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OFFICIAL ARMY RECORDS
1864-6
Extract from statement of John Wells, of Elliott's battalion, Jeff. Thompson's brigade,
Shelby's division, prisoner at Keokuk, Iowa, October 31, 1864.
I first saw Major Wilson when he was taken prisoner and was under guard. I was under arrest
and under guard at that time. I was a soldier in Company A, Capt. Anderson Bolles, Elliott's
battalion. I was put under guard for being on a spree, noisy, and would not go on duty on the day
we got to Pilot Knob before the fight commenced. The fight commenced in the morning, I think,
and ended that evening. They retreated out of the place that night, I believe. I heard the magazine
blow up. Next day, some time, Major Wilson was brought in, and he was put in, him and a
captain--I don't know his name--with some more prisoners, I think about twenty-five or thirty;
some were citizens and some were soldiers. The citizens were taken up to press into the army, I
think. These prisoners were brought up when we were in a street in the town, passing through the
town. Major Wilson was not wounded that I know of. The wounded had been left in hospital.
Some time that evening on the march I spoke with Major Wilson, tramping along the big road
together. Major Wilson was laughing about the looks of Price's men, ragged and on poor horses,
and wondered if Price expected to stay in Missouri with such an army. I told him I had heard if a
man deserted and came North he would be kept in prison during the war. He said it was not so;
that they would let him take the oath and go about his business. I told him if they did not keep
their eye on me mighty close I was going to Iowa or Illinois. The next night out about Potosi all
the prisoners, including Major Wilson, were turned over to headquarters guard at General Price's
headquarters in a big field. I remember the place exactly; there was a big spring there. I don't
think it was more than five or six miles from Potosi. It was after we passed Potosi. I was returned
to duty that night. That was the last I saw of Major Wilson. I never heard that he was badly
treated or hurt afterward. Major Wilson had on a blue blouse with shoulder straps. I think he had
blue pants with yellow cord, but am not certain about that; a black hat. He was a man about
medium size, slender made. I don't remember his eyes sure, but think they were black, or at least
dark; upper lip shaved; goatee, or beard growing below chin and lower part of his cheek; his hair
was dark; am not sure whether it was right black.
Question. Repeat what you stated when first examined in regard to an interview between Jeff.
Thompson and Major Wilson.
On the road between Pilot Knob and Potosi Jeff. Thompson came up and shook hands with
Major Wilson, laughing, and said that the tables were turned; that some time he (Major Wilson)
had him (Jeff. Thompson) prisoner, and that now he (Jeff. Thompson) had him (Major Wilson).
He told the commander of the escort to treat him well. Captain Bolles was in the advance of the
escort. It was under the command of a Lieutenant-Colonel Priste or Fisk [Fristoe] or some such
name. At that time the major was afoot, and I think Jeff. Thompson ordered him a horse or mule
to ride. He was on a mule or horse when he was turned over to headquarters.
KEOKUK, IOWA, October 31, 1864.
Maj. J. F. MELINE,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Milwaukee, Wis.:
MAJOR: The assistant quartermaster at Davenport states that no horses are purchased there
for the Cavalry Bureau. No protection worthy of the name can be afforded against guerrilla raids
except by a mounted force, and as no cavalry is at hand I repeat the suggestion made in my letter
of the 29th, that thirty horses be provided here, which,
with twelve horses here, including
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ambulance horses, would enable us to make up a small mounted force of convalescents, if
necessity should arise. The horses can be kept here in charge of the quartermaster and groomed
by details from the convalescents, under direction of non-commissioned officers. Horse
equipments not sufficiently serviceable for continued use in the field, but sufficiently so for
temporary use, can be obtained from among those turned in at the ordnance depots at Saint
Louis. If these suggestions meet the approval of the major-general commanding, I respectfully
ask that thirty horses and equipments for forty horses be procured and sent to this point. There is
but one line officer here, a lieutenant commanding the company of Second Battalion Veteran
Reserve Corps. I respectfully ask that Lieutenant Morton, Veteran Reserve Corps, now at Camp
Reno, be ordered here for duty. I wish him to act here as provost-marshal of this place. Service
of this kind is needed here. I also respectfully repeat my suggestion, that if practicable the
services of a detective from Saint Louis, one who has had experience in Missouri, be secured
here for a few weeks. The season in which guerrillas can conveniently operate is about ending by
the approach of cold weather, and Price's retreat must in great part, it is thought, restore quiet.
Because of this and because I am aware that the force in this department is small and little at
hand for use in this section, I content myself with making the above suggestions.
With great respect, major, your obedient servant,
T. C. H. SMITH,
Brigadier-General.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 269.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS,
Little Rock, November 1, 1864.
V. The Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry Volunteers is hereby transferred to the Second Brigade,
Second Division, Seventh Army Corps, and will proceed to Pine Bluff without delay, and report
for duty to the commanding officer of that post, taking with them their regimental property,
transportation, and the necessary amount of subsistence for the march.
VI. Upon the arrival of the Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry at Pine Bluff, the Twenty-eighth
Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers will be relieved from duty at that post and will proceed to Little
Rock, and report for duty to the commanding officer First Division, Seventh Army Corps.
By order of Maj. Gen. F. Steele:
W. D. GREEN,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, STATE OF IOWA,
Des Moines, November 1, 1864.
Maj. Gen. JOHN POPE:
GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 19th ultimo
relative to alleged dangers on the southern border of this State, and inclosing copy of one from
Mayor J. M. Hiatt, of Keokuk, on the same subject. The probability of formidable raids into this
State by Missouri bushwhackers was quite imminent some weeks ago; in fact, a gang of mounted
men crossed over into Davis County, murdered three of our citizens, and committed other
depredations of various kinds. They did not advance far into the State, however, and soon
returned to Missouri. Since then we have not been molested, and I am inclined to the opinion that
with the expulsion of Price from that State, and the vigorous measures which have been adopted
by Generals Rosecrans and Curtis, that but little danger need be apprehended from that quarter at
present; yet I cannot say that the people living along that exposed line are at any time entirely
safe while the war continues. But they are very well
supplied with arms, and I am endeavoring as
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rapidly as possible to complete the organization of the militia, so as to place them in a reasonable
position of defense against these irregular visitations from Missouri. Accept my thanks, general,
for the interest you manifest in the safety of this State and your willingness to aid in the
protection of our borders, and be assured that if circumstances require your assistance I shall
promptly advise you of it.
I am, general, very truly, yours,
W. M. STONE.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST,
Milwaukee, Wis., November 2, 1864.
Hon. WILLIAM M. STONE,
Governor of Iowa, Des Moines, Iowa:
GOVERNOR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 1st instant.
Ten days since I sent Brigadier-General Smith to Keokuk with orders to look after the security of
the southern border of your State, and to make such arrangements for that purpose as were
practicable. I inclose a copy of his report to me. He is still at Keokuk, and will remain there until
all excitement has subsided. I will communicate to you anything of consequence which I have
from him.
I am, Governor, respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. POPE,
Major-General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST,
Milwaukee, Wis., November 3, 1864.
Brig. Gen. T. C. H. SMITH,
Keokuk, Iowa:
GENERAL: Your several reports have been received and are entirely satisfactory. I transmit
inclosed copy of a letter just received from Governor Stone, to which I invite your particular
attention. You will observe that the Governor considers the Iowa militia abundantly able to
protect the border against guerrilla raids, or any other danger to be anticipated since the retreat of
Price. I desire to remind you that it is not always good policy to inaugurate a regular system of
military precautions, and to post troops and prepare for hostilities, where no such arrangements
have hitherto existed. I gather from your reports, as also from the letter of the Governor, that the
anticipation of danger entertained some weeks since has nearly subsided, and is rapidly
subsiding. It is my experience that it is very much easier to establish military arrangements and
post troops than it is to do away with such arrangements and remove the troops afterward. Once
establish such a system and I fear it will be fixed upon us long after its necessity or propriety has
passed away. I fear if you make the arrangements you suggest, the clamor of the people will
force us to continue them at much expense and inconvenience long after the necessity has
passed. I am therefore very reluctant to go into any system of defense for the border of Iowa,
except what is and what always has been furnished by the local militia. We may get an elephant
in our possession which we will not be able to get rid of for a long time to come. I prefer greatly
to stand upon the Governor's letter and the belief that since Price's retreat there is really no
danger on the Iowa border, except what the local militia can attend to, as they have always done.
I shall delay sending horses, therefore, until I hear from you again. As soon as you think you can
do so safely, you had best return here, placing Major Ten Broeck in charge of matters in
Southern Iowa, if you think it judicious. You will readily understand what I mean without further
explanation.
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Very respectfully, general, your obedient servant,
JNO. POPE,
Major-General, Commanding.
KEOKUK, IOWA, November 3, 1864.
Maj. J. F. MELINE,
A. A. A. G., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Northwest, Milwaukee, Wis.:
MAJOR: I went up yesterday to Ottumwa, the county seat of Wapello, to learn the condition
of things west of this and the views and wishes of the citizens. Colonel Viall, of the staff of the
Governor of this State, and who, as he informs me, is intrusted with the administration of the
militia system in the southern counties, accompanied me. There are over 1,000 militia in each,
organized in the counties of Van Buren, Davis, and Wapello. Of these a company of about forty
in Van Buren and fifty in Davis are now in active service, patrolling, each company, the southern
border of its county, being mounted infantry, drawing pay and a per diem allowance for use of
horses. None of the other militia are on this basis, but the majority of the companies have agreed
to come to drill mounted, and act, if called out, as mounted infantry, most of them being farmers
owning horses. They are well armed with Enfield rifles (all the militia, whether armed or not)
and a number of the officers and many of the men have been in the volunteer service in this war.
As estimated., this mounted force, which could act at once hi an emergency, numbers over 1,600,
about equally distributed in the three counties named. In this county, for the reason that the use
of horses involves more expense and inconvenience (few of the members of the militia
companies owning horses), there are no militia organized as, or who will act as, mounted
infantry or cavalry. The measure suggested in my previous letters, to provide a small mounted
force here, will thus complete the protection by mounted force of the three counties in the
southern border next east of the Mississippi River. I was glad to receive this morning the
dispatch by telegraph from the major-general commanding in regard to detectives.
With great respect, major, your obedient servant,
T. C. H. SMITH,
Brigadier-General.
LITTLE ROCK, November 4, 1864--5 p.m.
Brig. Gen. POWELL CLAYTON:
It is uncertain when the Twenty-eighth Wisconsin will be ordered up. The Twenty-ninth
Iowa was to start to-morrow morning for Pine Bluff, but they have been ordered to remain here
awaiting the movements of the enemy.
C. H. DYER,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 306.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, Mo., November 4, 1864.
2. The detachment of the First Iowa Cavalry now at Schofield Barracks will proceed to and
take post at Benton Barracks for the purpose of procuring remounts and refitting for field service.
Capt. J. L. Woods, assistant quartermaster, will furnish necessary wagon transportation to
Benton Barracks.
KEOKUK, IOWA, November 4, 1864.
Maj. J. F. MELINE,
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A. A. A. G., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Northwest, Milwaukee, Wis.:
MAJOR: The rapid and vigorous organization and arming of militia forces in the southern
counties of this State, which Price's advance in Missouri induced, has given the people
confidence in their ability to dispose of any raiders, and since his retreat their apprehensions have
almost entirely died out. I can see but one indication of mischief as things are now. There can be
no question that the recruiting parties which dispersed into Northern Missouri are still many of
them there, and it is possible that before making their way south, they may suddenly collect
together and attempt some undertaking of consequence. It is matter of common knowledge here
that mounted men (suspicious characters) have been making their way into Illinois the past few
weeks. The men arrested by my order were on a recruiting errand. Colonel Duffield, late of the
Third Iowa Cavalry, who was captured on the evening of the 2d instant on the packet from Saint
Louis to this port, the Kate Kearney, at Clarksville, and who was subsequently paroled, told me
that he conversed with a number of the party and came to the conclusion that they were rebel
recruits from Illinois. I am told here that it is matter of common knowledge in Hancock County,
Ill., opposite, that recruiting and drilling have been going on there for weeks. In view of these
and other similar facts, and of the notorious complicity of the secret political societies formed
against the Government, with the rebels, in this region at least, and of the giving out as to what is
to be done on election day, I think it better that I should remain here till after the 8th instant.
With great respect, major, your obedient servant,
T. C. H. SMITH,
Brigadier-General.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. --.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS,
Little Rock, November 6, 1864.
I. Col. William McE. Dye, Twentieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, commanding First Brigade,
Third Division, Nineteenth Army Corps, will proceed with three regiments of his brigade, viz,
Twentieth Iowa, Twenty-third Iowa, and Thirty-fifth Wisconsin, to Brownsville, and will await
further orders at that station. The other regiments of his brigade will join him as soon as
practicable after the arrival at Devall's Bluff of a brigade now under orders at the mouth of White
River.
II. The assistant quartermaster at Devall's Bluff will furnish such land transportation as may
be necessary to carry five days' rations for the command and ten days' rations of forage for the
animals pertaining thereunto.
By order of Major-General Steele:
WM. D. GREEN,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 275.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS,
Little Rock, November 7, 1864.
V. Col. William McE. Dye, Twentieth Iowa Infantry Volunteers, commanding First Brigade,
Third Division, Nineteenth Army Corps, will proceed with three regiments of his brigade (the
Twentieth Iowa, Twenty-third Iowa, and Thirty-fifth Wisconsin Infantry) to Brownsville, and
there await further orders at that station. The other regiments of his brigade will join him as soon
as practicable after the arrival at Devall's Bluff of a brigade now under orders at the mouth of
White River. The assistant quartermaster at Devall's Bluff
will furnish such land transportation
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as may be necessary to carry five days' rations for the command and ten days' rations of forage
for the animals pertaining thereto.
By order of Maj. Gen. F. Steele:
W. D. GREEN,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
SIOUX CITY, IOWA, November 7, 1864.
Hon. E. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.:
SIR: I learn that the expedition against the Indians is now at an end, but still some 2,000 or
3,000 men are retained at the different military posts on and near the Missouri River, above this
place. This number of men, in my opinion, is not required for this service. At least 1,000 can be
spared for service elsewhere. I believe I understand the situation, and I do not like to see these
men retained here when they are needed so much elsewhere. The officers and men of the Sixth
Iowa Cavalry, as I am informed, desire to go south, and I request that this regiment be ordered
south immediately. It is not needed in this field of service. You are aware that I have always
advised a less force in this service than has been employed. If sent south it should be done at
once, before winter commences.
Very respectfully,
A. W. HUBBARD.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 311.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, Mo., November 9, 1864.
5. The detachment of men belonging to Colonel Winslow's cavalry brigade, of the Right
Wing, Sixteenth Army Corps, now in this city, in charge of Sergt. R. K. Miller, Company D,
Fourth Iowa Cavalry, will take post at Benton Barracks, Mo., until the division to which they
properly belong arrives at this post.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 139.
HDQRS. FIRST DIV., 7TH ARMY CORPS,
Little Rock, Ark., November 10, 1864.
I. During the absence of Col. A. Engelmann, Forty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Col.
John A. Garrett, Fortieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, is hereby assigned to the command of the
Second Brigade, First Division, Seventh Army Corps, and post of Little Rock.
By order of Brig. Gen. F. Salomon:
A. BLOCKI,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
SAINT LOUIS, November 10, 1864--11.10 p.m.
Col. S. H. MELCHER,
Commanding, Jefferson City:
Dispatch written by Captain Thoms--I only saw it this morning. All troops of Sixteenth and
Seventeenth Army Corps are to be sent here. The First Iowa and Seventh Kansas Cavalry are to
come here; all other troops mentioned by you to go into camp--a stragglers' camp--and their
horses to be as well cared for as possible. No stable will be built, as it is believed there are
stables enough at the Fair. Grounds for the use of troops
temporarily at the post. As soon as
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orders are given assigning the troops to their permanent station a copy will be sent you, and then
stragglers and men on detached service can be sent to their regiments.
JOHN V. DU BOIS,
Colonel and Chief of Staff.
HEADQUARTERS NORTHWESTERN INDIAN EXPEDITION,
Sioux City, Iowa, Novemb