalry to Minnesota, via Fort
Wadsworth, escorting such of the emigrants as went that way; and the detachments of Brackett's
battalion, Sixth Iowa, and section of artillery, to Fort Randall and Sioux City, escorting a
Government train of wagons and those of the emigrant's train going that way, which was the
larger majority of the emigrants, but few went across to Minnesota. The detachments of the
Eighth Minnesota Volunteers and Seventh Iowa Cavalry I ordered to report to Lieutenant-
Colonel Pattee, who took boats and left the evening of the 1st instant for Sioux City.
I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
DANL. J. DILL,
Colonel Thirtieth Wisconsin Infantry, Commanding Expedition.
Capt. JOHN H. PELL,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
CAMP KUTZNER, September 17, 1864.
LIEUTENANT: In obedience to Special Orders, No. [4], dated Hannibal, Mo., September
11, 1864, from Col. Ed. A. Kutzner, commanding Thirty-ninth Regiment Infantry, Missouri
Volunteers, I left camp at Hannibal about 7 p.m. of the 11th instant with twenty-five men of my
company on the hunt for a band of guerrillas who were said to be committing depredations in
the neighborhood of Sidney, Ralls County, Mo. After leaving camp, I moved my command out
on the Centreville road in the direction of West Ely, and after having marched eight or ten miles,
I proceeded, in compliance with the provisions of the above-mentioned order, to mount my men
upon the horses of disloyal owners. When within a mile or two of West Ely I detached a
sergeant, with four men, to enter town by a roundabout road in an opposite direction from that in
which I was moving, with instructions to stop at the house of one Doctor Hays, in the edge of
town, and get one of his horses. Upon reaching the house, the sergeant sent the men into a
pasture to catch the horse, himself remaining mounted to patrol the road. While so doing two
men sprang from behind the cover of a fence and commanded him to halt, at the same time
cocking their guns. Instead of complying the sergeant drew down his piece to fire on them, but
his horse shying and his saddle turning, he was thrown to the ground, and as he fell the guerrillas
jumped the fence and ran to the brush. About this time our men in the pasture discovered a squad
of eight or ten men riding up an adjoining lane, who, as the word "halt" was given, wheeled their
horses and took to the brush. This occurred about 3 a.m. of the 12th, and it being too dark to
follow them when the column came up, I called a halt and waited for daylight, when I moved
forward in the direction of Sidney. Near this place we were joined by Lieutenant Weldy, with
twenty-five men of Company E, and with the whole force followed the bushwhackers into
Monroe County, thoroughly scouring the woods and brush on Indian Creek and Salt River to
Florida, but without success.
At Florida I learned of the skirmish at Paris, and that an attack was anticipated on the place
from Frank Davis (a noted guerrilla) with 240 men; hearing which I deemed it my duty to move
forward to the assistance of the town, which I did as rapidly as possible, arriving there on the
afternoon of 13th instant. During the night the town was further re-enforced by a detachment of
fifty men of the First Iowa Cavalry, under command of Lieutenant Dow. Next morning no attack
having been made, and still hearing of the guerrillas in considerable force on the Middle Fork of
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Salt River, in the vicinity of Madison (after consultation with the several officers), it was thought
best to make a strong scout in search of them. At the request of Captain Fowkes, commanding
Enrolled Missouri Militia of Monroe County, and Lieutenant Dow, of the First Iowa Cavalry, I
assumed command of the expedition (which consisted of fifty men of the First Iowa Cavalry,
under Lieutenant Dow, fifty men of the detailed Enrolled Missouri Militia, under Captain
Fowkes, and the fifty men under my command) and starred on the hunt. About noon of the 14th
our advance guard, part of the Iowa cavalry, came upon a squad of eight or ten of the guerrillas
at the house of a man named Garnett (a notorious rebel, who has a son in the brush) and a
skirmish ensued, in which 2 of the guerrillas were killed, the rest escaping to the brush. As this
was the second or third time Federal troops had been fired upon from this house, and as it was
well known as a rendezvous and harboring place for the guerrillas and horse thieves, I ordered
the house burned, as a warning to the numerous families in that section who are aiding,
encouraging, and feeding bushwhackers. After moving forward from this place a few miles I
divided the command, and scouted down on both sides of the Middle Fork to within seven miles
of Paris, where I turned the command over to Captain Fowkes (except my original command)
and returned to Paris, reporting for orders to Maj. A. V. E. Johnston, of the Thirty-ninth Infantry,
Missouri Volunteers, who had that day arrived and taken command of the place. By his orders I
started to return to camp at Hannibal, scouting through the Salt River Hills between Santa Fe and
Florida in Monroe County, to the neighborhood of Newport, Rills County, thence down Salt
River to Cincinnati, thence by way of Sidney to camp Kutzner, where I arrived on fire evening of
the 16th instant, with my command till safe and sound.
During the whole route I found the country in a state of turmoil and terror, and that it is
utterly impossible for a Union man to remain at home with any sense of security.
I have the honor to be, lieutenant, your obedient servant,
JNO. D. MEREDITH,
Captain Company D, Thirty-ninth Missouri Regiment.
Lieut. T. C. TRIPLER,
Adjutant Thirty-ninth Infantry, Missouri Volunteers.
DEVALL'S BLUFF, September 14, 1864--9 p.m.
Sergeant Black and three privates, Ninth Iowa [Cavalry] of the party that left the steam-boat
with dispatches for General West, got in to-day. Each of them was wounded three miles this side
of Searcy, where they were attacked by superior numbers. Six out of the party were killed; 16
others taken prisoners.
C. C. ANDREWS,
Brigadier-General.
Capt. C. H. DYER.
COLUMBIA, MO., September 16, 1864.
GENERAL.: I left Sturgeon yesterday morning with a detachment First Iowa Veteran
Cavalry and a detachment Third Missouri State Militia; went into Randolph County. South of
Huntsville struck the head of Perche Creek; followed down the creek. Late in the evening I found
the trail of a body of rebels; followed them until night. Camped for the night, after traveling
about thirty miles. Started early this morning; found that I was on the trail of Perkins, Pitney,
Powell, and Bill Stevens, with seventy men. Ran on their pickets about eight miles north of
Columbia, killing 1 and running the others three miles. The men scattered in every direction. I
have two companies Forty-ninth Infantry in the brush, and learn that they had a skirmish with the
rebels to-day, but did not learn the result. My impression is that the rebels are trying to cross the
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river. I will leave here early to-morrow morning, and intend to use every exertion in my power to
exterminate these men. Will report from time to time, as I can find time to write and a post-office
to send my letter.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant.
J. B. DOUGLASS,
Brigadier-General.
Brig. Gen. C. B. FISK.
-----
HDQRS. EIGHTH MIL. DIST., ENROLLED MISSOURI MIL.,
Mexico, September 20, 1864.
GENERAL: I arrived at Mexico last evening, having been out six days with 116 men First
Iowa Cavalry and about sixty-five Third Missouri State Militia. From Sturgeon we traveled on
an average about thirty miles per day, over the roughest portions of Randolph, Howard, and
Boone, thoroughly scouring the brush on the Perche Creek, from its head in Randolph County to
its mouth in Boone County. We killed 2 rebels, captured 2 boys in citizens dress, and not
knowing at the time that they were bushwhackers held them as prisoners, but I now have the
proof against them that they are bushwhackers, What must be done with them? The largest band
found was sixty-six, but on being pursued they scattered and broke up into smaller bands. I found
no evidence on the Missouri River of a concentration to cross over south, but found the rebels all
over the country in small bands, fleeing and secreting themselves to save their lives from the
storm that they seem to see coming. I think that many persons are deserting them and going to
the Northern States for safety, and if we could have a first-rate detective on the railroads many of
them might be caught.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. B. DOUGLASS,
Brigadier-General.
Brig. Gen. C. B. FISK,
Saint Joseph, Mo.
LITTLE ROCK, ARK., October 14, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to report that, in compliance with Special Orders, No. 2, paragraphs II
and IV, headquarters Cavalry Division, Seventh Army Corps, I marched from Little Rock,
September 25, with the following detachments under my command, to wit: Third Wisconsin
Cavalry, 141 men, 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, and 1 surgeon, with ambulance and medical supplies;
Third Arkansas Cavalry, 1 captain and 50 men; First Iowa Cavalry, 1 lieutenant and 63 men;
Third Missouri Cavalry, 1 captain and 64 men; Third U.S. Cavalry, 1 lieutenant and 50 men,
with 9 men from the Fourth Arkansas Cavalry; in all, 7 officers, 377 men, 1 surgeon, 2
ambulances, and 2 wagons, but no surgeon with supplies from Second Brigade, as ordered.
Having crossed the Cadron with much difficulty, the ferry-boats being destroyed, the command
obtained the first forage since starting, forty miles distant, at Colonel Howard's, on September
26. Proceeding thence through Lewisburg I ascertained that the various parties of the enemy,
scattered along the route, had been informed of the numbers of the command and the object of
the march. Encamped on Illinois Bayou, where we found plenty of wood and water but scarcely
any forage. On the 27th we camped six miles this side of Piney, where I learned that the
commands of Colonels Hill, Stirman, and Brooks were at various points along the route with
headquarters at Clarksville, at which place they intended to oppose me. The next day, 28th, soon
after crossing the river, which I was obliged to do by making a long circuit, the ferries being all
destroyed, the advance, under Captain Herring, Third Arkansas Cavalry, began to fall in with
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parties of the enemy and pursued them with much spirit. Approaching Clarksville about 3 p.m.,
Captain H. fell upon their pickets, who, after some resistance, fell back upon the main force in
the town. The advance followed on rapidly, deployed through town, the enemy taking refuge
behind fences and houses, the main column closely supporting them. The enemy fled in every
direction, leaving 7 dead. Independent companies and rebel conscripting officers are very
numerous and active in this vicinity, having Clarksville for a rendezvous. So long had they been
advised of our coming that the citizens had letters written for us to carry to Fort Smith and Little
Rock. We were not expected so soon by a day; our rapid marching took them by surprise, so
their resistance was not so vigorous as it might otherwise have been. Camped three miles beyond
Clarksville. We had scarcely halted when we were bushwhacked on all sides. Skirmishers being
sent out drove them off until dark. Attempts were being made all night, under cover of a severe
storm, upon the pickets, but their alertness frustrated every attempt, though at daylight 1 man
from the Third Wisconsin Cavalry was killed on his post. On the 29th skirmishing began with
the march upon the front, both flanks, and rear. Having thrown out skirmishers on flanks these
attacks were checked. Still firing was continuous without doing as much damage, the enemy
suffering somewhat in wounded. Camped on White Oak Creek. While the sergeants were posting
their vedettes the enemy opposed them in a lively manner and during the whole night the
command lay upon arms, being ignorant of how large a force surrounded them, for from every
side was constant firing, during which 1 private of the Third Arkansas Cavalry was killed upon
his post. During the past three days forage had been plentiful. On the evening of the 30th we
reached Van Buren, finding no feed for horses, and with our ambulances and wagons loaded
with sick. The next day I reported to General Thayer at Fort Smith and delivered him my
dispatches. He was much pleased that the general commanding had sent a force sufficiently large
to break through the enemy's lines, since he had not heard a word from department headquarters
since the arrival of the last boat. He represented that the enemy were upon every side and were
cutting off his forage and mail parties, and had either captured or driven back every party he had
started for Little Rock.
We remained several days at Van Buren in order to receive dispatches, mails, and to shoe
horses, it being necessary to shoe about 150 here, besides a number each night after reaching
camp while on the march. We left on the 5th, acting as a portion of escort to forage train at the
request of General Thayer, by which we were delayed two days. On the 8th we proceeded on our
way toward Little Rock. Soon after separating from the train and passing through the Mulberry
Mountains, the advance, under Captain Herring, began skirmishing. This night camped within
ten miles of Clarksville. Just as we were halting for the night a rebel captain and squad were
driven from a house. Next day the country people reported that the captain was wounded and
died. We found on the 9th a small force at Clarksville, who fired a good many shots without
inflicting damage, the advance pursuing them across the bridge. On the 10th we had continual
skirmishing and a march of thirty-five miles to Illinois Bayou. Nothing occurred after this
worthy of notice. It is reported that a command is at Dover numbering from 300 to 800 men. It is
not likely that they are more than 300. We reached Little Rock on the 13th, having marched the
distance, not calculating the circuits made at the fords, 180 miles, in six days, being nineteen
days upon the round trip. From reports of the different detachment commanders I learn that we
killed some 20 of the enemy and captured 4 prisoners, one an orderly sergeant in Stirman's
battalion. I lost 2 killed, 2 missing, 1 died at Van Buren, and 31 left sick. I brought back sixtythree
non-veterans of the Third Wisconsin Cavalry.
In conclusion I would respectfully represent that no detachment, except the Third Wisconsin
Cavalry, was supplied with shoeing tools or shoes and nails. This neglect greatly impairs the
efficiency of cavalry; besides this, men just from hospital and weak with recent sickness are not
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fit for such long, hard marches, neither is it proper to send men mounted upon poor and sorebacked
horses, since men are thereby doubly endangered.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOMAS DERRY,
Major, Commanding Detachment.
Brig. Gen. J. R. WEST,
Comdg. Cav. Div., Seventh Army Corps, Little Rock, Ark.
HEADQUARTERS EASTERN SUB-DISTRICT OF NEBRASKA,
Fort Kearny, Nebr. Ter., November 1, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor respectfully to submit the following report of military operations in this
sub-district since I assumed command on the 29th September last, in obedience to Special Field
Orders, No. 2, dated at Fort Kearny, Nebr. Ter., September 29, 1864:
On the 26th day of September I arrived at this post with the command, which moved from
here with me on the 28th August, 1864, under orders of Maj. Gen. S. R. Curtis, after marching
800 miles in search of hostile Indians along the waters of the Republican and Solomon Rivers.
On the 29th September, 1864, I was ordered to assume command of the Eastern Sub District of
Nebraska, comprising a territory of 400 miles of country from the Missouri River to and
including Julesburg, Colo. Ter., through which the several roads from Leavenworth, Atchison,
Nebraska City, Plattsmouth, and Omaha, converging at and a little east of this post, continue
west, forming the Great Overland Mail Route to Salt Lake, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, and
California. The troops placed at my disposal consisted of one battalion Seventh Iowa Cavalry
Volunteers, one battalion Nebraska Veteran Cavalry, the veteran portion of my own regiment,
and four companies of Nebraska militia, together with thirteen pieces of artillery, giving an
aggregate of 971 men and thirteen pieces of artillery. After consulting with Brig. Gen. R. B.
Mitchell, commanding District of Nebraska, it was decided to station these troops as follows:
At Columbus, on Loup Fork of Platte River distant eighty-seven miles west of Omaha City,
Nebr. Ter., Company E, Seventh Iowa Cavalry Volunteers, Capt. J. B. David commanding,
numbering eighty-nine men present.
At Junction City, on north side of Platte River and in the valley of the same, distant forty-two
miles east of this post, Capt. Isaac Wiles' company, First Regiment Nebraska Militia (fourmonths'
men), numbering forty-six men present.
At Little Blue Station, on Little Blue River and on the road from Atchison and Leavenworth,
distant eighty miles southeast from this post, Capt. A. J. White's company, Nebraska militia,
numbering fifty-nine men present.
At Pawnee Ranch, on same road and distant fifty-four miles southeast from this post, Capt.
T. B. Stevenson's company, Nebraska militia, numbering fifty-five men present.
At Fort Kearny (headquarters Eastern Sub-District of Nebraska), distant 200 miles from
Missouri River in due west course and on the south side of Platte River, Capt. Lee P. Gillette,
Company A, First Nebraska Cavalry Veteran Volunteers, and four companies First Regiment
Nebraska Cavalry Veteran Volunteers, numbering 112 men present and four pieces artillery.
At Plum Creek, Nebr. Ter., thirty-five miles west of this post, Capt. T. J. Majors, Company
C, First Nebraska Cavalry Veteran Volunteers, and three companies First Regiment Nebraska
Cavalry Veteran Volunteers, numbering 105 men present and one piece artillery.
At Mullahla's Station, distant fifteen miles west from Plum Creek, Capt. H. H. Ribble's
company (I), First Regiment Cavalry, Nebraska Veteran Volunteers, numbering twenty-three
men present.
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At Midway Station, distant fifteen miles west from Mullahla's Station, Capt. John R. Porter's
company, Nebraska militia, numbering forty-nine men present.
At Gillman's Station, distant fifteen miles west from Midway Station, Capt. Charles F.
Porter's company (A), Battalion Nebraska Veteran Cavalry, numbering forty men present.
At Fort Cottonwood, Nebr. Ter., distant fifteen miles from Gillman's Station, Col. S. W.
Summers, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, commanding, one company Seventh Iowa Cavalry Volunteers,
one company Battalion Nebraska Veteran Cavalry, and six pieces artillery, numbering 100 men
present.
At O'Fallon's Bluffs, Nebr. Ter., distant thirty-five miles west from Cotton wood, Capt. John
Wilcox's company, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, numbering seventy-nine men present.
At Alkali Station, Nebr. Ter., distant thirty-five miles west from O'Fallon's Bluffs, Capt. E.
B. Murphy's company, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, numbering seventy-three men present.
At Beauvais Station, distant twenty-five miles west from Alkali Station, Second Lieut.
Merrill S. Tuttle, Company A, Battalion Nebraska Cavalry, numbering twenty-five men present.
At Julesburg, Colo. Ter., distant twenty-five miles west from Beauvais Station, Capt. N. J.
O'Brien's company, Seventh Iowa Cavalry Volunteers, and two pieces artillery, numbering sixtyseven
men present.
The posts of Fort Kearny and Fort Cottonwood being the only military posts heretofore
existing on this long line of communication between the Missouri River and the States and
Territories west of it previous to this time, the supplies at these posts having been to a great
extent exhausted by the troops composing the expedition which started from here under
command of Maj. Gen. S. R. Curtis on the 28th August, a large proportion of which were troops
from Kansas, and the season of the year being far advanced at the time I assumed command, I
found myself in a great measure thrown on my own resources in supplying these numerous posts
with quarters, defenses, hay, and fuel. The public transportation being altogether inadequate to
the wants of the command, fuel and logs for building purposes having to be hauled in some
instances seventy-five miles, I instructed my post commandants to press the empty teams of
freighters returning from the west to assist them in erecting defenses, hauling fuel, building
logs/and hay, and also directed them to press mowing machines into public service, and without
delay put up such amount of hay as would be required for winter consumption.
I would state for the information of the general commanding that the instructions authorizing
the pressing of teams and mowing machines were such as would prevent any damage to citizen
owners, having directed commandants to exercise sound discretion and prevent as much as
possible any injury to citizens of the United States, and in every instance where owners of teams
or mowing machines made it manifest that they would be sufferers by being detained on public
work, their teams and machines were promptly released. The necessity of adopting this course
was urgent and imperative, and had it not been pursued the command and public animals would
have suffered severely. Contracts to citizens would not be let on account of the imminent peril
they had to risk of being murdered by hostile Indians unless guarded by our troops, who, having
so much other duty to perform, could not be spared for such purpose. At the close of the last
month, being thirty-three days since the organization of this line of posts was commenced, the
work of erecting defenses, quarters for men and officers, stabling for public animals, and
providing posts with hay and fuel, resulted as follows:
At Columbus there has been built a good stable, capacity 100 horses; quarters for men are
nearly complete and will be commodious, capacity for 100 men; stockade work has been thrown
up across the approaches and the post made defensible, though this work is not yet completed.
Hay has been secured for winter supply, and fuel being close at hand no suffering can possibly
arise from a deficient supply.
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At Junction City stabling for sixty-four horses, and quarters for sixty-four men, has been
erected; stockade work has been thrown around quarters, and stabling sufficient to render the
post defensible against Indians. Hay for four months' supply for sixty-four horses has been
secured, and fuel abundant close to the post on Grand Island in Platte River, insuring a full
supply.
At Little Blue Station a deserted ranch has been occupied, additions made to it, and the
troops at that post are comfortably quartered. Their horses are also sheltered, though the stable is
not good. Abundance of fuel is close to station, and hay enough for the number of horses at the
post.
At Pawnee Ranch a result similar to that at Little Blue Station has been obtained, with
exception of hay, which is issued in half rations.
The troops of this station will have fulfilled their term of service on the 10th of December
next, and at one time mutinied, forty of their number actually marching toward Arkansas City in
defiance of the captain's authority. These men have by the influence of Col. O. P. Mason,
commanding Second Brigade, Nebraska Militia, been induced to return to duty, but their absence
caused serious delay in the progress of the works, essential to the safety and comfort of the men
and animals at that post.
At Fort Kearny quarters and stabling for four companies already existed, and the men have
been busily engaged in constructing a rectangular redoubt 262 feet by 221 feet, with one demilune
at each salient flanking the ditches. This work, though not yet complete, is connected with
rifle-pits, and covers the eastern and southern flanks of the post. Another redoubt will be erected
at the northwest angle of the post covering the northern and western flanks, connected by riflepits
with the interior works. This being a depot of supplies for posts east of it and west as far as
Midway Station, and no citizens being hired by the quartermaster's department, the men have
been actively engaged transporting supplies, cutting fuel fifteen miles distant and hauling the
same; hay and fuel sufficient for wintering the command has been secured.
At Plum Creek quarters for the men have been erected capable of accommodating 160 men.
A rectangular redoubt 332 feet square with bastions at the salients flanking the ditches has been
commenced, and though not yet completed will be a perfect defense when it is. A deserted stable
has been occupied for the use of the horses at this post. Sufficient hay for wintering the public
animals has not been secured, nor has a sufficiency of fuel for the winter been obtained, but both
are in sufficient quantity within a short distance to prevent apprehensions of a deficiency before
spring.
At Mullahla's Station a deserted ranch and stable have been occupied, affording ample
quarters for men and stabling for horses. Hay and fuel are being put up at this station, and there
will be no deficiency of supplies before spring. Nothing has been done here toward fortifying
this post, the sod buildings and stables affording sufficient defense for the force occupying them.
At Midway Station a deserted ranch and stable have been occupied. Hay only in sufficient
quantity for immediate consumption has been obtained at this post, and no supply of fuel is on
hand. There is fuel sufficiently near, however, to prevent suffering, but hay will be short, if a
mounted force is maintained here, as there is not enough put up within a reasonable distance to
supply the post. No defenses have been erected here, the sod buildings being deemed sufficiently
secure against any Indian attack.
At Gillman's Station a deserted ranch and stable have been occupied, affording ample
accommodations for the garrison. There is an abundant supply of hay at this post belonging to
the proprietor of the ranch, Mr. Gillman, which can be secured for public use. Fuel has not been
put up for winter supply, though it can be obtained readily fifteen miles from the post. No
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defenses have been erected at this post, the sod buildings, stables and stockade corrals belonging
to the ranch being considered sufficiently secure.
At Cottonwood commodious buildings are arranged in rectangular form about parade ground,
giving accommodations for 200 men and stabling in rear of quarters for 178 horses, the whole
inclosed by a stockade five feet high along eastern, western, and northern fronts, the southern
face having a stockade nine feet high. Additional buildings are about completed for 100 more
men. A good hospital, quartermaster, and commissary buildings have been erected at this post, of
cedar logs-the principal ones of hewed logs--the company quarters of round logs.
At O'Fallon's Bluffs a deserted ranch has been occupied; another similar ranch has been
purchased and transported to the post and erected adjoining to one occupied, affording limited
accommodations to garrison. A good stable and stockade corral have also been occupied and the
stockade extended so as to form together with the buildings and stables an efficient defense
against Indian attacks. No hay has been put up here, but the post commander feels confident he
can secure sufficiency to supply him during the winter. Wood has to be hauled thirty-five miles
and is now supplied only in quantities sufficient to supply the demand.
At Alkali a small sod house and stable were occupied and large additions built by the
commanding officer. Quarters for 100 men and stabling for 110 horses have been erected of sod,
the timber for roofing, &c., having been hauled seventy miles. An irregular line of parapets has
been thrown up connecting and inclosing buildings and 300 tons hay cut and stacked. But little
fuel has been obtained in excess of the daily consumption, owing to the great distance which it
has to be hauled and the scarcity of transportation.
At Beauvais Station no buildings nor stables have been erected, the proprietor, Mr. Beauvais,
an Indian trader, having permitted the occupation of a building and stable sufficient to
accommodate the garrison. Hay and fuel have been contracted for at this post and a full supply
will be obtained. No defensive works were necessary here, the stockade around the stable and
corrals, together with the sod and log buildings at the station, affording ample protection to the
garrison.
At Julesburg, Colo. Ter., the stage station of Overland Mail Company was temporarily
fortified with rifle-pits--no other quarters than holes dug in the earth, with shelter-tents for
roofing; the gables, walled with sod, were erected. No stabling had been erected and the horses
were allowed to stand tied in a corral surrounded by a common pole fence.
On the 26th October last this garrison was moved about one-quarter mile west of the stage
station and a commodious ranch occupied giving ample accommodations. A large unfinished
stable without roof has been finished for men's quarters, and a commodious stable is in process
of construction. The sod inclosure around the ranch is an excellent defense, and when the stables
are finished this post will be one of the best defensive stations on the line. An abundant supply of
hay has been secured here, but the fuel is not supplied in sufficient quantity, the men having
frequently to gather buffalo chips for cooking their meals. The nearest fuel to this post is
seventy-five miles distant.
In addition to the work enumerated in the foregoing details of each post, guards have been
furnished the Overland Mail Company stages daily each way from Little Blue Station, Nebr.
Ter., to Julesburg, Colo. Ter., each guard being relieved at the next post. At one time last month
so audacious had the Indians become in their raids that a mounted escort of one sergeant and ten
men had to be furnished to the stage from Plum Creek to Cottonwood, each post relieving the
escort. All the hay cut by the troops of this command was cut by them under arms, and the
details ordered to procure wood were not unfrequently driven out of the cañons where alone it
can be procured by superior forces of Indians, and no wagons used by the troops of this subdistrict
were permitted to go any distance from their posts without a strong guard to protect them.
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Add to this duty the daily and nightly patrols along the overland route and the constant
reconnaissances made by detachments from each post, often extending their operations 60 to 100
miles on either side of the Platte Valley, and the amount of service performed, with a view of
protecting the overland mail route, and the many thousands of wagons laden with supplies for the
Territories west of the Missouri, which have lately passed over it in perfect security, and some
idea of the activity of this command can be arrived at. The following is a résumé of operations
against hostile Indians as far as reported to these headquarters: September 29, a train of
emigrants returning from the West while camped two miles west of Plum Creek was attacked
about 8 p.m.: 1 white man killed and 2 wounded. Capt. T. J. Weatherwax, Company G, First
Regiment Cavalry Nebraska Veteran Volunteers, with forty men, immediately pursued the
Indians; trail led across Platte River; Indians scattered, and trail was abandoned.
October 2, Capt. T. B. Stevenson, Nebraska militia, with thirty men of his company, started
in pursuit of hostile Indians reported on the Blue, west of his post; traveled toward head of
stream; found trail leading southwest; followed until satisfied Indians could not be over-taken,
and returned. October 4, Capt. Thomas J. Majors, Company C, First Regiment Nebraska Cavalry
Veteran Volunteers, with fifty men, scouted the country along Plum Creek, thence south to
Turkey Creek (called Mud Creek on map), and along it close to its outlet into Republican. On
his return crossed Platte River and scouted the country adjacent to Buffalo Creek; saw numerous
signs of Indians, but did not encounter any; whole distance traveled 145 miles. October 6, Capt.
T. B. Stevenson, Nebraska militia, again moved-in southerly direction up Elk Creek, with
twenty-five men, expecting to join First Lieutenant Bremer, of his company, from Little Blue
Station, with a similar number of men. First Lieutenant Bremer was ambushed by Indians,
himself killed, and 1 of his men wounded. On the approach of Captain Stevenson's force the
Indians fled, scattering in such a manner as to render pursuit impracticable. October 12,
Overland Mail Company's westward-bound coach attacked by twenty-five Indians secreted in a
deserted ranch eight miles west Plum Creek at 9 p.m.; one stage horse killed instantly by first
volley; coach stopped; guard and passengers, using coach as protection, opened a rapid fire upon
the Indians through the windows and doors of the ranch. After desperate fight, lasting two hours,
2 Indians killed; rest fled. One of the guard severely wounded in head, and 1 passenger slightly,
flesh wound through leg. Commanding officer at Plum Creek immediately sent out a detachment
of forty men under Capt. W. W. Ivory, Company H, First Regiment Cavalry Nebraska Veteran
Volunteers; Capt. H. H. Ribble, commanding at Mullahla's, also sending out fifteen men to join
Captain Ivory on Plum Creek. Captain Ribble's detachment met sixty Indian warriors; 2 of our
men killed instantly; seven succeeded in reaching Plum Creek; the other six being cut off by
forty warriors, dismounted and fought their way back to Mullahla's Station, sheltering
themselves behind their horses. Indians lost 3 killed, 1 of them a chief who spoke broken
English, and several others wounded; our loss, 2 killed, 2 wounded, 2 horses killed and 10
disabled by wounds.
October 18, Captain White, Nebraska militia, commanding Little Blue Station, reports scout
to south and seeing Indians, who could not be approached near water shed between Little Blue
and Republican Rivers. October 20, 200 Indians crossed Platte River, moving north, fifteen miles
west of Alkali Station; killed 1 emigrant and ran off 50 head of oxen. Capt. E. B. Murphy
pursued them to Ash Hollow. His horses being in poor condition and satisfied he could not
overtake them he returned to Alkali 21st, at 9 a.m., and resumed work on his quarters and
defenses.
October 20, Capt. N. J. O'Brien, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, commanding post Julesburg, Colo.
Ter., reported pursuit of same band of Indians with forty men and one piece of artillery, with a
similar result. October 21, same band of Indians having been re-enforced followed Capt. E. B.
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Murphy back to Alkali and attacked his post. They were repulsed but not pursued on account of
exhausted condition of horses at the post. October 21, Captain Stevenson reports having gone out
with twenty men-and scouted the country south of Little Blue River. Saw many signs of Indians
but could not overtake any. October 22, forty Indians attacked detachment of troops cutting
wood near Midway Station. Detachment retreated toward station, were re-enforced and pursued
Indians twenty miles, but could not overtake them. October 28, Capt. John R. Porter, Nebraska
militia, commanding Midway Station, reported that a party of haymakers at work for Overland
Mail Company near his post were attacked and driven in by a party of Indians. Mounted twentyfive
men and started in pursuit, overtook them, killed 2 and captured 3, rest succeeded in
escaping. The party proved to be Pawnees, who have heretofore been considered friendly toward
the whites. On the 22d of October last, the wind being from the north and favorable, I caused the
prairie south of Platte River Valley to be simultaneously fired from a point twenty miles west of
Julesburg continuously to a point ten miles east of this post, burning the grass in a continuous
line of 200 miles as far south as the Republican River. In some places the fire went out owing to
the grass being too thin to burn readily. But since then detachments have been sent out and the
work has progressed favorably; every cañon and all the valleys of streams along this line have
been thoroughly burned, thus depriving hostile Indians of forage for their animals in their hidingplaces
and driving all the game beyond the Republican River. From a point ten miles east of this
post to Little Blue Station I have burned only the creek valleys and cañons, compelling the
Indians to graze their stock on the high prairie if they remain in that part of the country, and
leaving the game in that section undisturbed for the use of the Pawnees, who received twelve
sacks of flour from this post on the 29th October last and started for the hunting grounds between
Little Blue and Republican Rivers about 200 strong.
This hunting excursion of the Pawnees will prove of service to us, as it will scour that portion
of the country left unburned, and where the hostile Cheyennes engaged our troops in July and
October last. These Pawnees have promised to warn the posts of Little Blue and Pawnee Ranch
in event of their finding hostile Indians. The firing of the prairie has been commenced on the
north side of Platte Valley from Mullahla's Station to a point twenty-five miles west of
Julesburg, Colo. Ter., extending north in some instances 150 miles. Universal consternation has
spread among the Indians, to whom this mode of warfare is apparently new, and their presence
along the road through this sub-district need not be apprehended during the winter. Officers from
Fort Laramie tell me that already the effect of this grand burning of the prairie is manifest among
the Indians, and that they are anxious to make peace, but whether their propositions are induced
by fear of starvation, the game being driven off by fires, or only to check the process of burning
until they can renew hostilities in the spring, I am not prepared to say, and would simply suggest
a continuance of the work as a punishment for past misdeeds and a warning to them of what may
occur in the future should they persist in their unfriendly conduct. One thing is certain, this
burning of the prairie has produced a marked effect on the Indian tribes along the road, and they
begin to dread the white man's power. It will be borne in mind that the Platte Valley proper--that
is, the country lying each side of the river up to the bluffs on either side--has been protected from
fire by express orders, and carefully preserved for the use of the immense amount of stock used
in transporting merchandise over the road to the States and Territories west of Missouri River,
and no suffering can possibly occur to the numberless teams traveling to and from the west.
I inclose diagrams of the buildings and defenses of all the posts under my command--the
black lines indicating the finished portions of the work, and the red lines the unfinished work in
process of completion. I regret to say that the horses of this command are not in a fit condition
for active field duty, arriving as nearly all of them did from a long and arduous expedition of 800
miles, during which they were on short rations most of the time, and being immediately ordered
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to occupy posts which required constant activity and watchfulness on the part of commanders to
keep off hostile Indians by whom the country was to a great extent overrun. The horses have
been compelled to do a vast amount of duty, and are thin and somewhat exhausted. Stringent
regulations are being enforced, however, by which the care of horses will be bettered, and I
confidently expect them to recuperate sufficiently before long to fit them for active duty in
hunting down the murderous Indians who committed so many acts of atrocity along this road in
the summer. It affords me much gratification to state that although numerous attempts hare been
made by the Indians to interrupt communication between this post and the western Territories
since I assumed command, all their assaults have been repulsed with loss to them. They have
been steadily pursued whenever a trail could be found, and the country adjacent to the road for
sixty miles made too hot for them. No interruption whatever, either of the U.S. mail or the
immense amount of transportation passing over the road, has occurred thus far under my
command.
Before closing this report I would respectfully call your attention to the patent truth, the
hostility of the Indian tribes is general throughout the West. Those tribes who are on
reservations, such as the Poncas, Omahas, Pawnees, and Otoes are restless, and already one band
of the Pawnees has shown a spirit of resistance to our authority in the late affair near Midway
Station on the 28th ultimo. From all the information that I can gather it appears to be the
determination of the Indians generally to prevent the future encroachment of the whites upon
their hunting grounds, and I confidently look for a renewal of hostilities on a much larger scale in
the spring, for the reason that the war this past summer has been a success for the Indians,
turning into their hands large amounts of valuable property captured from trains and many
superior horses and arms taken from the murdered teamsters, while comparatively no
punishment for these crimes has been administered to them by our forces. I firmly believe that
unless a terrible example is made of them--for instance, the total annihilation of some of their
winter encampments, by which they will be brought to feel the power of the Government and its
ability to avenge the terrible butcheries committed by them during the past summer--they will
from their past successes be encouraged to a more vigorous and audacious warfare as soon as the
grass is green next spring. I discard the opinion which has been so freely advanced by many that
this Indian war has been instigated and aided by whites. Its origin is in the natural antipathy
between the Indian and Anglo-Saxon races. The rapid strides of civilization toward and over the
Rocky Mountains foreshadow to the Indians a future so abhorrent to all his natural instincts that
he cannot help turning upon the white man and attempt in his savage way to check this annually
increasing current of white emigration toward his once quiet and bountifully supplied hunting
grounds.
I cannot conclude without expressing my admiration of the soldierly behavior of the four
companies of Nebraska militia under my command. They have endured privations and done duty
without murmuring, only one company, Captain Stevenson's, having manifested any disorderly
conduct and that was promptly remedied by Col. O. P. Mason, Nebraska militia. Their services
entitle them to the thanks of their fellow- citizens, and the Territory may justly feel proud of such
gallant men.
I am, general, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
R. R. LIVINGSTON,
Colonel First Regt. Nebraska Cav. Veteran Vols.,
Commanding Eastern Sub-District of Nebraska.
Brig. Gen. LORENZO THOMAS,
Adjutant-General, War Department, Washington, D. C.
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HDQRS. EASTERN SUB-DISTRICT OF NEBRASKA,
Fort Kearny, Nebr. Ter., December 1, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to respectfully submit the following report of military operations in this
sub-district for the month of November last:
In my last report I exhibited the amount of labor performed by our troops at the various posts
in this sub-district, and during the last month additions of various character have been made to
buildings for the comfort of the men and officers, and the posts, with few exceptions, are now as
comfortably provided for as the exigencies of the service will permit. For details of the progress
made at the different posts I have the honor to invite your attention to the accompanying report
of Lieut. Charles Thompson, acting assistant quartermaster, and acting commissary of
subsistence of this sub-district.
The following is a résumé of scouts and skirmishes had in the last month:
November 7, 1864, Capt. E. B. Murphy, Company A, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, commanding
post of Alkali Station, reported that Indians attacked Sand Hills Stage Station at 10 p.m. 6th
instant. Their object seemed to be to run off stock. Were repulsed by six men of his company
there as stage guard. No damage done.
November 11, 1864, Capt. A. G. White, Nebraska militia, commanding post Little Blue
Station, reported scout southwest of his post, fifteen miles on Elk Creek. Found one Indian pony
running loose. Saw no Indian signs.
November 16, 1864, Capt. William W. Ivory, Company H, First Nebraska Cavalry Veteran
Volunteers, with forty men, moved from post Plum Creek southwest up Plum Creek, on south
side, ten miles, thence north to Freeman's ranch, and camped. On 17th crossed to islands in Platte
River, scoured them thoroughly, returned to bluffs south of Freeman's, and searched the cañons
for three miles; about 11 a.m. struck fresh trail of about twelve Indian ponies going south. Being
out of rations, and horses worn out, returned to post at Plum Creek.
November 19, 1864, Capt. Thomas J. Majors, commanding post Plum Creek, reported that
100 Indians attacked train three miles west of that post. With the mounted patrol of fifteen men
immediately went to the rescue of train. Found Indians in line of battle, who immediately
charged his force; were repulsed. Capt. Thomas J. Weatherwax, Company G, First Nebraska
Cavalry, with re-enforcements, came in sight, when Captain Majors, with his force of fifteen
men, charged the Indians, and drove them ten miles southwest, when darkness came on, and he
was compelled to relinquish the pursuit. Our loss, none. Indians, killed, 5. Ox train lost; 20 head
of oxen killed and wounded.
November 20, 1864, Capt. S. M. Curran, Company E, First Nebraska Cavalry Veteran
Volunteers, with forty men, moved from post Plum Creek to scene of previous day's affair,
thence southwest to bluffs, and struck trail of the retreating Indians, which he followed to Plum
Creek, thence up on south side five miles. Here found many articles thrown away by the Indians;
moved up the creek to the bend, twenty-five miles from post Plum Creek. Here Indian trail
spread out on the prairie, and was lost. Turned course north to Platte River; scoured bluffs and
cañons east to post of Mullahla's; remained there over night. On 21st was joined by Captain
Ribble, Company I, First Nebraska Cavalry, commanding post Mullahla, with eighteen men, and
moved up Platte River to old Indian haunts. Found no fresh indications of Indians having been
there of late. Returned in afternoon to Plum Creek Station.
November 26, Capt. T. J. Majors, commanding post Plum Creek, reported that the westwardbound
coach was attacked five miles east of that post, about 8 p.m. 25th, and 3 passengers, one
woman and two men, wounded. On receiving this information immediately sent Capt. S. M.
Curran, Company E, First Nebraska Cavalry, with his squadron to place of attack; found no
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Indians; found telegraph wire down and cut in three places, apparently cut by hatchets. By
information gathered from passengers and driver the attack was made by a small force.
November 26, Indians attacked train five miles east of post Plum Creek at 4 p.m. Captain
Majors, commanding post Plum Creek, with sixty men, immediately proceeded to the train.
When within two miles of the train discovered Indians fleeing south. Followed at full speed and
came up with them fifteen miles south, on head waters Spring Creek. Only half his horses were
able to keep up, and when Indians made a stand in a deep cation had only thirty-five men up---
had been close to and firing into enemy's rear for the last mile. Indians from cation opened up
brisk fire at distance of 250 yards. Men dismounted and fought them. Ordered mount and
attempted to gain position on flank or rear; from small numbers was unable to divide force, and
every move to flank them was foiled by concentrating move of their whole force, numbering
from 75 to 100. Darkness coming on, was compelled to retire. One man, Private McGinnis,
Company E, First Nebraska Cavalry, slight wound. One horse killed and 2 wounded. Indians, 3
killed and a number wounded.
November 26, Lieut. J. P. Murphy, Company F, First Nebraska Cavalry, with eighteen men,
marched to Sand Hills Stage Station, east of this post, at which place one man had been
murdered the evening previous, and from there escorted overland stage coach to Elm Creek
Stage Station. Coach proceeded from there on and he moved with his force on to Pawnee Ranch
and Liberty farm. On the 28th returned to Muddy Stage Station. On 29th marched south and
west, and came up Dry Creek, scouring the country and setting fire to the grass along all the
streams. Returning to Fort Kearny saw no signs of Indians that were fresh.
November 26, Capt. Lee P. Gillette, First Nebraska Cavalry, commanding post Fort Kearny,
reported that in obedience to orders from headquarters Eastern Sub-District of Nebraska he
moved with fifty men of his command from Fort Kearny at 11 p.m. 26th, in a westerly direction
seventeen miles; thence south to bluffs seven miles; thence southwest over the prairie to head of
cañons on Spring Creek; thence east from Spring Creek. On the 28th scouted in southwest
direction nine miles back to Spring Creek, ten miles from its mouth. Near this creek found trails
made by Indians and unshod ponies. Trail led both up and down the stream. Followed trail going
south. At mouth found several old lodges. Crossed Spring Creek and moved up the Republican.
On 29th moved west five miles and formed junction with Captain Majors from Plum Creek
Station; marched down Republican to mouth of Spring Creek and followed up that stream to its
source, scouring the cañons leading with it; thence northeast course to Platte River. On 1st
December returned to Fort Kearny. Distance traveled 150 miles.
November 26, Col. S. W. Summers, Seventh Iowa. Cavalry, commanding post Fort
Cottonwood, reported that in obedience to instructions from headquarters sub-district, Captain
Cremer with fifty men moved at 12 p.m. 26th for Dan Smith's Station. At daylight was joined by
ten men from that station and forty men from Gilman's, and with that force moved south to the
Republican River; crossed that stream and marched east to and up Beaver Creek. On the 30th
turned direction of march north to Platte River, crossing the Republican River due south of post
Plum Creek. From post Plum Creek returned to Fort Cottonwood. Reports no Indian signs on
Beaver Creek. Thirty miles west of a line south of Plum Creek crossed a fresh trail going south
of about forty Indians without lodge poles. On the Republican crossed another large trail of at
least 150 with lodge poles. This party had camped there two days previous; had erected their
lodges and evidently had been there some days. Reports no buffalo in country scouted over.
November 27, Capt. Thomas J. Majors, First Nebraska Cavalry Veteran Volunteers,
commanding post Plum Creek, reported that in obedience to orders from headquarters subdistrict
he moved at daylight from post Plum Creek with fifty men and one 12-pounder howitzer
south to scene of affair of the day before; thence southwest eighteen miles, where he struck the
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Curtis trail and camped. On the 28th continued march to the Republican River. On the 29th
moved down the river, where he met Captain Gillette with force from Fort Kearny. Learning
from him that fresh trails hard been seen, leading north and none south, moved on down the river
to Spring Creek, then up that stream twelve miles, where found seven Indian lodges recently
occupied and capable of containing 150 Indians. On the morning of the 30th found that the
Indians had separated or spread out so as to leave no trail that could be followed. From that point
marched to head of Spring-Creek, where the command separated, Captain Gillette moving
toward Fort Kearny and his command back to post Plum Creek; distance traveled, 100 miles.
I beg particularly to call your attention to the gallantry of the troops at Plum Creek Station
and the efficiency and promptness of the commanding officer, Capt. Thomas J. Majors. This
officer, occupied as he has been to his utmost capacity in building fortifications, quarters, cutting
hay and fuel, escorting stages, &c., has also been very active in hunting down the hostile Indians
who have so frequently attempted raids on the road within his jurisdiction. His daring and selfpossession
in action are worthy of all praise, and by his promptness in flying to meet the enemy
he has saved a number of trains and rescued a large number of travelers from being brutally
murdered by the ruthless vagabonds of Indians who perpetrate their deviltries alike on women
and children, as well as men.
I have the honor again to call your attention to the fact that the defensive character of this
Indian war on our part is not calculated to terminate the atrocities so frequently committed by
hostile Indians, scattered as the troops are along a line of 300 miles, with greater or less intervals
between posts. These intervals, over which trains must necessarily pass, are subject to inroads by
raiding parties of Indians, and it is on these that all the skirmishes of the last month have
occurred. The number of troops at the posts not being large enough to permit any one of them to
send out a sufficient force to penetrate into the Indian haunts south of the Republican River with
safety, their scouting parties are necessarily confined in their operations to searching for and
engaging small war parties of Indians, who always fall back on the approach of our troops and
escape south. You will observe a regularity in the time of attacks adopted by the Indians. They
invariably strike the overland road at a late hour of the day, by which means, when pursued by
our forces, night interferes to stop the pursuit and the majority of them thus escape. I feel
convinced that nothing short of an expedition against the encampments of the hostile Sioux and
Cheyennes south of the Republican River, which will strike and destroy some large band, will
terminate this barbarous warfare. Our position along the overland road and the vast amount of
goods passing over it offers temptations to the young warriors of these hostile tribes which they
will continue to embrace. In the past month they have not been successful, our troops promptly
meeting and driving them, but such petty warfare is precisely of that character which stimulates
the Indian brave, and unless a severe punishment is administered to them in their own
encampment I look for continued raids of the character described in reports of scouts and
engagements heretofore forwarded to your headquarters. The overland road is not safe for trains
containing less than fifty or sixty well-armed men. On the 19th of November last you will see
that the Indians did not hesitate to attack a train numbering over forty armed men, and had it not
been for the timely arrival of Captain Majors that train would undoubtedly have perished. Thus
far my efforts to keep open the great routes have proved successful; no interruption has taken
place, although frequent raids have been made on it. To insure the safety of trains and the mail
and passengers on the Overland Mail Company's stages, I issued instructions to post
commanders directing them to hold small trains traveling over the road at their posts until a
sufficient number of them were gathered to insure their safety on the road before permitting them
to proceed on their way. The stage company was directed to time their departures east from
Cottonwood and west from Fort Kearny so as to insure the passage of the coaches over the
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dangerous parts of the road in daylight. Mounted guards have been furnished the stage company
between this point and Cottonwood, but this service is very injurious to our horses; 132 men are
required for this duty every day. Dismounted guards continue to be furnished at the post west of
Fort. Cottonwood and east of Fort Kearny. The accompanying letters of instructions relating to
this matter are forwarded for your information.
In my opinion all that is necessary to obtain peace with the Cheyennes and Sioux is to crush
some of their large winter encampments out of existence, when feeling the power of our arms,
they will submit; nothing short of this can accomplish lasting peace or give security to the great
overland route. I would recommend that a temporary depot of subsistence stores and grain be
established at a convenient camping-ground on the Republican in the month of April next, or
earlier if deemed advisable, and that a body of mounted troops not less than 300 strong be used
as scouting parties from that point until some large winter encampment of hostile Indians is
found, when the whole force could be assembled and marched with all celerity consistent with
safety to horses, to attack and destroy the encampment found. I do not consider it best to march a
large body of troops over these desolate plains, encumbered with wagons, and trusting to chance
to find the enemy. Such bodies of troops will always be seen first by the wily Indians, and timely
preparation to move their encampment be made by them. It is utterly impossible to move a large
body of men over the prairies without exposing them, and for this reason such bodies are nearly
always unsuccessful in meeting the enemy unless our numbers induce him to believe he can
vanquish us, when he will offer battle, but this is so seldom the case that I deem the plan of
making a depot and finding an encampment through reconnaissances infinitely more certain of
success. The best season in which to attack Indians is in the early spring months; April and early
part of May when the young grass purges and enfeebles their stock, disabling them from running
any great distance and insuring their being easily run down by our grain fed stock.
I would also suggest the propriety of establishing a post on the Republican River,
immediately south of Plum Creek, at some favorable point on the north side of that stream,
connecting it by a telegraph line with Plum Creek Station early next spring. By this means
raiding parties of Indians could be met by the troops of both garrisons and effectually checked.
The timber on the Republican would enable the erection of log houses for quarters and stables
and the erection of substantial stockade around the garrison. Your attention is called to the fact
that nearly all the depredations by Indians have been confined to the neighborhood of Plum
Creek, and that the great Indian route between the Platte River and the country south is over the
prairie lying between the Republican and the Platte Rivers, immediately south of Plum Creek.
The supplies for such a post could be hauled very readily, as the country between these
points is excellent for road purposes. In addition to the advantages of such a post in deterring
marauding expeditions of Indians, it would be found of great service to our posts along the
overland road in furnishing a supply of fuel, which is abundant on the Republican and its
tributaries, while it is exceedingly scarce on the road. The advantages of a post on the
Republican River are so self-evident that I will not point them out further.
I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
R. R. LIVINGSTON,
Col. 1st Regt. Nebr. Cav. Vet. Vols., Comdg. East. Sub-Dist. of Nebr.
Capt. JOHN PRATT,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dist. of Nebraska, Omaha, Nebr. Ter.
EASTERN SUB-DISTRICT OF NEBRASKA TERRITORY,
Fort Kearny, December 2, 1864.
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LIEUTENANT: In obedience to Special Orders, No. 22, dated headquarters Eastern Sub-
District of Nebraska, November 13, 1864, I have the honor to submit the following report:
On receiving the order I proceeded immediately to the post at Plum Creek and examined at
that place the quartermaster and commissary departments Supplies for this post are forwarded
from Fort Kearny, estimates for six months' supplies having been made and forwarded. The
quarters for the troops are completed, but are not occupied on account of not being able to
procure any stoves for heating and cooking purposes. The quarters are built without fireplaces.
Requisitions have been made on Capt. S. H. Moer, district quartermaster, and on my arrival at
Plum Creek I wrote him, urging him to procure them at once, as the troops were in a suffering
condition for want of them.
This post has a sufficient supply of hay secured for winter use. Fuel for the wants of this post
can be procured five miles from the post, and is cut by the troops detailed for that purpose. There
are three six-mule teams at this post, which are used for hauling wood, stores, and for post duty.
Fresh beef is supplied by contractors, and is of fair quality.
Post of Mullahla's I found in a destitute condition in regard to supplies of fuel and hay. Fuel
can be procured twelve miles from the post on Plum Creek, no stream to cross. Lieut. M. A.
Hance, First Nebraska Cavalry, and acting assistant quartermaster, informed me that if he could
get a supply of axes he could get a detail of men to cut the wood, and as there is no team at this
post, proposed to press a train to haul it in when he should have a sufficient amount put up. The
axes have been forwarded to him. There is on hand at this post about twenty-two tons of hay, but
will require seventy-five tons more. I hired a Mr. Smith with his mowing machine to put up the
amount required, but after having been at work a short time, the ground being frozen so hard, the
machine broke and rendered it almost useless, and Mr. Smith was compelled to abandon the idea
of cutting any more hay this season. There is no hay near this post that can be purchased. I would
respectfully call the attention of the commanding officer to this fact for his guidance in stationing
mounted troops at this post. Supplies for this post are procured from Fort Kearny, and estimates
of stores have been made.
Post at Dan Smith's Station: The quarters for the troops at this post are completed and are in a
comfortable condition. Stores are procured from Fort Cottonwood; estimates for six months'
supplies have been made and forwarded. There are twenty-eight tons of hay put up at this post,
and it will be sufficient for the command now stationed there, provided it is issued in accordance
with orders from sub-district headquarters. A sufficient amount of fuel is secured at this post for
winter's use, and more can be procured six miles from the station. No team at this post. Hauling
has been done by teams pressed for the purpose.
Post at Gillman's Station: Stores are procured from Fort Cottonwood; estimates have been
made for six months' supplies and forwarded. Quarters for the troops have been erected and are
completed and in comfortable condition. Stabling for the horses are receiving repairs and will
soon be completed. A full supply of hay is secured for this post for the present command during
the winter. Fuel can be procured by the troops for the use of this post, having two six-mule teams
for hauling purposes and can be obtained seven miles from the station. Fresh beef is supplied by
contract under the direction of the commissary of subsistence at Fort Cottonwood, and is of good
quality.
Fort Cottonwood: This post is the depot of supplies for the following-named posts: Dan
Smith's Station, Gillman's Station, Fort Morrow. O'Fallon's Bluffs, Alkali Station, Beauvais
Station, and Julesburg, and has ample store room for supplies for twelve months. The
quartermaster buildings are excellent and in good condition. At present they are greatly in need
of quartermaster stores and clothing. Captain King, commissary of subsistence and acting
assistant quartermaster, having made his estimates and forwarded them some time ago, has been
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informed that they are being filled and stores are now on the way. The supply of grain at this post
is sufficient for this and the posts mentioned for two months and contract made for a further
supply, not completed. The supply of hay already secured is sufficient for winter's use and is of
good quality, Captain King having complied with instruction from district quartermaster's office
instructing him to purchase all the hay in the vicinity of Fort Cottonwood. Arrangements are
made to keep up the supply of fuel for the winter, having it cut by the troops and hauled by
public and private transportation (of the latter four teams are hired). Sufficient fuel can be
collected from three to seven miles from this post.
There are five Government teams at this post for hauling wood and other post purposes. The
stabling is only sufficient for the cavalry horses now stationed here, leaving the quartermaster's
animals exposed to the weather. A sufficient number of logs, however, have been purchased to
build a quartermaster stable--is in course of erection and will soon be completed. Fresh beef is
furnished this post by contract, is supplied when required, and is of good quality. Twenty-six
wagon loads of subsistence stores are on the way from and left Omaha on the 15th ultimo. Fort
Cottonwood is destitute of blacksmith's, wagon-maker's, and saddler's shops, not having been
furnished with the necessary tools. Estimates have been made for them and as soon as received
shops will be commenced, which are indispensable to this and dependent posts.
Fort Morrow: Troops at this station receive their supplies from Fort Cottonwood, the same as
troops stationed at that place. Fuel can be procured at a short distance.
Fort O'Fallon's Bluffs is supplied from Fort Cottonwood. Quarters for troops and stabling are
well arranged and in good condition. Full supply of hay secured; 300 tons put up by contract
awarded by district quartermaster. Supply of fuel arranged is cut by troops detailed and hauled
by transportation hired; distance, thirty miles. One six-mule team for post service, &c., at this
post. Tools for blacksmith and saddler shop complete and in good working order. Fresh beef
supplied by contractor, Mr. John Morrow.
Post at Alkali receives supplies from Fort Cottonwood. Quarters for troops completed and in
comfortable condition. Officers' quarters and quartermaster building will soon be completed.
One thousand feet of lumber are required at this post to complete stables, quarters, &c., none
being on hand at Fort Kearny. I gave the necessary order for it to be purchased and forwarded.
Supply of hay for winter's use secured, having been purchased by contract. This post is destitute
of fuel, having to haul it sixty miles. The commanding officer informed me that fuel could not be
procured at present less than $47 a cord. I directed his quartermaster to procure a quantity at as
low figures as possible and to watch for trains returning from the west empty, and by that means
procure a supply for winter at reasonable rates. Four Government teams on hand for hauling
supplies, &c.; fresh beef supplied by Mr. Fales during the month of November. William Morrow
having been awarded the contract to furnish all posts west of Fort Cottonwood, he will in future
furnish fresh beef to this post.
Beauvais Station supplied from Fort Cottonwood. Sufficient supply of hay put up by Mr.
Beauvais and gave necessary instructions for its purchase at $45 per ton. Fuel cannot be procured
nearer than sixty miles. Mr. Beauvais having some five cords on hand, I gave instructions for it
to be purchased at $45 per cord. Troops are stationed at the ranch of Mr. Beauvais and no
Government buildings have been put up.
Julesburg: This post receives supplies from Fort Cottonwood, but an estimate was made
direct on department quartermaster, which is now being filled and stores are on the way. The
men's quarters at this post are not completed, one of the buildings not being covered; the poles
have to be hauled a distance of seventy-five and eighty miles. Captain O'Brien, Seventh Iowa
Cavalry, is using every exertion to complete his quarters and stables and make them comfortable
as soon as possible. Corn is supplied by contract and is promptly forwarded. A sufficient supply
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of hay is secured. Fuel cut by enlisted men and hauled by hired teams. Commanding officer can
keep up a supply in this way. One post team on hand at the post. Fresh beef supplied by
contractor, Mr. Morrow.
Post at Pawnee Ranch is supplied from Fort Kearny; quarters and stables are comfortable and
in good condition. Supply of hay secured. A sufficient supply of fuel is secured for this post, the
commanding officer having promised the men that they should be paid for cutting the wood.
They are anxious to know the price they will be allowed per cord, as their time of service expires
on the 13th instant. Fuel is procured three miles from the station. No Government transportation
at this post. Three private teams hired and paid by Capt. S. H. Moer, assistant quartermaster,
Omaha, Nebr. Ter. Fresh beef furnished by Contractor Beckwith and is of fair quality. Little
Blue Station receives supplies from Fort Kearny. Twenty-five tons of hay at this station and
fifty-eight horses to be supplied. The amount is not sufficient to feed through the winter and I
would suggest that when the troops at Pawnee Ranch leave, a portion of the troops at Little Blue
Station be ordered to that station. Supply of fuel can be procured within one mile of the post.
Two private teams hired for post purposes. Quarters and stables completed and in good
condition.
Junction Station receives supplies from Fort Kearny. Quarters and stables in good condition.
Present supply of hay secured and should any more be required, can be purchased in the vicinity.
No Government teams at the post; private transportation hired.
Post at Columbus receives supplies direct from Omaha; has a full supply of quartermaster
and commissary stores. Hay and fuel secured. Quarters and stables erected and almost
completed. Two government teams at the station.
Fort Kearny is the depot of supplies of the following posts: Mullahla's Station, Plum Creek,
Pawnee Ranch, Little Blue Station, and Junction Station. The supply of stores at Fort Kearny is
small, being entirely out of articles most needed. Estimates for stores have been made and
forwarded for six months' supplies, but stores not yet received. A supply of hay has been
obtained to last through the winter, and will allow of an issue of ten pounds to the ration. The
contractors failed to fill the contract for the regular winter supply, and the above was procured by
impressment and private purchase. A supply of fuel for two months for this post secured and
arranged, but requires hauling. Private transportation will have to be hired for the purpose. A
wood party of enlisted men are at present out cutting wood, distance from the fort sixteen miles.
The post quartermaster has instructions to purchase wood, but as yet has not been able to obtain
any. Laborers are scarce, and it is a difficult matter to get responsible persons to take contracts at
this season unless at exorbitant rates. There are four six-mule teams at this post, used for hauling
wood and other post purposes. Any transportation required outside the garrison, forwarding
stores, &c., has to be hired from private sources. There is quite a number of old wagons at this
post that can be repaired. The post quartermaster has been directed to procure material, &c., and
make the necessary repairs as soon as possible. Hay and fuel for the supply of Fort Kearny is
contracted for by Capt. S. H. Moer, assistant quartermaster, District of Nebraska, at Omaha,
Nebr. Ter. Contract for 250 tons of hay (and afterward increased 250 tons) was made with James
S. Wheatley. Only 200 tons on this contract was delivered, and that was consumed as fast as
received, leaving the post at Fort Kearny in the month of October without a ration of hay on
hand. The consequence is that hay has to be taken from people who have put it up for the
purpose of furnishing freighters during the winter and spring, and more than double the amount
paid per ton for the hay that it could have been procured for in the summer, besides being of
great inconvenience to the parties who are compelled to furnish it. Contracts for 200 cords of
wood, and afterward increased 500 cords, made with James S. Wheatley by Capt. S. H. Moer,
assistant quartermaster. Only fifty cords on this contract have been delivered, leaving the
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garrison destitute of fuel, consequently it has to be procured at high rates, besides keeping a
permanent party of enlisted men cutting wood. In regard to the non-fulfillment of contracts, I
would respectfully ca. II attention to the opinion given by the Solicitor of the War Department,
and promulgated in General Orders, No. 20, Quartermaster-General's Office, May 12, 1864.
Non-performance of contracts has left this post in a most critical condition.
On examining the unserviceable and condemned animals at this post I found that eighty
cavalry horses and seven mules had been submitted to the district inspector as unserviceable, and
by him condemned and recommended to be sold; report forwarded to department commander for
approval but not yet returned. The above horses, eighty in number, with the exception of some
four or five, have all been recently received from the district quartermaster at Omaha, Nebr.
Ter., and sent from that place as serviceable cavalry horses, being recently purchased and never
used in the service. On the arrival of a large lot of the above company commanders having been
notified that the animals were ready for issue as per their requisitions, refused to take them on the
ground that they were not fit for cavalry horses and were unserviceable. A board of survey was
immediately convened and the above number thrown out and pronounced as unserviceable.
These horses have never seen any service, only traveling from Omaha to Fort Kearny, a distance
of 215 miles, making slow marches. The animals were so poor that a number actually died on the
road. Animals of such a class should not be purchased, as it is a great detriment to the interests of
the Government and the public service in consuming forage, which is scarce and costly, and
when wanted for the purpose they were purchased for are found totally unfit for use.
Commanding officers at Fort Kearny and other posts in this sub-district are continually
complaining of not receiving promptly quartermaster and commissary stores on estimates that
have been forwarded in due season.
The posts at Forts Kearny and Cottonwood during the past three months have been very
badly supplied, causing the troops to suffer more or less for the want of necessary clothing. In
some cases for the want of boots men have been compelled to purchase moccasins, and other
articles of clothing that have been worn out (on account of the large portion of fatigue duty to be
performed in erecting and establishing new stations on the route) cannot be replaced for want of
stores. The supply of commissary stores could not be kept up, and the troops in some instances
could not procure the full rations, and this, when some of the men were working hard building
quarters, procuring fuel, &c., and exposed to severe weather. On account of stores not having
been forwarded promptly on estimates, and the store-houses being empty, quartermasters have
been compelled to take stores from trains destined to posts west of here.
At Forts Kearny and Cottonwood, the store-rooms are good and sufficient for at least nine
months' supplies for the respective and dependent posts, and I would respectfully ask, why stores
estimated for have not been forwarded. Fresh beef is furnished Fort Kearny by Mr. Boyd,
contractor; is of good quality and delivered when required. Estimate of commissary and
quartermaster stores, and of clothing, camp and garrison equipage for six months please find
inclosed, which please approve and forward to the proper officers. Estimates for six months'
supplies have been made out and transmitted previously, and the amount forwarded on the
estimate should be deducted from the accompanying. In my estimate of the 9th of October I
asked for thirty-six mule teams. I would again respectfully urge that they be forwarded as soon
as practicable, as they would be of vital importance and the greatest relief to the various posts of
this sub-district in forwarding supplies, procuring fuel, &c.
Trusting that the stores asked for on the accompanying estimates will be forwarded promptly,
I am, lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHARLES THOMPSON,
Lieut., First Nebr. Cav. Vet. Vols., and A. A. Q. M., A. C. S.
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Lieut. F. A. McDONALD,
First Nebr. Cav. Vet. Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen.,
Eastern Sub- Dist. of Nebr. Ter., Fort Kearny.
LIEUTENANT: Pursuant to Special Orders, No. 20, headquarters Cavalry Division, October
18, 1864, the command composed of the following detachments started from the camp of the
Third Missouri Cavalry Volunteers, October 19, 1864, at 9 a.m.: First Missouri Cavalry, 159
men and 3 officers; Third Missouri Cavalry, 42 men and 2 officers; First Iowa Cavalry, 40 men
and no officers; Ninth Kansas Cavalry, 100 men and 2 officers; Fourth Arkansas Cavalry, 50
men and 1 officer; Third U.S. Cavalry, 68 men and 3 officers; total 459 men and 11 officers.
Assistant Surgeon Madison, Third Arkansas Cavalry, with four ambulances and attendants,
accompanied the expedition. The command proceeded toward Benton, finding no opposition.
Stopped to water at Collegeville for twenty minutes; distance from Benton said to be nine miles.
On arriving at about two miles from Benton, sent the advance, composed of sixty-eight men of
the Third U.S. Cavalry, in command of Capt. E. W. Tarlton and Lieut. William G. Hoffman,
forward to charge into the town, with orders to arrest all parties found there. Captain Tarlton
charged in, capturing 2 men and 3 horses of the Eleventh Arkansas (J. L. Logan's brigade), then
proceeded to picket the roads leading out of town; searched for men and arms but found none;
found no forage. The command then advanced toward Fagan's Ford on the Saline, where they
encamped for the night. On arriving in camp foraging parties were immediately sent out across
the river and found some corn, enough for one feed for the command; heard that Crawford was at
Pratt's Ford with about fifty men. Distance marched, twenty-seven miles.
October 20, 1864, left camp at 5 a.m. No forage this morning. Roads very bad; numerous
cross-roads. Marched toward Tulip and encamped in the woods at a branch said to be sixteen
miles from Tulip; found a small quantity of forage. Distance marched, about twenty-three miles
by our route.
October 21, 1864, marched at 4 a.m.; roads rough and apparently not much traveled, owing
to making a detour to get to the east of Tulip, in order not to allow the enemy to hear of our
approach. When about twelve miles from Princeton the advance, consisting of a detail from the
First Missouri, in charge of Sergeant Stewart, and 100 men from the Ninth Kansas, the whole
command in charge of Lieutenants Dow and Haughawout, Ninth Kansas, found the enemy's
pickets, about sixty or seventy strong, posted in the roads. The pickets fired on the advance and
then fell back toward Tulip and Princeton. Major Avery then sent part of the command through
Tulip; and advanced on a road to the east of Tulip, driving the mounted infantry picket ahead of
them. The squadron then went through Tulip; joined the main body at the intersection of the
Tulip and Princeton roads. The command then proceeded to advance. Just then word arrived
from the rear of the column that one of the ambulances had broken down. Major Avery ordered
that if it could not be repaired without delay to the column to burn it, which was done. On
arriving at about two miles from Princeton, organized a command to charge into town, take and
hold it. Lieutenants Dow and Haughawout, Ninth Kansas, with their command, charged,
supported by Captain Mills, Lieutenants Green and Adams, with their command, 159 men, First
Missouri Cavalry. Lieutenant Haughawout, who was in the extreme front, found about seventy
men (cavalry) drawn up in line of battle, but they broke out of town for their camp on the
Camden road. We then proceeded to establish pickets on all the roads leading out of town and
proceeded to search for arms and C. S. stores; found a building containing between fifteen and
twenty stand of arms, which were immediately destroyed by the command. The major then sent
forward the First Missouri to find the enemy's camp. Captain Mills proceeded out on the Camden
road for about two miles, and found the enemy strongly posted in the edge of the woods, with a
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bayou between fifty and sixty feet wide along their front. He reconnoitered their position and
found it too strong to warrant an attack, and in accordance with orders fell back and joined the
command. Captured during the day 14 prisoners: 12 men Eleventh Arkansas Mounted Infantry, 1
from Second Texas, and 1 man from the Monroe regiment, Cabell's brigade, with their arms.
Found one man from the First Iowa Cavalry, who had been captured by the enemy on the 1st of
May and detained as a nurse in the hospital; was brought in. Found also another in hospital
suffering from a compound fracture of the thigh, who, Doctor Compton, the C. S. surgeon and
the surgeon of our command, both say will not recover (name George Sidney, regiment Twentyninth
Iowa Infantry) who was left in charge of Doctor Compton, the C. S. surgeon, who they say
has been very kind to them. The command then marched back toward Jenkins' Ferry on the
Saline; halted three miles from Princeton, fed and watered the horses; started again and marched
to Jenkins' Ferry, which was crossed and a camp established. Heard that the enemy was on the
Saline River 300 strong, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel McMutter, Second Texas. No
forage to-night. Distance marched, about forty-nine miles.
October 22, 1864, marched at 5 a.m. No forage. At 11.50 obtained corn and fed; marched
again and encamped in an opening about twenty-six miles from Little Rock and eight miles from
Hurricane Creek. To-day the march was made very slowly, with numerous rests, owing to the
severity of the preceding march and scarcity of forage. Distance marched, about twenty-two
miles.
October 23, marched at 5 a.m.; heard at a house that an immense body of men had passed
during the night, moving toward Hurricane Creek; moved cautiously forward, having all on the
alert, owing to the density of the timber on either side. At 8.30 a.m. crossed Hurricane and
moved forward toward the Benton road. Rebels fired into the advance, and immediately the fight
became general. The position held by the rebels was a semi-circle, covering our front and rear.
Major Avery proceeded to put the command in position, which brought them on our front, but
their line was so great that they covered both flanks. The Texans then charged across a small
opening in our front, demanding a surrender. Just then Major Avery's horse was shot from under
him, the ball passing through his pants and saddle into the opposite saddle-skirt. Lieutenants
Haughawout, Ninth Kansas, and Clayton, Third Missouri Cavalry Volunteers, were both
wounded at the same charge. Sergeant [Young], Ninth Kansas Cavalry, was shot through the
head, killing him instantly. Every company in the command, and individual, was soon hotly
engaged, and though the rebels charged furiously several times, in every instance our men drove
them back into the bush. Our men also charged them, but they broke and ran in every direction,
though their officers were seen trying to form them, but found it impossible, as our men pressed
them back every time.
They then fell off toward our right and rear, after which we could find no trace of them.
Casualties, United States: One killed (sergeant, Ninth Kansas); wounded--First Iowa, 1 (private,
mortally, since died); First Missouri, 2 (privates, severely); Third Missouri, 2 (privates,
severely); Fourth Arkansas, 2 (privates, severely); Third United States, 2 (1 very severely in
head); commissioned officers, Lieutenant Clayton, Third Missouri, severely; Lieutenant
Haughawout, Ninth Kansas, severely. Rebel loss, as far as known, 27 killed, 1 captured.
Very respectfully submitted.
G. J. CAMPBELL,
Second Lieut., Third U.S. Cav., Actg. Engr. for the Command.
CAMP THIRD CAVALRY MISSOURI VOLUNTEERS,
Near Little Rock, Ark., November 18, 1864.
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LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to Special Orders, No. --,
headquarters District of Little Rock, Ark., November 4, 1864 (a copy of which I was permitted to
read, but not retain), and instructions both written and verbal, I assumed command of a cavalry
scout composed of the following named detachments, viz, Third U.S. Cavalry, 3 officers, 84
men; First Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, 3 officers, 200 men; First Iowa Volunteer Cavalry, 3
officers, 110 men; Third Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, 4 officers, 96 men; total, 13 officers, 490
men, and on the morning of November 17, 1864, proceeded en route for Fagan's Ford on the
Saline River, two miles west of Benton, distance twenty-seven miles. On arriving at the ford I
discovered that we could cross, but did not deem it prudent, as the river was rapidly rising and
the probability was that it would be very high as it was still raining. We camped on the north
bank of the river and sent to Benton for forage, where we found plenty for the command. No
receipts were given for forage from the fact that we could find no person that had any. We
discovered no enemy during the day, except two men who were apparently on picket one-half
mile west of Benton, and about ten men who were on the south bank of the Saline River and
fired on the advance on its arrival, doing no injury. We learned from a family who were moving
and had just crossed the river, that there were about 100 of the enemy not more than a mile from
the ford, but were in readiness to move; supposed to be Crawford's command. Morning,
November 18, 1864, found the river very much swollen; water at least ten feet deep in the
channel, still rising and running very rapidly. Deeming it imprudent to attempt a crossing under
such circumstances we immediately countermarched. On arriving at the Twelve-Mile House, we
found the stream at least six feet deep in the channel (swimming), current not swift. We readily
effected a crossing without loss or injury, except that one man of the First Iowa Cavalry lost his
carbine in consequence of his horse falling in the stream. Arrived at Little Rock at 4 p.m. We
conversed with all the citizens that we could find, and they all report that there are at Princeton
two regiments of infantry (about 700 men) and Logan's cavalry. At Arkadelphia there are two
brigades of infantry; could not learn their strength. Also report a few State troops at Rockport. It
is rumored among them that 8,000 cavalry from Magruder's command have recently been sent to
re-enforce Price, whom they report to be south of the Arkansas River, with his command totally
cut to pieces.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully your obedient servant,
GEO. S. AVERY,
Major Third Missouri Cavalry, Commanding Expedition.
Lieutenant HAMILTON,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Second Brig., Cavalry Division.
Itinerary of the Second Brigade, Third Division, Col. James I. Gilbert, Twenty-seventh Iowa
Infantry, commanding.
November 1.--Moved from Snibar, Mo., at 6 a.m., sending out a scouting party upon either
flank in advance. During the day three small squads of guerrillas were discovered and a few
shots exchanged. They were pursued and 1 horse and 2 mules captured. Encamped on Snibar,
four miles from Wellington; seventeen miles.
November 2.--Marched at 6 a.m.; passed through Lexington; encamped on Tabo Creek;
twenty-two miles.
November 3.--Marched through snow-storm to Waverly; fifteen miles.
November 4.--Marched on Glasgow road to Cow Creek; twenty-two miles.
November 5.--Marched to Glasgow and ferried the river in the night; twenty miles.
November 6.--Lay in camp.
November 7.--Marched at 8 a.m. to Fayette; twelve miles.
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November 8 and 9.--Lay in camp.
November 10.--Marched at 8 a.m. on road toward Warrenton and encamped at Rocheport, on
Missouri River; fourteen miles.
November 11.--Marched at 8 a.m. on Warrenton road to Columbia; fifteen miles.
November 12.--Marched at 8 a.m. on Warrenton road to Doctor Marteen's; eighteen miles.
November 13.--Marched at 8 a.m. on Warrenton rood, passing through Williamsburg, and
encamped two miles east of town; fourteen miles.
November 14.--Marched at 8 a.m., passing through Danville to High Hill, and encamped;
sixteen miles.
November 15.--Marched at 8 a.m. to Warrenton and one mile beyond and encamped; sixteen
miles.
November 16.--Marched at 8 a.m. on Saint Charles road and encamped at Barley's; nineteen
miles.
November 17.--Marched at 8 a.m. to Saint Charles: crossed the Missouri River and
encamped on south side; twenty miles.
November 18.--Marched to Saint Louis and encamped in Camp Gamble, where we lay until
the 24th.
November 24.--Embarked on transports and moved to Cairo, Ill.; distance 200 miles.
November 28.--Reached Cairo; moved to Smithland and thence up the Cumberland River
toward Nashville, which place we shall probably reach this evening [November 30].
Report of Second Lieut. John T. S. Fry, Fortieth Iowa Infantry.
HDQRS. DETACHMENT FORTIETH IOWA VOLS.,
On Board Steamer Alamo, Strayhorn's Landing, Ark.,
November 30, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of an engagement with the enemy on the
29th instant between a detail of thirty men of the Fortieth Iowa Volunteers as guards on steamer
Alamo to Fort Smith, under my command, and a detachment of rebel cavalry commanded by
Col. Robert C. Newton:
About 2 p.m. yesterday, when about two miles and a half above Dardanelle, the enemy
appeared in considerable force on an elevated position on the south side of the Arkansas River,
dismounted, and when within about 150 yards commenced firing. They followed us about six
miles, keeping up an incessant fire. My men, protected by breast-works made of oat sacks,
returned the fire with coolness and deliberation. The captain of the boat informing me that we
were approaching a bar that could not be crossed without difficulty, I ordered the boat to be
landed on the opposite shore. Just as we were about to land some one of the rebels, supposed to
be an officer, came within speaking distance and demanded surrender. To this demand a negative
reply was given. After landing occasional shots were exchanged for about an hour, and then the
firing ceased. The enemy encamped last night opposite the boat, but withdrew early this
morning. After their departure I visited the opposite shore and ascertained from citizens that we
had been fighting Colonel Newton's cavalry regiment, about 250 or 300 strong, and that they lost
2 men killed and 1 wounded; also, had 2 horses killed; I saw the graves of the killed. The boat
was literally riddled with bullets. No less than eighty-seven balls struck the boat on a line with
the pilot-house. The detachment under my command is composed of details from all the
companies except A. My only trouble was to keep the men from exposing themselves to the fire
of the enemy. Nothing but the protection afforded by the oat sacks saved my little command, one
and all of whom, as well as the officers of the boat, deserve great praise for their conduct on this
occasion. No serious casualty occurred to any of the men of my command. Private Charles S.
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Powers, Company I, narrowly escaped, a ball passing through his hair; Private Thomas Jeffers,
Company D, was hit in the side by a spent ball that glanced from a stanchion.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN T. S. FRY,
Second Lieut. Company C, Commanding Detachment.
Lieut. L. A. DUNCAN,
Adjutant Fortieth Iowa.
BROWNSVILLE, December 7, 1864--7.30 a.m.
SIR: A detachment of the Ninth Iowa Volunteer Cavalry, fifty men, under command of
Lieutenant Harmon, whom I had sent out for beef-cattle, had a skirmish on yesterday morning
with a detachment of Adams' command, six miles west of Des Arc. We had 2 men wounded and
5 horses killed; 3 of the enemy were killed. A detachment of the Eighth [Missouri] Volunteer
Cavalry, under command of Captain Langston, has just returned from Peach Orchard Gap. They
killed 1 bushwhacker and captured Capt. Jeff. Allison and 5 horses. I would like to cross White
River, as soon as Major Childress returns, and try and clean out McCray and Dobbin.
Respectfully,
W. F. GEIGER,
Colonel, Commanding.
Capt. C. H. DYER,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
FORT ZARAH, December 6, 1864.
LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report that on the evening of the 4th instant, just after
dark, four men of the Seventh Iowa Cavalry, forming an escort to a six-mule team and wagon
loaded with ammunition for this post, were attacked by Indians while in camp on Cow Creek,
fifteen miles east of this post, and the driver killed and one of the escort wounded in the arm.
They had camped within thirty feet of the bank of the creek which at that place is twenty or thirty
feet high, and while eating their supper the Indians crept up along the bed of the creek, within
fifty feet of them, and fired under cover of the bank. From one of the party who was picked up
by the stage which came along about four hours later, I gather this, that upon being fired into the
men dispersed, first firing several shots in return; that the teamster fled across the creek, the
Indians in pursuit, where his body was found pierced with arrows and 100 yards or more from
the wagon. Three of the escort made their escape and returned to Fort Ellsworth on foot, reaching
that post at 3 o'clock in the morning. The fourth man composing the escort hid himself near by
and remained concealed until the stage and escort came along, when he was picked up and
brought to this post at 1 o'clock in the morning. I immediately dispatched a force of twenty-five
mounted men to the place designated and there await the coming of daylight. As soon as it
became sufficiently light, the country was patrolled for several miles around in search of the
three missing men belonging to the escort, who were supposed at that time to have been killed.
An overcoat was found half a mile from the camp, which was the only trace of them to be
discovered. At daylight I sent out another party of ten men and a team to bring in whatever might
be found by the party first sent out, which returned in the afternoon with the wagon and about
half of the ammunition in good condition, and considerable in a damaged state. One horse came
in with the stage belonging to the escort slightly wounded with arrows, and one was found dead
upon the ground near the camp. The other two were probably captured by the Indians, and also
the mules. The harness was cut up and portions abstracted. Last night Lieutenant Hutchings with
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sixteen men arrived at this post with the intelligence that the three missing men from the escort
had arrived safely at Fort Ellsworth.
I would respectfully beg leave to suggest that the escort furnished at Fort Ellsworth, for the
safe transportation of valuable ordnance stores, over a route known to be swarming with hostile
Indians, was entirely inadequate. The loss of the stores may lead to serious results and disasters,
while a neglect of proper care to prevent their falling into the hands of an unrelenting savage foe
becomes a crime.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THEO. CONKEY,
Captain, Third Wisconsin Cavalry, Commanding Post.
Lieut. J. E. TAPPAN,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS U.S. EXPEDITIONARY FORCES,
Morganza, La., December 15, 1864.
GENERAL: I have the honor to very respectfully submit the following report, viz:
In obedience to instructions from headquarters U.S. forces, dated Morganza, La., December
12, 1864, I took command of the expedition composed of the Thirty-fourth Iowa Regiment, One
hundred and fourteenth Ohio Regiment, one section of the Second Massachusetts Battery, and a
detachment of the Second New York Veteran Cavalry, for the purpose of escorting and
supporting Major Conover, Sixteenth Indiana Mounted Infantry, and his command in crossing
the Atchafalaya River. The expedition moved from Morganza, La., December 13, 1864, at 8 a.m.
and advanced to Morgan's Ferry bridge. At Cattlett's, a distance of nine miles, the column was
halted for dinner and to await the arrival of Major Conover and his command, which arrived
about 12 m., bringing with them four pontoon-boats for the purpose of crossing the river. Major
Conover and Major Bell took a party and went forward from this point to the river to reconnoiter
and select the point for crossing. I detached Lieutenant-Colonel Dungan, Thirty-fourth Iowa,
with them for the purpose of selecting a suitable position for the artillery and the disposition of
the troops to cover the crossing after Major Conover had selected the crossing. It was arranged
that the expedition would move forward within one mile of the river and halt until the place of
crossing was selected and reported to me. Major Conover returned about sunset and reported that
a crossing had been selected and that there were no rebel pickets near the point selected. About 7
p.m. I moved the expedition up to the river, stationed the artillery and disposed the forces,
launched the boats and commenced crossing the command over at 8 p.m. The command to be
crossed over consisted of 212 men, their horses, saddles, carbines, and equipments. The means of
crossing were the four boats before mentioned, each of which took four men, their saddles,
bridles, equipments, &c., swimming their four horses alongside the boat. The entire command
was crossed over and in readiness to move, and moved off at 12 midnight. Major Conover and I
agreed upon a signal by which I could recognize him or any of his command in case they were
compelled to return to the river. I then had the boats all taken out of the river and put out of view
from the opposite side of the river to prevent the enemy from discovering by what means the
force had crossed over. I then gave orders to the officers in charge of the artillery to report to me
anything that might occur on the opposite side of the river. At 3 a.m. Major Conover and his
command returned and reported that he had moved with his command about six miles down the
river, encountered an impassable bayou, had a man drowned in attempting to cross over it, and
that he desired me to recross his command. At 6 a.m. the boats were again launched and the
crossing commenced. By 11 a.m. the command was over, the boats reloaded on the wagons, and
the entire expedition in readiness to move. In crossing and recrossing Major Conover's command
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no accident or misfortune of any kind occurred. We met no force on our way out, neither did we
encounter any at the crossing. Major Conover captured one prisoner whom I forwarded to the
provost-marshal U.S. forces. The officers in command of the regiments, detachments, and
artillery rendered efficient aid and services. The officers and troops of the entire expedition
rendered aid promptly when called upon, and conducted themselves in an officer-like and
soldierly manner. The expedition arrived at Morganza December 14, 6 p.m.
Respectfully submitted.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN H. KELLY,
Colonel 114th Ohio Vol. Infty., Commanding Expedition.
Brig. Gen. D. ULLMANN,
Commanding U. S. Forces.
HDQRS. CAV. DIV., DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Memphis, Tenn., January 9, 1865.
SIR: I have just returned from an important and highly successful expedition against the lines
of the enemy's communications and his stores in Mississippi. The task was accomplished by a
command which was inferior, both in organization and numbers, consisting, in a great part, of
detachments of regiments which were heretofore under my command, but the greater portion of
which were recently transferred to Middle Tennessee. I beg leave to state that a few months since
I was in command of a division of fifteen regiments of cavalry, which I had succeeded after
much labor in organizing and equipping in a manner second to no body of cavalry in the U. S.
service, as will be seen by reference to the reports of the inspector-general, District of West
Tennessee. One by one these regiments have been taken from my command and transferred to
other officers in Middle Tennessee, Arkansas, and Missouri, until but a mere shadow of my
former splendid command remains. With this I have attempted and succeeded in a hazardous
expedition at a period when roads and streams were considered almost impassable. I further take
the liberty of expressing my belief that the emergencies in Middle Tennessee, Arkansas, and
Missouri have ceased, and as from the most reliable and recent reports the army of General Hood
has fallen back and concentrated near Corinth, I believe Memphis, or some other point on the
Mississippi River, to be favorable for the concentration of cavalry in order to operate
successfully against the enemy's lines of communication in the West, the river being a much
more efficient agent than railroads for the transportation of forage and other supplies necessary
for the successful management of cavalry.
I respectfully and earnestly request that I be allowed to select from my old command ten or
twelve regiments of cavalry, to be organized into a division and concentrated at Memphis, or any
other point the Department may think best, with a view of operating in battle against the enemy,
or in raids against his railroads, depots, and arsenals. The regiments which I would select are as
follows: Sixth, Seventh, and Ninth Illinois; Second, Third, and Fourth Iowa; Tenth Missouri,
Seventh Kansas; Third Michigan, and any others which might be assigned to me. With most of
these regiments I have been identified as commander for the past eighteen months. With them,
properly organized and equipped, I would be willing to undertake the destruction of every
railroad and arsenal and depot of supplies in possession of the enemy.
Trusting that my past and future record may justify the Department in considering favorably
this request, I am, sir, most respectfully, your obedient servant,
B. H. GRIERSON,
Brigadier-General.
ADJUTANT-GENERAL U. S. ARMY,
88
Washington, D. C.
FORT SMITH, July 5, 1864.
The Ninth Kansas started for Little Rock on the 2d instant. The Eleventh Negro Regiment
and four companies of the First Arkansas Cavalry started for Little Rock on the 1st instant. The
Second and Sixth Kansas Cavalry were ordered, but the Ninth Cavalry, the Eleventh Negro, and
four companies of the First Arkansas were sent in their stead. The Fourteenth Kansas was under
marching orders for Fayetteville on the 6th instant. The remainder of Thayer's forces are as
follows: Eighteenth Iowa Infantry, 400; Second Kansas Cavalry, 500; Sixth Kansas Cavalry,
400; Twelfth Kansas Cavalry, 400; Thirteenth Kansas Infantry, 300; First Negro, 500; Thirteenth
and Third (consolidated) Negro Regiments, 700; First Arkansas Infantry, 700; three batteries,
fourteen guns in all, 6-pounder and 10-pounder guns; four howitzers, in addition, commanding
the bottom in the direction of Poteau. The spirits of the troops are low; want to go home. Times
were out on the 1st of June; pressed for sixty days; deserting by squads every chance in numbers
of fourteen and fifteen, &c. Yankees say that when the Southern troops attack this place they will
take it very easily. The names of colonels of regiments are not material, as I mentioned them
some time ago. The enemy overrate their forces here about one-half Don't think there are more
than 2,500 men, and not over 2,000 fighting men in the place, as all the regiments are mere
skeletons of the same.
B. D. FORD.
Captain Parks reports the same as the above; also that the Second Kansas Cavalry are going
to Kansas to be disbanded; that there are only eight pieces of cannon in Fort Smith, the rest being
off with Cloud. Federals report our cavalry on the north side of the Arkansas at Little Rock, and
their communication cut off, and Price marching up on the south side--the place as good as
taken. Four months' supplies at Fort Smith.
F.
HEADQUARTERS INDIAN DIVISION,
In the Field, July 9, 1864.
Respectfully forwarded for General Maxey's information, together with plan of fortifications,
and a number of Northern newspapers.
The information is derived from a reliable source, but it is most singular that no intelligence
of General Price's movements are received from Southern and official sources. I think every
available man and cannon should be sent to the front at once, and held in readiness to avail of the
opportunity which will soon offer to take Fort Smith.
D. H. COOPER,
Brigadier-General.
HEADQUARTERS POST,
Devall's Bluff, Ark., July 1, 1864.
Capt. C. H. DYER,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Little Rock:
Colonel Geiger's scouts sent from Clarendon are not yet in. He reports his regiment unfit for
any service at present. Ninth Iowa is the only regiment available just now; has about 500. I have
waited today to get information from Geiger's scouts before indicating time of march. Negro
escaped from Shelby on Monday, arrived to-night, reports Shelby at that time crossing Cache
and retreating hastily to Augusta. Railroad patrolled by First Nebraska.
Very respectfully,
89
J. K. MIZNER,
Colonel, Commanding Post.
DEVALL'S BLUFF, July 2, 1864.
Capt. C. H. DYER,
Assistant Adjutant-General, District of Little Rock:
Colonel Geiger reports this morning that his scouts have returned, but bring no important
information. They saw no enemy and heard of none, except small parties of guerrillas. The
horses of Ninth Iowa Cavalry need shoeing badly. The regiment is burning coal to shoe with.
Will not small scouts answer until Colonel Geiger is in better condition to move? Should the
general desire any large force sent, please give me general instructions as to their movements.
The existence of a battery at Prairie Landing is only supported by Gun-boats 30 and 37, from the
sound of artillery in that direction. Four boats will be ready for convoy on Monday. The navy
object to escorting a single boat, but will take this number. Colonel Geiger desires permission to
visit Little Rock to-day. All quiet here.
J. K. MIZNER,
Colonel, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST,
Milwaukee, Wis., July 2, 1864.
Brig. Gen. W. S. KETCHUM,
Madison, Wis.:
GENERAL: I send you a brief statement of troops in this department, with their stations, as
far as can now be ascertained, to guide you in your inspection. The statements cannot now be
given in detail, because General Sully has just set off on his expedition, having been re-enforced
by General Sibley, from Minnesota. The small forces left behind by Sully and retained by Sibley
in Minnesota are now being distributed in small detachments at points along the frontier to guard
against Indian raids during the absence of the expedition.
Whole force of enlisted men (non-commissioned officers and privates, exclusive of Invalid
Veteran Reserve companies) is as follows:
In Minnesota--One regiment infantry (Eighth Minnesota); one regiment cavalry (Second
Minnesota); one battery artillery (Third Minnesota Battery); one independent cavalry battalion
(Hatch's four companies); four companies infantry (Thirtieth Wisconsin). In Iowa and Dakota--
One regiment cavalry (Sixth Iowa); one battalion cavalry (four companies Seventh Iowa); one
independent battalion cavalry (Brackett's); three companies of Dakota cavalry; six companies
infantry (Thirtieth Wisconsin). Aggregate of forces in department for duty-- f cavalry, 35
companies, 2,723 men; of infantry, 20 companies, 1,260 men; of artillery, 1 company, 112 men;
1 company of rebel deserters, 48 men; aggregate for duty, 4,203 men. This force is distributed as
follows: For Indian expedition under Sully--One infantry regiment, mounted (Eighth Minnesota);
one cavalry regiment (Sixth Iowa); six companies cavalry (Second Minnesota); six companies
infantry (Thirtieth Wisconsin); one battalion cavalry, four companies (Seventh Iowa); one
independent battalion cavalry (Brackett's); three companies Dakota cavalry.
Some of these companies General Sully has left behind at various points to guard frontier
settlements of Iowa and Dakota and certain Indian agencies on the Upper Missouri, and to
garrison Fort Randall and Fort Pierre. All thus left are cavalry companies, I believe, and most of
this force is occupied in patrolling the country along the frontier. The whole force of the moving
expedition is about 2,300 men. There are left in Minnesota as follows: Of cavalry, six companies
Second Minnesota Cavalry; one independent battalion (four companies) (Hatch's); of infantry,
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four companies Thirtieth Wisconsin; of artillery, part of a company. These troops are distributed
in small detachments along the frontier to prevent Indian raids during Sully's absence on his
expedition. Forts Abercrombie, Ridgely, and Ripley are occupied by portions of this force and
many other prominent points along the frontier, which I cannot now designate. Of this force also
three companies of Thirtieth Wisconsin Infantry and one company of cavalry are on their way to
James River to establish Fort Wadsworth. General Sibley can give you the exact positions and
numbers of the above force. Of veteran reserves, there are, so far as known, the following
companies: One company at Davenport, one company at Madison, two companies at Milwaukee,
one company at Fort Snelling. There may be others, but I don't know of them. It is proper to state
that the Veteran Reserve companies in this department have never been placed under my
command by any proper authority.
The provost-marshal-general ordered the companies in this department to report to me,
except such as were needed by the officers of his department. Many detachments of these
companies under charge of officers of the provost-marshal's department are scattered about over
this department and employed in offices, but I know nothing of them.
I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. POPE,
Major-General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST,
Milwaukee, Wis., July 2, 1864.
Brig. Gen. W. S. KETCHUM,
Madison,Wis.:
GENERAL: I send you a brief statement of troops in this department, with their stations, as
far as can now be ascertained, to guide you in your inspection. The statements cannot now be
given in detail, because General Sully has just set off on his expedition, having been re-enforced
by General Sibley, from Minnesota. The small forces left behind by Sully and retained by Sibley
in Minnesota are now being distributed in small detachments at points along the frontier to guard
against Indian raids during the absence of the expedition.
Whole force of enlisted men (non-commissioned officers and privates, exclusive of Invalid
Veteran Reserve companies) is as follows:
In Minnesota--One regiment infantry (Eighth Minnesota); one regiment cavalry (Second
Minnesota); one battery artillery (Third Minnesota Battery); one independent cavalry battalion
(Hatch's four companies); four companies infantry (Thirtieth Wisconsin). In Iowa and Dakota--
One regiment cavalry (Sixth Iowa); one battalion cavalry (four companies Seventh Iowa); one
independent battalion cavalry (Brackett's); three companies of Dakota cavalry; six companies
infantry (Thirtieth Wisconsin). Aggregate of forces in department for duty-- f cavalry, 35
companies, 2,723 men; of infantry, 20 companies, 1,260 men; of artillery, 1 company, 112 men;
1 company of rebel deserters, 48 men; aggregate for duty, 4,203 men. This force is distributed as
follows: For Indian expedition under Sully--One infantry regiment, mounted (Eighth Minnesota);
one cavalry regiment (Sixth Iowa); six companies cavalry (Second Minnesota); six companies
infantry (Thirtieth Wisconsin); one battalion cavalry, four companies (Seventh Iowa); one
independent battalion cavalry (Brackett's); three companies Dakota cavalry.
Some of these companies General Sully has left behind at various points to guard frontier
settlements of Iowa and Dakota and certain Indian agencies on the Upper Missouri, and to
garrison Fort Randall and Fort Pierre. All thus left are cavalry companies, I believe, and most of
this force is occupied in patrolling the country along the frontier. The whole force of the moving
expedition is about 2,300 men. There are left in Minnesota as follows: Of cavalry, six companies
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Second Minnesota Cavalry; one independent battalion (four companies) (Hatch's); of infantry,
four companies Thirtieth Wisconsin; of artillery, part of a company. These troops are distributed
in small detachments along the frontier to prevent Indian raids during Sully's absence on his
expedition. Forts Abercrombie, Ridgely, and Ripley are occupied by portions of this force and
many other prominent points along the frontier, which I cannot now designate. Of this force also
three companies of Thirtieth Wisconsin Infantry and one company of cavalry are on their way to
James River to establish Fort Wadsworth. General Sibley can give you the exact positions and
numbers of the above force. Of veteran reserves, there are, so far as known, the following
companies: One company at Davenport, one company at Madison, two companies at Milwaukee,
one company at Fort Snelling. There may be others, but I don't know of them. It is proper to state
that the Veteran Reserve companies in this department have never been placed under my
command by any proper authority.
The provost-marshal-general ordered the companies in this department to report to me,
except such as were needed by the officers of his department. Many detachments of these
companies under charge of officers of the provost-marshal's department are scattered about over
this department and employed in offices, but I know nothing of them.
I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. POPE,
Major-General, Commanding.
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
New Orleans, July 6, 1864.
Maj. Gen. N. P. BANKS,
Commanding Department of the Gulf, New Orleans, La.:
GENERAL: The commanding general directs that Colonel Slack's brigade (the Forty-seventh
Indiana, Fifty-sixth Ohio, and Twenty-fourth and Twenty-eighth Iowa Regiments) be at once
ordered to New Orleans to report to Maj. Gen. J. J. Reynolds for embarkation.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
New Orleans, July 6, 1864.
Maj. C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Military Division of West Mississippi:
SIR: In answer to your letter of this morning, in relation to Colonel Slack's brigade, I have
the honor to inform you that Brigadier-General Cameron, commanding District of La Fourche,
has been telegraphed to send the Twenty-fourth and Twenty-eighth Iowa and the Forty-seventh
Indiana Volunteers at once to Algiers, the commanding officer to report to General Reynolds for
orders immediately on arrival at that point. The Fifty-sixth Ohio Volunteers were sent to the
north to receive their veteran furlough by special orders of May 23, from headquarters Defenses
of New Orleans. Is it desired that another regiment shall be substituted for the Fifty-sixth Ohio?
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
N. P. BANKS,
Major-General, Commanding.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF
New Orleans, July 6, 1864.
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10. In accordance with orders from headquarters Military Division of West Mississippi, the
following-named regiments, composing Colonel Slack's brigade, will be at once relieved from
duty in the District of La Fourche and sent by rail to Algiers: Forty-seventh Indiana Volunteers,
Fifty-sixth Ohio Volunteers, Twenty-fourth Iowa Volunteers, Twenty-eighth Iowa Volunteers.
The quartermaster's department will furnish immediate transportation. Immediately on arrival at
Algiers the commanding officer will repair to New Orleans and report to Maj. Gen. J. J.
Reynolds for orders.
By command of Major-General Banks:
J. S. CROSBY,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 156.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS,
Little Rock, Ark., July 6, 1864.
1. The detachment of the Third Iowa Cavalry Volunteers is hereby relieved from duty in this
department, and will report to the headquarters of the regiment at Memphis, Tenn., with as little
delay as possible. The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary transportation.
By order of Maj. Gen. F. Steele:
W. D. GREEN,
Assistant Adjutant-General
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
New Orleans, July 7, 1864.
Ninety-seventh Illinois, 446 effective; Ninety-ninth Illinois, 395 effective; Eighth Indiana,
about 300 effective; Eleventh Indiana, about 319 effective; Forty-seventh Indiana, about 541
effective; Twenty-first Iowa, 424 effective; Twenty-second Iowa, 425 effective; Twenty-fourth
Iowa, 405 effective; Twenty-eighth Iowa, 460 effective; Third Maryland (dismounted cavalry),
320 effective; Twenty-third Wisconsin, 285 effective; Twenty-ninth Wisconsin, 418. Total,
4,738. The additional force will be ordered as soon as the necessary changes can be made.
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
New Orleans, July 7, 1864.
Maj. Gen. N. P. BANKS,
Comdg. Dept. of the Gulf, New Orleans, La.:
GENERAL: The commanding general directs that the following regiments be at once ordered
to this city and directed to report to Maj. Gen. J. J. Reynolds: The Eighth Indiana, now at District
of La Fourche; Eleventh Indiana, now at Thibodeaux; Forty-seventh Indiana, now at
Thibodeaux; Ninety-seventh Illinois, now at New Orleans; Ninety-ninth Illinois, now at
Donaldsonville; Twenty-first Iowa, now at District of La Fourche; Twenty-fourth Iowa, now at
Thibodeaux; Twenty-eighth Iowa, now at Thibodeaux; Twenty-third Wisconsin, now at Baton
Rouge; Twenty-ninth Wisconsin, now at Kennerville.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
New Orleans, July 7, 1864.
Maj. C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
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Asst. Adjt. Gen., Military Division of West Mississippi:
SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of even date, and to
report that, in accordance with the instructions therein conveyed, the following regiments have
been ordered to New Orleans, the commanding officers to report immediately upon arrival to
Maj. Gen. J. J. Reynolds: Eighth Indiana Volunteers, Eleventh Indiana Volunteers, Ninety-ninth
Illinois Volunteers, Twenty-first Iowa Volunteers, Twenty-third Wisconsin Volunteers, Twentyninth
Wisconsin Volunteers. The commanding officer of Ninety-seventh Illinois Volunteers has
also been ordered to report at once for orders to General Reynolds, his regiment being now in
this city. The Forty-seventh Indiana Volunteers, Twenty-fourth Iowa Volunteers and Twentyeighth
Iowa Volunteers received orders of the same purport on the 6th instant and are now on
their way to Algiers.
Very respectfully, sir, I remain, your obedient servant,
N. P. BANKS,
Major-General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
New Orleans, July 7, 1864.
Brig. Gen. T. W. SHERMAN,
Commanding Defenses of New Orleans:
SIR: I have the honor to inform you that the commanding officer District of La Fourche has
been telegraphed to send the Eighth Indiana Volunteers, Eleventh Indiana Volunteers, and
Twenty-first Iowa Volunteers at once to Algiers, the commanding officers to report immediately
on arrival to Major-General Reynolds. The same order has been sent to the commanding officer
at Donaldsonville in relation to the Ninety-ninth Illinois Volunteers, and to the commanding
officer at Baton Rouge in relation to the Twenty-third Wisconsin Volunteers. I have the honor
also to inclose to you herewith copies of orders for the Ninety-seventh Illinois, now stationed in
this city, and for the Twenty-ninth Wisconsin, at Kennerville, with the request that they may be
transmitted at the earliest possible moment. The above is communicated by direction of Major-
General Banks.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
C. EMERSON,
Second Lieut, 162d New York Vols, A. A. A. G.
OSKALOOSA, IOWA, July 7, 1864.
Lieut. Col. W. D. GREEN,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
DEAR SIR: I have the honor to report the sad intelligence of the death of Brig. Gen. Samuel
A. Rice, on the 6th of July, from wounds received at the battle of Jenkins' Ferry, Ark.
I am, most respectfully, yours, &c.,
RIPLEY BAYLIES,
First Lieut. Co. D, 36th Iowa Vol. Infty., and Aide-de-Camp.
HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, SEVENTH ARMY CORPS,
Devall's Bluff, July 11, 1864.
Capt. C. H. DYER,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Little Rock:
I sent Colonel Geiger, Eighth Missouri Cavalry, with 300 men, on a scout toward Saint
Charles, to be gone three days. Colonel Geiger left with his command at 10.30 last night.
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Lieutenant-Colonel Stephens, Eleventh Missouri Cavalry, with seven commissioned officers and
135 men, left at daylight this morning on a scout to Des Arc. Colonel Trumbull, Ninth Iowa
Cavalry Volunteers, with 200 men, left at 5.30 o'clock this morning for Hickory Plains, on a
scout. At 9 o'clock this morning I sent seventy men of the First Nebraska Cavalry as escort to
ninety artillery horses to be taken to Bayou Two Prairie. I will send an escort from the Twentysecond
Ohio Infantry to meet the train at that place and carry the animals to Brownsville. The
remainder of First Nebraska leaves here for Bayou Two Prairie, where they will encamp, with
orders to guard the railroad.
C. C. ANDREWS,
Brig. Gen., Comdg. 2d Div., 7th A. C. and U.S. Forces, Devall's Bluff.
HDQRS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, Mo., July 13, 1864.
IX. The immediate threatening emergency for more troops for temporary duty in this
department in destroying dangerous and formidable bands of organized guerrillas requires the
commanding general to assume the command of the First Missouri Veteran Cavalry, and the
First Iowa Veteran Cavalry, now in this city en route to report to Major-General Steele. The
commanding officers of these battalions will take immediate steps for putting their commands on
a footing for active field service, and when ready therefor, will report in person at these
headquarters for detailed orders and instructions. Colonel Callender, ordnance department, will
make all necessary issues of arms and ammunition and horse equipments with the least
practicable delay, seeing hereafter that requisitions, &c., are put in proper form to secure him.
Colonel Merrill, chief of the cavalry depot, will issue the necessary horses to complete the
mounts of these battalions as speedily as practicable. All officers concerned in the execution of
the foregoing are specially enjoined to promptness and dispatch.
By command of Major-General Rosecrans:
FRANK ENO,
Assistant Adjutant-General
DEVALL'S BLUFF, July 14, 1864.
Capt. C. H. DYER:
Colonel Geiger is not able to take the field. The only force of cavalry that I can send out is
about 200 or 300 of the Eleventh Missouri. The Eighth Missouri has not returned from the
direction of Saint Charles. The Ninth Iowa is toward road from Brownsville to De Witt. The
Tenth Missouri is ordered to move immediately toward Bayou Des Arc.
C. C. ANDREWS,
Brigadier-General.
HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, SEVENTH ARMY CORPS,
Devall's Bluff, Ark., July 14, 1864.
Col. M. M. TRUMBULL,
Commanding Ninth Iowa Cavalry:
COLONEL: You will move your command immediately, with all your effective force
present, out on the road leading from Brownsville to De Witt, to learn what you can of the
whereabouts and strength of the enemy. A force of the enemy, supposed to be 150, attacked the
pickets at Brownsville last night (Wednesday) at 9 o'clock. This may be the advance of
Marmaduke's force coming up on the east side of the Bayou Metoe. Learn all you can of the
enemy. It may be that you will be able to capture this party.
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By order of Brig. Gen. C. C. Andrews:
EBEN C. LITHERLAND,
First Lieut., Fifteenth Illinois Cav., and Acting Aide-de-Camp.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 66.
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF NEBRASKA,
Omaha City, Nebr. Ter., July 14, 1864.
I. Col. S. W. Summers, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, is hereby relieved from the command of Post
Omaha, and assigned to the command of Fort Kearny, Nebr. Ter.
II. Major Wood will put in readiness to march at a moment's notice one company of the
Seventh Iowa Cavalry, now at this post, with twenty-four days' rations from the day they start on
the march. He will turn over the command of this post to Colonel Summers, Seventh Iowa
Cavalry, and will in person take command of the company selected from this post, and Company
F from Cottonwood, and proceed with them to Fort Laramie, Idaho Ter.
By command of Brig. Gen. Robert B. Mitchell:
GEORGE WILLIAMS,
Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 195.
HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, Mo., July 16, 1864.
IV. That portion of the First Iowa Cavalry now at Benton Barracks will proceed as soon as
mounted and equipped to Mexico, Mo., take post at that point, and report to Brigadier-General
Fisk, commanding District of North Missouri, by telegraph for further orders. Without, however,
awaiting orders from him, the commanding officer of the battalion will send out scouting parties
of not less than thirty men and officers with a view to destroying any bands of armed guerrillas
or bushwhackers they may encounter. The commanding officer will also secure the safety of any
important bridges on the North Missouri Railroad within reach of the post of Mexico. The
quartermaster's department will furnish transportation.
By command of Major-General Rosecrans:
FRANK ENO,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
FORT KEARNY, NEBR. TER., July 16, 1864.
Col. LEWIS MERRILL,
In Charge of Cavalry Depot, Cavalry Bureau:
SIR: Your communication in regard to the purchase of horses at Omaha City for the battalion
of Nebraska cavalry is at hand. The horses can be purchased at that place; at what figure I am
unable to say, but I have no doubt as low as at any other point. It is of the utmost importance that
not only the horses for the battalion are immediately furnished, but also 200 for the Seventh Iowa
Cavalry, as it is impossible for me with the mounted men at my disposal to fully protect the long
and important lines of the Platte Valley and those diverging from it. I am on my way west now to
repel attacks just committed at several points on the Platte, and if the horses for the dismounted
men in my command could be had immediately I am confident it would result in the saving of
many lives and much valuable property.
I am, colonel, respectfully, your very obedient servant,
ROBT. B. MITCHELL,
Brigadier-General, Commanding District.
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LITTLE ROCK, ARK., July 17, 1864.
Brigadier-General ANDREWS,
Commanding Devall's Bluff:
Is Colonel Geiger able to take the field? About how many men of the Eighth and Eleventh
Missouri and Ninth Iowa are ready to march?
Colonel Stuart reports Shelby with 1,500 men north of Bayou Des Arc, near Searcy or Gum
Spring.
E. A. CARR,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, SEVENTH ARMY CORPS,
Devall's Bluff, Ark., July 17, 1864.
Col. W. F. GEIGER,
Comdg. 3d Brig., 2d Div., 7th A. C., Devall's Bluff, Ark.:
COLONEL: The general commanding Second Division directs that you have your whole
force, including the Ninth Iowa, ready to move, properly provided with a full supply of
ammunition and five days' rations, upon the receipt of orders from these headquarters to meet
Shelby at a point north of the railroad. A force will be sent from Little Rock to co-operate with
you. Have everything in readiness for an immediate march.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. C. FILLEBROWN,
Assistant Adjutant-General
SAINT LOUIS, July 18, 1864.
Hon. E. M. STANTON:
I regret to say matters in North Missouri are very disturbed and threatening. Union men are
fleeing from the river counties and central part of the State. The malcontent spirits, and uprising
of bushwhackers, with threats from the conspirators, are ominous of evil. The robbery of four
towns, and the hanging of nine Union men in one of them, compelled me to take the First Iowa
Cavalry veterans, on their way down to Memphis, to give temporary relief over there. Informing
you of these things, I suggest that we will be obliged to have some other troops here, and if
nothing better can be done, the state of things would be best met from our own resources, by
authority from me to accept the services of, say, 5,000 volunteers for the defense of the State, in
companies, to be armed, equipped, and paid by the Government.
W. S. ROSECRANS,
Major-General.
SAINT LOUIS, July 18, 1864.
General FISK:
Colonel Ford telegraphs that most of the rebels are out of Platte and Clay, gone into Ray, and
they assembled Friday night, after being dispersed by Ford on Fishing River, about 200 strong;
would not show fight; he still has scouting parties out. Ford has called a meeting of all the
principal inhabitants of Clay for Wednesday next. If it does not interfere with your other
arrangements, cannot you be present? Ford represents that affairs in his own sub-district are
getting in bad shape, and requests the presence of his own troops, but just at present they cannot
be spared from the duty they are now on. So soon, however, as Ford and Draper get Thornton
and his men pushed far enough east for the Seventeenth Illinois to get hold of them, Ford's men
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must be sent, probably within a day or two. Draper and the Seventeenth Illinois should endeavor
to push Thornton still farther east toward the North Missouri Railroad, where the First Iowa
Cavalry will get after them.
O. D. GREENE,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
CAMP SECOND BATT., NINTH IOWA CAVALRY,
Near Austin, July 19, 1864--3 p.m.
(Via Brownsville.)
Capt. C. H. DYER,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Little Rock, Ark.:
General Shelby's men have been crossing Little Red River in small detachments at night for
five or six days past. They cross at West Point and the fords above Searcy. The largest squad of
which I have definite information numbered about forty men, another thirty, and several smaller.
Several squads went in the direction of Hickory Plains, and fearing that they were concentrating
there I sent a scouting party in that direction yesterday. They could not cross the Cypress, but
learned that. Shelby's men were near Hickory Plains in large force. They could not ascertain the
number. This morning a citizen sent me word that he was in their camp yesterday, and that they
had 1,500 men and six pieces of artillery, and designed moving on the railroad. The country in
the region of Searcy and West Point is full of small squads moving down for some purpose. Two
companies are located west of Little Red, between Searcy and West Point. Several squads
moved down from the direction of Peach Orchard Gap, passing between Bayou Des Are and Ball
Creek. One of my scouting parties had a skirmish with about thirty of Shelby's men day before
yesterday, between Searcy and West Point, and run them into the swamps, killing one horse and
wounding a man. We lost one horse and equipments. I sent my dispatch yesterday under the
escort of the scouting party to Hickory Plains, and as they could not cross the Cypress they had
to return. I moved down here to-day and shall make a reconnaissance to-morrow to ascertain the
location and force of the enemy if they are at the place represented.
Respectfully,
WILLIS DRUMMOND,
Major, Commanding.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 64.
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF NEBRASKA,
Omaha, July 19, 1864.
Capt. E. B. Murphy, Company A, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, is relieved from command at
Dakota City, Nebr. Ter., and will march his company to Fort Kearny, Nebr. Ter., via Omaha,
without a moment's delay.
By command of Brig. Gen. Robert B. Mitchell:
JOHN A. WILCOX,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
ENERAL ORDERS No. 54.
HDQRS. DEPT. OF ARKANSAS, ETC.,
Little Rock, Ark., July 20, 1864.
I. We are again called upon to mourn for one of our most gallant and distinguished officers,
the high-toned, the chivalrous Brig. Gen. S. A. Rice. He died at his home in Iowa on the 6th of
July instant, after protracted suffering from a wound received in the battle of Jenkins' Ferry,
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where his noble bearing called forth a universal sentiment of admiration from those who cooperated
with him on that bloody field. He commanded a brigade at the battle of Helena on the
4th day of July, 1863, where he first exhibited his qualities as an officer, and served with the
Army of Arkansas from its inception until after he received the fatal wound. He was wounded at
the battle of Little Missouri and distinguished himself in every engagement during the campaign.
When he entered the army he devoted his time and energies to the military profession, always
acting honestly and independently for the good of our common cause. Seldom has any man in so
short a period acquired so good a knowledge of the profession of arms as did General Rice. He
not only understood principles, but he knew how and when to apply them. The termination of his
brief but brilliant military career and earthly sojourn at the same time, will cast a gloom over the
whole army, and leave that sorrow in the hearts of his friends which knows no end.
II. On the next day after the receipt of this order at each military post within this department
the flag will be displayed at half-mast from sunrise until sunset, and at this post half-hour guns
will be fired from the principal fort during the same time. The colors of the several regiments of
Rice's brigade will be draped in mourning for a period of thirty days.
By order of Maj. Gen. F. Steele:
W. D. GREEN,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 48.
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF LITTLE ROCK,
Little Rock, Ark., July 20, 1864.
II. The Ninth Iowa, Eleventh Missouri, Third Michigan, and First Nebraska Cavalry
Regiments are hereby temporarily attached to the Third Brigade of the Second Division, Seventh
Army Corps. The regimental commanders will report to the commander of that brigade, and all
reports and returns will be made to brigade headquarters and not direct to these headquarters.
By command of Brig. Gen. E. A. Carr:
C. H. DYER,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF LITTLE ROCK,
Little Rock, Ark., July 20, 1864.
(Received 1.30 p.m.)
Brig. Gen. C. C. ANDREWS,
Devall's Bluff:
Move the Eighth Missouri and the Eleventh Missouri Cavalry, Ninth Iowa Cavalry, onto the
prairie to encamp together, either at Bayou Two Prairie or nearer Devall's Bluff, as you deem
best; these regiments, and also the First Nebraska, to remain under your command. Besides
covering the railroad they will protect the hay-cutters and their machines, furnishing them with
an additional guard if necessary, and causing them to be brought into a safe place at night. Three
hundred men of the Ninth Kansas were ordered out yesterday to scout in the direction of Searcy.
Another detachment of the same regiment is ordered out to scout south of the railroad, in the
neighborhood of Clear and Bear Skin Lakes, to go at least half way to Pine Bluff.
By order of Brig. Gen. E. A. Carr:
C. H. DYER,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,
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Saint Louis, Mo., July 20, 1864.
Maj. C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Mil. Div. of West Miss., New Orleans, La.:
MAJOR: The First Regiment Missouri Cavalry (four companies) having been relieved from
duty in my department and ordered to join the other portion of the regiment in Arkansas leaves
me yet with two battalions (one of the Sixth Missouri and one of the Second Wisconsin Cavalry)
detached from their regiments. The condition of affairs in North Missouri requires a good
regiment to be stationed there. This regiment should be from some other State, one which has no
State quarrel to avenge and no State policy to carry out. Can you send me the First Iowa Cavalry
and relieve the battalions of the Sixth Missouri Cavalry and Second Wisconsin Cavalry now in
my command? This will concentrate the three regiments and be a benefit to them, as well as give
me more efficient troops for the peculiar service required of them. The First Iowa Cavalry is in
Major-General Steele's department, except the veterans, who are here.
Very respectfully, I am, major, your obedient servant,
W. S. ROSECRANS,
Major-General, Commanding.
HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, SEVENTH ARMY CORPS,
Devall's Bluff, July 21, 1864.
Col. M. M. TRUMBULL,
Commanding Ninth Iowa Cavalry Volunteers:
You will send immediately a scout to a point about three miles on the opposite side of the
river to capture some bushwhackers said to be there. The scout will consist of two commissioned
officers and thirty mounted and twenty dismounted men. The officer in command will report in
person at these headquarters for instructions.
C. C. ANDREWS,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
SAINT LOUIS, July 21, 1864.
Maj. Gen. W. S. ROSECRANS:
I sent your last messages to Fisk and Brown, via Sedalia, on Missouri and Western line.
Operator at Sedalia said he thought he could get them through, but was not certain as to Fisk's
message. The train-master of North Missouri road informs me he will have cars here at 6 a.m. tomorrow
morning for the 300 mounted men. The First Iowa Cavalry are now at Mexico, and will
leave for Macon City as soon as trainmaster can give his conductors orders.
O. W. PAXSON.
SAINT Louis, Mo., July 21, 1864.
General FISK,
Saint Joe, Mo.:
I have just dispatched Ford to resume the offensive and march upon Thornton at once; also to
Lieutenant-Colonel Hynes, at Glasgow, to march on Thornton at about the point you designate In
your dispatch telling him of Ford's orders, and that he should endeavor to form junction with
him. In addition, the First Iowa Cavalry and detachment of Sixth Missouri State Militia, in all
about 600 men, will probably move west from Macon City to-morrow by rail and disembark at
or near Cameron to join in the chase. Make your disposition and give orders accordingly. Orders
must in many cases be given direct, but they are not to be construed as conflicting with your
orders as immediate commander of the forces now in your district. Acknowledge receipt hereof
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and inform us of situation of affairs from time to time. We will do all we can in the way of
sending you arms and ammunition from here, but I doubt if we can get them through. General
Curtis has been asked by telegraph to supply you if he can.
O. D. GREENE,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
SAINT LOUIS, Mo., July 21, 1864.
Commanding Officer First Iowa Cavalry, on train of North Missouri Railroad, to reach him
at Mexico, and be handed to him before anything is taken off the train:
Go on with your command to Macon City and wait further orders. Acknowledge receipt of
this.
O. D. GREENE,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 201.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, Mo., July 22, 1864.
VII. The detachment of veterans of the Missouri State Militia force, under the command of
Col. E. C. Catherwood, Sixth Missouri State Militia Cavalry, will proceed without delay, via the
North Missouri Railroad, to Macon City, Mo., where they will join the First Iowa Cavalry, now
at that point. The combined force will proceed thence in conformity with verbal instructions
received from the commanding general.
VIII. Maj. Gen. A. Pleasonton, U.S. Volunteers, will proceed without delay to Warrensburg,
Mo., and relieve Brig. Gen. E. B. Brown, U.S. Volunteers (temporarily), in command of the
Central District of Missouri, to enable General Brown to avail himself of a leave of absence
granted him from these headquarters.
By command of Major-General Rosecrans:
FRANK ENO,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
JULY 22, 1864.
Lieutenant-Colonel CALDWELL,
Comdg. First Iowa Cavalry, Macon City, Mo.:
A detachment of cavalry under Colonel Catherwood will join you to-day, and assume
command of an expedition for which he has verbal instructions. Await his arrival.
O. D. GREENE,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
OMAHA, July 22, 1864.
Col. S. W. SUMMERS,
Seventh Iowa Cavalry:
If state of affairs exists as per your dispatch, send an officer and twenty men to Plum Creek
at once. Company A will be with you in three or four days.
JOHN A. WILCOX,
Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General
HEADQUARTERS U.S. FORCES,
Morganza, La., July 23, 1864.
101
Captain FARRINGTON,
Aide-de-Camp, General Reynolds' Headquarters:
Colonel Crebs, who was at Williamsport yesterday, reports: Mr. Patrick, living on Old River,
told me to-day that the rebels had 20,000 men on the opposite side of the Atchafalaya, under
command of General Walker; that their army was in every way well appointed. All statements
made by him to me heretofore I have found correct. He is a large planter and a respectable man,
and believes his statement as above true.
The Nebraska has just arrived with exchanged prisoners. Lieutenant-Colonel Cowan,
Nineteenth Kentucky, says there is no doubt but that the enemy are moving toward the
Atchafalaya, and that they can bring 25,000 men if they wish. The colonel of the Twentieth Iowa
confirms his report and says that they are mustering and sending into the field every available
man. Magruder, it is reported, is to command. All the indications are that they are actually on the
move; against what point is not yet determined. If here, I should have at least another brigade. I
should then feel secure.
M. K. LAWLER,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 202.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, Mo., July 23, 1864.
II. The detachment of the First Iowa Cavalry, now at Mexico, Mo., will proceed without
delay to Macon City, Mo., to join at that point the expedition under command of Col. E. C.
Catherwood, Sixth Missouri State Militia Cavalry.
III. In compliance with Special Orders, No. 126, from the Adjutant-General of the Army,
dated Louisville, Ky., July 16, 1864, Brig. Gen. Thomas Ewing, jr., commanding Saint Louis
District, will relieve Brig. Gen. W. A. Pile, U.S. Colored Troops, as superintendent of the
organization of colored troops in Missouri. Brigadier-General Pile, on being relieved, will report
for duty to Maj. Gen. E. R. S. Canby, commanding Military Division of West Mississippi.
By command of Major-General Rosecrans:
FRANK ENO,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
DISTRICT OF LA FOURCHE,
July 24, 1864.
Capt. O. MATTHEWS,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Defenses of New Orleans:
Pursuant to orders received from the general commanding the Defenses of New Orleans, I
send you to-day by a special messenger a statement of the position of the troops in this district:
The Ninety-third [U.S. Colored Troops] are in the fort on the opposite side of the bayou, while
we can re-enforce them by troops from this side or withdraw them to this side if the enemy
should move down in such force as to make it advisable. The Eleventh Wisconsin, three
companies of the Thirty-third Illinois, the Twenty-fifth New York Battery, and one company of
the First Indiana Heavy Artillery, constitute the reserve at Brashear, with three companies of the
Eighteenth New York Cavalry for outpost and scouting duty. The remaining seven companies of
the Thirty-third Illinois are detailed at the most exposed points along the railroad, with
headquarters at Terre Bonne, where there is a telegraph office. Here also is one company of the
Eighteenth New York Cavalry; at Donaldsonville there are the Twenty-sixth Indiana Infantry,
the First Louisiana Infantry, and three companies of the Twelfth Illinois Cavalry. The remainder
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of the Twelfth Illinois Cavalry are stationed at Napoleonville to watch the various approaches.
The reserve force here, which can move toward Donaldsonville or Brashear, consists of the
Sixtieth Indiana Infantry, the Second Maine Cavalry, five companies of the Eighteenth New
York Cavalry, and the Fourth Iowa Battery. I have been ordered by Major-General Banks to
collect the Second Maine Cavalry at this place and keep them ready to move on short notice, as I
could make a better disposition of them. I think, with this exception, the troops here are as well
posted as they can be until we are aware of the points to be struck.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. A. CAMERON,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 51.
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF LITTLE ROCK,
Little Rock, Ark.. July 25, 1864.
I. The Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry, Tenth Illinois Cavalry, and Battery K, First Missouri
Artillery, will proceed by land to Lewisburg, provided with three days' rations, and will report to
Col. A. H. Ryan, Third Arkansas Cavalry, Lewisburg. The troops on the south side of the
Arkansas River will cross at daylight to-morrow morning (July 26) and march together under
command of the senior officer.
By order of Brig. Gen. E. A. Carr:
C. H. DYER,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
OMAHA CITY, NEBR. TER., July 25, 1864.
Col. S. W. SUMMERS,
Commanding Fort Kearny:
Company A, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, left this place for Fort Kearny on yesterday.
JOHN A. WILCOX,
Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
LITTLE ROCK, ARK., July 26, 1864.
Col. A. H. RYAN,
Lewisburg:
The Twenty-ninth Iowa and Tenth Illinois [Cavalry] and Marr's battery marched from here
to-day to reenforce you.
C. H. DYER,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
CROOKED RIVER, RAY COUNTY, July 26, 1864.
Brigadier-General FISK:
I have scouted the country along Fishing River and between here and Missouri City. I also
have sent a scout over to Claysville. I have only heard of one small squad of guerrillas on Rocky
Fork, and have sent fifty men after them. You can be assured there are no guerrillas in force in
this section. I move from here to Salem, thence up the river. I sent 200 of the First Iowa
[Cavalry] through Hainesville to act upon information they might obtain. Please order by
telegraph to Cameron ten days' rations for 650 men from 1st to 10th of August. I have gathered
all the information in the country. I think the number of guerrillas greatly exaggerated.
E. C. CATHERWOOD,
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Colonel, Commanding.
HDQRS. EIGHTH MIL. DIST., ENROLLED MISSOURI MIL.,
Sturgeon, Mo., July 26, 1864.
Brig. Gen. C. B. FISK,
Commanding North Missouri, Saint Joseph, Mo.:
GENERAL: Bill Anderson, with his band of robbers, was in Middle Grove yesterday
evening and left in the direction of Paris. Major Bartlett's battalion, Third Missouri State Militia,
are in the Perche Hills. I have just ordered him to send me 100 of his best mounted men, with a
view of putting them on the track of Anderson, and to follow him until they capture and kill or
disperse the whole gang. Anderson is recruiting rapidly, and he must be driven out. His best
fighting men are strangers here and do not know the country; consequently they cannot scatter
and meet at a given point like the ordinary guerrilla, but are more likely to keep together; and I
propose to put a good body of men after him who will give him no rest, day or night, as his force
is sufficiently large to be tracked. I have left Columbia entirely unprotected, except by the
citizens. We must make the citizens of the towns in a very great measure defend themselves, and
get all our available forces in the field and keep them there until these bands are thoroughly
driven out. Would be pleased to hear from you and receive any suggestions.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. B. DOUGLASS,
Brigadier-General.
Lieutenant CLARKE:
Glad the general is out of the siege at Columbia. Hope he will speedily bring order out of
chaos and exterminate the guerrillas. Will need all the good troops he can bring out,. The First
Iowa Cavalry will be sent to Mexico as soon as we can withdraw from the field.
FISK.
HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, SEVENTH ARMY CORPS,
Devall's Bluff, July 27, 1864--5.30 p.m.
Capt. C. H. DYER,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
Three transports have arrived without escort this side of Saint Charles. They were not fired
into or annoyed at all. Colonel Ritter, with 218 veterans, equipped and mounted, came up. He
has 285 horses. They are unshod and fifty have the distemper. General Lee detained my scout of
150 men, Ninth Iowa, under Major Ensign. I shall order it back. General Lee was apprehensive
of attack, but from the information I have I think there is no danger of his being troubled.
Information received this p.m. renders it probable Fagan fell back to Camden two weeks ago,
and that Cabell moved up a little toward Pine Bluff. An officer who was down to Saint Charles
with Major Ensign states that the scout saw nothing of the enemy going down.
C. C. ANDREWS,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
BROWNSVILLE, July 28, 1864--7.30 a.m.
Capt. C. H. DYER,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
I sent this morning 150 horses belonging to the Eleventh Missouri Cavalry to Little Rock to
be shod. They will reach there some time this afternoon. I would like to have permission to
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relieve the men belonging to the Eighth Missouri and Ninth Iowa who are on hay guard by men
from the Eleventh Missouri. I am having horses shod as fast as possible at Brownsville Station.
W. F. GEIGER,
Commanding Brigade.
HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, SEVENTH ARMY CORPS,
Devall's Bluff, July 28, 1864.
Brig. Gen. A. L. LEE,
Commanding U. S. Forces, Saint Charles, Ark.:
GENERAL: I had the honor to receive your favor of the 26th instant yesterday afternoon.
The Ninth Iowa Cavalry has moved to Brownsville, and the detachment under command of
Major Ensign is needed with it. I must therefore request you to send it back at the earliest
opportunity. I wish Major Ensign to return to this place. I can hardly think there is good ground
for apprehending an attack on Saint Charles. I learn that Fagan has fallen back to Camden.
Dobbin, with a few hundred men, is below Clarendon, opposite you. It is reported that Shelby is
at Batesville. The rebels have succeeded in making the people believe we are all to be driven out
of the State shortly, and, in fact, the time for our departure, as set by them, some time ago
passed. Perhaps, after all, their forward movement was only to procure conscripts and cattle.
They have succeeded well in both of these objects. I hope you will have good success, and I shall
be happy to co-operate with you in every way I am able.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. C. ANDREWS,
Brigadier-General, Commanding
SAINT JOSEPH, July 28, 1864.
Col. O. D. GREENE,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
I have just received the following telegram from General Pleasonton:
WARRENSBURG, Mo., July 27, 1864.
General Fisk:
Colonel Ford has returned to this district and cannot be spared.
A. PLEASONTON.
Governed by your telegram of the 25th instant, which stated that Ford's command is to be
retained on the north side of the river for some time yet, I ordered the First Iowa to remove to
Mexico. Am I to understand that I cannot rely upon Ford for further aid and make my
dispositions accordingly
CLINTON B. FISK,
Brigadier-General.
You must arrange to do without Colonel Ford.
W. S. R[OSECRANS],
Major-General.
SAINT LOUIS, MO., July 28, 1864.
General DOUGLASS,
Mexico, Mo.:
The general commanding is in receipt of reliable information that Perkins' band of guerrillas
is in the vicinity of Glasgow, also Holtzclaw's band. The First Iowa Cavalry is en route to you, if
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not already arrived. There are now at Glasgow seventy-five dismounted men of the Seventeenth
Illinois Cavalry. The general commanding is of the opinion that with the First Iowa and battalion
of the Third Missouri State Militia in your section you can spare a force sufficient to drive off
these bands from vicinity of Glasgow.
O. D. GREENE,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
MEXICO, July 28, 1864.
Major-General ROSECRANS:
With the First Iowa Cavalry I can drive the rebels out of the country. I have lost track of
Anderson since he was at Shelbina. If you have any knowledge of his locality please telegraph. I
think he went north from Shelbina.
J. B. DOUGLASS,
Brigadier-General.
P. S.--Since the general wrote this he has got track of Anderson. OPERATOR.
HAINESVILLE, July 28, 1864.
General FISK:
I have just returned from Fishing River bottom. There was a small force of guerrillas here
last night. Thornton has undoubtedly left. From all I can learn they are all leaving. We have
killed several. I will remain here to-day; First Iowa at Salem.
E. C. CATHERWOOD,
Colonel, Commanding
GENERAL ORDERS No. 23.
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF NEBRASKA,
In the Field, July 28, 1864.
I. Lieutenant-Colonel Collins, Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, is hereby relieved from the
command of the post of Fort Laramie, and charged with general supervision of all posts and
detachments west of Julesburg, in the District of Nebraska, including both lines of
communication westward through said district. Lieutenant-Colonel Collins will make such
changes as he may deem necessary for the better protection of said lines, and will forthwith
report all such changes so made to district headquarters for approval, and will make at least two
monthly reports of the respective lines.
II. Maj. John S. Wood, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, is hereby assigned to the command of the post
of Fort Laramie. Companies D and F, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, will comprise a part of the garrison
and will be subject to orders from Lieutenant-Colonel Collins, if necessary, for the protection of
this line of communication. Lieutenant-Colonel Collins will turn over all books, papers, and
other property belonging to the post to Major Wood on his assuming command of post.
By command of Brig. Gen. Robert B. Mitchell:
[JOHN K. RANKIN,?]
Lieutenant and Aide-de-Cam
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS, &c.,
Little Rock, Ark., July 29, 1864.
Maj. Gen. E. R. S. CANBY,
Commanding Military Division of West Mississippi.
106
GENERAL: General Fagan's headquarters are ten miles this side of Monticello. He has three
brigades on the Arkansas, but very few on the north side of the river. We have a pontoon bridge
too heavy to move at Pine Bluff. The whole command could be crossed in an hour and a half.
Clayton has fifty wagons a day on the north side hauling forage. Price still has a reserve near the
Saline. Kirby Smith is reported at Camden. The rebels say there is to be a forward movement
soon. I think they want to get Shelby out of the pocket he is in. Our troops are watching him.
According to last reports of scouting parties he had crossed White River and was moving toward
Searcy, probably to make a feint on the railroad, and then make a dash to get across the
Arkansas. We have force sufficient to stop him at Lewisburg. Lee's apprehensions at Saint
Charles are groundless. Devall's Bluff on his flank and Pine Bluff in his rear. If the rebels should
cross the Arkansas with their whole force they would be in a cul-de-sac. The rebels are still
collecting corn and wheat at Princeton. It is guarded by only about 300. Their cavalry is very
much scattered, and a force of 2,000 well-mounted men could take them in detail and perhaps
stampede Fagan's whole command. I shall attend to them as soon as Shelby can be disposed of.
Rosecrans, I am informed, has detained the veteran portion of the First Iowa Cavalry, and sent
them to Northern Missouri; also a part of the First Missouri Cavalry. General Halleck said my
veterans should all come back to this department, whereas several regiments have been sent
elsewhere, and from appearances the rest may be.
Very respectfully,
F. STEELE,
Major-General.
HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, SEVENTH ARMY CORPS,
Devall's Bluff, Ark., July 29, 1864.
Col. W. F. GEIGER,
Commanding Third Brigade:
COLONEL: I learn from report by citizens that Captain Young, Ninth Iowa Cavalry, was out
in the direction of String Town settlement with a small foraging party, about twenty men, last
Monday, and that he was informed at McCombs' (who lives about eight miles from here) that
Rayborne, with some ten men, had just passed down in this direction, taking a different road than
the one Captain Young had passed on. Also that when Captain Young returned in the afternoon
he was informed by McCombs that Rayborne had passed back with some horses a short time
before. It seems Captain Young made no effort to pursue Rayborne, either going or returning,
which I think ought to have been done. Please inquire and report upon the matter.
Very respectfully,
C. C. ANDREWS,
Brigadier-General.
CAMERON, July 29, 1864.
General FISK,
Saint Joseph:
I have just arrived from scout with First Iowa Cavalry. I saw no bands of guerrillas on the
trip.
JNO. McDERMOTT,
Captain, Commanding First Iowa Cavalry
Capt. JOHN MCDERMOTT,
First Iowa Cavalry, Cameron:
107
March your command to Saint Joseph without delay. If you hear of any guerrillas near your
route of march, visit them with destruction and then report at my headquarters.
CLINTON B. FISK,
Brigadier-General.
SAINT JOSEPH, July 29, 1864.
General J. B. DOUGLASS,
Mexico, Mo.:
I am now withdrawing the First Iowa Cavalry from the field in this portion of the district to
send to you. They will reach you within two or three days. You must order out additional militia
until I get can Regular force. Colonel Caldwell is now on a chase after guerrillas in Chariton
County.
CLINTON B. FISK,
Brigadier-General.
COUNCIL GROVE, KANS., July 29, 1864.
Maj. Gen. S. R. CURTIS,
Commanding Department of Kansas:
GENERAL: I have the honor to report the arrival of my command at this point yesterday. My
force consists of forty-nine mounted men and eight not mounted. I was compelled to leave
twenty-three men at Topeka, having no transportation for them.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHAS. E. EVERTON,
Second Lieut., Comdg. Company G, Seventh Iowa Cav. Vols.
FORT LARAMIE, July 29, 1864.
Maj. C. S. CHARLOT:
Your dispatch received. With two or three more companies I can secure this line against
Indians. My forces at different points have had several skirmishes and been successful, killing 15
Indians. The Indians are strung out in small parties all along the line. I have my troops strung
out all along this line of communication, and they are patrolling the entire line for 500 miles. I
have put Lieutenant-Colonel Collins in charge of this and Denver line, requiring him to be
constantly on the road watching movements of Indians from Julesburg west. Have also placed
Colonel Summers, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, on the same duty from Columbus to Julesburg. I have
two companies of militia from Nebraska Territory. I have troops en route for Julesburg to make a
permanent post there.
R. B. MITCHELL,
Brigadier-General.
HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, SEVENTH ARMY CORPS,
Little Rock, Ark., July 30, 1864.
Lieut. Col. W. D. GREEN,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of Arkansas:
SIR: I have received the detail on the First Iowa Cavalry for 50 to 100 men from the
dismounted men of the First Iowa Cavalry whose time is about to expire. There are no
dismounted men in First Iowa Cavalry. The commanding officer of the regiment informs me that
he has two horses for each man. There are over 300 men in this regiment who claim that their
time has expired, and now threaten mutiny. If 50 or 100 of these men are detailed for this duty
108
with permission to receive $2 per day, all will claim the same privilege. Nearly 200 men in First
Missouri make the same claim, and I am induced to believe the great anxiety manifested by these
men to get out of the service is stimulated by contractors who are desiring their labor. Under the
circumstances I deem it proper to inform you of these facts before sending the men. Two
hundred and twenty-five men of the First Iowa are already detached, driving teams, &c., for
depot quartermaster and other officers, but 220 men remain in the regiment for duty with 447
horses. The regiment is fast becoming demoralized, and its efficiency and the good of the service
requires that the regiment be united as soon as possible. Captain Jenks informs me that this
detail, if filled, will ruin his regiment, and the consequences will be injurious to the recruits of
that command. I am led to believe that you have been misinformed with regard to the
dismounted men of this command. Please inform me if the detail will be made.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. SALOMON,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
SAINT LOUIS, Mo., July 30, 1864.
Brigadier-General FISK,
Saint Joseph, Mo.:
General Douglass telegraphs that Bill Anderson has Huntville and the First Iowa have not
arrived. Where are they and why not push Catherwood to Brunswick and Keytesville.
W. S. ROSECRANS,
Major-General
MEXICO, July 30, 1864.
Major-General ROSECRANS:
Train from Macon brings news that Bill Anderson has Huntsville surrounded. Hung Colonel
Denny's father this morning at Huntsville, but let him down before dead. Troops from Macon
City en route for Huntsville. First Iowa have not reached me yet.
J. B. DOUGLASS,
Brigadier-General.
SAINT LOUIS, Mo., July 30, 1864.
Brigadier-General DOUGLASS,
Mexico:
Have telegraphed Fisk about the First Iowa, and asked troops to watch from Keytesville. You
have Bill Anderson. Use everything you can to destroy him.
W. S. ROSECRANS,
Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS DETACHMENT VETERAN VOLUNTEERS,
Cameron, July 30, 1864.
Brigadier-General FISK,
Commanding District of North Missouri:
GENERAL: In compliance with special instructions received from general commanding
Department of the Missouri, I arrived at Cameron the morning of the 24th instant, with
detachments First Iowa Cavalry and Sixth Cavalry Missouri State Militia, numbering 660 men.
Moved one column, First Iowa, south via Hainesville, Richfield, and Missouri River bottom.
Moved myself via Knoxville, Claysville, &c. From my own column I thoroughly scouted the
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country. Could hear of but few small squads of guerrillas. The force under Thornton, I am
reliably informed, has left the district. I do not believe it ever exceeded 200 men. This is the only
force I hear of as having been in the district. We have killed can several roaming guerrillas. I
think with a reorganization of the militia force, entire quiet can be secured. Some of the
companies of militia under the late orders are not sufficiently trustworthy to be armed, and
should be disbanded. Partin's company, at Mirabile, is too disloyal to trust. I would advise the
complete organization of Captain Rodgers' company, at Hainesville; Captain Crouse's, at
Mirabile; Captain Jones', at Cameron; Captain Harsers, at Liberty, and one good loyal company
at Richmond. Disband all the others, and I think this will insure quiet at Clinton, Caldwell, Ray,
and Clay Counties. I think the reports of numbers and outrages of guerrillas in your district have
been greatly exaggerated and unreliable. A large amount of property has been stolen through the
country by men sent out to hunt down thieves and robbers. A more perfect organization of the
militia (if required) is very much needed. The detachment First Iowa Cavalry have gone to Saint
Joseph, I learn, though I have no official information of the move.
Awaiting further instructions, I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. C. CATHERWOOD,
Colonel, Commanding, &c.
DEVALL'S BLUFF, ARK., July 31, 1864.
(Received 5.30 p.m.)
Maj. Gen. F. STEELE,
Little Rock:
General West has left on special train for Little Rock. The information I have is that Shelby's
pickets were at Dennard, Van Buren County, a week ago last Thursday, and that Shelby himself
was in the neighborhood of Jacksonport. I think his forces are still about Batesville and
Jacksonport. I would send a heavy scout to Cotton Plant if the forces were not to be needed for a
few days, or the Celeste might go to Augusta. At the latter place I feel sure we could get
information, though it would be at some risk. Colonel Geiger is back here with the Eighth
Missouri and, Ninth Iowa Cavalry, leaving Eleventh Missouri as guards for hay-makers. Shall
have as many men effective as possible. The lack with the Third Michigan is arms, their carbines
being unreliable; besides, four squadrons have to stay at Remount Camp.
C. C. ANDREWS,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
GLASGOW, July 31, 1864.
General FISK:
Returned July 30, moved immediately ten miles north, hoping to get Holtzclaw, whom the
Keytesville militia fought at 9 a.m. July 30, but we failed to overtake him and returned at 10 p.m.
Major Leonard left for Fayette this morning. A detachment, seventy-five in all, Ninth Missouri
and First Iowa Cavalry reached here from Macon this morning at 11 o'clock. He was down
between both sides until noon to-day. A troop of fifty of Second Colorado are reported on the
way from Boonville, who may be here to-night. General, our muskets with not one revolver are
poor arms to fight bushwhackers with. Can we not be better armed? May I apply for other arms?
To whom, where, or from whom shall I obtain ammunition. An expedition of forty men, half of
Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry and half militia, went from here to Allen July 22 for ordnance, who
were attacked by William Anderson, with sixty-five men, who were repulsed, though they killed
twenty horses, which were outside of a tobacco house. Our men on the way back were
importuned to go out three miles and fight Anderson. Eleven citizens volunteered. The whole
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thirty-nine, twelve being very sick or dismounted, were surprised, defeated, losing 6 men, horses,
and 2 men killed. These are the items I gather, having no report yet. Holtzclaw, with seventy-five
men, at 6 a.m. to-day was seen southeast of Glasgow, moving southeast. Captain Baker, of the
Sioux City steamer, passed here yesterday morning. Reports being fired into ten miles this side
of Boonville and that 200 men were supposed to be on this side the river opposite Boonville.
That is the direction Holtzclaw is moving to-day.
L. C. MATLACK,
Major, Commanding, &c.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EASTERN ARKANSAS,
Helena, August 1, 1864.
Brig. Gen. G. H. GORDON, or
COMMANDING OFFICER MOUTH OF WHITE RIVER:
SIR: By General Canby's order I reduced the force of 230 men at the mouth of White River
to fifty men, which was placed in command of Capt. J. R. C. Hunter, of the Twelfth Iowa
Infantry. At a late period I re-enforced his command, believing it necessary, by Captain
Gillham's company, of the Sixth Minnesota. As General G. H. Gordon has placed a part of his
force at the mouth of White River, I have this day sent another copy (inclosed) to Captain Hunter
to embark with all my troops to this post This is necessary, as my force is too much reduced for
the duties required of me. To-day Dobbin with a part of Shelby's command made a raid on the
plantations with a mounted force four times as large as my whole cavalry, and I have reason to
think these reserves, nearly all mounted, are more than 1,000 men. Please to give Captain Hunter
aid in getting off as early as practicable. The number of sick in my command has greatly reduced
my effective force. I have applied for cavalry and artillery, and have been furnished with 100-
days' men, with whom I am [sic] of marching out of my lines.
Your obedient servant,
N. B. BUFORD,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS POST,
Lewisburg, Ark., August 1, 1864.
Capt. C. H. DYER,
Assistant Adjutant-General, District of Little Rock:
CAPTAIN: Steamer Carrie Jacobs arrived this p.m. [with] sixty tons of commissary stores
for this post.
Since my last report by telegraph scouts have come in from Red River, Sugar Loaf Springs,
Quitman, &c. From them I learn that Shelby has divided his force, McCray with 1,500 men
being north of the Little Red River, Shelby and Jackman south of it with about 2,800 men. Two
parties coming in to-day report hearing artillery firing on Saturday. Not knowing of any force out
from Brownsville cannot conjecture what it can be. Captain Taylor thought it in vicinity of
Austin. I have kept light scouting parties out constantly, and will do so till I can ascertain that the
enemy can be reached by the forces from this post. We are greatly in need of hospital supplies,
the medical purveyor at Little Rock not having the supplies to fill the requisitions handed him by
the post surgeon. The Tenth Illinois Cavalry and Battery K, First Missouri Light Artillery,
reported here without surgeons, and the Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry without medical supplies.
The Second Arkansas Infantry is still in bad condition, reporting but eighty men for duty. There
are three independent companies in the vicinity of this post, all of them in need of arms,
ammunition, and rations, and looking to the Government to supply them. One of them I believe
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was raised by the sanction of His Excellency Governor Isaac Murphy for the period of ninety
days. I desire instructions concerning them, and to what extent I can furnish them with the
above-named supplies. I have sent repairer with escort to re-establish telegraphic communication
with Little Rock. The intrenchments are rapidly being pushed forward and will be completed
within two days. The captain of steamer Carrie Jacobs reports that steamers can reach this point
without much difficulty.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. H. RYAN,
Colonel, Commanding Post.
SAINT JOSEPH, August 2, 1864.
Lieut. Col. D. M. DRAPER,
Macon:
The detachment of First Iowa troops, now at Macon, will move to Mexico as soon as
practicable and report to General Douglass for orders.
CLINTON B. FISK,
Brigadier-General
SAINT LOUIS, MO., August 2, 1864.
General DOUGLASS,
Mexico, Mo.:
The general commanding is of the opinion that with the battalion of the Third Missouri State
Militia and the First Iowa Cavalry now in your section of the country, you ought very soon to be
entirely relieved from the presence of an armed guerrilla.
O. D. GREENE,
Assistant Adjutant-General
LITTLE ROCK, August 3, 1864.
Brig. Gen. C. C. ANDREWS,
Commanding :
GENERAL: The report from your reconnaissance to Augusta coincides with that of General
Buford and of a Union woman living near Cache River. The latter assured me that Shelby
crossed Cache on Friday. A soldier of the First Iowa Cavalry reported yesterday that he saw
about 3,000 rebels and three pieces of artillery, said to be McCray's command, on the other side
of Hickory Plains, marching, as they said, to Devall's Bluff. This was on Sunday afternoon.
McCray is probably near Searcy with considerable force for the purpose of preventing us from
following Shelby. Report of spy from Princeton is that Price is going to invest Pine Bluff and his
depot at Princeton was established with that view. I will certainly write you today.
F. STEELE,
Major-General.
MEXICO, Mo., August 3, 1864.
Maj. O. D. GREENE,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
I have telegraphed Lieutenant-Colonel Draper, at Macon City, to take charge of such troops
as he can get on the road from Macon to Sturgeon and capture Perkins & Co. to-morrow night. I
have not heard from the First Iowa Cavalry yet. Don't know where they are. Have but twenty
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men at my headquarters and have to stand guard myself. Major Bartlett is somewhere between
Sturgeon and Missouri River after guerrillas. Has no transportation with him.
J. B. DOUGLASS,
Brigadier-General
SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS No. 4.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF KANSAS,
In the Field, Cow Creek Station, August 3, 1864.
I. The troops belonging to the Fifteenth Regiment Kansas State Militia will resume their
position under Colonel Price, who will march them to Fort Riley by the nearest and best route,
scouting the country as he proceeds.
II. The troops belonging to the Fourteenth Regiment Kansas State Militia, under Colonel
Scott, will proceed to the same place, following the Council Grove road beyond Cottonwood
Springs.
III. Captain Booth will leave Lieutenant Ellsworth at Fort Ellsworth, Smoky Hill Crossing,
with Company H, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, and proceed with his own Company to Salina, where
he will establish his headquarters.
IV. Captain Jacobs, with the Colorado troops, will proceed to Fort Zarah and assume
command of that post, reporting to Captain Backus at Fort Larned, and to district and department
headquarters, as designated in General Field Orders, No. 2.
S. R. CURTIS,
Major-General.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 87.
HDQRS. MIL. DIV. or WEST MISSISSIPPI,
New Orleans, La., August 4, 1864.
2. The Seventh Regiment Kansas Cavalry and the Twelfth Regiment Missouri Cavalry are
hereby relieved from duty in the District of West Tennessee, and will be sent without delay to
Saint Louis, Mo., to report to Maj. Gen. W. S. Rosecrans, commanding Department of the
Missouri. The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary transportation.
4. The veteran portion of the First Regiment of Iowa Cavalry, now in the Department of the
Missouri, will be sent without delay to join the main portion of the regiment in the Department of
Arkansas. The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary transportation.
By order of Maj. Gen. E. R. S. Canby:
C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.
NEW ORLEANS, LA., August 4, 1864.
Maj. GEORGE B. DRAKE,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Dept. of the Gulf:
MAJOR: I have the honor to report that the following-named regiments, in addition to those
named in paragraph 1, of Special Orders, No. 174, date the 2d ultimo, headquarters Department
of the Gulf, have been embarked at Algiers, La., to go beyond the limits of this department, viz:
Eleventh Indiana Veteran Volunteers, Eighth Indiana Veteran Volunteers, Twenty-second Iowa
Volunteers, Twenty-fourth Iowa Volunteers, Twenty-eighth Iowa Volunteers.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. J. REYNOLDS,
Major-General, Commanding.
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HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
New Orleans, La., August 4, 1864.
Maj. Gen. F. STEELE,
Commanding, &c., Little Rock, Ark.:
SIR: Your dispatches of the 26th and 29th of July received. So far everything looks to me as
if the rebel forces in your neighborhood and those farther down intend to cross the Mississippi
and form a junction on the eastern shore for the purpose of either joining Hood's force in Georgia
or striking in a southeasterly direction. The rebel force recently in front of Morganza is moving
up, and our troops at Vicksburg, as well as the gun-boats, will be on the lookout should they
attempt to cross. I am now organizing a force at Morganza with which to move in any necessary
direction, and should the enemy intend to invade Missouri that force can be with you upon very
short notice. Some days ago I directed General Washburn to relieve the troops under Gordon's
command, the latter to return to Morganza. I have now instructed Gordon not to return, unless he
is positive that the enemy does not contemplate any extensive movement in Arkansas or
Missouri. General Washburn has been directed to send to you all the troops destined for your
department which may have been stopped at his post during the recent emergency. He will also, I
expect, support you with a considerable number of his own troops. General Rosecrans reports,
July 21, that the battalion of the First Missouri Cavalry will be sent you immediately upon its
return from a scout in Northeastern Arkansas. The veteran portion of the First Iowa Cavalry
recently returned from veteran furlough and now at Saint Louis has also been ordered to you. In
a cartel recently agreed upon between our agent and the rebel agent for exchange the Arkansas
prisoners have been included.
E. R. S. CANBY,
Major-General, Commanding..
NEW ORLEANS, LA., August 5, 1864.
Maj. GEORGE B. DRAKE,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of the Gulf :
MAJOR: I have the honor to report the following regiments of this command embarked at
Algiers, La., now serving under the order of Major-General Granger, viz: Third Brigade, Third
Division, Nineteenth Army Corps; Sixty-seventh Indiana Volunteers; Ninety-sixth Ohio
Volunteers; Thirty-fourth Iowa Volunteers; Seventy-seventh Illinois Volunteers; Third Maryland
Cavalry, dismounted. Aggregate, 1,515.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. J. REYNOLDS,
Major-General, Commanding.
HDQRS. EIGHTH MIL. DIST., ENROLLED MISSOURI MILITIA,
Mexico, August 5, 1864.
Brig. Gen. C. B. FISK,
Saint Joseph, Mo.:
GENERAL: In looking over the field of operations in my district and the force I will likely
have to operate with, I have come to the following conclusion, viz: That it would be
advantageous to the service to change the destination of the First Iowa Cavalry from Mexico to
Sturgeon for headquarters, and bring Major Bartlett's battalion to Mexico. My reasons are that
Major Bartlett's command are perfectly familiar with the geography of the counties of Audrain,
Pike, Lincoln, Warren, Montgomery, Callaway, and western part of Boone, they having at an
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early day scouted over the whole of these counties, and a large portion of them having been
recruited from said counties. The above-named counties, with the addition of Saint Charles, I
would make Sub-District of Mexico. I would take the counties of Boone, Howard, Randolph, and
Monroe, and make them Sub-District of Sturgeon. I would put Colonel Caldwell in command at
Sturgeon; put one of his companies at Columbia, one at Allen (relieving the Ninth Missouri State
Militia at that place), the balance at Sturgeon. This would give you and myself direct telegraph
communication with all the sub-district commanders. It would put Colonel Caldwell in such
position that in a few hours he could collect all his forces at one point, or he could scout from
different points in concert. I am now satisfied that we will not meet the rebels in strong force in
these counties, but will find them in squads often, fifteen twenty, or thirty, and I propose that we
scout in concert from different points, leaving at posts only those that are not suitable for active
service in the field, holding the posts with invalids and organized citizens of the towns, and those
Union refugees that have left their homes on account of rebel depredations, &c. I would ambush
these rebels on cross-roads, by-paths, and in the thickets. With the forces thus stationed and
acting in concert with one another, and with the Enrolled Missouri Militia in these and
surrounding counties, I think I can safely promise that we can and will drive the rebels out in a
very short time. If these views meet your approval you will please telegraph me, that I may
commence at once to arrange the troops to that end. Major Bartlett has just returned from his
expedition after Anderson. He followed him to the Chariton River, where he crossed with his
men. Part of Major Bartlett's forces were to leave Sturgeon last night to co-operate with troops
from Allen in the capture of Perkins & Co. at Middle Grove, Monroe County. I think two or
three regiments for U.S. service can be raised in my district. I am urging all the companies of
Enrolled Missouri Militia now in active service to join the U.S. service for twelve months. I have
the assurance that several companies will go almost in a body. I would like to meet you at Macon
City the first time you come down, to talk these matters over.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. B. DOUGLASS,
Brigadier-General.
ACTG. ASST. PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Davenport, Iowa, August 5, 1864.
Maj. Gen. John POPE,
Comdg. Department of the Northwest, Milwaukee, Wis.:
GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 1st instant in
reference to furnishing me military aid in enforcing the draft in September. In reply I beg leave
to say that I have consulted the State authorities and the officers of my own department as far as
practicable, and we all concur in the opinion that there will be no serious opposition to the
execution of the draft in this State. The localities in which there is the most probability of
resistance are Jackson Comity, in the upper part of this (Second) district, and Dubuque County,
in the Third. As these counties are both of easy access from this place by boat and rail, I would
respectfully recommend that you order the commanding officer of Company K, Fourth
Regiment, First Battalion, Veteran Reserve Corps, now guarding Indians and doing provost duty
in this city, to be held subject to my orders in case of necessity., and in this contingency I will
see that their places are filled by men of the Second Battalion, Veteran Reserve Corps, and
militia during the time that I may require the services of said company. The militia of this State
are being organized under the late law of the Legislature, and the adjutant-general assures me
that any call I may make upon him will be promptly responded to. The above, in all probability,
will be the most that I shall require, as in case of anything like a general resistance I should
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require a larger force than you will probably have to send me, or than you would feel justified in
sending, if you had it, until the emergency had actually arisen. Your letter was not received until
Wednesday, and yesterday (fast day) the office was closed in obedience to the President's
proclamation, which has caused some little delay.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOS. DUNCAN,
Major Third U.S. Cavalry, Actg. Asst. Prov. Mar. Gen.
SAINT JOSEPH, MO., August 6, 1864.
Col. O. D. GREENE,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
Colonel Catherwood is in the Fishing River region below Liberty with 300 men, and 150 of
the First Iowa veterans are now moving down from Plattsburg in the same direction. The force at
Richmond and Platte City are co-operating with them, and that section will be made a very hot
place for guerrillas to camp in. We are raking the brush day and night. A detachment of
Seventeenth Illinois killed one bush-whacker near Farley. Maj. David Cranor, of the Enrolled
Missouri Militia, reports a fight with them near Platte City to-day. No particulars received.
CLINTON B. FISK,
Brigadier-General
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 120.
HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST,
Milwaukee, Wis., August 6, 1864.
I. In accordance with orders from the War Department, the two companies of the Fourth
Veteran Reserves, First Battalion, now stationed at Camp McClellan, Davenport, Iowa, will
proceed without delay to Camp Reno, Milwaukee, Wis., and report for duty to the commanding
officer of that post. The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary transportation.
II. The One hundred and seventy-second Veteran Reserve Corps Company, Second
Battalion, now at Camp Kinsman, Davenport, Iowa, will furnish the necessary orderlies, clerks,
and office guards in the town of Davenport and men to take care of the sick at Camp McClellan.
By command of Major-General Pope:
JOS. McC. BELL,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
SPECIAL ORDERS NO. 210.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
New Orleans, August 7, 1864.
1. The following-named regiments will be immediately held in readiness to embark on the
transports Patroon, Josephine, and Saint Charles, at Carrollton, La., at 8 a.m. this day. They will
proceed with the utmost dispatch to Dauphin Island. On their arrival they will be reported to Maj.
Gen. Gordon Granger for duty: Ninety-fourth Illinois Regiment Volunteers, Twentieth
Wisconsin Regiment Volunteers, Twentieth and Thirty-eighth Iowa Regiments Volunteers.
3. The Sixth Missouri Cavalry is relieved from duty in the Defenses of New Orleans and will
report to the chief of cavalry.
By command of Major-General Banks:
C. S. SARGENT,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
116
HEADQUARTERS DEFENSES OF NEW ORLEANS,
New Orleans, August 7, 1864.
Colonel BARTRAM,
Commanding District of Carrollton:
You will personally superintend the movements of the Ninety-fourth Illinois, Twentieth
Wisconsin, Twentieth Iowa, and the Thirty-eighth Iowa Volunteers, which are ordered to
Dauphin Island to report to Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger. They must be on board by 7 a.m. without
fail. You will report at what time they are on board and what time the steamer sails.
By order of Brigadier-General Sherman:
OLIVER MATTHEWS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF UPPER ARKANSAS,
Port Riley, August 8, 1864.
Maj. Gen. S. R. CURTIS,
Commanding Department of Kansas:
GENERAL: I forward you by this mail letters just received from Captain Booth relative to
Indian operations at the Smoky Hill Crossing. Unless the horses stampeded should be recovered,
which is hardly, probable, it is important that others should be furnished with as little delay as
possible. Horses are also required for about twenty dismounted men of Company G, Seventh
Iowa Cavalry, now at Council Grove. Government horses should also be furnished To mount
Captain Booth's company, Eleventh Kansas Cavalry, who are at present riding private horses, for
which Government does not allow any pay. Probably one-half of the horses of this company
would pass inspection, and could be purchased by Government, if an officer of the Cavalry
Bureau were designated for that purpose. Transportation is also much needed, as well as arms to
completely equip the few troops in this district. I understand that Captain Booth's company have
forwarded requisition for revolvers, which have not yet been filled. As I have but few men, I
hope that they may be thoroughly armed. Sabers we do not want; but carbines and revolvers are
essential. I shall send Captain McClure to Fort Leavenworth in a few days for horses,
transportation, &c. I hope he may be successful in obtaining what he needs. As soon as I can get
what little force I have organized, equipped, and in hand I shall move out on the border to
ascertain the situation of affairs. And before starting on such an expedition I would like very
much if you could send me a few additional squadrons of cavalry, as a considerable show of
force will have much to do in deterring the Indians, if they really are determined to give us
serious trouble. Two days ago I forwarded you some papers relative to a conflict between the
hostile Indians of the plains and the Pottawatomies. I shall institute measures to ascertain the
facts in the case and will report them to you.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAS. G. BLUNT,
Major-General.
OMAHA, NEBR. TER., August 8, 1864.
Col. S. W. SUMMERS,
Seventh Iowa Cavalry, Fort Kearny, Nebr. Ter.:
You can communicate with General Mitchell at Julesburg. The ordnance department forbids
the issue of arms to citizens. The application sent to Washington was returned. I will see the
Governor and try and get some of the Territorial arms sent out.
JNO. PRATT,
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Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF IOWA,
Davenport, Iowa, August 8, 1864.
Maj. J. F. MELINE,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of the Northwest, Milwaukee, Wis.:
MAJOR: I would respectfully call the attention of the major-general commanding to the
strength of the command now left here. I have two companies of the Second Battalion, Veteran
Reserve Corps, one at the hospital at Keokuk, and one at Camp Kinsman, Davenport. These
Second Battalion men, Major Duncan informs me, are not required to carry muskets and have
not been armed at all, so cannot be made use of, except as clerks, orderlies, or in hospitals. I have
one company First Battalion, Veteran Reserve Corps, headquarters of company, Camp Kearny,
Davenport. This company, with a detail from Camp McClellan, has been guarding the indian
prisoners and doing provost duty in the city. Since the two companies at Camp McClellan have
been ordered away I have not been able to have any guard in the city, except over property, and
even after reducing the guard this much the men come on duty every other day. This company,
which is below the minimum, is the only force in the district that can be called upon if there is
trouble about the draft, and then I can only make use of them by putting Second Battalion men to
guard the Indians. Even if there is no trouble made with regard to the draft, I think we must have
soldiers here to receive the drafted men, and, if possible, I should like a provost guard in the city
while the drafted men are here. Lieutenant Colonel Grief and Major Duncan both inform me that
they have no force under their command.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWARD P. TEN BROECK,
Major Sixth Iowa Cav., in charge of Hdqrs. Dist. of Iowa.
OFFICE OF THE U.S. COLLECTOR,
FIFTH DISTRICT, STATE OF IOWA,
Council Bluffs, August 9, 1864.
Major-General CURTIS:
MY DEAR SIR: You are probably aware by this time that we are having a great disturbance
with the Indians west of us. So far the Cheyennes are the ones engaged in these hostilities, but
there is no telling how many of the tribes who are now friends will join them. Mr. G. W. Perkins,
an old trader, who has made thirty-seven trips across the plains, was in my office this morning
and he tells me that the Pawnees are very anxious to join our troops in an expedition against
them, but that their offer is refused on the ground that it is against the policy of the Government
to arm one tribe against another. The Omahas also would be glad to join us. Do you not think
that in these times of the nation's trial such mawkish sentimentalities should cease? These two
tribes could furnish at least 2,000 warriors. The Utes also are anxious to go in, and they have at
least 3,000 warriors. In this Indian war they would save us at least the services of 5,000 men,
who could go South. Pray, if you can, influence the War Department to authorize the
employment of these Indians. They will eventually fight on the one side or the other. Why not
make and keep them our friends? I do not know what General Mitchell is about, but have little
confidence in these long-haired officers.
With my best regards to your family, I am, very truly, yours,
HORACE EVERETT.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST,
118
Milwaukee, Wis., August 9, 1864.
Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK,
Chief of Staff of the Army, Washington, D. C.:
GENERAL: I have the honor to report that in accordance with the recommendation in
General Ketchum's report and your indorsement thereon, I have ordered the two companies
Veteran Reserve Corps stationed at Camp McClellan, Davenport, Iowa, to this place to guard
deserters and substitutes and send them to their commands in the field. There is little doubt that
there will be some considerable resistance to the draft in this State at various points, especially in
this city, in the absence of troops. All the effective force in this department has been ordered to
the field from the War Department after several inspections of the department with that view. I
don't consider myself authorized, in the face of such action, to order any of them back, even if
there were time, which there is not. I shall, therefore, dispose of the Veteran Reserve Corps
companies in the department, together with such portions of new regiments as may be mustered
into service before the draft, in the manner best calculated to afford the necessary military aid.
The assistant provost-marshal-generals for Iowa and Minnesota report to me that there is little
apprehension of danger in enforcing the draft in these States, and that they only require a small
force, which can be furnished by the Veteran Reserve companies in the States concerned. I
transmitted to you a copy of a letter received from the assistant provost-marshal-general of this
State on the same subject, to which, with my indorsement upon it, I beg to invite your attention.
It is proper to state that until General Ketchum's report was received I had no official knowledge
of the two companies Veteran Reserve Corps at Camp McClellan, as they had never reported to
me. The order of the Provost-Marshal-General was for these companies Veteran Reserve Corps
in this department to report to me, except such as were needed by the officers of his department,
so that no complete, or even partially complete, reports of these companies has ever been made
to me. An order from the War Department directing all Veteran Reserve companies in this
department to report to me is needed.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. POPE,
Major-General, Commanding.
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
New Orleans, La., August 10, 1864.
(Received 4.40 p.m.)
Maj. Gen. N. P. BANKS,
Comdg. Department of the Gulf, New Orleans, La.:
GENERAL: I am instructed by the major-general commanding to inform you that he has
decided upon taking General Arnold with him on his visit to Mobile Bay, and to request that the
companies of the Indiana Heavy Artillery may be sent to Ship Island at once, taking up on their
way any ordnance, ordnance stores, or other siege material that General Arnold may designate. I
am also instructed to request that the regiment intended for Pensacola Harbor may be sent there
as soon as transportation can be furnished.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.
AUGUST 10, 1864---5 p.m. Order the companies of the Indiana Heavy Artillery forwarded
at once to comply with above order. The regiment intended for Pensacola Harbor is the
Nineteenth Iowa, of which you spoke to me.
119
N. P. BANKS,
Major-General, Commanding.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 214.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
New Orleans, August 11, 1864.
1. In compliance with instructions from headquarters Military Division of West Mississippi,
Companies B, F, K, L, M, First Indiana Heavy Artillery, will at once proceed to Ship Island,
Miss., and report to the commanding officer of that post, taking up on their way any ordnance or
ordnance stores or other siege material that Brig. Gen. Richard Arnold, chief of artillery,
Department of the Gulf, may designate. The quartermaster's department will furnish the
necessary transportation.
2. The Nineteenth Iowa Volunteers will at once proceed to Pensacola Harbor, Fla., and report
to Brig. Gen. A. Asboth, commanding the District of West Florida. The quartermaster's
department will furnish the necessary transportation.
By command of Major-General Banks:
C. S. SARGENT,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
NEW ORLEANS, LA., August 11, 1864.
Maj. C. T. CHRISTENSEN.
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Mil. Div. of West Mississippi:
MAJOR: I have the honor to report the following-named regiments of this command as now
serving under Major-General Granger, viz Sixty-seventh Indiana, Ninety-sixth Ohio, Thirtyfourth
Iowa, Seventy-seventh Illinois; also Third Maryland Cavalry, dismounted. Also to report
the arrival of the following troops at Morganza, La., since date of last report, viz: Eighth Illinois
Volunteers, Eleventh Illinois Volunteers, Forty-sixth Illinois Volunteers, Seventy-sixth Illinois
Volunteers, Thirtieth Missouri Volunteers. Aggregate present, 2,220; aggregate present and
absent, 3,405. Seventh Missouri, two companies; First Kansas, one company; aggregate present,
114; aggregate present and absent, 219. One hundred and sixty-first New York. Sixth Michigan
under orders to report to chief of artillery at New Orleans.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. J. REYNOLDS,
Major-General, Commanding.
MEXICO, Mo., August 11, 1864.
General FISK:
I have information that the rebels have concentrated some 250 men in the vicinity of Middle
Grove and threaten to attack Paris. I have not force sufficient to send out to attack them. Can
only act on the defensive with bodies of that size. Would like to have the balance of the First
Iowa Cavalry if you can spare them.
J. B. DOUGLASS,
Brigadier-General
SAINT JOSEPH, August 11, 1864.
General J. B. DOUGLASS, Mexico:
The First Iowa detachment here cannot at present be spared. I have no other troops of
consequence at Saint Joseph, and they are continually scouting. Why don't you order out every
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militiaman you have in the district until you can drive out the murderers? You ought not to
hesitate a moment. Call out your troops and put down the bushwhackers. Every soldier in the
Eighth District is subject to your command. You have four companies of the Seventeenth Illinois
Cavalry, seven companies of the Ninth Cavalry Missouri State Militia, and four companies of the
Third Cavalry Missouri State Militia, the Iowa troops, and Enrolled Missouri Militia. You ought
to concentrate the Ninth Cavalry to use against the guerrillas in force, and hold posts with militia.
The people must be made to take care of the towns. Let the troops fight the guerrillas and take
care of the country. Who leads the bushwhackers at Middle Grove?
CLINTON B. FISK,
Brigadier-General.
HEADQUARTERS, Salina, August 11, 1864.
Major-General BLUNT:
SIR: I have the honor to report the following facts in regard to the killing of four men by
Indians near Beaver Creek, about forty miles from this place, on the north bank of Saline River.
Saturday evening, August 6, 1864, four men, viz, two men (brothers) named Moffitt, one Tyler
and one Hueston, started from their ranch to kill a buffalo for meat, taking a two-horse team with
them. Upon reaching the top of a hill about three-quarters of a mile from the house the Indians
were discovered rushing down upon them. The horses were turned and run toward a ledge of
rocks, where the men took a position. They appear to have fought desperately and must have
killed several Indians. Three of the men killed were scalped, but one of the scalps was left upon a
rock close by. The horses were both shot through the head. This was probably done by the
ranchmen to prevent them falling into the hands of the Indians. The wagon was burned. The
Indians made a descent upon the house, in which were an old man and a woman. The old man
shot one of the Indians through a hole in the wall, whereupon they all fled. They judged the
number of Indians to be about 100. When the messenger arrived at this place a party of twelve
citizens, with Sergeant Reynolds, of H Company, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, proceeded to the spot.
They learned the above facts. The sergeant says the Indians retreated up the Saline River (west).
As all the ranchmen have left the country west of this point, the Indians will be obliged to fall
upon the settlements next for plunder. It seems as if they were determined to pick up all the stock
possible and kill all they can overpower. The people of Saline County met in mass-meeting this
afternoon "to devise ways and means to protect themselves and property from the ravages of the
red-skins." I would state here, general, my urgent need of more cavalry horses to mount my
company. I have as yet only eight Government horses, the balance (thirty) being private.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
HENRY BOOTH,
Capt. Co. L, Eleventh Kansas Vol. Cavalry, Comdg. Post.
MEXICO, MO., August 12, 1864.
Major-General ROSECRANS:
News is that the rebels are thick in the counties of Boone, Howard, Monroe, and Audrain. I
have 130 First Iowa Cavalry here. The balance are at Saint Joseph. I have to-day ordered all my
force to be ready to take the field, and hope in -a few days to give a good account to you. I can
give repairers an escort from Hunteville and Glasgow.
J. B. DOUGLASS,
Brigadier-General.
I send you the above. The general commanding thinks these counties should be cleared out.
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O. D. GREENE,
Assistant Adjutant-General
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST,
Milwaukee, Wis., August 12, 1864.
Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK,
Chief of Staff of the Army, Washington, D. C.:
GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your telegram of yesterday and
to report as follows:
There are now in the Military District of Minnesota, which extends as far west as Devil's
Lake and the line of the James River, six companies of the Second Minnesota Mounted Rangers,
four companies of Hatch's Independent Battalion, and four companies Thirtieth Wisconsin
Volunteer Infantry. The two first-named detachments are scattered about in small bodies from
Fort Ripley to Fort Abercrombie, and thence to Fort Ridgely and the northern line of the State of
Iowa, covering the frontier during the absence of the Indian expedition, as well as so small a
force can do it. These detachments are nothing more than mounted rangers, mounted on small
Canadian ponies, which were bought for service on the plains. Neither troops nor horses would
be worth much, if anything, with any of our armies in the field. It would take twenty-five days to
assemble these detachments at Saint Paul, the nearest point at which they could procure
transportation south, and even then but a part of them could be sent, until relieved by other
troops, without abandoning Forts Ripley, Abercrombie, and Ridgely. The number which could
be assembled at Fort Snelling within twenty-five days would not exceed 300, and those badly
mounted for anything but frontier service, and little serviceable for anything else. The four
companies Thirtieth Wisconsin Infantry have just reached the point near James River and have
begun to build Fort Wadsworth. They cannot be taken away, until relieved, without abandoning a
large amount of public property and giving up the establishment of the post. The point on the
James River where they are building the post is 340 miles northwest of Saint Paul, and to
communicate with these and bring them back to Saint Paul, to which point they must march,
would require six weeks at the least, even supposing the order to be sent at once and everything
to be abandoned. These are all the troops fit for service in the District of Minnesota, and you will
readily see that even if all were taken, without being relieved, they could not be assembled at
Saint Paul much, if any, before October 1.
In General Sully's District of Iowa about two-thirds of all the forces in the department are
now serving, all of whom, with the exception of one company Sixth Iowa Cavalry and one
company of Dakota cavalry at Yankton, one company Seventh Iowa Cavalry at Vermillion
River, detachments of three cavalry companies at Farm Island and two companies of Thirtieth
Wisconsin Infantry at the same place, about seven companies in all, are with General Sully's
expedition. These seven companies are posted so as to cover the frontier, as far as possible,
during Sully's absence, and could not be taken away without creating an immediate stampede of
the inhabitants. General Sully, after establishing the location of Fort Rice on the Missouri, above
Cannon Ball River, left four or five companies to build the post, and on the 18th of July marched
with the remainder of his command for the Yellowstone, near which the combined Indian force
was encamped. Fort Rice is 450 miles northwest of Sioux City and cannot be communicated with
in less than twenty-five days. If boats were there ready the troops now at that post might be
brought to Saint Louis (if the Missouri is navigable) in about twelve days more by abandoning
the post and all public stores.
You see, then, general, how difficult and unfortunate it is to take away any of the troops
mentioned before they are replaced by others, and that even if taken away they consist of
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fragments of regiments and companies, some of whom are really not fit for service south, and are
all very small in number. All the rest of the troops in the department (with the exception of
companies Veteran Reserve Corps) are with Sully. As I have stated, he marched on the 18th of
July from Fort Rice toward the Yellowstone, expecting to find the Indians somewhere on the
way. He is doubtless now returning to Fort Rice. I had already determined as soon as he returned
to send south the entire Eighth Regiment Minnesota Infantry, who are with him and mounted.
They will return to Minnesota as rapidly as possible from Fort Rice, and will be immediately
sent south. I will in addition send a force south equal at least in number to the regiment rebel
deserters being sent me, probably more. If Sully is as successful as there is little doubt he will be,
I shall send from this department in addition to the Eighth Minnesota Infantry the Sixth Iowa
Cavalry and the Thirtieth Wisconsin Infantry. A large part of these can be sent, I have no doubt,
from Saint Paul and Sioux City by the last of September, nearly if not quite as soon as I could
send for and bring in to Saint Paul the detachments first mentioned.
All the transportation in the department is now with Sully, with very small exception, and the
great difficulty will be to get the troops you are sending to the frontier. I will do all I can to hurry
up matters. God knows, general, how glad I would be to send every man in this department either
to General Grant or General Sherman, where I know that more men are needed, and I regret as
much as any man can that I am compelled to make this report. I will do all that is possible in the
case.
I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. POPE,
Major-General, Commanding.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 96.
HDQRS. MIL. DIV. OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
New Orleans, La., August 13, 1864.
1. Bvt. Brig. Gen. J. Bailey, U.S. Volunteers, will proceed to Mobile Point by first
opportunity, and report in person to Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger, commanding U.S. forces, for
temporary assignment to duty.
3. Brig. Gen. Richard Arnold, chief of artillery, Department of the Gulf, will proceed without
delay to Mobile Point, and report for temporary duty to Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger, commanding
U.S. forces, for the purpose of superintending the movements of the siege material now being
collected at that point.
SAINT JOSEPH, August 13, 1864.
Col. J. H. SHANKLIN,
Chillicothe:
Major McDermott will reach Breckinridge about 2 o'clock to-morrow morning by railroad,
with 100 of the First Iowa Cavalry. He will debark and march toward Tinney's Grove. You will
send out your party under good officers, to report to Major McDermott and form a junction with
him between Easterville and Tinney's Grove. Colonel Barr telegraphed me that Anderson will
probably rest to-night near Tinney's Grove, as he left the Knoxville and Kingston road in that
direction. Citizens to do their whole duty in co-operating. Anderson is the worst of all, and he
must be killed, or he will cause the death of every Union man he can find.
CLINTON B. FISK,
Brigadier-General
7. The following-named regiments, now at Morganza, La., are hereby attached to the
Nineteenth Army Corps, Maj. Gen. J. J. Reynolds commanding: Twenty-third Wisconsin
Volunteer Infantry, Twenty-ninth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, Ninety-seventh Illinois
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Volunteer Infantry, Ninety-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Twenty-first Iowa Volunteer
Infantry, Forty-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry.
8. The Third Maryland Cavalry (dismounted), now at Mobile Bay, is hereby attached to the
Nineteenth Army Corps, Maj. Gen. J. J. Reynolds, commanding.
By order of Maj. Gen. E. R. S. Canby:
C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.
SAINT JOSEPH, August 13, 1864.
Col. J. H. SHANKLIN,
Chillicothe:
Major McDermott will reach Breckinridge about 2 o'clock to-morrow morning by railroad,
with 100 of the First Iowa Cavalry. He will debark and march toward Tinney's Grove. You will
send out your party under good officers, to report to Major McDermott and form a junction with
him between Easterville and Tinney's Grove. Colonel Barr telegraphed me that Anderson will
probably rest to-night near Tinney's Grove, as he left the Knoxville and Kingston road in that
direction. Citizens to do their whole duty in co-operating. Anderson is the worst of all, and he
must be killed, or he will cause the death of every Union man he can find.
CLINTON B. FISK,
Brigadier-General
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS, &c.,
Little Rock, Ark., August 14, 1864.
Maj. Gen. E. R. S. CANBY,
Commanding Military Division of West Mississippi:
GENERAL: The command under General West encountered McCray near Searcy, beat them
and pursued toward Jacksonport, where it is supposed Shelby was about crossing White River in
order to go south. Scouts and deserters report that the rebels in my front are falling back across
Saline River. The party sent to burn the depot at Princeton stampeded the guard, but the leader
being wounded, failed to burn the rebel supplies. This may be the cause of their withdrawing part
of their forces. Dobbin's command is reported still hovering about Helena. Shelby has supplied
his conscripts with arms and ammunition through smugglers in Memphis. From all accounts it is
his intention now to rejoin Price as soon as possible. West will make every effort to catch him
whichever way he goes. This is the third expedition that I have fitted out against Shelby within a
few weeks. The excuses given for not catching him are that they could not get supplies and were
obliged to return. General Carr had Shelby in his grasp at one time, in the opinion of his officers.
The following-named troops have been ordered home during this month, some on account of
expiration of term of service and others on furlough: Second Indiana Battery, 100; First Iowa
Cavalry, 360; Sixty-first Illinois Infantry (veteran), 220; Sixty-second Illinois Infantry (veteran),
267; Third Minnesota (six companies), 200; Fifth Kansas Cavalry, 120. Term of service of first
Indiana Cavalry will expire next week.
Very respectfully,
F. STEELE,
Major-General.
DEVALL'S BLUFF, August 14, 1864--7 a.m.
Capt. C. H. DYER,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Little Rock:
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The Celeste has returned without accident, bringing two prisoners Captured at midnight; one
a first sergeant of Dobbin's command, the other James, who took the oath and afterward joined
rebel service. The latter has, according to report, acted as an informer against Union men. A
lieutenant of Ninth Iowa and twenty men were landed and followed General West. General West
had left before the boat left; here. Nothing was seen of the enemy. It was reported that Shelby
had moved toward Jacksonport.
C. C. ANDREWS,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
FORT KEARNY, August 16, 1864.
Major-General CURTIS, Omaha:
Your dispatch is received. The amount of damage done west of here is hard to estimate.
There have been twenty persons killed between here and Cottonwood and one train burnt. The
ranchmen have all left, except where we have posts from Cottonwood and Julesburg. The
ranchmen have all run except two posts occupied by the military. The stage stock has been taken
off to-day, I am informed by the agent, from Julesburg to Cottonwood. Unless the Government
intends to abandon the Laramie route entirely, I have taken all the troops off that route that can
possibly be spared. I have taken from that route two companies of the Eleventh Ohio, one
stationed at Fremont's Orchard, the other at Camp Collins, extending two posts toward Julesburg.
I have made the headquarters of one company Seventh Iowa Cavalry at Julesburg, one post
extending each way. We occupy the road west from Collins to South Pass. My troops are just
scattered enough to be cut up by detail. Captain Murphy, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, has been on the
Blue since last Thursday with his company. Have heard nothing from him since he left Pawnee
Ranch. Major O'Brien reports a skirmish between his troops and Cheyennes to-day at 12 m. six
miles east of Cottonwood. I will probably start for Omaha to-morrow for the purpose of
conferring with you.
ROBT. B. MITCHELL,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST,
Milwaukee, Wis., August 16, 1864.
Brig. Gen. A. SULLY,
Commanding District of Iowa:
GENERAL: In accordance with instructions from the General-in-Chief, I send up six
companies of the First U.S. Volunteers, being men enlisted in the South, and therefore incapable
of doing duty in that region. These companies are designed to replace the companies of the
Thirtieth Wisconsin at Fort Rice and other points below that post. You will accordingly relieve
the companies of the Thirtieth above mentioned and send them by steamer to Saint Louis, Mo.,
directing the commanding officer to telegraph me from Omaha and from Saint Joseph, so that
proper orders will reach him on his arrival at Saint Louis. The six companies I send consist of
refugees and rebel deserters, and whilst many of the men are excellent, I do not doubt there are
also many who will require strict discipline. Please select the very best officer of your whole
command as commanding officer of Fort Rice, sending to other points, if necessary, any officers
of superior rank. It will probably require a man of resolution and character to command such a
post. As I have previously written you, I desire that the Minnesota troops under Colonel Thomas
be sent back to Minnesota immediately. Please direct Colonel Thomas to leave at Fort
Wadsworth, near the James River, at least three companies of the Second Minnesota Cavalry, but
to proceed himself to Saint Paul with his entire regiment without delay. Of course if he hears of
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any bodies of Indians between the Missouri and the James Rivers, south of Devil's Lake, I desire
him to march against them. The six companies of the Thirtieth which you send down will be
united with the other four companies of the regiment which are now on the James River, and the
regiment will go South, where troops are more needed than I can venture to write you. Please
execute these instructions, general, with as little delay as possible.
Respectfully, general, your obedient servant.
JNO. POPE,
Major-General, Commanding.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 100.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS, &c.,
Little Rock, Ark., May 11, 1864.
The infantry, cavalry, and artillery serving within the limits of the District of Little Rock, as
defined in General Orders, No. 26, current series, from these headquarters, will be organized into
divisions and brigades, to be designated as follows:
First Division, Seventh Army Corps, Brig. Gen. F. Salomon, U.S. Volunteers, commanding:
First Brigade--Ninth Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers, Twenty-eighth Wisconsin Infantry
Volunteers, Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry Volunteers, Thirty-third Iowa Infantry Volunteers,
Fiftieth Indiana Infantry Volunteers. Second Brigade--Forty-third Indiana Infantry Volunteers, a
Seventy-seventh Ohio Infantry Volunteers, a Thirty-sixth Iowa Infantry Volunteers, (a) Twentyseventh
Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers, Fortieth Iowa Infantry Volunteers, Forty-third Illinois
Infantry Volunteers. Third Brigade--First Missouri Cavalry Volunteers, Fourth Arkansas Cavalry
Volunteers, Third Missouri Cavalry Volunteers, First Iowa Cavalry Volunteers. Artillery--
Battery A, Third Illinois Light Artillery, Battery E, Second Missouri Artillery, Twenty-fifth Ohio
Battery.
Second Division, Seventh Army Corps, Brig. Gen. Joseph R. West, U. S. Volunteers,
commanding: First Brigade--Twelfth Michigan Infantry Volunteers, Third Minnesota Infantry
Volunteers, Sixty-first Illinois Infantry Volunteers, Fifty-fourth Illinois Infantry Volunteers,
Eighteenth Illinois Infantry Volunteers, Fifty-seventh U.S. Volunteers (colored). Second
Brigade--Sixty-second Illinois Infantry Volunteers, Twenty-second Ohio Infantry Volunteers,
One hundred and twenty-sixth Illinois Infantry Volunteers, One hundred and sixth Illinois
Infantry Volunteers, Second Arkansas Infantry Volunteers. Third Brigade--Eighth Missouri
Cavalry Volunteers, Tenth Illinois Cavalry Volunteers, Third Arkansas Cavalry Volunteers,
Second Missouri Cavalry Volunteers, Artillery--Fifth Ohio Battery, Eleventh Ohio Battery,
Battery I), Second Missouri Artillery. Cavalry Brigade--Fifth Kansas Cavalry Volunteers, First
Indiana Cavalry Volunteers, Seventh Missouri Cavalry Volunteers, Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry
Volunteers.
The senior officer present with each brigade will assume command thereof.
By order of Maj. Gen. F. Steele:
W. D. GREEN,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
LITTLE ROCK, ARK., August 17, 1864.
Colonel RYAN, Commanding, Lewisburg, Ark.:
Send the Twenty-ninth Iowa and Marr's battery to this place, and also all the horses and
supplies you have, except enough for thirty days for the troops you will have left. Keep the rest
of your command in condition to move, in case of approach of superior force. Provide means for
crossing the Arkansas in case you should have to retreat that way. I do not think that you had
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better send down the sick of your remaining command, unless they would be better cared for
here. In case of evacuation they could be left at Lewisburg, but only few medical supplies should
be left with them. We have no particular news of the enemy's movements. It is intended to make
Lewisburg only an outpost for the present. Do not let any one but commanders know of the
proposed movement till it commences.
E. A. CARR,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
DES MOINES, IOWA, August 17, 1864.
(Received 1.40 p.m.)
Hon. E. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War:
Probable contingencies require me to have from 10,000 to 15,000 more arms and a light
battery, if possible. Second-rate guns will do. They will be held subject at all times to your
orders.
W. M. STONE.
WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, August 17, 1864.
Governor W. M. STONE,
Des Moines, Iowa:
I am directed by the Secretary of War to inform you that directions have been given to the
Ordnance Bureau to supply the arms requested.
WILLIAM G. MOORE.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 178.
HDQRS. NINETEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Morganza, La., August 18, 1864. 1.
The following-named regiments are hereby designated to constitute the infantry of the
Second Division, Nineteenth Army Corps, viz: First Brigade--Eighth Illinois Volunteers, Fortysixth
Illinois Volunteers, Seventh Missouri Volunteers, Eleventh Illinois Volunteers, Seventysixth
Illinois Volunteers, Thirtieth Missouri Volunteers. Second Brigade--Forty-seventh Indiana
Volunteers, Twenty-first Iowa Volunteers, One hundred and twentieth Ohio Volunteers, Twentyninth
Wisconsin Volunteers, Ninety-ninth Illinois Volunteers. Third Brigade--First Louisiana
Volunteers, Twenty-eighth Illinois Volunteers, Twenty-third Wisconsin Volunteers, One
hundred and sixty-first New York Volunteers, Twenty-ninth Illinois Volunteers.
2. Organization of the infantry of the Third Division, Nineteenth Army Corps: First Brigade--
Seventh Kentucky Volunteers, Thirty-fifth Wisconsin Volunteers, Forty-second Ohio
Volunteers, Twenty-third Iowa Volunteers, Thirty-seventh Illinois Volunteers. Second Brigade--
Sixteenth Ohio Volunteers, Twenty-fourth Indiana Volunteers, Ninety-seventh Illinois
Volunteers, Twenty-second Kentucky Volunteers, Sixty-ninth Indiana Volunteers, One hundred
and fourteenth Ohio Volunteers. Third Brigade---Third Maryland Cavalry (dismounted), Thirtyfourth
Iowa Volunteers, Sixty-seventh Indiana Volunteers, Eighty-third Ohio Volunteers, One
hundred and thirtieth Illinois Volunteers, Seventy-seventh Illinois Volunteers, Ninety-sixth Ohio
Volunteers.
By command of Maj. Gen. J. J. Reynolds:
S. C. FARRINGTON,
Captain and Aide-de-Camp.
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HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF UPPER ARKANSAS,
Fort Riley, Kans., August 18, 1864.
Major CHARLOT,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
I am just in receipt of intelligence from Salina that on the 16th instant seven men of
Company H, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, en route to Smoky Hill Crossing, were attacked by a party
of Indians estimated from 100 to 300. Four of the party were killed, the other three made their
escape and came into Salina. Messenger with dispatches for Fort Larned was turned back. These
dispatches were to direct the commanding officer at Fort Larned to concentrate his force as much
as possible, and intercept a party of Indians moving south from the Fort Kearny and Denver road.
Probably it was some of the same party who attacked and killed the men of Company H, Seventh
Iowa Cavalry, on the 16th instant. I have written several communications to the general since the
10th instant urging him, if possible, to send me more troops, and horses to mount the few I have.
I have as yet received no response and have just learned that the general is absent in Nebraska.
Please inform me what I may rely upon in regard to troops and horses. I am entirely powerless to
do anything more than to try and hold a few points on the mail route for want of force, and I am
informed by Major Fillmore that the term of service of five companies of the First Colorado
Cavalry, now on duty in this district, will expire by the 7th of September.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. G. BLUNT,
Major-General.
DEVALL'S BLUFF, August 19, 1864--9 p.m.
Capt. C. H. DYER:
Aggregate present of One hundred and twenty-sixth Illinois, 504; effective strength, 440; and
they can go as soon as train comes in from Little Rock. Let that be hurried up so the troops can
get to Little Rock before dark. Three hundred of First Iowa go on morning train.
C. C. ANDREWS,
Brigadier-General
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 9.
HDQRS. DIST. OF THE UPPER ARKANSAS,
Fort Riley, Kans., August 19, 1864.
II. Capt. Henry Booth, Company L, Eleventh Kansas Volunteers, is assigned to the command
of the post of Fort Riley, Kans., and will relieve Capt. D. S. Malven, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, who
is dismissed the service by order of the President, by virtue of Special Orders, No. 232, Adjutant-
General's Office, Washington, D. C., July 9, 1864.
By command of Maj. Gen. James G. Blunt:
J. E. TAPPAN,
Aide-de-Camp.
QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL'S OFFICE, FIRST DIVISION,
Washington, August 20, 1864.
Lieut. THEODORE D. JOHNSON,
Actg. Asst. Quartermaster, Third Iowa Cav., Saint Louis, Mo.:
Telegram received. Major General Halleck directs that horses for Military Division of West
Mississippi be forwarded to Memphis, to be distributed by the commanding general. This order
cannot be varied.
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JAMES A. EKIN,
Col. in Charge First Division, Quartermaster-General's Office
HDQRS. THIRTY-FIFTH REGT. ENROLLED MISSOURI MIL.,
Brunswick, Mo., August 20, 1864.
Brig. Gen. C. B. FISK,
Comdg. District of North Missouri, Saint Joseph, Mo.:
GENERAL: I beg leave to report that on the 14th instant Bill Anderson with about eighty
men passed through this county in the night. Late in the evening the gun-boat Fanny Ogden came
down and reported him in the neighborhood of Hill's Landing, Carroll County, and desired me to
send a portion of my force in that direction. Deeming this impracticable, I declined, but sent a
force immediately to the fords on Grand River with a view of heading him off. I also ordered all
my spare force into the neighborhood he would likely pass through. It turned out that my
arrangements were a few hours too late, as he was passing through the north part of the county in
a great hurry at the time the Ogden reported him in Carroll. This I did not learn until the morning
of the 15th, as the people in the country failed to bring me any information that he was in the
county.
On the evening of the 17th Major McDermott, with a company of Iowa cavalry, accompanied
by Captain Calvert's company of Enrolled Missouri Militia, from Carroll, arrived here in pursuit.
I added seventy-five men of my command, under Captain Stanley and Lieutenant Owens, and the
whole command started on the 18th to hunt Anderson up if possible. Twenty-five of my
command returned to-day, by direction of Major McDermott, because their horses, not being
shod, could not travel. I regret to be compelled to state that two of the men sent out by me
straggled from the command while they were in Randolph County, and in attempting to get home
were captured by a small band of bushwhackers skulking through the county. The two men were
disarmed and allowed to come home. I shall punish them severely for their conduct. Major
McDermott with his command, consisting of the Iowa cavalry, Captain Calvert's company of
Enrolled Missouri Militia, and about fifty men of my command, continued the pursuit toward the
Perche Hills, where he has information the bushwhackers are concentrating under Perkins. Two
or three small squads of bushwhackers are reported skulking about the county. I have scouts out
hunting them up.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. E. MOBERLY,
Colonel, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS, Salins, August 21, 1864.
Lieut. J. E. TAPPAN,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Fort Riley, Kans.:
SIR: Second Lieutenant Helliwell arrived here with one gun and forty men of Company G,
Seventh Iowa Volunteer Cavalry, August 19, 1864.
I have the honor to be, yours, very respectfully,
JACOB VAN ANTWERP,
First Lieut. Company L, Eleventh Kans. Vol. Cav., Comdg. Post.
BROOKFIELD, August 23, 1864.
General FISK:
Major McDermott, commanding detachment First Iowa Cavalry, directs me to say to you that
he has returned from pursuit of Anderson, having followed him to Rocheport, where he scattered
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his men in all directions. The major is at Bucklin awaiting your orders, and I am here to transmit
them. Shall he return by rail or march through? Will you answer immediately.
H. L. MORRILL,
Sergeant-Major and Acting Adjutant.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 63.
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF LITTLE ROCK,
Little Rock, Ark., August 24, 1864.
I. The Second Brigade, First Division, Seventh Army Corps, is assigned to duty as the
garrison of the post of Little Rock. Col. Adolph Engelmann, commanding, will enter upon the
duties of post commander without unnecessary delay.
II. The Twenty-seventh Wisconsin and Fortieth Iowa Infantry will continue to furnish details
for pickets and fatigue as heretofore until the arrival of the Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry.
III. The post of Huntersville is hereby discontinued and the troops assigned to the command
post of Little Rock.
By command of Brig. Gen. E. A. Carr:
C. H. DYER,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
LITTLE ROCK, ARK., August 24, 1864.
Col. A. H. RYAN,
Lewisburg:
Have the Twenty-ninth Iowa and Marr's battery move at once. The general desires to have
them here with as little delay as possible.
By order of Brig. Gen. E. A. Carr:
C. H. DYER,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
New Orleans, August 25, 1864.
10. The following brigade organization will be observed by the different commanders
concerned: First Brigade (Defenses of New Orleans)-Thirty-third Illinois Volunteers, Sixtieth
Indiana Volunteers, Thirty-fourth Indiana Volunteers, Twenty-sixth Indiana Volunteers,
Eleventh Wisconsin Volunteers, First U.S. Infantry. Second Brigade (Mobile)--Ninety-fourth
Illinois Volunteers, Thirty-eighth Iowa Volunteers, Twentieth Iowa Volunteers, Twentieth
Wisconsin Volunteers. Third Brigade (scattered)--Ninety-first Illinois Volunteers, Nineteenth
Kentucky Volunteers, Nineteenth Iowa Volunteers, Second Louisiana Volunteers.
By command of Major-General Banks:
W. D. PUTNAM,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EASTERN ARKANSAS,
Helena, Ark., August 25, 1864.
Lieut. Col. W. D. GREEN,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of Arkansas:
COLONEL: The Forty-seventh Iowa Infantry (100-days' men) go out of service September
11 by expiration of term of service. The One hundred and forty-third Illinois Infantry (100-days'
men) go out of service September 18 by virtue of same reason. My tri-monthly for August 20
shows the following, viz: I have for duty, equipped, 2,520 infantry, 154 cavalry, 107 artillery;
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aggregate, 2,781 rank and file. I shall lose from this, by departure of the two regiments of 100-
days' men, 1,045 rank and file, leaving me but 1,736 men. The safety of this post and
suppression of marauding bands cannot be obtained unless my present force is kept good. I
respectfully request that two regiments be ordered to this district to relieve the troops about to be
mustered out. I should have an increase of cavalry. Some 300 or 400 will probably re-enlist from
the One hundred and forty-third Illinois, but I can get but a portion of these.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant.
WM. CROOKS,
Colonel Sixth Minnesota Infantry, Commanding District.
BROWNSVILLE, August 25, 1864--10 p.m.
(Received 10.45 p.m.)
Captain DYER:
The sergeant who carried the communication from General Andrews informs me that all the
infantry at the hay stations, consisting of eight companies of the Fifty-fourth Illinois, were
captured. Only a very few of the First Nebraska Cavalry on duty at the station escaped.
Subsequently Colonel Geiger, with the Ninth Iowa, two companies of the Eleventh Missouri, and
the Eighth Missouri, at 4 p.m., had a two hours' fight with Shelby near Ashley's. After driving
the enemy into the woods Colonel Geiger returned to the Bluff. His loss amounted to about 50 in
killed and wounded. When the sergeant left the Bluff no pursuit of Shelby had been undertaken.
Your dispatch of 9.45 p.m. is just received. Being informed that the course supposed to have
been taken by the enemy leaves the railroad at Ashley's at right angles, while the Austin road
was represented to me as affording a diagonal, I directed Colonel Clark to take it. Major Hudson
having returned to Brownsville, he, with the Third Michigan, also took that road. Colonel
Mitchell is supposed to have been captured. Richmond was mentioned by Doctor Sullivan as the
place where the enemy were crossing the Arkansas.
A. ENGELMANN,
Colonel.
Statement of George Williams.
SAINT LOUIS, August 25, 1864.
I left Saint Louis on Saturday morning, August 13, for the northern part of the State on a
scouting expedition, under the direction of the provost-marshal-general. I was to act as a
bushwhacker and obtain all the information possible. Arriving at Huntsville, I pressed the first
horse I could find, which belonged to a man named Herther, the post commander sanctioning
that proceeding, as he knew what my business was. On Sunday morning I was at Roanoke,
which place I left for Chariton County. There I saw some men who were formed into companies
ready to go out as soon as they could get arms. If they had arms they would have been out before
this. Captain Price, who came down here the other day and was put in prison, was to command
the company. He lives in Chariton County. I had some conversation with Con. Hurtt. I had been
acquainted with him previously to this. He came up and shook hands with me and said he was
for the brush now. He then asked me if I was a bushwhacker. I said yes; he said he was for it and
was waiting for me to get back. He had sent word into Roanoke that he was a bushwhacker, his
friends residing there. He wanted to go with me, but I could not take him with me from
prudential motives. His brother told me he was in the company but he wanted to be with me. I
learned that there were twenty-five men sworn in the company. That night I went and stopped
with this Hurtt, Lon Hurtt they call him, and he wanted to go with me, but I told him he had
better wait awhile, that I had no arms for him at the time. I then saw Joe Price, and he told me to
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wait-and do nothing to put myself in any danger till he got back (he was then coming to Saint
Louis); when he did get back we were to raise hell there in that county. I talked with a good
many more and they spoke in the same way. The names of some of the men in this company are,
Joe Price, Con. Hurtt, Lon Hurtt (brothers), Barton Fillport, David Fillport, -- Fillport (brothers),
Price, brother of Joe.
I went from there and got in with some bushwhackers in Randolph County. I went around
with them a little and found out that they were going to make a raid on the railroad, intending to
stop the passenger train. I wrote to Huntsville and put the captain commanding the post on his
guard there. This letter as opened by the postmaster and its contents communicated by him to the
bushwhackers. I know the postmaster exposed me because there was nobody else who knew
about it but myself. I was in the Federal camp, and they even knew that, and last Monday got
after me. They had all the confidence in the world in me until the postmaster let it out. His name
is Joseph Reiter, and he is the postmaster at Roanoke. He went to Quinn and told him about it.
He said the letter was open, but I know better--it was sealed, just as tight as letter could be
sealed. The bushwhackers immediately got after me at Roanoke, and watched the town all night,
thinking I would come there. The men who watched were under Lieutenant Jackson. Reiter did
not expose me till I had seen a good many bushwhackers. I had been there a week and had seen
some of Anderson's, Holtzclaw's, Todd's, Pitney's, and Perkins' men, and I talked with them all.
Their conversation seemed to be all about the same; they were "going to make that county hotter
than hell," and intend, they say, "to hold it, by God, to a certainty." I went into the Federal camp
the night they were camped at Roanoke. There was a major there with 250 men. I told him of the
whereabouts of Anderson and the different parties of men, but never effected anything. I told
him at the time that he was moving too slow to ever think about catching Anderson. This major's
name is McDermott, of the First Iowa, I believe. On Sunday night last I saw some of Lieutenant
Jackson's men. There were four of them dismounted. They entered Jacksonville and the militia
came upon them. The militia shot at me, supposing that I was a bushwhacker, but they only
wounded my horse. They say Shelby will be to the Missouri River by two weeks. They also say
part of Quantrill's men are now crossing the Missouri going into the northern district. They say
they are going to have Huntsville, when they will burn everything and kill all the people in it.
Anderson is trying to get Perkins to combine his forces with him, and then they will attack
Huntsville. All those forces up there are Perkins' command, with the exception of Anderson, and
he is independent of all.
The postmaster at Roanoke is trying to get on the right side of the bushwhackers, as he thinks
they will soon control things up there, and he thinks he is all right with the Union people. He
deceived me up there and I can do nothing, though I had the entire confidence of the rebels
before that. I am confident that the citizens will all turn out as bushwhackers if this thing is not
put down within two weeks. They are all into it. If I had had the men I could have had Anderson
and Holtzclaw both. I was four miles from Anderson's camp one morning and ate breakfast with
some of his men. I did not want to go into it because he would have wanted me to remain there.
Anderson came within a mile or two of Huntsville and camped there all night with sixty men,
and tore down the telegraph wire last Tuesday right in sight of 100 Federal soldiers. I
surrendered to the commander of the post at Huntsville as a bushwhacker and was by him placed
under guard, put aboard the train, and sent to St. Louis, where I arrived last night.
GEORGE WILLIAMS.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 26th day of August, 1864.
I. C. DODGE,
Lieutenant and Assistant Provost-Marshal-General.
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SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS No. 6.
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF NEBRASKA,
In the Field, August 26, 1864.
II. Col. S. W. Summers, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, is at his own request relieved from the
command of the post of Fort Kearny, and will turn over all public property to Lieut. Col. William
Baumer, First Regiment Nebraska Veteran Cavalry, and will report to these headquarters for
duty.
By command of Brigadier-General Mitchell:
JNO. K. RANKIN,
Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT or LITTLE ROCK,
Little Rock, Ark., August 28, 1864.
Brigadier-General WEST:
Rations and ammunition as requested by you were sent to you via Brownsville this morning.
Colonel Garrett has been ordered to return to Brownsville, unless you have given him other
orders. The general does not think it best to leave his force at Austin unless you consider it very
important. Have not heard of the arrival at the Bluff of the troops from below. The Twenty-ninth
Iowa and Marr's battery have just arrived from Lewisburg. Wire is repaired to the Bluff. General
Andrews telegraphed that Geiger left yesterday at 12 with a little over 600 men.
JAMES F. DWIGHT,
Major and Chief of Staff.
LITTLE ROCK, ARK., August 28, 1864.
Col. JOHN A. GARRETT,
Fortieth Iowa, Austin:
The brigadier-general commanding directs that you forward the supply train to General West,
with whatever guard may be necessary, and that you return to Brownsville with the command at
Austin, unless otherwise ordered by General West. In the event of your moving back notify
General West. Please forward dispatch to General West.
JAMES F. DWIGHT,
Major and Chief of Staff.
SAINT JOSEPH, MO., August 30, 1864.
Col. O. D. GREENE,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
A portion of the new regiments now organizing should be mounted forthwith and sent against
the guerrillas. The major-general commanding advises me by telegraph that the men could
furnish their own horses and the Government would purchase them at appraisal status. I have the
honor to request definite instructions as to horses and horse equipments as early as practicable.
The approaching draft is rapidly re-enforcing the enemy in the brush in nearly all the river
counties. The withdrawal of the First Iowa Cavalry veterans will be seriously felt in the district.
We shall have men enough this week? but must mount a portion without delay.
CLINTON B. FISK,
Brigadier-General.
HDQRS. EIGHTH MIL. DIST., ENROLLED MISSOURI MIL.,
Mexico, August 30, 1864.
133
General C. B. FISK,
Commanding North Missouri, Saint Joseph:
Since I last wrote you I have received information of another band of rebels (said to be
eighty) crossing the Missouri River, coming north, at Stonesport, nine miles above Jefferson
City. From the best information I can obtain there has quite a number of men crossed the river.
Captain Carey holds the post at Columbia with about eighty men. The rebels hold the country
between Columbia and the river, with their pickets within one mile of town. Several days since I
ordered Major Leonard to re-enforce Columbia. He started on last Friday and encountered Bill
Anderson. Had three heavy skirmishes with him, routing and scattering his men. This news
Major Leonard sent me by telegraph. Major Leonard drove Anderson into Howard County. This
threw Leonard away from Columbia. I received news yesterday evening that the Federal and
rebel forces had a fight three miles from Rocheport, in Howard County, lasting some three hours
and up to dark Sunday evening (this news may be true or false); the result not known. I am
hourly expecting to hear of important moves by the enemy, and the recent order requiring the
First Iowa Cavalry to report at Little Rock makes it necessary that I make some arrangements for
troops at my headquarters, as they are the only troops I have here. If Colonel Forbes can get a
few companies of his men armed in a few days, I think he might hold Macon City, and let me
consolidate the Ninth Cavalry at Sturgeon and move the Third Missouri State Militia to Mexico.
I look upon Sturgeon as being the best point on the railroad to operate in the Perche Hills, or in
Monroe County. I am organizing companies of Enrolled Missouri Militia and putting them on
duty in all the counties north and west of the North Missouri Railroad, with a view of putting the
new regiments in front of the enemy. We must take companies of the new regiments as fast as
they are armed and use them or we will be driven out of all the river counties. I would suggest to
you that we make an effort to get the two companies of the Ninth Cavalry at Rolla brought north
of the Missouri River. These two companies would be of more service to us than any companies
now here of the Ninth Cavalry, they being better mounted and in a better state of discipline. I
should think with proper effort they might be obtained.
Hoping these suggestions will meet with your approbation,
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. B. DOUGLASS,
Brigadier-General.
SAINT JOSEPH, MO., August 31, 1864.
Col. O. D. GREENE,
Assistant Adjutant-General :
I have the honor to request that the battalion of the Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry, now at
Alton, be sent to this district for duty if practicable, The First Iowa Cavalry is relieved and
ordered to Arkansas. I have but few mounted troops, and the necessity for a strong, wellappointed
force in the counties of Howard, Boone, and Callaway was never so great as just now.
I would recommend that the battalion be sent to Rocheport and Colonel Beveridge to Glasgow.
Major Matlack's battalion needs to be vigorously disciplined, and an officer or two dismissed for
shameful neglect of duty. Will it be practicable to send me the remaining battalion of the
Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry?
CLINTON B. FISK,
Brigadier-General.
SAINT LOUIS, Mo., August 31, 1864.
General FISK,
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Saint Joseph, Mo.:
The Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry will be sent to you as soon as mounted. The First Iowa will
not be relieved immediately.
By order of Major-General Rosecrans:
FRANK ENO,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS No. 10.
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF NEBRASKA,
In the Field, August 31, 1864.
I. Col. S. W. Summers, Seventh Iowa Cavalry; Lieutenant Humfreville, Eleventh Ohio
Cavalry; Lieutenant Flanagan, commanding post battery, Fort Leavenworth; Captain Stevenson,
commanding Company A, First Regiment Nebraska Militia, and Captain McFadden,
commanding scouts, will move with their respective commands for Plum Creek, Nebr. Ter., tomorrow
promptly at 6 a.m., rendezvousing in the road west of the fort.
II. Line of march: First, Col. S. W. Summers; second, Lieutenant Flahagan; third, Captain
Stevenson; fourth, Lieutenant Humfreville] fifth, Captain McFadden.
III. All the wagons will follow the column in order of the troops. By command of Robert B.
Mitchell, brigadier-general, commanding:
JNO. K. RANKIN,
Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 209.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS,
Little Rock, Ark., September 1, 1864.
VI. The Forty-seventh Iowa Infantry is hereby relieved from duty in this department and will
proceed to Davenport, Iowa, the place of original muster and rendezvous, and report to the
superintendent of volunteer recruiting service for the State, for the purpose of being mustered out
at the expiration of their term of service, September 11, 1864. The quartermaster's department
will furnish the necessary transportation.
VII. The One hundred and forty-third Illinois Infantry Volunteers is hereby relieved from
duty in this department and will proceed to Mattoon, Ill., the place of original rendezvous, and
report to the superintendent of volunteer recruiting service for the State, for the purpose of being
mustered out at the expiration of their term of service, September 11, 1864. The quartermaster's
department will furnish the necessary transportation.
By order of Maj. Gen. F. Steele:
JOHN F. LACEY,
Assistant Adjutant-General
SAINT LOUIS, MO., September 1, 1864.
Brigadier-General FISK,
Saint Joseph, Mo.:
The First Iowa Cavalry Volunteers should be gotten in readiness to move, but they will not
leave until relieved by orders from these headquarters.
By order of General Rosecrans:
FRANK ENO,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
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SAINT JOSEPH, September 1, 1864.
Capt. FRANK ENO,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
I am concentrating the First Iowa Cavalry Volunteers at Mexico to await orders from
department headquarters.
C. B. FISK,
Brigadier-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST,
Milwaukee, Wis., September 1, 1864.
Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK,
Chief of Staff of the Army, Washington, D. C.:
GENERAL: I have the honor to request instructions as to the disposition of Sioux prisoners
held in confinement at Davenport, Iowa, in accordance with sentences of military commissions
held in 1862. The terms of confinement of some of these prisoners are beginning to expire, and
already one or two of them have been ordered to be discharged from custody by the
Commissary-General of Prisoners. It is not practicable nor humane to release a wild Indian from
custody far from his home and tribe and turn him loose in the streets of Davenport without
means of subsistence or any power to return to his people. Aside from the inhumanity of such a
proceeding, the people and civil authorities of Iowa very naturally object to being encumbered
with released paupers of this description. Some disposition of these released Indians should be
ordered, but as I have no authority to send them anywhere, nor to provide for their wants when
released, I don't know how to act. I have called the attention of the superintendent of Indian
affairs in this region to these cases, but although he says he will attend to it he has not done so.
By sending these released Sioux back to their own country and there releasing them we should
only be re-enforcing the bands of hostile Indians now in arms against the United States. Some
system of disposing of these Indians should be adopted, and I have the honor, therefore, to ask
instructions on the subject.
I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. POPE,
Major-general, Commanding.
WESTON, September 2, 1864.
General FISK:
Gordon has gone north toward the Iowa line--the only whacker of any prominence now left
to engage our attention except Capt. William Downing.
H. HILLIARD,
Major, Commanding.
FIELD HEADQUARTERS FRONTIER,
In the Field, Plum Creek, Platte Valley, September 2, 1864.
For convenience of a movement against Indians, the following arrangement of troops in this
vicinity is temporarily adopted:
The First Nebraska, Colonel Livingston's command, is attached to the District of Nebraska
and will report for duty to the commander. A movable force will be arranged as follows: First
Battalion, Colonel Livingston commanding--a detachment of pioneers of First Nebraska Cavalry,
about 100 men, Lieutenant Humfreville commanding; Captain Stevenson's company of militia;
Pawnee Scouts, under command of Captain McFadden; also three pieces of artillery. Second
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Battalion, Colonel Summers commanding--all troops belonging to the Seventh Iowa Cavalry and
two pieces of artillery. Third Battalion--Captain Thompson's company Sixteenth Kansas
Cavalry; Captain Gore's escort company, three pieces of artillery.
Daily marches.--The troops will usually move in the following order: First, Indians in
advance as vedettes, under command of Captain McFadden. They will seek after signs and report
to the officer of the day or officer of the guard all intelligence received. Second, a company to
act as guard, the senior of the company to be officer of the day, and next officer to be
commander of the guard. These officers will see that flankers--front, flank, and rear--are always
well out, but within easy communication with the command. Third, remote straggling must be
avoided on the march and in camp, except when special permits to hunt are given by general
officers or commanders of separate detachments. These permissions are necessary to
successfully approach hostile Indians, and also to avoid the loss of men and horses. In camping
at night the general front will be in direction of our march. The Indian scouts will be on the
extreme right, and other troops should, as far as convenient, preserve their places according to
rank as First and Second Battalions. Great care must be taken to guard stock, and teams should
be parked for night in inclosures, and pieces of artillery properly located at suitable angles by the
officer of the day.
Reports of the First and Second Battalions will be made through Brigadier-General Mitchell's
headquarters, who will see that these and other field orders are read to the battalions and all
detachments of the command and properly executed. Maj. R. H. Hunt, chief of artillery, will act
as assistant adjutant-general, to receive reports in the field, and Capt. Charles Thompson, acting
quartermaster of First Nebraska, will act as chief quartermaster and commissary for the troops in
the field.
S. R. CURTIS,
Major-general.
HDQRS. EIGHTH MIL. DIST., ENROLLED MISSOURI MIL.,
Mexico, Mo., September 3, 1864.
Major-General ROSECRANS,
Saint Louis, Mo.:
I promised in my telegram of yesterday to write by mail giving a more lengthy statement of
the number, &c., of the rebels in my district. From the best information I have been able to
obtain I am of the opinion that the number of rebels, horse-thieves, and rogues generally, in my
district will amount to about 2,000. These are not all actually engaged at this time, but are in a
condition to move at any time their leaders desire to use them. Those that are now out travel in
bands of from 10 to 100, but they can concentrate from 300 to 500 on very short notice. To meet
and drive these men out I have, in my judgment, a force sufficient, provided they were mounted.
The Iowa troops arrived here this morning, they being the only mounted men in my district.
Others are nominally mounted, but not effective. The Seventeenth Illinois have about S horses.
The Ninth Missouri State Militia and Third Missouri State Militia have about one-fourth of their
men mounted. If the Government could mount these men shortly, with the aid of the new
regiments to hold posts and Government property, and use some of them in the woods to stillhunt
and ambush the rebels, whilst I put the cavalry out with instructions to have headquarters in
the field, I think I can safely rely on driving these desperadoes out of the country, or, which
would be much better, we could kill a large portion of them. I hope that I can have the use of the
Iowa cavalry for a few weeks. If so, I think the main force of the rebels will have been dispersed,
and likely a large number of young men and boys deterred from joining them. We have
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succeeded in killing quite a number, and are daily adding to the number of their dead by killing
one and two at a place.
Hoping to be able in a few days to render a good account from my district,
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. B. DOUGLASS,
Brigadier-General.
AUSTIN, September 4, 1864---10 a.m.
General CARR:
Your dispatch of September 2 reached me at Bull Bayou at 7.30 this morning: I had not then
over 1,000 cavalry capable of marching to Batesville, and no artillery horses that would answer.
I have returned here. Shall leave at this point Eighth Missouri, Ninth Iowa, and Tenth Illinois,
and recommend that the entire [force] of those three regiments be stationed here for some time.
If they are not to remain please send 3,500 rations, bread, coffee, sugar, and salt, to them tomorrow.
If they are to be stationed here, send 10,000 full rations, half only of bacon, starting
some to-morrow. The Third Michigan goes to Brownsville, the Eleventh Missouri to Devall's
Bluff, the cavalry from Little Rock will return there. Please have the morning train wait until I
can reach Brownsville at noon to-morrow. I remained at Grand Glaize until 10 a.m. September 1.
My scouts left Augusta Landing at sundown August 31. As no boats had then reached that point I
despaired of any cooperation on the river. With 1,800 men and two pieces of artillery I was not
strong enough to cross at Batesville, and overtaking Shelby, unless he chose that I should do so,
was out of the question.
J. R. WEST,
Brigadier-General.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 119.
HDQRS. MIL. DIV. OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
New Orleans, La., September 5, 1864.
2. The Twentieth Iowa Infantry Volunteers is attached to the Nineteenth Army Corps. The
commanding officer will report to Major-General Reynolds for assignment.
3. The Third Maryland Cavalry (dismounted) is hereby detached from the Nineteenth Army
Corps. The commanding officer will report to Major-General Banks for assignment. The
regiment will remain at its present station until further orders.
By order of Maj. Gen. E. R. S. Canby:
C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EASTERN ARKANSAS,
Helena, Ark., September 5, 1864.
Maj. W. H. MORGAN,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
MAJOR: I received to-day from different sources reports that General Price is gathering his
force at Augusta. One party reports 6,000; another much more--15,000 to 18,000. This
information comes from rebel soldiers connected with Shelby's force. The intention is to attack
this place and move on to Missouri to conscript, &c. I have sent out a lieutenant and twenty-five
men with a letter to Colonel Winslow giving him the information which I now give you. They
will reach him to-night or to-morrow. I have also sent a cavalry scout out to communicate with
the sunken boat Elwood. They will report to-night, and I will continue to communicate with the
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boat until she is relieved. Will troops be sent to me to relieve the One hundred and forty-third
Illinois and Forty-seventh Iowa, 100-days' men? I will advise you of Colonel Winslow's
movements on the return of my scout. Colonel Winslow will find forage in the country, as the
early corn is fit for use.
With compliments to the general, I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WILLIAM CROOKS,
Colonel Sixth Minnesota Infantry, Commanding District.
BROWNSVILLE, September 5, 1864.
Brig. Gen. C. C. ANDREWS,
Devall's Bluff:
The district commander directs that the headquarters of the Ninth Iowa and Eighth Missouri
Cavalry be removed to Austin. Please direct Colonel Geiger accordingly.
J. R. WEST,
Brigadier-General.
DEVALL'S BLUFF, ARK., September 6, 1864--7 p.m.
Capt. C. H. DYER:
Captain Young, with sixty men, Ninth Iowa, has returned from scout near Arkansas River.
He is confident there are no bridges on the Arkansas, but says it is reported a rebel force is at
Arkansas Post. He met a few bushwhackers.
C. G. ANDREWS,
Brigadier-General.
SAINT JOSEPH, MO., September 7, 1864.
Capt. FRANK ENO,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
I have the honor to report the following disposition of troops made and rapidly progressing:
Major King moves from Liberty, Clay County, to Glasgow, Howard County, with 250 of Sixth
Missouri State Militia Cavalry (veterans). He is re-enforced by militia at Richmond, Carrollton,
and Brunswick. Will reach Glasgow to-night with about 500 men. I have directed General
Douglass to send 500 dismounted men quietly into the brush to bushwhack the bushwhackers as
the mounted force drive the villains to their hiding places. General Douglass is familiar with that
region, and will direct the movements. Troops move down from Macon to Randolph and from
Hannibal to Monroe to co-operate. I hope to get 1,000 of the new troops after the bushwhackers
within a day or two. I am crowding them to organize as speedily as possible. I am threatened
with a little spark of war in the extreme northwest by guerrillas who have gathered in Nebraska
and Iowa to co-operate with the O. A. K.'s. Such is the information. Shall be on the alert for
them.
CLINTON B. FISK,
Brigadier-General.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 195.
HDQRS. NINETEENTH ARMY CORPS,
New Orleans, September 8, 1864.
1. The Twentieth Iowa Volunteers is hereby assigned to the First Brigade, Third Division,
Nineteenth Army Corps.
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2. Colonel Dye, Twentieth Iowa Volunteers, will proceed to Morganza without delay with his
regiment, reporting to the commanding officer at that place.
By command of Maj. Gen. J. J. Reynolds:
S. C. FARRINGTON,
Captain and Aide-de-Camp.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 123.
HDQRS. MIL. DIV. OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
New Orleans, La., September 9, 1864.
7. The commanding officer Thirty-eighth Iowa Volunteer Infantry having reported his
command at these headquarters, in compliance with paragraph 8, Special Orders, No. 115, will
report for orders to Major General Banks, commanding Department of the Gulf.
By order of Maj. Gen. E. R. S. Canby:
C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 244.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
New Orleans, September 10, 1864.
1. The Thirty-eighth Iowa Volunteers having been ordered to report at these headquarters by
paragraph 7 of Special Orders, No. 123, from the headquarters of the Military Division of West
Mississippi, is temporarily assigned to the forces commanded by Brig. Gen. T. W. Sherman.
By command of Major-General Banks:
C. S. SARGENT,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF LITTLE ROCK,
Little Rock, Ark., September 10, 1864.
COMMANDING OFFICER FIRST MISSOURI CAVALRY:
You will proceed upon the Arkansas River, on the north side, to the relief of the steamers
Chippewa and Carrie Jacobs, now aground about thirty-five miles above here by water, twentyfive
by land. It is not deemed probable that any large force of the enemy will attack them, but
there may be several hundred bushwhackers or other irregulars. The boats have each one infantry
guard of the Twenty-ninth Iowa, and one of them, supposed to be the Chippewa, has a howitzer.
Should it be found impossible to get them off, and should the enemy appear to be in dangerous
proximity, the troops will be taken off and the stores destroyed, but the boats will not be
destroyed. It is important to bring the soldiers and the gun off. If the gun cannot be brought off, it
must be rendered unserviceable to the enemy. Should Price's force be moving this way your task
will be difficult if not impossible. Should, however, his main forces be moving north, you can
easily make whatever rebels there may be in the country believe that you are the advance of a
large force, and you can thoroughly cover the boats and perhaps get them lightened so that they
can come down the river. You will call at the telegraph office for an operator, who will
accompany you with a pocket instrument, and you telegraph to these headquarters any important
information. The commanding officer Third Arkansas Cavalry, encamped on the north side of
the river, on Lewisburg road, about eleven miles and a half from the bridge, is ordered to furnish
you with guides, but you will not delay your march if they are not ready. A considerable
additional force will be in readiness to follow you to-morrow morning, but will not move until
information is received from you.
140
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES F. DWIGHT,
Major and Chief of Staff.
GENERAL ORDERS No. 1.
HDQRS. 1ST BRIG., 3D DIV., 19TH A. C.,
Morganza, La., September 11, 1864.
Agreeably to orders from corps headquarters, the undersigned hereby assumes command of
this the First Brigade.
WM. McE. DYE,
Colonel Twentieth Iowa.
HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., SECOND DIV., 19TH ARMY CORPS,
Saint Charles, Ark., September 11, 1864.
Lieut. WILLIAM E. KUHN,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General:
SIR: I reached this point this afternoon after a very disagreeable trip. We moved very
comfortably in the Pringle until yesterday afternoon about 3 o'clock a log got entangled in the
wheel and broke out three of the buckets and arms. We tried to navigate with one wheel, but
found it impracticable. Stopped for repairs, which detained us until 8 p.m. Just as we were ready
to resume our journey a steamer coming down the river rounded to and anchored close by. The
captain came on board and informed me that without an expert White River pilot it would not be
safe to attempt moving in the night. Neither of my pilots ever having run White River, concluded
to wait until morning. Put out pickets and remained undisturbed until daylight this morning when
we resumed our trip. After proceeding about two miles the pilot ran the vessel onto a sand-bar. I
was standing on the hurricane deck at the time, and thought it very strange that an experienced
pilot could commit so gross a breach of common sense, it being evident to me that he was clear
out of the channel. We proceeded about one mile farther, when it was reported to me that the
vessel had sprung a leak and was rapidly filling. Immediately went to the hatch and found about
ten inches of water in the hole, pumps out of order, and wholly inadequate to throw out as fast as
the water rushed in. Stores becoming wet., when we immediately began to hoist out. Just as I got
the ammunition and clothing out, the steamer Mittie came along, hailed her, and got aboard with
Captain Henley and orderly, and came on, After traveling about three miles, met the steamer
Melonette and gave the captain a written order to proceed to the Pringle, report to Lieut. Col.
John A. McLaughlin, of the Forty-seventh Indiana, and take off a sufficient number of the men
and loading to light the Pringle so she could come over the bars. He did as directed and brought
up 400 men, reaching here about 5 p.m. The Pringle reached the landing here at about 8 o'clock
this evening. All the officers with whom I have conversed unite in saying the pilot, Lucas, used
every effort possible, in their judgment, to sink the Pringle. The result of the damage as reported
to me by Captain Massie, acting commissary, and Lieutenant Brugh, acting quartermaster, is as
follows: 2 barrels of sugar, 2 barrels of ground coffee, 2 barrels of flour, and 2 barrels of beans
are about half destroyed; and of the quartermaster's stores, 7 sacks of oats, making 1,120 pounds.
This pilot, Lucas, is most eminently a Southern gentleman, born in Georgia near the line of
Florida, and, judging from the complexion of skin and the kinks in his hair, is either of Seminole
or Congo extraction, and I would respectfully suggest that he may possibly be a rebel spy acting
in the capacity of a professional pilot. Whatever may be his ancestry he is wholly unfit as a pilot,
and in my judgment should be excluded from the profession hereafter. Would send him down
under guard if I did not think him too contemptible to thus honor. The captain, Murdock, did
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what he could to get along, but he has no command of his crew. Colonel Greene, of the Twentyninth
Wisconsin, reached here last evening about 8 p.m. Was informed by the commander of the
gun-boats, immediately on his arrival, that a rebel force, reported 300 strong, with four pieces of
artillery, expected to make an attack upon them this morning. He immediately moved his
regiment from the boat inside the fortifications; put out a picket of 100 men. Soon after the two
sections of the Seventh Massachusetts Battery came up on the Hamilton Belle, and under the
command of Lieutenant Bean. They were placed in position ready for action at any moment. The
night wore away, morning dawned, and to their great disappointment the 300 rebels with their
four pieces of artillery did not appear, and all yet remains quiet at Saint Charles. I have placed
the regiments in camp in good position, as follows: The Forty-seventh Indiana on the right, the
Ninety-ninth Illinois on the left, the Twenty-first Iowa in the center, inside the outer line of
fortifications, and the Twenty-ninth Wisconsin and One hundred and twentieth Ohio as a reserve
on the inside of the inner line of works. Our position is strong and we can defend it against any
assault the enemy can make against us, care not what his reasonable numbers may be. The
cavalry, under command of Captain Graham, Eighty-seventh Illinois, are camped on the right of
the Forty-seventh Indiana and to their rear, near the bank of the river. Have pickets out about half
a mile. Will revise and correct the picket-line to-morrow. Since reaching here have learned of
three rebel soldiers recently returned from the army. One is said to be discharged, came home
yesterday. Will send the cavalry out in the morning and try to arrest them. If successful will send
them down to you the first opportunity. Think I can get forage plenty in the country and also
fresh meat in abundance. Will try and press into the service a sufficient number of negroes and
mules out of which to manufacture cattle drivers. Have located four pieces of the artillery on the
outer works commanding the whole front, and two pieces in the inner works as a reserve. Think
and believe our position cannot be successfully assailed. Two gunboats are lying in the river.
Will report to you from time to time when anything occurs worthy of notice.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. R. SLACK,
Colonel, Commanding
VICKSBURG, MISS., September 13, 1864.
Lieutenant-Colonel CHRISTENSEN,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
Arrived at 12 m. to-day. Will leave as soon as steamer can coal. Lieutenant Vermilya, Thirtysixth
Iowa, was taken prisoner with train at Marks' Mills, near Saline River, between Pine Bluff
and Camden, in April last; made his escape from Tyler, Tex., on 17th August; arrived at Natchez
11th instant, General impression through the country is that a movement is on foot against
Steele, or into Missouri, or both. Heard that rebel army was concentrating at Monroe; saw many
men deserting and going home, particularly Texans. Crossing Mississippi River was
contemplated, but is now, he thinks, abandoned, many men refusing to cross, though it is
reported that part of Polignac's division had crossed about Gaines' Landing. One regiment of
mounted infantry, commanded by a colonel called Dog Smith, was dismounted and mutinied,
and was marched to Alexandria under guard. Estimates the total force, infantry and cavalry, of
rebels west of Mississippi not to exceed 18,000; says rebel army continually decreasing; no more
men to conscript. Some say Price is going into Missouri with cavalry only; others with cavalry
and all Missouri regiments to recruit, and others again contend the march into Missouri cannot be
made. Would suggest that Eighth New Hampshire Regiment be ordered to Natchez. Have
conversed with General Dana, who thinks one white regiment will answer for that post. The
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Twenty-eighth and Twenty-ninth Illinois, now at Natchez, cannot prudently be moved until
replaced by a white regiment.
Very respectfully,
J. J. REYNOLDS,
Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS,
Brownsville, Ark., September 14, 1864.
Maj. WILLIAM H. MORGAN,
Assistant Adjutant-General, District of West Tennessee:
Since my last communication (10th instant) my command has been lying at this place,
supplied with small grain and marching rations. By direction of Major-General Steele, I report
direct to Major-General Mower, who is ordered to march in a day or two toward Lewisburg,
where Fagan, with 4,000 mounted men, is reported encamped. Our force must be superior to that
reported in that neighborhood, and if we should find them they will feel our strength, and you
will hear a good account of our doings. General Steele says that Price and Magruder are at
Monticello with about 14,000 men, half of whom are mounted. Major-General Reynolds, I am
informed, is about to arrive here with 12,000 men, when probably some active operation will be
commenced. The sick of my command are ordered to Little Rock, hence I infer that we shall not
be returned to Memphis. From what I have learned, I think it is the intention of the general
commanding Department of Arkansas to retain my command here, if not permanently, at least
for some months. Should this be done, I need not assure you that the command will suffer in
many points almost beyond recovery. The officers and men have pay due from April 30, and
none, of course, could be drawn even after another muster, for there are no records from which to
make proper rolls. No proper accountability for property can be expected when detachments
from eighty-four companies remain long separated from the main command. These two evils are
those among the least consequent upon any long detention from the other portion of this
command. Immediately upon the ending of the contemplated expedition I shall feel it my duty to
communicate the condition of affairs to Major-General Steele, but of course I can say nothing
when under marching orders to meet an enemy. If we can do any good to our cause, of course
every one of my men will cheerfully do everything possible and sustain any inconvenience or
hardship without murmuring. I can hardly hope to keep my animals in good condition for any
length of time when the country has been desolated by the enemy and the growing corn almost
gone. Everything which can be done, I will, of course do, yet I am far from hopeful of keeping
my command in good condition. I am directed to leave my convalescent men and disabled
animals at this point, thus that portion of the command on this side of the Mississippi River will
be divided into three detachments. I forward to-day a tri-monthly report of that portion of my
command here, this to Captain Woodward, adjutant-general Cavalry Corps.
With much regard, I have the honor to subscribe myself your obedient servant,
E. F. WINSLOW,
Colonel Fourth Iowa Cavalry, Commanding.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 129.
HDQRS. MIL. DIV. OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
New Orleans, La., September 15, 1864.
1. Colonel Clark, Thirty-fourth Iowa Volunteers, having reported at these headquarters, in
compliance with Special Orders, No. 115, paragraph 8, current series, from these headquarters,
will proceed with his regiment to Morganza, La., and report upon his arrival there to the
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commanding officer. The quartermaster's department will furnish transportation to Morganza by
the steamer Elias, which took the regiment from Mobile Bay.
By order of Maj. Gen. E. R. S. Canby:
B. F. MOREY,
Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.
COLUMBIA, MO., September 16, 1864.
Major-General ROSECRANS,
Commanding Department of the Missouri, Saint Louis:
GENERAL: I left Sturgeon yesterday morning with detachments of First Iowa Volunteer
Cavalry and Third Missouri State Militia. Have traveled seventy-five miles through very rough
country. Followed Colonel Perkins to-day twenty miles; killed 1 of his men and scattered the
balance (seventy-six in number). I am now moving with cavalry and infantry and believe that in
a few days I can break up these bands. Major Leonard killed 4 rebels a day or two since in
Howard County. My infantry had a skirmish to-day; the particulars not reported. We are now
traveling day and night and killing more or less daily. I have some evidences that the rebels are
trying to cross the river. Will leave here early to-morrow morning. Will report to you and
General Fisk as opportunity presents itself, and hope that on my return to headquarters that I can
report a successful expedition.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. B. DOUGLASS,
Brigadier-General.
HEADQUARTERS NORTHWESTERN INDIAN EXPEDITION,
Fort Rice, September 16, 1864.
Major-General POPE, Milwaukee:
GENERAL: I am still here waiting till I hear about the Fisk raid. I have sent the Minnesota
command to Minnesota. While here I am busy in getting in hay; have to go twelve miles for it;
and working on the fort, putting it into shape to be easily defended by a small force. As I write
you officially, there is some hope of a peace being made with the greater part of the Indians
before spring. The friendly party of Indians here think so. They have communication with the
Indians I fought, and report them badly frightened. Of course it would not do for me to express
any very great anxiety on the subject. I told them that next year I would be after the hostile
Indians again, but that I had orders from their Great Father not to fight those Indians who gave
themselves up, and therefore they might tell the Indians that all those who gave themselves up
would be treated as friends; that if they would rather fight, it made no difference to me and my
soldiers; that their Great Father paid us for fighting, and if we were not fighting them he would
send us somewhere else to fight somebody who wanted to fight.
Your instructions direct me to relieve the Thirtieth Wisconsin, and that the First U.S.
Volunteers will be here to relieve them. They can't reach here till October sometime, for they
will have to march up. I got a letter from Sioux City, dated the 2d, and nothing had been heard of
them. I thought, from your letter, you wished the Thirtieth to start. I shall, therefore, leave here
five companies of the Sixth Iowa Cavalry, sending their horses down to Sioux City, these
companies to remain here till relieved by the First U.S. Volunteers.
I am hard at work building boats forty-five feet long. My animals are so reduced some of
them can't draw an empty wagon. I can send the troops down this way to Sioux City in twelve or
fourteen days. I shall send the Thirtieth down in this way. In case I have a large number of
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animals at Sioux City without riders, would it not be a good plan to send some of them to the
army south?
I am very anxious to get away from here before cold weather, for I am not well. I have had a
severe attack of my old complaint--rheumatism near the heart--and I fear being overtaken with a
storm on the prairie. Another such attack might pop me off, but I will not leave till I see matters a
little straight.
ALF. SULLY,
Brigadier-General.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF LITTLE ROCK,
Little Rock, Ark., September 17, 1864.
Col. JOHN F. RITTER,
Commanding Officer Second Cavalry Brigade:
The brigadier-general commanding directs as follows: That you send out scouting parties to
the Saline to bring in beef-cattle, which are reported by Captain Jenks, First Iowa Cavalry, to be
plenty in that direction. The commanding officer must be directed to see that effective receipts
are given for all cattle not belonging to known active rebels. The cattle will be turned over to the
commissary department when brought in.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. H. DYER,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
OFFICE CHIEF OF CAVALRY,
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
New Orleans, September 19, 1864.
The following additional staff officers are announced as being on duty in this office: First.
Lieut. John Gray, Forty-fifth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, aide-de-camp; First Lieut. G.
G. Bennett, Nineteenth Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry, aide-de-camp; Second Lieut. H. C.
Seymour, Ninety-third U. S. Colored Infantry, acting assistant adjutant- general.
THO. J. McKEAN,
Brigadier-General, U.S. Volunteers, Chief of Cavalry.
HEADQUARTERS,
Macon, Mo., September 20, 1864.
Maj. Gen. W. S. ROSECRANS,
Comdg. Department of the Missouri, Saint Louis, Mo.:
GENERAL: In response to your inquiries of the 19th instant, I have the honor to report that
General Douglass is operating with the Iowa troops from Mexico, Lieutenant-Colonel Matthews
from Sturgeon, Major Leonard from Rocheport, and Major King from Glasgow. Colonel Forbes
has had a scout out in Monroe County and Colonel Kutzner in Rails. The guerrillas during the
last week have been broken into small parties and moving rapidly in all directions. Their present
movements indicate a concentration in Boone or Howard. Nearly 300 of them have crossed from
General Brown's district to north side within the last three days, and were moving eastward
through Chariton last night. A small party dashed into Saint Catherine last night and killed one
citizen, wounded another, and captured three militiamen. They were supposed to be a portion of
Anderson's gang, and were all clothed in Federal uniform, including the blue overcoat. The
guerrillas are all mounted on the best of horses and are well armed. We cannot make much
headway against them with footmen. They range over such an extensive field, and have so many
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more friends than we have, that it is exceedingly difficult to operate against them with even wellmounted
men. I move from here to-night with 300 men to Huntsville, Roanoke, Fayette, and
Glasgow, scouting through the Chariton region. It would be worth a great deal to North Missouri
and the cause of loyalty if you could throw into this district at once 1,000 or 1,500 well-mounted
force of the character of Merrill's Horse or Seventh Kansas. A decisive blow at the rascals now
would drive them out for the season. I had ordered a few men of Harding's regiment to send for
their own horses to use temporarily in the Saint Joseph district, as there are no other troops there.
I have suspended the order in accordance with your directions. Neither of the new regiments are
yet mustered to full organizations. Recruiting has progressed slowly since the 5th instant, and
almost entirely checked in the northwest since Bradshaw's regiment was ordered away. The loyal
people are fearful of being left to the mercy of the guerrillas with all their reliable serviceable
element sent to the front, and certain stumping politicians encourage them in this idea. De Bolt
has abandoned the project of raising a regiment.
I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant,
CLINTON B. FISK,
Brigadier-General, U.S. Volunteers.
LITTLE ROCK, September 22, 1864.
Maj. Gen. J. J. REYNOLDS:
(Care of Colonel Cummings.)
Major Attkisson, Fiftieth Indiana, an escaped prisoner, just from Tyler, Tex., says that 2,500
Texans, infantry, with a train, were marching on Fort Smith. It was reported that they were going
to co-operate with Price. My messengers sent to Fort Smith during the last three weeks have not
been heard from. Captain Comstock, Thirty-third Iowa, just from Camden, confirms the report in
regard to Texas troops passing Camden. He says he saw five regiments, and that the rebels
seemed very confident that they would have possession of the Arkansas.
F. STEELE,
Major-General.
LITTLE ROCK, ARK., September 23, 1864.
Lieut. W. T. HAMILTON,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 2d Brig., 1st Cav. Div., 7th Army Corps:
SIR: I have the honor of responding that the recent scout, of which I was in command,
proceeded to Benton, Saline County, Ark. On the way thence I met a flag of truce under Major
Magruder, C. S. Army, at a distance of ten miles from Little Rock. I sent the same in, under
escort of a sergeant and six men, who afterward joined me at Benton. Thirteen miles from Little
Rock I received instructions to proceed to Hot Springs County, Big Creek Township, in order to
serve summons on four individuals living somewhere in the neighborhood. I arrived at Benton at
2 p.m., and sent my advance as far as the crossing of the river without observing an enemy. I
then occupied the town of Benton, throwing out my pickets on the principal roads and outlets of
Benton. Not finding any forage this side of the Saline, I sent one commissioned officer and
twenty-five men with a team across the Saline, one mile and a half, to obtain the forage, which
they got without any difficulty. The officers of the different commands, twenty-five men of the
First Iowa, nineteen men of Third Missouri, and twenty men of the Fourth Arkansas Cavalry,
reported that they were without rations, saying that their instructions were that the scout was to
return that same day. I inquired as to the whereabouts of Big Creek Township, but received no
satisfactory information, with the exception of a man named Woodhall, resident of Benton. He
knew the summoned persons. They live from twenty to twenty-five miles on the old Princeton
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road. Not having sufficient rations, I sent a messenger to this place, and was, therefore, ordered
to return to camp. The messenger not arriving until 7 a.m. 22d instant at Benton, I left that place
at 8 a.m. On my road here I was fired upon three miles this side of Benton, but the distance being
too great it did no injury. On arriving at Benton on the 21st instant my advance guard observed a
resident of that place, by name Pack. Said Pack is known to be a rebel in sympathy. They not
taking any notice of him, allowed him to escape. He did not return as long as I stayed at the
place. He keeps a tavern and is reported to aid the rebels. I found rebels or bushwhackers
hovering within sight of the pickets this side of Benton, but was unable to pursue them. From
information I gather that rebel General Magruder is at Camden, and no regular force this side of
Princeton. The Eleventh (rebel) Arkansas Regiment has been furloughed and is said to be in the
county adjoining Saline. I would further state that in place of the original detail I only received
eighty-nine men, the detail of the Third Missouri Cavalry falling short of six men, and that of the
Fourth Arkansas Cavalry five men.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GUS. SCHREYER,
Captain, First Cavalry Missouri Volunteers, Comdg. Scout.
SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS No. 22.
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF NEBRASKA,
Post Cottonwood, In the Field,
September 25, 1864.
I. Maj. G. M. O'Brien, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, is relieved from command of Post
Cottonwood, and will turn over to Col. S. W. Summers all public property in his possession.
II. Col. S. W. Summers, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, will immediately assume command of Post
Cottonwood, receipting to Major O'Brien for all public property belonging to the post.
By command of R. B. Mitchell, brigadier-general, commanding:
JNO. K. RANKIN,
Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp.
MOUTH OF WHITE RIVER, September 15, 1864.
Maj. FRANK W. MARSTON:
SIR: On the 28th of August Generals Polignac and Walker left Harrisonburg and moved in
the direction of Monroe, La. Colonel Harrison is the only one there now. He has got only 250
men, with some sick, belonging to those other brigades. The cavalry also have moved in the
same direction. This news I received from Lieut. W. F. Vermilya, of the Thirty-sixth Iowa
Infantry. He has just made his escape from Marshall, Tex., and came by Harrisonburg to
Natchez. This news is correct.
BERNARD NORTON,
Sc
FAYETTE, September 26, 1864---3.30 p.m.
Brig. Gen. C. B. FISK,
Glasgow, Mo.:
GENERAL: Your several letters by Blackman and one by Mr. Crump received. I will move
from here as soon as our commissary supplies arrive. I had taken the precaution to send out sixty
men this morning to meet provision train. I will order Colonel Matthews to Rocheport and
Colonel Draper and Major Leonard to Renick, on the North Missouri Railroad, with instructions
to turn to the right or left, as they may hear of Thrailkill's movements. I will take the First Iowa
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and move toward Columbia, probably leaving Columbia to my right. The force that Major King
is following is doubtless striking for Paris, and will turn from there back to the Perche Hills. My
reason for so thinking is that Bill Anderson and Capt. Tom Todd left Thrailkill after leaving
Fayette, Anderson going to Boonsborough and Todd going to the Perche Hills. I will try and take
care of him, as he will evidently undertake to concentrate a large force, thinking that the whole
force will be led off by Thrailkill. I will exert myself to exterminate these devils and do it in the
shortest way possible. I have to-day 150 men out pressing forage and horses off of the wealthy
farmers of Howard. I am determined to let them know what war means, and make it to their
interest to help put this rebellion down.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. B. DOUGLASS,
Brigadier-General.
RENICK, September 27, 1864.
General C. B. FISK:
Train just up. Have the news of the capture of the train and defeat of Major Johnston. Will
move as soon as possible toward Centralia. General Douglass is moving up through the Perche
country with 150 of the First Iowa. Have sent dispatch by special messenger to Allen. This will
reach you first. I need some ammunition, but it is not absolutely necessary to have it
immediately. General Douglass will be reached at Sturgeon more promptly than any other place.
The guerrilla force is estimated at 600. I have just 300, but will do my best.
DAN. M. DRAPER,
Lieutenant-Colonel Ninth Cavalry.
STURGEON, September 28, 1864.
General FISK:
Just arrived here from Renick with Major Leonard. He has 125 men; I have 175. Colonel
Stauber has sent a message to Major King informing him of the whereabouts of the guerrillas.
General Douglass, with the [First] Iowa, 150 strong, is moving toward Centralia. If I can hear
from you in an hour, I will wait any information or orders from you; otherwise I will move on
down the road.
DAN. M. DRAPER,
Lieutenant-Colonel.
MACON, September 28, 1864.
Brigadier-General FISK:
The facts as far as I can learn about the encounter between the command of De Graw and the
First Iowa Cavalry were these: Colonel De Graw was going out on a scout, and about ten or
twelve miles south of Laclede he saw a body of men coming toward him on the prairie. De Graw
immediately got his men in a favorable position near the timber to give the enemy battle. The
enemy (First Iowa Cavalry) sent few men up the prairie and made a flank movement with the
balance, and brought up in line of battle in front of De Graw a few hundred yards apart. De Graw
immediately gave the order to retreat. The men hesitated and he gave the order again and
commenced the retreat, with the men following at double-quick or faster. The First Iowa did not
fire, but followed with a few men, picking up the colors which were lost, and hats, caps, and
guns, which were brought in as trophies of war. Some of the Enrolled Missouri Militia were
captured and told that they were in no danger, but Colonel Hynes, I was told, spurned [sic] to the
valiant colonel of the Enrolled Missouri Militia. I have heard that Captain Holland, who was
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along, wanted to fight, but Colonel [De Graw] insisted that he was in command of the Enrolled
Missouri Militia.
E. J. CRANDALL,
Captain, &c.
HEADQUARTERS NORTHWESTERN
INDIAN EXPEDITION,
Camp No. 67, September 9, 1864.
Captain Fisk, assistant quartermaster, in charge of an Idaho emigrant train of about 100
wagons, having sent in a request for assistance, he being completely surrounded and liable to be
destroyed by a large body of hostile Indians, Colonel Dill, Thirtieth Wisconsin, with all the
troops of his garrison, will proceed without delay to his assistance. In addition to his force, 200
of the Eighth Minnesota Infantry and 100 of the Seventh Iowa Cavalry, as infantry, 100 of
Brackett's battalion, 100 of the Sixth Iowa Cavalry, and 100 Second Minnesota will accompany
the expedition and report immediately to Colonel Dill, the officers to command these troops to
be detailed by the commanders of the regiments or battalions. Captain Pope will order two guns
and one caisson to accompany the expedition. Eighteen days' field rations will be carried in
wagons. Sixty rounds of ammunition per man will be carried. The troops will march in light
order; no supplies, baggage of any kind to be carried. Colonel Dill, Thirtieth Wisconsin, will
receive written instructions from these headquarters.
By order of Brigadier-General Sully:
JOHN H. PELL,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
FRANKLIN, September 29, 1864--4 p.m.
Colonel DU BOIS,
Chief of Staff:
At daylight our outpost at Ironton was attacked and forced back to within half a mile of the
fort. The enemy made desperate efforts to get possession of Shepherd's Mountain, and at 2 p.m.
succeeded in driving the battalion of the Fourteenth Iowa into the rifle-pits and getting two 6-
pounder guns in position on the mountain. The three mountain slopes overlooking the fort were
filled with dismounted cavalry, the south front was threatened, extending across the valley
between the fort and Ironton, commanded by General Marmaduke, while a column passed
around the base of Shepherd's Mountain and formed on the north. General Cabell commanded
the dismounted cavalry on the slope of Pilot Knob. The rebel troops being thus disposed, a signal
of two guns was fired from the mountain, and the assaulting force moved on our works, came up
in fine style to the ditches and went back to the mountains in indecent haste, leaving 1,500 killed
and wounded. Among the latter is General Cabell, 1 lieutenant-colonel, 2 captains, and 2
lieutenants. Our entire loss is 9 killed and 60 wounded. Yesterday morning at 4 o'clock we left
the fort, blew up the magazine, and moved west. Price commanded in person.
CHAS. S. HILLS,
Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
GLASGOW, September 29, 1864.
Major-General ROSECRANS,
Saint Louis:
Cannonading is reported as heard in the neighborhood of Fulton, Callaway County, to-day,
from which I judge that Douglass and King have found and fought the devils. I hope to get
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dispatches during the night. Kutzner is marching to this point. I shall order Dyer to Rocheport
and Craig to send Harding to me, and will, at the earliest moment possible, so dispose the three
regiments and the First Iowa Cavalry as to be able to strike Jefferson City. The game of Price is
to stir up all the devilment possible in North Missouri, while he pushes his column from below.
The telegraph line has been down all day; just up. I have established a patrol of sympathizers on
the line from Boonville to Allen and hope to maintain the line.
CLINTON B. FISK,
Brigadier-General.
SAINT LOUIS, September 29, 1864--11.50 p.m.
Brigadier-General FISK,
Glasgow:
What news of your operations? Did Douglass have a fight with Bill Anderson? How soon
will you have your district clear enough to march for Jefferson City with two or three regiments
of infantry, and send off the First Iowa Cavalry?
W. S. ROSECRANS,
Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS U.S. FORCES,
Morganza, La., September 30, 1864.
General GEORGE F. McGINNIS,
Commanding Third Division:
You will detail from your command two detachments, of about 750 men each (one under
command of Colonel Dye, Twentieth Iowa Volunteers, and the other of the ranking officer), for
the purpose of reconnoitering to Morgan's Ferry and Simsport, starting early to-morrow morning.
Sufficient camp and garrison equipage to make themselves comfortable, and, except five days'
supply of salt beef, ten days' rations will be taken, the troops to forage on the country for fresh
beef to make up the full rations of meat. Captain Nields, chief of artillery, has been instructed to
detail two sections of artillery to go with the force to Simsport and one section with that going to
Morgan's Ferry. One hundred cavalry have also been detailed to go with each party. The officers
in command of the detachments will be directed by you to report at these headquarters this
evening at 6 o'clock for instructions.
By order of Brigadier-General Lawler:
B. WILSON,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
OFFICE ACTING ASSISTANT INSPECTOR-GENERAL,
CAVALRY DIVISION, SEVENTH ARMY CORPS,
Little Rock, September 30, 1864.
Maj. J. B. ROGERS,
Actg. Asst. Insp. Gen., 7th Army Corps, Dept. of Arkansas:
MAJOR: I have the honor to submit the following letter of advice of this date, relative to the
Cavalry Division of the Seventh Army Corps. The reorganization of the division was made on
the 19th instant. Division and brigade inspectors were not appointed in time for formal
Inspections and reports. This division consists of nineteen regiments, brigaded as follows:
First Brigade--Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry Volunteers, Fifth Kansas Cavalry Volunteers,
Seventh Missouri Cavalry Volunteers, First Indiana Cavalry Volunteers. Second Brigade--First
Missouri Cavalry Volunteers, First Iowa Cavalry Volunteers, Third Missouri Cavalry
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Volunteers, Fourth Arkansas Cavalry Volunteers, Third U.S. Cavalry. Third Brigade-Eighth
Missouri Cavalry Volunteers, Ninth Iowa Cavalry Volunteers, Tenth Illinois Cavalry Volunteers,
Eleventh Missouri Cavalry Volunteers, Merrill's Horse (Second Missouri Cavalry Volunteers).
Fourth Brigade---Third Michigan Cavalry Volunteers, Ninth Kansas Cavalry Volunteers, Third
Arkansas Cavalry Volunteers, Third Wisconsin Cavalry Volunteers, First Nebraska Cavalry
Volunteers. The First Brigade is at Pine Bluff; the Second at Little Rock. The Eighth Missouri,
Tenth Illinois, and Ninth Iowa, of the Third Brigade, at Austin. The Eleventh Missouri at
Devall's Bluff, and the Second Missouri are assigned to duty at the cavalry depot. The Third
Arkansas, Ninth Kansas, and Third Wisconsin, of the Fourth Brigade, are at Little Rock; the
Third Michigan at Brownsville, and the First Nebraska at Devall's Bluff.
The consolidated tri-monthly report, August 20, of cavalry commands serving in the District
of Little Rock, showed an aggregate present for duty, 5,954---247 commissioned officers and
5,707 enlisted men; on special, daily, or extra duty, 45 officers and 2,318 enlisted men; 72
commissioned officers and 2,496 enlisted men sick; 115 commissioned officers and 1,865
enlisted men on detached service within the department; 69 commissioned officers and 459
enlisted men on detached service without the department; aggregate present and absent, 15,667--
629 commissioned officers and 15,038 enlisted men; 6,387 serviceable and 2,271 unserviceable
horses.
Considerable has been done in the inspection of unserviceable ordnance and quartermaster's
property. The horses in the First Missouri, Third Missouri, First Iowa, and Third U.S. Cavalry
Regiments have been inspected and classified, and Class 3 sent to the cavalry depot at Devall's
Bluff. Classes 1 and 2 have been turned over to the depot quartermaster at Little Rock, it being
deemed inexpedient to send these horses to the cavalry depot. An excellent location has been
selected for the cavalry depot two miles below Devall's Bluff on the White River; 1,200
dismounted men have been sent there and are comfortably encamped. The work of building
recuperating stables is progressing very satisfactorily, the only impediment being a supply of
lumber. One corral for 1,000 horses, well supplied with feed-troughs made of logs, has been
built. Six hundred horses have been sent to this depot for recuperation. The quartermaster in
charge has had 150 tons of prairie hay, of good quality, cut and stacked near the location for the
stables. On the 22d of August the chief of cavalry dispatched a quartermaster to Saint Louis
especially to look after forage and the wants of the cavalry of this department generally. The
wisdom of this policy is now manifested by a more generous supply of forage. Much gross
neglect has been found to exist in a number of regiments on the part of commissioned officers to
attend regular stable calls, and to give personal supervision of stable police. Private soldiers have
been left to feed and groom their horses at pleasure. The following correspondence will show the
condition of stable management in the Ninth Kansas Cavalry, and the means which will be
applied for the correction of such intolerable abuses in the whole command:
HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION, SEVENTH ARMY CORPS,
Little Rock, Ark., September 29, 1864.
[Col. C. S. CLARK :]
COLONEL: Inclosed you will find certified copy of the result of an inspection of your camp
made this morning by the division inspector. As commanding officer you are responsible for the
shameful condition of affairs, and how you can reconcile it with a proper sense of your
obligations as a regimental commander I am at a loss to conceive. I certainly cannot do so, and
take occasion once more and finally to call your attention to the necessity of remedying the evils
complained of immediately. Should a subsequent inspection--and it will be made soon--disclose
further inattention on your part, or that all the duties of officers and men in your command are
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not thoroughly and promptly performed, a recommendation for your summary dismissal from the
service will be submitted to the department commander.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. R. WEST,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
OFFICE ACTING ASSISTANT INSPECTOR-GENERAL,
Little Rock, September 29, 1864.
Brig. Gen. J. R. WEST,
Commanding Cavalry Division, Seventh Army Corps:
GENERAL: In obedience to your instructions, I have the honor to report that I visited the
stables of the Ninth Kansas Cavalry this morning, arriving there at least half an hour after
reveille. Not one commissioned officer was present at the stables. No stable call had been
sounded. Most of the horses had been fed; many had not, and were restless and fretting for
something to eat. Some of the horses were provided with feed boxes; the larger number had
none. Upon inquiry of one of the men why all the horses had not been fed, his reply was that the
men in charge of them had not got up, especially those under arrest. When I inquired of a private
soldier present whether the officers were in the habit of attending stable calls he laughed at the
idea. Such a thing seemed unknown. Others stated that officers did not attend stable call. Men
seem to feed and groom their horses when they are ready. The night having been quite rainy, and
the stables consequently muddy, the horses unprovided with boxes were obliged to eat their grain
in the mud, except where a soldier hitched his horse at one side where the ground was hard and
comparatively dry. The horses in Company D were better provided with feed boxes than any
other squadron. No provision is made for draining or for preventing the water running into the
stables where the ground is descending toward them.
I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
M. HAZEN WHITE,
Major Fourth Arkansas Cavalry and Acting Assistant Inspector-General.
The health of the men and the condition of the horses in the Third Brigade has materially
improved since the brigade moved to Austin, where the ground is high and gravelly, with plenty
of good water and ample corn forage accessible. The increased activity everywhere manifest is a
promising omen of a better state of things in the cavalry arm of the service in this department.
I have the honor to be, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
M. HAZEN WHITE,
Actg. Asst. Insp. Gen., Cavalry Division, Seventh Army Corps.
VICTORIA, October 2, 1864--4.10 p.m.
Major-General ROSECRANS:
I have just arrived at this place under a flag of truce, which, while in the Confederate lines,
was under the charge of Major Surridge, C. S. Army, who is severely wounded in the leg. He is
accompanied by one Confederate soldier. I have the major on the train, and beg you to let me
know by telegraph at Jefferson Barracks, or some other station, what disposition shall be made of
him. I suggest that he be taken to the post hospital in Saint Louis. I came on a hand-car from
Pilot Knob, leaving there on Friday at 12 m. No Confederate force there. Four bridges are burned
on the road, and the track torn up in several places, in all about three-quarters of a mile; nothing
but roving bands along the road. We had 10 killed and 6 mortally wounded; about 15 severely
and 20 slightly wounded, Lieutenant Thompson, Fourteenth Iowa, severely, in the leg.
Confederates not less than 150 killed and about 700 wounded.
152
S. D. CARPENTER,
Surgeon and Medical Director.
HEADQUARTERS U.S. FORCES,
Glasgow, October 2, 1864.
Brigadier-General DOUGLASS, Mexico, Mo.:
GENERAL: I am ordered to Jefferson City with all the troops I can concentrate. My
headquarters will be on this side of the river, opposite to Jefferson City, for the time being, where
messengers can find me. You will order all the First Iowa to join me there at the earliest moment
you can relieve them. The Enrolled Missouri Militia, recently ordered out, will soon be on duty,
and you will call out such force in addition as you may deem best. Suspend business in all towns
where it will aid in preparing for defense. Compel citizens to do guard duty, hold towns, bridges,
&c., and escort trains. Let me hear from you as frequently as possible.
I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant,
CLINTON B. FISK,
Brigadier-General.
HEADQUARTERS U.S. FORCES,
Jefferson City, October 5, 1864--1.30 p.m.
Brig. Gen. J. B. DOUGLASS, Columbia:
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch of yesterday. Meantime you
have doubtless received my order to move the Iowa troops to this point. The enemy are now on
the Osage at different fords. They burned the Osage railroad bridge this morning at sunrise.
Price's entire command is doubtless moving on Jefferson City. We are straining every nerve in
preparing defenses, and hope to hold the enemy at bay, at least until our troops can fall upon his
rear. Every man that call be sent here from your district should move without delay. I have
directed Major Evans to push forward the Enrolled Missouri Militia troops with the least possible
delay. I have ordered Captain Campbell here from Fulton, and directed the citizens of that place
to protect the court-house and State institution. Let every man devote himself to the country until
the emergency is over. It would be well for you to go to Fulton and push the citizen organization.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CLINTON B. FISK,
Brigadier-General.
MOUTH OF CEDAR, October 6, 1864.
General C. B. FISK:
GENERAL: Captain Whisenand, First Iowa Cavalry, reports to me that he reconnoitered
down the Missouri River to-day about ten miles and learned from citizens that there was a rebel
force in Portland yesterday, said to be 200 men, and commanded by Bill Anderson. Should this
be so and he has not crossed the river I will have to fight him, Gordon, Todd & Co., as soon as
the fight commences at Jefferson City.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. B. DOUGLASS,
Brigadier-General.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NEBRASKA,
Omaha, Nebr. Ter., October 6, 1864.
Maj. C. S. CHARLOT,
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Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of Kansas:
I have the honor to transmit herewith copy of telegram just received from Maj. John S.
Wood, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, commanding Fort Laramie, concerning effects to be apprehended
from rigid enforcement of General Field Orders, No. 2, current series, Department of Kansas, in
the cases of certain friendly Indians in the vicinity of that post. In addition to the statements of
Major Wood I would add that while at Fort Laramie recently I induced these bands to make war
upon the hostile Indians, promising them a reward for each scalp taken. I approve the request of
Major Wood from my own recent personal observations on the spot.
I am, major, your very obedient servant,
ROBT. B. MITCHELL,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE,
HANNIBAL AND SAINT JOSEPH RAILROAD COMPANY,
Hannibal, Mo., October 7, 1864.
Maj. Gen. W. S. ROSECRANS,
Saint Louis:
GENERAL: In company with others I yesterday sent you a dispatch suggesting that some
help could be obtained from Iowa if needed. I would now say more particularly that if the forces
now south of the Missouri River are not allowed to cross I think we can raise force enough north
of the river to take care of the rebel bands now with us. But if Price's force should in part cross to
the north of the Missouri and seek to overrun or occupy this country, there is no adequate
available force to check him, as we are now situated. We have soldiers, largely raw militia,
posted at various points between here and Saint Joseph, and also on the North Missouri Railroad.
Now, if the rebel bands now in our midst were to destroy communication on the line of these
roads, as I think they could easily do, there is not a post between here and Saint Joseph which
these villains could not capture in detail, unless it be Macon, and I think they could take that.
These men have mostly sought plunder, but if in connection with Price's raid they should mean
fight, our troops might soon share the fate of our men at Centralia. Where you are you can best
judge of the situation and the necessities of our case prospectively. I am no alarmist and have no
personal fears with the militia called out. I can take care of my sub-district so far as I can see into
the future, but the central part of the State is more exposed and worse off. Anticipating the state
of affairs now existing some months since, Governor Stone told others and myself that he would
be prepared to aid us if needed. I will say further, that the largest part of the arms-bearing
population now at home north of the river are of that class who have in so many instances of late,
when in service, surrendered to the enemy without a fight, and in many cases have joined them.
We do not wish to repeat the folly of arming any more such men, and Union men in many places
are disheartened and leaving the country, so that the reliable men left with us are not very
numerous. Others with whom I have conversed are most urgent that a large force shall be thrown
in, who can clear up this country speedily. If this can be done and root out the old seed we need
never have another like crop of traitors.
I am, general, your obedient servant,
J. T. K. HAYWARD.
HANNIBAL, October 7, 1864.
Maj. Gen. W. S. ROSECRANS:
Representatives from several counties between here and Saint Joseph have conferred together
and believe there is urgent need of help north of the river. Should communication on the
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Hannibal and Saint Joseph road be cut, as may be easily done, there are but few points where the
force is strong enough to resist Anderson and Todd's gang, who could massacre in detail.
Governor Stone, of Iowa, some time since promised to aid Missouri in this emergency. We urge
you to call on him for 500 men (militia) to operate in North Missouri at once. Our reliable Union
men are springing to arms (none can live in the country), but they are too few. Reply whether
anything can be done.
J. T. K. HAYWARD,
W. R. FOX,
M. P. GREEN,
A. L. GILSTRAP,
Macon County.
W. R. LOVE,
Linn County.
D. W. WILSON,
Knox County.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 210.
HEADQUARTERS SAINT LOUIS DISTRICT,
Saint Louis, Mo., October 8, 1864.
5. Brigadier-General McCormick, Enrolled Missouri Militia, now in active service, will
collect the militia of his district on the line of the Iron Mountain Railroad and to protect the line
when reopened and the telegraph line when re-established and occupy the several posts and
block-houses along the road.
6. Capt. H. B. Milks, Third Cavalry Missouri State Militia, will proceed to such points an in
his judgment it may be necessary, and collect and rendezvous at Schofield Barracks the
stragglers from the Forty-seventh Missouri Infantry, Second Missouri Artillery, Third Cavalry
Missouri State Militia, Second Cavalry Missouri State Militia, First Infantry Missouri State
Militia, Fiftieth Missouri Infantry, and Fourteenth Iowa, who were separated from their
commands during the battle at Pilot Knob and on the march from that post to Rolla, Mo.
Commanding officers are requested to furnish Captain Milks such assistance in the performance
of this duty as he may need. The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary
transportation.
By order of Brigadier-General Ewing, jr.:
H. HANNAHS,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE,
October 8, 1864--9.30 p.m. (Received midnight.)
Brigadier-General SANBORN,
Commanding Forces:
GENERAL: Communication received. I had already sent you two dispatches giving you all
the information. The enemy attempted to camp to-night at the mill in my front. He was running
it. I attacked him vigorously, and he abandoned it and moved west of Moreau and is encamped at
Gordon's and Thomson's. His train to-night is reported by my pickets to be moving northward
toward the Jefferson City and California road. Colonel Phelps' command reached here to-night
and have gone into camp. The enemy's train crossed Moreau this morning above this. Where is
the First Iowa Cavalry, and when will it report to me? Thurber's battery, I presume, is on your
road. I need guns very much.
155
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. F. PHILIPS,
Colonel, Commanding
CHILLICOTHE, October 8, 1864.
Brigadier-General CRAIG:
Your dispatches authorizing me to call out the militia to the Iowa line have been received. I
have sent notice up country for all to be ready at a moment's notice, but have not yet ordered in.
When the troops you have ordered reach here it will be enough unless Price sends a column
across the river; in that case all will be required, or do you mean for me to order them in at once?
J. H. SHANKLIN,
Colonel, &c.
FORT LEAVENWORTH, October 8, 1864.
Maj. H. H. HEATH,
Des Moines, Iowa:
Better make a speech and hurry down. You can do more good here every way. Price is
fighting at Jefferson City and must be driven west. Kansas militia will all be called out. Lane
wants you connected with press. Rebels closed on Lexington when wire cut this morning. Much
excitement in this region but danger remote.
S. R. CURTIS,
Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS U.S. FORCES,
Morganza, La., October 10, 1864.
COMMANDING OFFICER TWENTY-EIGHTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS:
SIR: You will report immediately, with your regiment, for orders to Col. William McE. Dye,
Twentieth Iowa Volunteers, commanding expedition, at Jackson's Point, and will remain with
him until he withdraws from that place.
By command of Brigadier-General Lawler:
B. WILSON,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EASTERN ARKANSAS,
Helena, Ark., October 10, 1864.
Lieut. Col. W. D. GREEN,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
SIR: I have the honor to report that I returned to this post this day and resumed the command
of the district. On my arrival at Memphis I found a telegram revoking the order detailing me as
president of a court of inquiry at Camp Chase. The circumstances of the command greatly
changed during my former absence. Two of my regiments, the Forty-seventh Iowa and the One
hundred and forty-third Illinois, have been sent north and mustered out of the service. The Sixth
Minnesota, which reported to me about 900 for duty, have been reduced by sickness, and sending
the sick North, to but 117 for duty this day. Three companies of the Fifteenth Illinois Cavalry
have been mustered out by reason of the expiration of their term of service. The other regiments
have been reduced by deaths and discharges. The aggregate for duty this day at this post is 1,272,
and for the whole district but 1,615 men. With this force I feel incapable of making any
aggressive movements and am only able to do the guard and fatigue duty of the post. Had Price
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or Shelby turned his attention toward Helena with a force of 5,000 men with my small cavalry
squad I could not have been informed of it before they were at the lines. General Canby has
ordered the jurisdiction of district commanders to extend to both sides of the Mississippi River.
Colonel Forrest at one time and General Chalmers at another have made demonstrations on
Islands 60 and 63, occupied by the quartermaster's woodchoppers and contraband camps and
protected by my colored troops. I earnestly desire that my forces be increased, and if increased
by troops to remain here during the coming winter, it should be at once, in order that they may
have time to build huts. The condition of some of the troops is such that I have deemed it
essential to send my assistant adjutant-general, Capt. T. C. Meatyard, with this communication to
make proper representations to General Steele. Freedmen's Fort and Fort Pinney are garrisoned
by invalid troops, organized by Colonel Eaton for special service, in guarding leased plantations.
These men are unfit for service, old, diseased, unfit for soldiers, and indifferently officered. The
Thirty-fifth Missouri ought either to be consolidated with another regiment or reorganized into a
battalion of five companies, or filled up with an additional company (it has but nine) and its
ranks filled with recruits from Missouri. Colonel Sackett, inspector-general, U.S. Army, has just
finished his inspection here, and he requested the aid of one of my staff officers to accompany
him to Little Rock, which is an additional reason for sending Captain Meatyard.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
N. B. BUFORD,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS U.S. FORCES,
Morganza, La., October 10, 1864.
Maj. Gen. N. J. T. DANA,
Commanding District of Vicksburg:
GENERAL: I have the honor to inclose herewith for your information a copy of a
communication received yesterday from Maj. John Levering, assistant adjutant-general, to
General Reynolds, and to inform you that I have dispatched a force of 2,000 men, under
command of Colonel Dye, Twentieth Iowa Volunteers, to Jackson's Point to capture the cattle if
possible.
M. K. LAWLER,
Brigadier-General.
HEADQUARTERS U.S. FORCES,
Morganza, La., October 11, 1864.
Col. J. J. GUPPEY,
Commanding Third Brigade, Second Division:
COLONEL: I have the honor to inclose you herewith orders for your command to proceed to
mouth of White River. You will at once cause the embarkation of your transportation, camp and
garrison equipage, with ten days' rations, and proceed up the river to where your troops are on
duty, and report to Col. William McE. Dye, Twentieth Iowa Volunteers, who is instructed to take
charge of the expedition, consisting of your brigade and his own, and proceed without delay to
the mouth of White River. The steamers Baltic and Nebraska are assigned for the transportation
of Colonel Dye's brigade and such of your own as may have been left at this point. Colonel Dye
will use these steamers or the Illinois and Choteau, as he may see proper. The troops now with
Colonel Dye not ordered to White River will be at once sent back to this place on the extra
transports. Please get off with as little delay as possible.
By command of Brig. Gen. M. K. Lawler:
157
B. WILSON,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HERMANN, MO., October 13, 1864--9 p.m.
Brig. Gen. THOMAS EWING,
Saint Louis, Mo.:
Four companies of the Fourteenth Iowa Volunteers ordered from Rolla to Saint Louis. Refit
them as soon as possible and use them as escort for ammunition.
JOHN V. DU BOIS,
Colonel and Chief of Staff
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF KANSAS,
Fort Leavenworth, October 13, 1864--2.30 p.m.
Major-General CURTIS:
The following just received from Mr. H. Rudd, of Mount Pleasant, Iowa:
FORT LEAVENWORTH, October 13, 1864.
Lieut. Col. W. H. STARK:
I saw a man at Macon City, Mo., who told me that Colonel Harding had a fight with Shelby
on Monday on the north side of the river at Lexington and whipped him. Harding was in pursuit
and expected to overtake him that night. Our forces number 2,500.
H. RUDD.
W. H. STARK,
Lieutenant-Colonel, &c.
WAR DEPT., PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Washington, D. C., October 14, 1864.
Maj. Gen. JOHN POPE,
Comdg. Department of the Northwest, Milwaukee, Wis.:
GENERAL: Capt. James Matthews, provost-marshal Fourth District of Iowa, reports to me
that two of his officers while on duty in Poweshiek County, Iowa, were murdered by a gang of
outlaws on Saturday, the 1st instant. The names of the murdered officers are John L. Bashore, an
assistant provost-marshal, and Josiah M. Woodruff, special agent. These officers had been
detailed to arrest certain deserters from the draft in that county, and were waylaid and shot
without any pretense or provocation except the lawful discharge of their duty. The outlaws
engaged in the affair were about twelve in number, seven of whom have been arrested and
lodged in jail at Oskaloosa. I have laid these facts before the Secretary of War, and he has
instructed me to furnish you with the information for your action, should the same be necessary.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAS. B. FRY,
Provost-Marshal. General.
DAVENPORT, October 16, 1864.
Maj. Gen. J. POPE:
Dispatches received that Price has crossed the Missouri and advancing toward Iowa. I do not
know how far to credit. Anderson and Jackson's gangs are just below our border, near Davis and
Appanoose Counties, of this State. Jackson's gang has been over, and murdered, robbed, and
thieved.
N. B. BAKER,
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Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS,
Jefferson City, October 17, 1864--12 night.
Major-General PLEASONTON,
Tipton:
The general commanding directs me to say the last dispatches from Sanborn put a
satisfactory phase upon matters and seem to indicate that a small force--say Simonson's brigade--
would suffice on our right flank. It ought to move by the shortest route in time to Elk Lick
Springs, on the road to Arrow Rock, and thence across to the Georgetown and Marshall road.
Send for the best guides you can and ask for the best route, and report. The Second Brigade had
better move direct to La Mine or to the bridge near Pleasant Grove to-morrow. Where is the First
Iowa detachment? It can meet us at Sedalia if now at the front. If on its way back, it can halt at
La Mine to escort our wagon train to Sedalia.
FRANK S. BOND,
Major and Aide-de-Camp.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST,
Milwaukee, Wis., October 17, 1864.
General N. B. BAKER, Davenport, Iowa:
GENERAL: Your dispatch of yesterday has just been received. As a measure of precaution I
would suggest that some force of your State militia be sent to prominent [points] of your
southern border for temporary service. You are no doubt aware that this department has been
almost depleted of troops to re-enforce our armies in the South, so that to-day I have absolutely
no force except four or five companies of the Invalid Corps, which are scattered all over the
department aiding or enforcing the draft, aside from the forces far out on the frontier and on
expeditions against the Indians. The Eighth Minnesota Regiment and four companies of the
Thirtieth Wisconsin, on their way from the frontier to go south, will reach Saint Paul to-day or
to-morrow, and if absolutely needed I will send them to Southern Iowa. As General Sherman is
greatly in need of troops I shall be loath to divert the force from his command, but will of course
do so if it becomes absolutely necessary for the protection of your State. I am sure that you will
not ask for them until the necessity is imminent. I have no idea that any considerable force from
Price's army will undertake to move as far north as the Iowa line, and I think for the present that
a force of your militia will be sufficient to protect your borders from small parties of guerrillas.
General Sully will be with you in a few days. Please keep me advised and I will not fail to do all
that is in my power.
JNO. POPE,
Major-General, Commanding.
MILWAUKEE, WIS., October 17, 1864.
Brig. Gen. A. SULLY:
(Care Captain Bagg, Quartermaster, Sioux City, Iowa.)
GENERAL: You had better return to Iowa as soon as possible. Price's Missouri invasion
threatens and has alarmed the Iowa frontier. Your presence is desirable.
JNO. POPE,
Major-General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST U.S. VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,
159
Fort Rice, Dak. Ter., October 17, 1864.
Capt. J. H. PELL,
A. A. G., Dist. Hdqrs. Dept. of the N. W., Sioux City, Iowa:
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to announce for the information of the commanding general my
safe arrival at this post at 1.30 this p.m., with my command, nine days and a half from Fort Sully.
I would have made it quicker had not cattle given out. I regret to announce the death of four men
on the route from chronic diarrhea, resulting from stagnant water in creeks being drank too
freely. I met the Two Bear band at Wood Lake, and had a conference with the chief. He
expressed himself as desirous of making a lasting peace not only for himself and band but for the
benefit of all the bands hostile to you this last summer, and promised to use his influence by
sending out the next morning some young men to the various tribes for the chiefs to meet me at
Fort Rice with such overtures as I felt you gave me authority to make, viz, kind treatment, and
other conditions which I left for the result of the conference, and instructions which I respectfully
ask may be given from your headquarters. Further I did not commit myself. I think, aside from
the natural desire, as winter approaches, to meet their necessities by friendly advances, that there
is an opportunity by proper management to conclude an honorable and lasting peace. I draw
these conclusions by observation and conversation with the Two Bear and some of the upper
Yanktonais, who are now on Sand Creek. The commanding general is so well acquainted with
the question that I will not propose how this may be brought about until I am informed of my
power to act in the matter. Colonel Dill left with his command in boats on the 12th. The
detachment of the Sixth Iowa Cavalry will leave to-morrow by the transportation used by my
command. I shall proceed to carry out the general's plans in regard to the fort immediately. The
weather is fine. I would also respectfully ask that I may be authorized to muster into service
Lieut. J. C. Cronan, whose appointment a copy I inclose. He has made every effort to obtain
muster, and is a faithful officer.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
C. A. R. DIMON,
Colonel, Commanding.
HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, NINETEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Mouth of White River, Ark., October 18, 1864.
Maj. Gen. J. J. REYNOLDS,
Commanding Nineteenth Army Corps:
GENERAL: General Dennis having gone to Little Rock, Ark., in company with Major-
General Herron, I have taken the liberty of advising you of our movements since the date of his
last communication. Pursuant to instructions from Major-General Steele, that portion of the First
Brigade, Third Division, at this point was sent to Devall's Bluff on the 6th instant. Since that
time the following-named troops have arrived from Morganza and Vicksburg: Twentieth and
Twenty-third Iowa, Thirty-fifth Wisconsin, and One hundred and twenty-fourth Illinois Infantry
Volunteers. The three former regiments were sent up White River yesterday morning. Colonel
Guppey's brigade, of this division, has also arrived from below, with the exception of the
Twenty-eighth Illinois, which is expected to-day. The Eleventh Illinois Cavalry and L Company,
Second Illinois Artillery, are also expected to-day and will be forwarded up White River as fast
as transportation can be secured, should General Steele so desire. From Colonel Parsons, chief
quartermaster, from Saint Louis, I learn that some four or five boats will be down the river today,
consequently there will be ample transportation. Inclosed please find a copy of a letter
received at 7 a.m. this day from General Smith, at Memphis, Tenn. The call being of an urgent
nature, and requiring immediate action, I have sent one brigade to General Smith's support. The
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force now left at this point consists of Colonel Guppey's brigade (four regiments), three
regiments of colored, troops, a small detachment of Eighty-seventh Illinois Mounted Infantry and
Twenty-sixth New York Battery, from which we can readily reenforce either General Steele or
General Smith, as the exigency demands.
WM. E. KUHN,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General
JEFFERSON CITY, MO., October 18, 1864--12 m.
Brig. Gen. THOMAS EWING, Jr.,
Saint Louis, Mo.:
Send the portion of the Fourteenth Iowa now in your district to join General Smith, via
Jefferson City. Use them for guards coming up.
J. V. DU BOIS,
Colonel and Chief of Staff.
LA MINE BRIDGE, MO., October 18, 1864.
Major-General ROSECRANS,
Jefferson City:
I leave this morning with the Third Division for Sedalia, leaving the First Division at this
point to await the arrival of its train and ammunition. The term of service of the Fourteenth Iowa
expires on the 5th of November. I have left five and a half companies of the regiment at Tipton
to guard the place, &c. Four and a half companies were with General Ewing at Rolla. I request
that they be ordered to Saint Louis to join the regiment.
A. J. SMITH,
Major-General.
JEFFERSON CITY, October 18, 1864--10.25 a.m.
Maj. Gen. A. J. SMITH,
La Mine:
The following dispatch sent to General Pleasonton last night at midnight, viz:
The last dispatches from Sanborn put a satisfactory phase upon matters, and seem to indicate
that a small force-say Simonson's brigade--would suffice on our right flank. It ought to move by
the shortest route in time to Elk Lick Springs, on the road to Arrow Rock, and thence across to
the Georgetown and Marshall road. Send for the best guides you can and ask for the best route,
and report. The Second Brigade had better move direct to La Mine or to the bridge near Pleasant
Grove to-morrow. Where is the First Iowa detachment? It can meet us at Sedalia if now at the
front. If on its way back, it can halt at La Mine to escort our wagon train to Sedalia.
From the foregoing you will see that General Pleasonton was not ordered to go to Arrow
Rock, but on that road, and then across to the Georgetown and Marshall road.
By order of Major-General Rosecrans:
FRANK S. BOND,
Major and Aide-de-Camp.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,
Jefferson City, Mo., October 18, 1864.
Col. EDWARD A. KUTZNER,
Thirty-ninth Missouri Volunteers:
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COLONEL: I am directed by the general commanding to instruct you to proceed with your
regiment without delay to Tipton, Mo., and relieve the Fourteenth Iowa Volunteers at that place.
Colonel Callender, chief of ordnance, telegraphs that he has sent new arms to Lieut. H. P. Dow,
acting ordnance officer at that place, who will issue upon your application. Apply for
transportation immediately.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. F. BENNETT,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
JEFFERSON CITY, MO., October 18, 1864--8.30 p.m.
COMMANDING OFFICER FOURTEENTH IOWA INFANTRY,
Tipton, Mo.:
You will proceed with your regiment to La Mine bridge upon being relieved by Colonel
Kutzner's regiment, which has been ordered to Tipton.
W. S. ROSECRANS,
Major-General.
JEFFERSON CITY, MO., October 18, 1864--9 p.m.
Capt. W. C. JONES,
Fourteenth Iowa Volunteers, Tipton, Mo.:
Remain with your command at Tipton until further orders.
JOHN V. DU BOIS,
Colonel and Chief of Staff.
HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, NINETEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Mouth of White River, Ark., October 19, 1864.
Maj. Gen. F. STEELE,
Commanding Department of Arkansas:
GENERAL: Your last telegram, of date Little Rock, October 15, was received at 11 p.m. on
the 16th instant, in my absence. In response to your call three regiments were sent to Devall's
Bluff, viz, Twentieth and Twenty-third Iowa and Thirty-fifth Wisconsin Infantry. These troops
left this point on the morning of the 17th instant. More steamers having arrived during that day,
two other regiments had embarked and were just on the point of leaving on the morning of the
18th instant when a dispatch boat from Memphis arrived, having on board General Marcy,
Inspector-General U.S. Army, bearing dispatches from General M. L. Smith, the nature of which
you will see by the copy I inclose. His call being of an urgent nature, those troops were detained,
and together with seven other regiments, numbering about 4,000 men in all, were sent to his
support. By boats from above to-day I learned that the emergency seems to have passed away,
and my command will undoubtedly be back in a few days, when they will be immediately
forwarded to Devall's Bluff. Colonel Slack has been ordered to move his brigade to Devall's
Bluff forthwith. I am rather of the opinion that it will be impolitic to leave that point entirely
without a garrison. I am informed by Captain Hill, of the gun-boat Tyler, that the nature of their
orders will not permit him to station a gun-boat permanently at any point where there are no
troops. I have three colored regiments here that arrived from below a few days ago, and I would
respectfully suggest that one or two of these regiments be ordered to that point, as, in case the
rebels should get possession, navigation might be seriously interrupted for a time before they
could be dislodged. Please answer me by telegraph on this point. With the troops already sent
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you and those yet to be forwarded will number at least 8,000 effective men, infantry, cavalry,
and artillery.
I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ELIAS S. DENNIS,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
OCTOBER 18, 1864--11 a.m.
Colonel Dye, commanding First Brigade, Third Division, Nineteenth Corps, has just come up
with Twentieth Iowa Infantry. The Twenty-third Iowa and Thirty-fifth Wisconsin are behind.
They have shelter-tents and two wagons to a regiment.
C. C. ANDREWS,
Brigadier-General.
SAINT LOUIS, October 19, 1864--1.25 p.m.
Governor RICHARD YATES,
Springfield, Ill.:
Colonel Gilstrap, of Macon City, Mo., represents that you have had a consultation with
Governor Stone, of Iowa, and have telegraphed the War Department for authority for a force of
Iowa militia to be sent to protect the Hannibal and Saint Joseph Railroad. Please let me know, for
the information of the general in the field, what there is in this, and if you have had any reply
from the War Department.
FRANK ENO,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
SPRINGFIELD, October 19, 1864.
Capt. FRANK ENO,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Headquarters:
Governor Yates is absent. Telegram was sent to President requesting that three regiments
Iowa militia be sent to protect Hannibal and Saint Joseph Railroad. No answer received.
JNO. M. SNYDER,
Colonel and Aide-de-Camp.
SIOUX CITY, October 19, 1864.
(Via Council Bluffs 21st.)
Major-General POPE:
Just reached here: troops not yet. Will have 200 Eighth Minnesota, which I send to Dubuque.
Have one company Thirtieth Wisconsin; 500 cavalry. Shall I send them to Iowa border? To what
point in Iowa shall I go? Have telegraphed to Governor, for I know nothing of the trouble.
ALF. SULLY,
General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST,
Milwaukee, Wis., October 19, 1864.
Maj. E. P. TEN BROECK,
In charge of District Headquarters, Davenport, Iowa:
MAJOR: I have the honor to transmit inclosed a letter from the mayor of Keokuk,
communicating information concerning present condition of a part of Southern Iowa border. You
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will please give the matter the facts of the case. You will also keep these headquarters advised
as to these matters as long as the present border excitement continues.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. F. MELINE,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
KEOKUK, IOWA, October 17, 1864.
Maj. Gen. JOHN POPE,
Commanding Department of the Northwest :
GENERAL: Permit me to call your attention to a state of facts now existing on the southern
border of your department. Something over 400 armed guerrillas crossed the Hannibal and Saint
Joseph Railroad coming north ten days ago. They received accessions to their numbers in almost
every locality in North Missouri. At present they are divided up in little squads, murdering and
plundering. When hard pressed in Missouri they disperse and skulk across the line into this State,
not having the fear of military power before their eyes here. They have committed a number of
murders and robberies in your department. I am credibly informed and believe that it is in their
programme to rendezvous in force at a given time somewhere on Fox River and make a raid
upon this place. The presence of a mounted military force in this region it seems to me is
imperiously demanded, and a stringent application of military law in Southern Iowa would have
a very salutary effect. No portion of your department in my opinion is in more need of prompt
and vigilant care just now than Southern Iowa.
I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. M. HIATT,
Mayor of the City of Keokuk.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST,
Milwaukee, Wis., October 19, 1864.
WILLIAM M. STONE,
Governor of Iowa, Davenport, Iowa:
GOVERNOR: I have the honor to transmit herewith inclosed copy of a letter just received
from J. M. Hiatt, esq., mayor of Keokuk, and to inquire whether information in your possession
justifies the views and apprehensions therein represented. If so it will be judicious to post a few
companies of your militia at Keokuk. You are no doubt aware that this department has been
depleted entirely of troops not now actually far out on the frontier at posts or on Indian
expeditions. These troops are not available, and even if they could be withdrawn in time it would
leave the whole frontier exposed to Indian raids. 1 will be obliged to you if you will keep me
advised of any matters of moment on your southern border, and if you think it judicious I will
send down there an officer of rank to overlook matters until General Sully reaches there, which
will probably be within ten days. I need not say, Governor, that I will do all in my power to
accommodate, the necessities which may arise in Iowa. I do not imagine that there will be more
than a few guerrilla raids on your border, as it is to be presumed that General Rosecrans on the
one side and General Curtis on the other will render it impracticable for Price to send troops far
north on the Missouri River without rendering it certain that they would be destroyed, or to
separate his army in the face of the concentration on both sides against it.
I am, Governor, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. POPE,
Major-General, Commanding.
164
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 258.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS,
Little Rock, Ark., October 20, 1864.
XI. The Twentieth and Twenty-third Iowa Infantry Volunteers and the Thirty-fifth Wisconsin
Infantry Volunteers are hereby assigned to the First Division, Seventh Army Corps, for
mustering purposes, and the assistant commissary of musters for that division will make all
musters that may be required in those regiments.
By order of Maj. Gen. F. Steele:
W. D. GREEN,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST,
Milwaukee, Wis., October 20, 1864.
Brig. Gen. A. SULLY,
Commanding District of Iowa:
GENERAL: Your note of the 10th from Crow Creek is just received. I think you had best
send the whole of Brackett's battalion to Minnesota, as it will be wanted there in the spring to
establish a post at Devil's Lake for the summer at least. I prefer that you keep with you the
battalion of the Seventh Iowa Cavalry, disposing of it as you think best along the Iowa frontier,
as you propose to do with two companies of Brackett's battalions. The battalion of the Seventh
Iowa will be wanted in the spring, as I purpose to establish a post on the northern slope of the
Black Hills at the head of Cherry Creek, or somewhere in that neighborhood. When you have
completed your arrangements for the winter you will please report here in person.
I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. POPE,
Major-General, Commanding.
DEVALL'S BLUFF, October 21, 1864--5 p.m.
Capt. C. H. DYER,
Little Rock:
The Twenty-first Iowa Infantry, of General Dennis' division, Lieut. Col. Van Anda
commanding, has just come up from Saint Charles; more troops behind. Colonel Greene,
assistant quartermaster from General Canby, arrived this afternoon and reports it highly probable
that Memphis has before this time been attacked. Some of General Dennis' troops were sent up
from the mouth of White River.
C. C. ANDREWS,
Brigadier-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST,
Milwaukee, Wis., October 21, 1864.
Brig. Gen. A. SULLY,
Sioux City, Iowa:
GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your dispatches of the 7th (two) and
10th (one). The major-general commanding is highly gratified at the favorable aspect of Indian
affairs in your command, and entirely approves of all the measures taken by you as reported in
the dispatches referred to. Your reports will be laid before the Secretary of War with the
recommendation that the measures therein proposed be approved and adopted. I inclose copy of
telegraphic dispatch sent you to-day, which you perceive modifies order in dispatch of the 17th
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instant. The measures adopted by Adjutant-General Baker, and some additional other things the
general commanding is about to take, will obviate the necessity of your going to Southern Iowa.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. F. MELINE,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
MILWAUKEE, October 21, 1864.
Brig. Gen. A. SULLY,
Sioux City:
Your letters of the 7th and 10th received. Please remain at Sioux City as long as you think it
necessary. I send General Smith temporarily to Southern Iowa until you can settle Indian
difficulties.
JNO. POPE,
Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST,
Milwaukee, Wis., October 21, 1864.
Capt. J. E. WILLES,
Commanding Post, Keokuk, Iowa:
CAPTAIN: Your communication of the 18th instant is received. I inclose for your
information copy of letter from adjutant-general of Iowa on same subject. Surgeon Taylor is of
opinion that there is a sufficient force, including organized citizens now in Keokuk, to repel any
attack of guerrillas. There are no troops that can be possibly sent you. The department is badly
off in that respect, and two regiments are now under orders to leave it for the South. The majorgeneral
commanding will immediately detail a general officer to go to the Southern Iowa border.
I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. F. MELINE,
Major and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF IOWA,
Davenport, Iowa, October 21, 1864.
Maj. J. F. MELINE,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of the Northwest, Milwaukee, Wis.:
MAJOR: Yours of the 19th instant, inclosing the letter of J. M. Hiatt, mayor of Keokuk,
relative to the troubles on the southern border of Iowa, and directing me to ascertain facts in the
case, has just been received. I at once consulted with Adjutant-General Baker in regard to the
matter. His opinion is that the militia, if they organize themselves, are fully able to protect their
border. I received from General Baker a statement of the strength of the militia in the southern
tier of counties of this State; also the number of companies armed, &c., which I have the honor
to transmit herewith. It seems to me that the militia which have received arms in these southern
counties, if they have anything like an organization, should be fully able to protect their border.
General Baker also informs me that the force of organized and armed militia in the next tier of
counties is still stronger than in the counties reported. General Baker is forwarding arms and
ammunition to the southern counties daily. Although General Baker thinks the force strong
enough, he is anxious that I should go down and examine into the matter personally, but as I was
on the court-martial here I did not feel at liberty to go without distinct orders. Please instruct me
if I shall go to Keokuk. I will inform you by telegraph if anything of importance happens.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
166
EDWARD P. TEN BROECK,
Major Sixth Iowa Cavalry, in Charge of Hdqrs. Dist. of Iowa.
KEOKUK, October 23, 1864.
Maj. J. F. MELINE,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Department:
Arrived here this morning. It is the belief here that the guerrillas will make a raid on this
place before they leave Northern Missouri. There is only one company of militia in the city
armed. There are from 300 to 400 men here not well enough to go into the field, lint able to do
guard duty. They want these armed. Shall I order Captain Gaston to send what arms they need to
the commanding officer here? This, I should think, would make all safe. I think the militia is able
to take care of the border. Will report more fully by mail. Please send orders with regard to guns
to Davenport.
EDWARD P. TEN BROECK,
Major Sixth Iowa Cavalry.
MILWAUKEE, WIS., October 24, 1864.
Brig. Gen. A. SULLY,
Sioux City, Iowa:
No occasion to send troops from your command to Southern Iowa.
JNO. POPE,
Major-General.
MILWAUKEE, WIS., October 24, 1864.
Maj. E. P. TEN BROECK,
Keokuk, Iowa:
I understand from Doctor Taylor that there are arms in hospital for the 300 convalescents.
See how this is.
J. F. MELINE,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,
Camp Coldwater Grove, October 25, 1864.
Capt. JOSEPH T. FOSTER,
First Iowa Cavalry, Conducting Flag of Truce:
CAPTAIN: The major-general commanding directs that you proceed with the flag of truce
under your charge via Paola, Kans., thence south to some point where you can with safety to the
flag permit the bearers to proceed within their lines, when you will return with as little delay as
practicable to your command. You will supply your command with subsistence and forage from
the country, giving receipts therefor, as prescribed by regulations.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. F. BENNETT,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
DAVENPORT, October 25, 1864.
Maj. Gen. JOHN POPE:
I advise that the whole lower tier of counties in this State be placed under martial law, and
that J. M. Hiatt, mayor of Keokuk, be appointed provost-marshal.
167
N. B. BAKER,
Adjutant-General of Iowa.
MILWAUKEE, October 25, 1864.
N. B. BAKER,
Adjutant-General, Davenport, Iowa:
Brigadier-General Smith leaves for Keokuk to-day to attend to matters on southern border.
J. F. MELINE,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF IOWA,
Davenport, Iowa, October 25, 1864.
Maj. J. F. MELINE,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of the Northwest, Milwaukee, Wis.:
MAJOR: I have the honor to report that in accordance with instructions received from
department headquarters by telegraph on the 22d instant, I proceeded to Keokuk, Iowa, to
examine into the troubles on the southern border. I arrived at Keokuk on the morning of the 23d
instant, and at once consulted with Mr. Hiatt, mayor of the city, Captain Willes, assistant
quartermaster, commanding post, and other prominent citizens. The feeling of all was that there
was probability that the guerrillas of Missouri would make a raid on Keokuk. There is only one
company of the militia armed in the city, and that is so scattered that it would be of little use in
case of a night attack. There are, however, about 300 or 400 men in the hospital who are not yet
able for active field duty, but are able to do good service there if they were only armed. I think if
these men had arms and a good officer to organize them that there would be no danger of the
guerrillas making any raid on Keokuk; but as the city is now I think there is a chance that they
may make a dash on the town for plunder at any time, as the amount of Government and private
property there must be a great temptation to them. I went to Alexandria, in Missouri, a few miles
below Keokuk, to see what the feeling was there. I found the whole community under arms and
the town barricaded. It is evident that people along the border do not know when they may be
attacked. Mayor Hiatt stated that one reason they felt so unsafe was that they had no officer
whom they had confidence in to take charge of matters, and thought if they had some one of
experience at the head that they could soon organize so as to make themselves safe. They also
seem anxious to have that part of the State under martial law, as there are constantly persons
passing through whom they are sure are rebels, but the civil law cannot touch them. I consulted
with Lieutenant-Colonel Viall, aide-de-camp to the Governor of Iowa, who has charge of the
militia in the southern part of the State, and he assures me that they are strong and well armed
enough to protect themselves. The result of my visit to Keokuk is to satisfy me that there is no
danger of any large force coming into Iowa at present, but that at any time it is possible for 100
or 200 men to come down on such towns as Keokuk and do great damage to the Government and
citizens; but if it were known that 200 men were there with arms I do not think that any such
attempt would be made. In stating that the people of Keokuk wish some officer of experience at
the head there I would say that they all seemed to like Captain Willes, commanding post, and to
think that he was endeavoring to do the best he could, but that he had not much experience in the
management of troops. I telegraphed to you with regard to sending arms for these convalescents,
but have received no answer yet. I win inform you at once by telegraph if anything of importance
happens.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWARD P. TEN BROECK,
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Major Sixth Iowa Cavalry, in Charge of Hdqrs., Dist. of Iowa.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 174.
HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST,
Milwaukee, Wis., October 26, 1864.
II. Brig. Gen. T. C. H. Smith will proceed forthwith to Keokuk, Iowa, and make all necessary
arrangements for the protection of the Iowa border against guerrillas from Missouri. He will
dispose of the militia as he may think judicious, as also of all convalescents in hospitals and
other U.S. troops in Iowa. He will assign to duty in that section of Iowa any officers in that State
who may be needed. Major Ten Broeck, Sixth Iowa Cavalry, will report to him for duty. All
officers and soldiers are hereby directed to obey all orders of General Smith, who will also, if
necessary, assume command of the Iowa militia in the southern counties of the State. It is not
believed that this necessity will arise, nor that there will be any hostilities beyond small guerrilla
raids into Southern Iowa, but General Smith is furnished with this full authority to meet any
contingency which may arise. He is authorized to take with him one aide-de-camp and one
orderly, to whom transportation will be paid by the quartermaster, in accordance with existing
regulations.
By command of Major-General Pope:
J. F. MELINE,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General
GENERAL ORDERS No. 42.
OFFICE CHIEF OF CAVALRY,
DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
New Orleans, October 27, 1864.
I. Brig. Gen. B. S. Roberts, U.S. Volunteers, having been assigned to duty by Special Orders,
No. 290, headquarters Department of the Gulf, New Orleans, October 26, 1864, as chief of
cavalry of the department, assumes command from this date.
II. Existing orders and regulations will continue in force, unless changed by proper authority
from these or higher headquarters.
III. Second Lieut. B. K. Roberts, Seventh Iowa Volunteer Cavalry, is announced as aide-decamp
to the chief of cavalry, and will be recognized accordingly.
By order of Brig. Gen. B. S. Roberts:
H. C. SEYMOUR,
Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS FOURTH IOWA CAVALRY,
Diamond Grove Prairie, October 27, 1864--7.30 p.m.
Major-General CURTIS:
GENERAL: Fearing that justice will not be done my regiment in the reports made of the
battle of Osage, I take the liberty to call your attention to the charge made by them on the
enemy's right at a time when our line on the right had halted and were receiving a destructive fire
from the enemy. At that time a perfect rout of our line appeared to be almost certain. My
regiment had just formed on the extreme left of our line when I commenced the charge. The
three companies on the right of my regiment charged through the of the Tenth Missouri
Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, which was formed in their front. In that charge we crushed the
enemy's right completely. We pressed them so closely that I cut eight rebels from their horses
with my own saber. My regiment captured over 200 prisoners, with two stand of colors. We
169
advanced so far into the enemy's ranks that Major-General Pleasonton ordered our own battery to
shell us, thinking we were the retreating enemy, and my men were obliged to scatter to avoid
being cut to pieces by our own shells. I should have called to see you, general, had not I received
a severe wound in my foot which prevents my riding my horse.
A. R. PIERCE,
Major, Commanding Fourth Iowa Veteran Cavalry.
KANSAS CITY, October 27, 1864.
Major-General CURTIS:
The interest of our State greatly depends on the result of the movements. Therefore, for the
sake of loyal men of this district, send us another commander. The election is near at hand, and
what is done must be done quickly. If you can't act in the matter please recommend to General
Rosecrans.
Done by order of citizens:
WM. WOODRUFF,
President.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF UPPER ARKANSAS,
Fort Riley, Kans., October 27, 1864.
Maj. C. S. CHARLOT,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Dept. of Kansas, Fort Leavenworth:
MAJOR: I have the honor to report for the information of the general commanding that
Captain Hammer, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, stationed at Salina, has arrived at this post, and from
him I learn that the Kaw Indians mentioned in the dispatch of Lieutenant Van Antwerp, and
which was forwarded this p.m.. report the Arapahoes and Cheyennes as about 600 strong,
moving an a northeasterly course after having crossed the Saline about forty miles above Salina.
If the report is true it would indicate that the Indians are intending to strike some of the frontier
settlements in the northeast part of the State. I shall start in an hour and will report as I proceed,
so as to keep you fully posted.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
B. S. HENNING,
Major Third Wisconsin Volunteer Cavalry, Comdg. District.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 102.
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF LITTLE ROCK,
Little Rock, Ark., October 28, 1864.
II. The Thirty-third Iowa Infantry is hereby detailed as escort for a supply train to Fort Smith,
Ark. The commanding officer of that regiment will have it in readiness and communicate with
Col. B. O. Carr, chief quartermaster Department of Arkansas, and when the train is ready will
escort it to Fort Smith and return with the wagons as soon as they are unloaded.
By command of Brig. Gen. E. A. Carr:
C. H. DYER,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
KEOKUK, IOWA, October 28, 1864.
Maj. J. F. MELINE,
A. A. A. G., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Northwest, Milwaukee, Wis.:
170
MAJOR: I have the honor to report that in accordance with Department Special Orders, No.
174, I arrived at this place last evening, and have since been engaged in learning the condition of
things on the southern Iowa border, and taking measures for its defense. If Price's retreat, as now
reported, continues, the disturbances which have grown out of his near presence will probably in
the course of a few weeks subside. There have been a few small raids in this section; some of
them made by men who, formerly in the rebel service, or rebel sympathizers, driven over the
border by the presence of martial law in Missouri, collected together on occasion of Price's
advance, seized arms and horses, and made their way in squads over the border. These
occurrences and the general and notorious activity and moving about of men of secession
proclivities, have caused much excitement in this region. The militia, if armed and organized as
reported by the adjutant-general of this State, are sufficient for protection of towns against
guerrillas, if brought together in time. But as the incursions and raids are all made by mounted
men, no sufficient protection can be afforded to the country generally, and no punishment
inflicted on the marauders with militia infantry. In this place there is a militia company, well
armed and under energetic and capable officers, numbering 100 men, and supplied with
ammunition. An artillery company is organizing, and receives two guns and 150 rounds of
ammunition, as expected, this day. The main and sufficient dependence for the defense of this
place, however, consists in about 400 convalescents in the hospitals here, capable of bearing
arms in an emergency. I have ordered their organization in provisional companies, one in each
hospital, with arms, accouterments, and ammunition, to be kept ready for use in a room in each
hospital.
There are about seventy-five of the above number of convalescents whom the surgeon in
charge reports as callable of duty in going out mounted on a scout of a few days should it be
necessary. The quartermaster has twelve horses here, and I shall endeavor to have about thirty
more brought here from Davenport, to remain here for a few weeks. This arrangement will cause
little trouble or expense; and though I anticipate little possibility of any such service as indicated
being required, it is better to be prepared. There is needed here also an energetic and capable
officer, acting as provost-marshal, and employing a Saint Louis detective, acquainted as far as
may be with the names and history of men in Price's army, or residents in this section, formerly
active rebels, and who are living here under the protection they have gained by taking the oath of
allegiance. I respectfully ask that if consistent a detective of the kind named be obtained from
Saint Louis and ordered to report here to me. A few hours after my arrival here last evening
about 9 p.m., I was reliably informed that two mounted rebel soldiers from Price's army, who
had been skulking for some days past in Iowa, had just passed over into Illinois by the ferry, and
were to pass the night at the house of a political friend seven miles from here in Illinois. It being
evident that these men would proceed on their way early in the morning, and there being no time
to advise the military authorities in Illinois to secure their arrest, I sent a small squad which
arrested them and brought them back here this morning. The men confessed that they belonged
to Elliott's battalion, Jeff. Thompson's brigade, Shelby's division, of Price's army. I have advised
General Cook of this proceeding and have asked to be advised of his wishes in the premises,
saying to him that unless he should wish their more direct custody, I would send the men as
prisoners of war to Rock Island, with the affidavits and other papers in the case.
With great respect, major, your obedient servant,
T. C. H. SMITH,
Brigadier-General.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 132.
HDQRS. RIGHT WING, 16TH ARMY CORPS,
171
Harrisonville, Mo., October 29, 1864.
I. Col. William T. Shaw, Fourteenth Iowa Infantry Volunteers, is hereby relieved from the
command of the Third Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, and will forthwith rejoin his regiment at
Davenport, Iowa. The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary transportation for
himself and authorized servants and horses.
II. In relieving Colonel Shaw from the command of the Third Division prior to his being
mustered out, it is but an act of justice to an energetic, thorough, and competent officer to say
that for the last fifteen months he has been in this command as commanding a post, brigade, and
division, and in every position has performed the incumbent duties faithfully and well and with
an ability that few can equal, with courage, patriotism, and skill. Above question the service
loses an excellent [officer] when he is mustered out.
By order of Maj. Gen. A. J. Smith:
J. HOUGH,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
WARRENSBURG, MO., October 29, 1864.
Colonel HEATH,
Thirty-third Missouri Volunteers, California, Mo.:
Leave two companies at California and take post with the rest of your command at Tipton,
relieving Captain Jones, Fourteenth Iowa Infantry. On being relieved Captain Jones will proceed
with his entire regiment to Davenport, Iowa, to be mustered out, on account of expiration of
service.
JOHN V. DU BOIS,
Colonel and Chief of Staff.
FORT LEAVENWORTH, October 29, 1864.
Brigadier-General SULLY,
Sioux City, Iowa:
It would not, in my opinion, be safe to send troops as proposed farther than Saint Joe, but
may be when they arrive. General Curtis has punished Price badly in every engagement,
capturing 2 generals and 11 pieces of artillery and many prisoners.
W. H. STARK,
Lieutenant-Colonel, &c.
KEOKUK, IOWA, October 29, 1864.
Maj. J. F. MELINE,
A. A. A. G., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Northwest, Milwaukee, Wis.:
MAJOR: I have the honor to inclose copies of a telegraphic dispatch from General Baker, the
adjutant-general of Iowa, of this date, and my answer thereto. The correspondence will explain
itself, and if my answer to General Baker misinterprets the order under which I am here, I
respectfully ask to be so informed.
With great respect, major, your obedient servant,
T. C. H. SMITH,
Brigadier-General.
DAVENPORT, October 29, 1864.
Brigadier-General SMITH,
Commanding U.S. Troops:
172
I do not understand your authority to command the militia of Iowa. Will write.
N. B. BAKER,
Adjutant-General of Iowa.
KEOKUK, IOWA, October 29, 1864.
General N. B. BAKER,
Adjutant-General of Iowa, Davenport, Iowa:
GENERAL: I have just received your dispatch of this date, saying that you do not understand
my authority to command the militia of Iowa. As I am not aware of having attempted to exercise
command over any portion of the militia of this State, I do not understand the occasion of your
dispatch. If, however, Special Orders, No. 174, headquarters Department of the Northwest, has
been communicated to you from department headquarters, and you refer to the terms in which I
am authorized to assume command of the militia, I will say at once, in advance of your letter on
the subject, and to prevent misapprehension, that I have not understood myself as authorized to
assume command without the consent of and request of the proper authorities of this State. I
understood the order would operate to enable me, in case the State authorities wished me in an
emergency to take command, to assume such command with the consent of the major-general
commanding the department.
With great respect, general, your obedient servant,
T. C. H. SMITH,
Brigadier-General.
KEOKUK, Iowa, October 31, 1864.
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, DEPT. OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, Mo.:
SIR: I have the honor to inclose herewith extracts from the statement of John Wells, a rebel
soldier, late of Elliott's battalion, Jeff. Thompson's brigade, Shelby's division, of Price's army.
Wells was arrested near this [place] while making his way into Illinois. He was furloughed at
Boonville to go to Randolph County, where he enlisted. This statement is sent because it may
possibly tend to throw light on the circumstances of Major Wilson's death, inasmuch as it shows
that Major Wilson was turned over to Price's headquarters guard unharmed. A description of
Major Wilson's person was taken from the prisoner to enable you better to determine the
credibility of his statements.
With great respect, sir, your obedient servant,
T. C. H. SMITH,
Brigadier-General.