.^x^' < ^'% -1^* .s^'^ ,sV\^ IS. '/■ >-!> ■*,. ^. ■XV'^^' % ..^^%. "<^ .-^^ ■^ o\^' X^^ ^'^^- « ■ . V ^^^"^/>- >0o a5 --^c^. :/ : ov^ C^^ J -0' ^~ ,0- ^-.^ \ '"'^ .<^ V -^^ .<^- ',-!N ^" .^^"^^ ^^ ^1 <>o^ 6 1 / % b» V J7^(a ^^^ REBEL INVASION OF MISSOURI AND KANSAS, AND THE OAMPAIG-ISr OF THE ARMY OF THE BORDER, AGAINST GENERAL STERLING PRICE, IN OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER, 18&4. By RICHARD J. H IN TON, Late Captain "iu Kansas Col'd Vols. SECOND EDITION. CHICAGO: CHURCH & GOODMAN, 53 LaSALLE STREET, LEAVENWORTH, KANSAS: F . W . MARSHALL, 1805. ElA-m |6> 58137 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1865, By church, GOODMAN & DONNELLRY, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, For the Northern Disti-ict of Illinois. PRINTED BY CHICAGO TYPE FOnJrDP.T: CHURCH, GOODMAN & DONNELLEY, J. CONAUAN, LA SALLE ST., CHICAGO. STEREOTTPKR. COX & DONOHUE, * BOOKBINDERS. PREFACE. The work, of which these words are introductory, is designed to be a full and impartial narrative -of the stirring events which occurred in the cam- paign whose progress and results it tells. The author has not aimed at criticism, except those obvious remarks which naturally grow out of the body of works of this character. It has been his desire to do justice where it was due; not to give fulsome panegyric. Having participated in the operations recorded, with every opportunity of knowing all necessary details, as well as the reasons which actuated the policy and movements oi those in command, the author hopes ho has succeeded in his main purpose — that of telling plainly the history of an important campaign, and thereby adding a valuable contribution to the great work which shall one day tell the story of the Great Rebellion. His secondary object — that of recording the services and sacrifices of our volunteers, and especially of the Militia of Kansas — he is hopeful of having properly accomplished. / CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. Introductory 3 CHAPTER II. General Price crosses the Arkansas — Organization of the Rebel Army. 11 CHAPTER HI. Invasion of Missouri — Battle of Pilot Knob 16 CHAPTER IT. Movements in the Department of Kansas — Proclamation of Martial Law 28 CHAPTER V. Grand uprising of the People of Kansas 41 CHAPTER VI. Affairs in the City and at Fort Leavenworth 49 CHAPTER VIL Generals Curtis and Blunt take the field — Organization of Troops 56 CHAPTER VIII. March to Lexington — Preparations at the Big Blue — Movements of Militia 13 CHAPTER IX. Battle of Lexington 84 CHAPTER X. Battle of the Little Blue 92 CHAPTER XL March of Rosecrans' Cavalry from Jefferson City to Independence 106 CHAPTER XII. Battles on the Big Blue and State Line 122 CHAPTER Xm. Battle of Westport 149 CHAPTER XIV. General Pleasanton's Operations on the twenty- third 168 CHAPTER XV. Pursuit of Price dovrn the State Line 183 11. CONTENTS. CHAPTER XVI. Attack on the Mound — Battles of Marias des Cygnes and Mine Creek. . 191 CHAPTER XVII. Engagements at the Little Osage and Chariot — March of Moonlight — Engagements at Mound City and Eort Lincoln — Rebel Camp on Dry wood Creek — Ours at Fort Scott and Marmaton 220 CHAPTER XVIII. Fort Scott during the Invasion and the Battles of the 25th — Martial law abolished, and Mihtia disbanded — Proclamations of the Governor. 240 CHAPTER XIX. Pursuit from Fort Scott — Battle of Newtonia — General Rosecrans' Orders — Consequent abandonment of the Pursuit 259 CHAPTER XX. Resumption of Pursuit — Route of the Rebels — The Pea Ridge Battle- Field — Attack on Fayetteville — Gallant defense 219 CHAPTER XXI. From Fayetteville to the Arkansas River — Termination of the Pursuit — Storm on the Arkansas — General Orders 289 CHAPTER XXII. The Homeward March — Incidents — Results of Campaign 304 CHAPTER XXIII, General Orders and Congratulations » . . . 313 APPENDIX. In Memoriam 322 Horatio Knowles 323 Daniel M. Brown — Dr. L. M. Shadwick — Joseph Stout — Warren Hawkins — Albert McGonigle 324 Wm. A. Delong — Emmet Goss — Orloff Norton 323 Charles V. Hyde 326 Rev. Richard Vernon 327 John Miller— Elder Wilhams— G. L. Gove . . ^ 328 James Nelson Smith 330 H. C. Covil 332 Harvey G. Young — Daniel Handley — Nicholas Brown — George Grinold — MeClure Martin — C. H. Budd 333 Leu Selkin — Merrick D. Race 334 James Mayrers — Aaron Cook 33.5 David Fults 336 Major-General S. R. Curtis 339 Hon. James II. Lane 342 Brigadier-Gei>eral John McNeil 345 Battle of the Little Osage 34? ARMY OF THE BOEDER. CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTOEY. While east of the Mississippi River success crowned our arms during the entire current of tlie eventful year 180-1, west thereof we were generally defeated: two splendidly equipped armies almost routed, each only saving themselves by great loss of material, as well as of men. At the same time, in a portion, at least, of the Trans-Mississippi region, over which our rule had most successfully re-established, hj reverses to our arms the rel)els succeeded, if not in reinstating themselves, at least in rendering our control preca- rious, and confining the Federal garrisons within the limits of their posts. When 1864 opened upon the western scene of war, it looked on much of the States of Arkansas and Louisiana under control of our arms ; on the rebel 4 AKMY OF THE BORDER. Indians and their allies in the territory west of Arkansas, broken and discomfited ; upon attempts to re-organize loyal state governments in the afore- named states, and upon an appai'ently discouraged and defeated foe. Major-General Banks commanded the Department of the Gulf, Avhich included Louisiana and Texas. Major-General Fred'k Steele commanded the Depart- ment of Arkansas (which was included in the Division of the Mississippi, under General W. T. Sherman). Major-General Rosecrans that of Mis- souri ; and Major-General S. R. Curtis that of Kansas. The latter comprised the State of Kansas, the Indian Territory and the Territories of Nebraska and Colorado. At this time General Banks was earnestly engaged in reconstructing the Louisiana State Government. In Arkansas the Union people were engaged in the same laudable task. Our armies in both States had been hitherto successful. This was the position when, in March, the Bed Biver expedition set forth under General Banks. In April following, a conjoint movement, or what was presumed to be such, was made by General Steele from Little Bock and Fort Smith, in the direction of Camden. The results of those ill-starred movements is now historic. It becames necessary to allude to to them, however, in order to make complete the position in which we stood at the time the rebel Lieut. -General Sterling Brice made his last great raid — one which, in distance from base, extent of INTEODTTCTOEY. O country traversed, and objects aimed at, was hardly less stupendous in character to those whose magnifi- cent success have illumined with new lustre the name of General Sherman. The similitude ends, however, when success is named. By the disastrous results of the spring campaigns under Banks and Steele, the rebel forces in their Trans-Mississippi Department, from the position of defense v.ere enabled to assume the offensive. Our forces in the Department of the Gulf were at once concentrated by their new commander. General Canby, who was also intrusted with the direction of affairs in Arkansas and the Indian Territory, which latter region had been annexed to General Steele's department. The i-ebel forces numbei-ed about 50,000 men. The Confederate General, Kirby Smith, in supreme command. Lieutenant-General Magruder commanded in Texas ; General Dick Taylor in Louisiana ; while General Sterling Price commanded what remained of the r"ebel Missouri army, consisting of Marmaduke's division of cavalry, Major-General Shelby's old brigade, the infantry under General Parsons, and the Arkansas rebel regi- ments under General Fagan, General Cooper had command of the rebel Indians, in the territory between the Red and Arkansas Rivers, assisted by a couple of Texas brigades, under Generals Gano and Maxy. Price had about 10,000 veteran troops, well armed, equipped and clothed. Jackman, Dobbins, Brooks, 6 AE]MY OF THE BOEDER. and others were Ixisily engaged bushwhacking and conscripting in all sections of Arkansas, except the immediate vicinity of the posts held by General Steele. During the summer he succeeded in con- scripting about 8,000 men, a large ^umber of whom were boys and old men, unfit for and incapable of withstanding the fatigues and hardships incidental to all military service ; but especially so to that of the Trans-Mississippi Confederate armies with their ill- supplied quartermaster bureau. From the spoils of Eed River and Camden, General Price received a good share of transportation, clothing, small arms, several Parrott guns; two captured at Pleasant Hill, La., and two from the 8th Indiana battery. Captain Rabb, captured at Poison Spring, near Camden, Ark. ; four guns taken by Fagan at the Mark Mills, iVrk., fitrht, and several howitzers, also taken in the same campaign. During the summer, the utmost activity prevailed among; the rebels in Western and Northern Arkansas. Our forces were stationed principally at Fort Smith and Little Rock. We had been compelled to with- draw the troops from all smaller stations. jN"othing of importance, therefore, interfered with the perfect- ing, by General Price, of the army with which it was rumored he projected an invasion of and wintering in Missouri, General Rosecrans found himself actively engaged in ferreting out and providing against the great rebel conspiracy which threatened, at one time during the mTRODUCTORY. 7 summer of 1864, to plunge the States of Indiana, Illinois, as well as Missouri, into civil war. This treasonable organization, known as the " Order of American Knights," had received its impetus in Missouri; alike from Northern sympathizers and from the agents of General Price ; as elsewhere in the Northwest, the impelling force was the Vallan- digham Democrats. It is well established that tlie movements of Price were expected by those con- nected with the order. There is no doubt the great raider relied upon receiving aid from this source by movements not only in Missouri, but also in Illinois; and that tlirougli them he confidently hoped to revolutionize Missouri again and re-establish the Confederate State Government. What is known in the local military and political history of Missouri as the Paw-Paw rebellion, was, without doubt, origi- nally intended to aid Price's movements. Its pre- mature disclosure, however, prevented this, and caused its speedy suppression. For months rumors were rife in sympathizing cir- cles, and anionic the bushwhackers in Missouri that " Pap Price" (as the general is familiarly known by his admirers) would soon be in the state with a large army. It was generally credited by our troops stationed on the river and elsewhere in Arkansas, that the rebel general intended an advance north- wards ; yet this was hardly deemed possil)le by the distins-uished soldier commandinof at St. Louis. If General Steele knew or credited the rumor, it does ARMY OF THE BORDER. not appear that be took action thereon. As for General Curtis, in command at Fort Leavenworth, fully occupied with the important duties entrusted to his inadequate forces, it is not surprising that he should have deemed it both monstrous and impossi- ble that a rebel army could march unchecked in the slightest degree, for over two hundred miles beyond our advanced lines, into the very heart of our terri- tory ; not only without resivStance, but almost un- known to the commanding officer of the department immediately concerned. In Kansas, the military force looked miserably insufficient to successfully cope with the enemy, so soon to threaten the security of that state. The nomadic Indian tribes roaming near the important Santa Fe and California roads, had become suddenly and fiercely hostile, committing simultaneously savage atrocities and depredations upon life and property along, not only the overland routes, but the unprotected settlements in Kansas, Nebraska and Colorado. To meet this emergency, as well as to guard the eastern and southern borders of Kansas, and protect the posts and depots of the army, Gent^ral Curtis' force consisted of about 4,500 men. The vast terri- tory and the long lines of inter-communication rendered the handling of this small force, for the objects to be accomplished, one of extreme difficulty. The troops in the Department of Kansas consisted partly of the 1st and 3rd Colorado volunteer cav- INTRODUCTOEY. 9 airy (tlie latter au hundred day regiment, since mus- tered out) ; a portion of the 1st Nebraska cavalry, Colonel Livingston ; some three months Nebraska troops ; a battalion of the 7th Iowa cavalry, and about 300 unassigned recruits of the 3rd Wisconsin cavalry. These troops were all employed upon the overland mail routes, and in protecting the Frontier and Colorado settlements, and were in themselves in- adequate for that purpose. In Kansas itself were the 11th regiment Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, Colonel Thomas Moonlif»:ht ; the ir^th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, Colonel Charles K. Jennison ; a small bat- talion of the 3rd Wisconsin Cavalry, wdth a section of the 2nd Kansas Battery, at Fort Scott, which post was under command of Colonel Charles W. Blair, 14th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry; the IGth Kansas (at Fort Leavenworth and Northern Kansas ;) a new cavalry organization just completed ; and the ITtli Regiment (a battalion of six companies, one hundred day men) : these, with McLain's Independent C(j1o- rado Battery, and Captain Dodge's 9th Wisconsin Battery, constituted the entire volunteer force under command of General Curtis. At the beginning of September and the date of Price's movement northward, Mnjor-Genei-al Curtis was in the vicinity of Fort Kearney, with an hastily gathered force of volunteers and citizens, endeav- oring to find the Indian enemy. Major-General Jas. G, Blunt, who had just assumed command of the District of LTpper Arkansas (a command created 1.0 AIIMY OF THE BOEDER. from tlie region threatened by Indians in Western Kansas and Colorado, south of the Solomon River,) was at this time out beyond Fort Larned, in pursuit of a larore force of warriors whom he met and defeated. Major-General Sykes was in command of the District of Southern Kansas, with head quarters at Lawrence. This section was divided into three sub-districts under command of Colonels Jennison, Moonlight, and Blair. The supplies for Forts Gibson and Smith on the Arkansas, both for troops and Indian refugees, were mainly furnished from Fort Scott. The protection of route and trains engaged all the force stationed in South-Eastern Kansas. At this time great activity prevailed, owing to the constant alarm and danger to trains on our Southern bofder, created by the energy of the rebel General (xano, who was operating in the Cherokee nation, along the route to Fort Gibson. Such was the state of affairs in the Departments of Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas, at the time the rebel General com- menced his northward march from South- Western Arkansas. CHAPTER II. GENEEAL PEICE CROSSES THE AEKAT^SAS — OEGANIZA- TIOI^ OF THE EEBEL AEMY. Lieutenant-Genekal Steeling Peice, C. S. A., crossed the Arkansas River at Dardennelles, a village in Pope connty, Arkansas, about equi-distant from Little Rock and Fort Smith, the two principal posts occupied by our troops. It is a position of military importance, and before tlie spring campaign of '64, was held by the 3d regiment Arkansas Volunteers. The rebel army has been variously estimated at from 5,000 to 15,000 men. General Steele's first telegrams, announcing their advance, estimated them at 5,000, all mounted. He again reported ii from 5,000 to 10,000, mostly inftmtry, and later, at J 5,000 mounted men, with 20 guns. Their operations showed the rebel army conr isted, at the time of crossing, of about 18,000 armed men, nearly all of whom were mounted. Some th' .^e or four tliousand recruits and conscripts were ado d in Northern Arkansas. 12 ARMY OF -THE BORDEE. This force was organized into three divisions, under tlie command respectively of Brevet Major- Generals Fagan, Marmaduke and Joe Slielby. Fagan's troops were in the main, veteran Arkau- sians. His brigades were commanded by Brigadier Generals Cabell, McKae, Slemmons, and Colonel Dobbins. Among the Colonels and Ileginiental Commanders, were Munroe, Hills, Gordon, Reeves, Baker, Crandall, Crawford, AVitts, McGee and Anderson ; Lieutenant-Colonels Ileefe, Crabtree and Corcoran. The division had two Parrott guns, two rifled guns, made in Texas, six howitzers, and one inch-and-a-half rifled gun, used for picking otf artil- leryists, and said to be very eftective ; in all eleven. The second division was commanded by Marma- duke, and consisted of the cavalry of the Missouri State Guard, an organization which, under Price, has from the beginning seen much service. Its brigade commanders were Brigadier Generals Clarke, Graham and Tyler. Its regimental commanders were Colonels Freeman, Lowe, Bristow, Green, Jeffries, Burbridge, Fauthers and Kitchen, with Majors Wood and Wolfe. It had four Parrott and James' rifled guns, captured on the Red River, and two or three lis^ht howitzers. Shelby's division was composed mainly of the old busliAvacking, raiding force of Sonthern Missouri, inci'eased by a rigorous conscription in Northern Arkansas. The notorious partizan leader, Jeff. M. Thompson, commanded Shelby's old brigade, and KEBEL OEGANIZATIOlSr AIN^D ACTIVITY. 13 the infamous guerilla, Colonel Jackman, commanded the other. Among the Colonels, were Smith, Hunter, Slayback, Coffey, Coleman and Schnable. Lieutenant-Colonels, Irwin and Elliott, with Major Shaw, and Captain Smith commanding the artillery, which consisted of six guns, two of them captured Parrotts. General Tyler was afterwards placed in command of a division, composed of the recruits and conscripts gathered in Missouri. The route of this army in jSTorthern Arkansas was through the counties of Pope, Van Buren, Searcy, Izard, Fulton and Lawrence. The rebel movements were unmolested. and conducted in the most leisurely manner. The contradictory intelligence which for two or three weeks reached St. Louis and Little Pock, served only to confuse Generals Posecrans and Curtis. General Steele, who had been largely re-in- forced by several thousand infantry, does not seem to have been very active. The rebels showed great activity in the neighborhood of our posts in Western Arkansas, and by demonstrations in the vicinity of Forts Smith, Gibson, at Cane Hill, Clarksville, Fay- etteville, and along the supply route in the Indian Territory. General Gano moved along the latter line with two brigades of cavalry, one of Texaus and the other of Indians, under Stand Waitie, the rebel Cherokee leader. The rebels, Colonel Brooks and Major Buck Brown, whose operations in Wash- ington and Benton counties, Arkansas, had kept our 14 ARMY OF THE BOEDER. troops at Fayetteville on the alert all summer, were reported at Clarksville, while other forces, marauding parties mainly, were reported at Cane Hill, Crawford county. By these means and this activity, our intelligence w^as confused, and the attention of our officers directed from the rebel line of march. CHAPTER III. INVASION OF MISSOUEI BATTLE OF PILOT KNOB. Geneeal Cuetis was encamped upon tlie Solomon River in Western Kansas, returning from an expe- dition against Indians, wlien Price crossed the Arkansas, The despatch from Major-General Rosecrans sug- gested that their route northward was probably by way of Pilot Knob ; whence they could overrun Southern Kansas, and join General Cooper in the Indian Territory. The force under General Rosecrans was mainly new troops ; most of the veteran regiments had been removed, a large portion to General Steele after the disasters of the previous spring. The commander in Missouri, warned, not of an expected rebel invasion, but by the Paw-Paw insurrection and the discovery of the Order of American Knights, had shortly before this period obtained authority to raise a num- ber of provisional regiments for the period of twelve months. The oraranization of this force was under 16 AElSfY OF THE BOEDER. way, at tlie time Price's army entered the state at West Plains. These regiments and the state militia materially aided our subsequent success. At the same time the dispatch relative to the rebel advance was received, Colonel Blair at Fort Scott, Kansas, received dispatches from Colonel Wattles, 2nd Regi- ment Indian brigade, commanding at Fort Gibson, C. N., announcing that the rebels under Cooper, Gano and Maxy, were advancing through to the Choctaw Nation, with apparent intention of crossing the Arkansas. Colonel Wattles also reported Price's army at 15,000. General Curtis returned from the west on the 17th, and immediately commenced such preparations for defence as his very limited force would allow. yi^>-t ' On the 19th of September a supply train for Forts Gibson and Smith, which left Fort Scott on the 12th, under Major Henry Hopkins, 2nd Kansas Cavalry, was attacked at Cabin Creek, Cherokee Nation, at midnight, by a rebel force under General Gano, numbering about 2,500, with several rifled guns. Our force consisted of one hundred and fifty cavalry, same of dismounted men (white), thirty mounted Cherokees and three hundred and thirty infantry. (Indians) ; in all six hundred and ten. The enemy was held in check by four hundred of the escort from 1 P. M. to 7i A. M., when the rebel line advanced and ours was driven back, fleeing in disorder. They captured the train of three hundred wagons, about half belonging to Gov- KANSAS MILITIA CALLED FOR. 17 eriimeiit, tlie l)alaiice, sutlers' and refugee snp plies. The major portion of tlie train was Ijurnt ])y the enemy. A number of our forces were killed, wounded and taken prisoners. This event showed the perilous condition of the Southern border, with the small force at our disposal, and the activity of the enemy. It was a loss of great magnitude, depriving this supply route of its transportation, and put the garrisons on the Arkansas in danger of starvation. Reports were prevalent also, of Price's, presence at Cane Hill, Arkansas. On the 24tli~ Governor Carney was informed of the ap|)roaching danger, and requested to have the militia in readiness to co-operate for the defense of the State. Promises were made to the Governor, tliat, so far as possible, they should mainly be employed as garrisons, during the continuance of danger. On the night of the 24:th, Gen. Rosecrans received information of the rebel advance into Mis- souri, by way of Poplar Bluffs and Bloomiield, through Butler and Stoddard counties. Major General (xeorge Sykes, commanding the District of South Kansas, telegraphed on the 21st, a report of three thousand rebels marching on Fort Scott, and advised that Governor Carney call out the militia in the border counties. He also suicsnested the concentration of the 15th Regiment Kansas Volun- teer Cavalry, at Fort Scott. Two companies of the I'rtli Regiment (100 days men,) Kansas Volunteers, were sent to Paola, under Lieutenant-Colonel Drake. 2 18 AEMY OF THE BORDER. The Governor made a call upon the border militia as requested. The telegraphic despatches came faster and still more contradictory from General Rosecrans at St. Louis, while nothing seemed definitely known of Price's movement, though his army at this time, was within a few miles of the south line of Missouri. On the 24th, General Rosecrans telegraphed Gen- eral Curtis, " that he does not credit" General Steele's dispatches that "Price with 5,000 to 10,000 mounted infantry, and seventeen pieces of artillery, was at Pocahontas on the 2 2d. On the 25th he found reason to believe " that Price is north of the Arkansas line in South Missouri." On the next day, that his " present" impression is, that Price will move toward Jefferson City, betAveen RoUa and Lebanon, and pass out towards Kansas. He advised against any movement too far South, but urged waiting till Price's stren2:th and intentions in Missouri were developed. On the 28th, he was again incredulous. Shell jy had been reported at Pocahontas, and was known to be in the vicinity of Frederickstown, Mo. Under date of the 26th, Price and Shelby were seen together, between Pocahontas and Curent River. In Rosecrans' opinion, Shelby seemed to be opera- ting to draw troops off to the south-east. Price had a train of from three to four hundred w^agons, prin- cipally loaded with ammunition and ordnance stores. His army lived on the country and con- scripted rigorously as they moved. It is evident OUR TROOPS IN MISSOURI. 19 that General Rosecrans believed the rebels only intended a great raid up to the central region, keep- ing his main force south of the Osage River, and then westward to Kansas, joining Cooper and Gauo for a raid therein. Brigadier General Sanborn, was in command ot the District of South-west Missouri, with head-quar- ters at Springfield. The force in his district (cavalry), consisted of about 2,000 men, mainly Mis- souri State Militia ; it also embraced the 2d Arkan- sas Volunteer Cavalry, under Col. Phelps, Jr. The district of which Rolla is head-quarters, was under command of Brigadier General John McNeil, well known for his radical and active policy as a soldier, and his uncompromising loyalty as a citizen. Rolla is the terminus of the south-west branch of the Missouri Pacific Railroad, and one of the most important depots in that State. It has been the object of many efforts on the part of rebel raiding forces, and appeared to be again threatened by this movement. General McNeil prepared his small force for a vigorous defence. The post is well fortified. Brigadier General Thomas Ewing, Jr., was in command of the District of South-east Missouri, head-quarters of which are at St. Louis, and in which is included the Iron Mountain Railroad, with the famous Arcadia Valley and the posts of Pilot Knob, St. Genevieve, Cape Giradeau, New Madrid, and others upon the Mississippi River. The rebels marched through this district, in the counties of 20 AEMY or TnE BORDEE. Butler^ Stoddard, Wayne, Madison, and Iron, vvhere was the terminus of the Iron Mountain Railioad, at Pilot Knob. During the early preparations to meet Price, Gen- eral Kosecrans had succeeded in temporarily detain- ing two brigades of the veteran l7th corps, under General A. J. Smith, then passing down the Mis- sissippi Eiver to Memphis. They were landed at Jefferson Barracks, below St. Louis. On the 24th, General Ewing was ordered to take the 2d Brigade, patrol and garrison the Iron Mountain Road The enemy were reported at Fredericktown, Madi- son county. General Ewing proceeded to Pilot Knob, held by Major James Wilson, 3d M. S. M. All the troops stationed in the Third Sub-District had been withdrawn and concentrated here. Ewinor's instructions from Gen. Rosecrans were to have Major Wilson hold the post against detachments, but evacu- ate if Price's army should appear. The entire force concentrated under General Ewing was 1,051 volun- teers and one hundred and fifty citizens, enough to man the works, which were quite strong. Pilot Knob is eighty-six miles south of St. Louis. It lies in a j^lain of three hundred acres, with Cedar and Bock mountains to the North, Pilot Knob to the East, and Shepherd mountain on the South and West. These are from five to six hundred feet high, rising abruptly from the valley and covered with rocks, gnarled oaks and undergrowth. The slopes of Shepherd mountain are accessible. A creek ATTACK ON PILOT KNOB. " 21 flows aloug its base, and tlirougli a gap between it and Pilot Knol), into a larger valley beyond, in which is the town of Irouton. Throng this gap runs the Fredericktown ]"oad, passing out of the larger valley by what is called " Shut-in-Gap." These valleys are known as Arcadia. The position is not considered defensible against a lai'ge force with serviceable artillery. Fort Davidson, defensive work lying on the plain south of the vilhige, is about six hundred yards from the Knob, six hundred from Shepherd's mountain, and one thousand from the gap at Stout's creek. It mounted four thirty-two pound seige guns and three twenty-four pound liow- itzers. During the night preceding the attack, six pieces of fiekl artillery were mounted — all en harhette. General Ewing reached Pilot Knob at noon, Sep- tember 26th. Strong reconnoitering parties being sent out, met Price's advance at " Shut-in-Gap." They vvQVQ driven back to Ironton, where a stand was made till nio-ht. At midnio-ht it was evident the enemy were in large numbers, their colnmn havinii; been all the ni^rht movino; in strono; force into the larger valley. Believing the advantage of delay- ing the enemy's northward march would be great, Ewing determined on a stubborn resistance. He forwarded by railroad all stores not needed ; sent off the rolling stock and all empt}^ Quarter-Master wagons. Telegraphic communication was kept open all night with General Smith at De Soto. The battle commenced at daylight on the 27th, and was obsti- 22 ■ AEMY OF THE BOEDEE. nately fouglit all day, our well-served artillery, and the deadly fire of our small arms, driving the rebels back every time they ventured to attempt an assault- Two divisions. General Fagan's and Marmaduke's, wei-e engaged. Both suffered terribly, as must needs be in an attempt to cross an open plain of three hundred acres, from the fire of eleven well-served guns, and the musketry fire of a thousand men. Marmaduke's Division made a charge from the south and west, but were broken and disordered, both by the inequalities and our heavy fire, before they reached the plain. Most of the assaulting force took cover in the creek bed, from which they kept up an incessant fire. Only about one hundred ventured on assault, 'but were driven back before reaching the ditch. Simultaneously with Marmaduke's movements, General Fagan marched over Pilot Knob to the East, Stronger, and less disturbed by our fire, this Division swept back disordered, or cut olf, the companies which had held the town and part of the mountain side. Their own lines became disordered by our fire, but hastily reformed, were led by General Cabell in person. We opened, as they came in sight, at four hundred yards, and with grape and canister from seven pieces. The rebels moved gallantly, but were confused, broken and swept down by our well- directed and destructive fire. The advance had reached the ditch, when the whole force fled, leaving a large number of killed and wounded. While the GEXEKAL EWING RETREATS. 23 . assault progressed, a large cavalry force was sent to occupy the Mineral Point Road, over ^^Incli was the most available line of retreat for Ewing and his gallant troops. Prisoners stated that the enemy numbered 12,000 men with 10 guns, Shelby's Division having gone from Fredericktowu to Farm- ington, Francois County, north-east of Pilot Knob. General Ewino', findins; himself unaljle to hohl the mountain sides, without which the w^orks would be untenal^le, determined to evacuate. The Potosi (Washington Co.) Ivoad was the only one now open. At midnight preparations began, andOjefore day- break the entire command was on its road North. The magazine was l)lown up aljout an hour V^efore day, the enemy being then at Ironton, busily enQ:ai>:ed in makino; fascines and scalins; ladders for the assault, confident that General Ewing was hemmed in. In the meanwhile Shelby had moved over to Potosi the evening before. Price ordered Shelby down to join in the attack. Learning of this, General Ewing left the Potosi Road, and moved by that through Webster, towards Rolla, in a direction almost due West. A small squad stiiick Shelby's advance at Caledonia, killing several. This induced that commander to halt two miles north of the village to give us battle. Several hours were thus lost to them of Avhich Ewino; took advantao-e to press his retreat. Marmaduke left the Knob at 8 A. M., and joined Shelby in the pursuit. At sun- down our forces reached Webster, having marched 24 AKMY OF THE BORDER. tbirty-oue miles, and rested till midnight. It was determined to march to Leesburijf on the South branch of the Pacific Railroad, about thirty miles East of Rolla. The road to the latter place was open to cavalry movements, while by the Leesburo; road General Evvino; had the advantasce (protecting his flanks) of a spur in the Ozark Hills, separating the liuzzah and Courteois rivers, and the gorge of the Huzzah, Availed by precipitous cliffs. Besides, to Leesburg (Harrison) was but thirt3^-iive miles ; to liolla, fifty-five. A detachment of ten men under Captain Dills, 10th Kansas, was sent forward to Franklin, to telegraph to General Rosecrans at St. Louis, and to General McNeil at Rolla, informing them of the situation. Our little column, after marching througli the night, were overtaken by the enemy at eight on the morning of the 29th. Major Williams, 10th Kansas, Acting A. D. C, was placed in command of the rear, and by occasional rounds of grape and canister kept the enemy in check, making good the retreat. The skirmishing was constant until within four miles of Harrison. We then entered a high sweep of gently rolling woodland, and had to fight doggedly thereafter for every step we gained. Harrison was reached just after dark, the march of sixty-six miles being made in thirty-nine hours. The position was naturally strong, being on the crest of a ridge, with no timber for two hundred yards to obstruct the range. A railroad cut shel- FIGHT AT HAREISON, MISSOURI. 25 terecl the liorses. A large number of ties made into breastworks, and the adjacent lioiises, afforded a i^ood means of defense. The wearied conmiand had barely time to form, when an assault was made, which was gallantly repulsed. Just then the Eastern train arrived with cars enough to move the troops. They wei'e placed on board, and were about to stai't for St, Louis, when the stations north and south C)f the position were seen in flames. The night was then spent in fortifying. On the 30th the enemy appeared in force, making demonstrations through- out the day as if to assault. The defence was maintained by musketry, less than thirty rounds to the gun remaining with the field pieces, which was reserved for the moment of assault, or the emerc^en- cies of a further retreat. The day passed in fighting and unremitting labor on the defense. At night another assault was made and repulsed. At mid- night a messenger was sent to Rolla for help, and Lieutenant-Colonel Maupin, accompanied by Captain Schenck and Lieutenant Fletcher, sent to Franklin to advise General Rosecrans of our position, and endeavor to rally and bring 1)ack some mounted militia, our cavalry being completely exhausted. The messenger reached Rolla, but Colonel Maupin and companions failed, barely esca|>ing capture. The morning of October 1st opened anxiously. The skirmishing was renewed vigorously. The enemy thoroughly reconnoitered our position, and made every preparation to capture the heroic 3 26 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. command. General Shelby, who commanded the rebel force, evidently respected the plnck exhibited by General Ewing, and hesitated, letting — I would, wait upon I dare not. At two P. M. the enemy withdrew, and^at four. Lieutenant Colwel Beveridge, I'rth Illinois Cavalry, arrived from Rolla witli five hundred men, Strong pickets were immediately posted on the roads occupied by the enemy, and towards midnig;ht Geuei-al Ewiniz; withdrew in the direction of Rolla, leaving a hundred men to rein- force the pickets, and destroy the few stores left. The infantry were left at Holla as garrison, and the cavalry turned over to General McNeil, who, on the 4th, marched to Jefferson City ; General Ewing, with a small escort, passing around the rear of the enemy to St. Louis. Thus ended the brief but brilliant services of General Ewing in the campaign against General Price. The defence of Pilot Knob, retreat to and defence of Harrison, are in themselves events which, deserve great credit. The result was also good. It delayed the rebel march, and enabled all concerned in defeating them, to gather more force and better arrange their plans. The gallant action of General Ewing in all probability saved St. Louis. The delay caused in the rebel march enabled our forces to effect a junction there and prevent its capture. Our loss was about one liundred and fifty killed and wounded, and fifty captured and. paroled. The rebel loss is estimated at 1,500. This appears from the evi- THE REBEL LOSS AT PILOT KNOB. 27 dence of Surgeon T. W. Jolmston, left in cliarge of our wounded. At Ironton, there afterwards fell into our hands, Colonel Thomas, General Fagan's Chief of Staff, three Majors, ^even Captains, twelve Lieutenants, and two hundred and four enlisted men, representing seventeen regiments and batteries. The balance of the wounded w^ere sent South under escort of Colonel Kain's Hegiment. Those in the hospital were all dangerously, many of them mortally, wounded. In the meanwhile, General Curtis was straining every nerve. U]3on the 2d of October, General Sykes was directed to concentrate troops at Olathe, gathering such of the militia as he could in that vicinity. The 2d Colorado Volunteer Cavalry were at Independence, making preparations to march to the Department of Kansas. Colonel Ford was directed to move to a point near Paola, Colonel Blair at Fort Scott, Colonel Jennison at Mound City, and Colonel Moonlight, were directed to con- centrate all their forces. Bushwhackers were bolder in North Missouri and the section contiguous to Kansas. CHAPTER IV. MOVEMENTS IN THE DEl'AllTMENT OE KANSAS PRO- CLAMATION OF MAllTIAL LAW. On tlie 2d of October, General Koseerans reported to General Curtis, tliat tlie rebel army was moving west, and bad intersected tlie railroads soutb-west and west of St. Loui^, tbe soutb-west brancb at Franklin, and tbe Pacific Road at Wasbington. Botli points are in tbe county of Franklin, tbe one next west of St. Louis, and eacb seventy miles from tbat city. Shelby, after withdrawal from Ewing's front, bad proceeded nortb-east along tbe line of tbe road, destroying bridges and otber property, nntil reacbing Franklin, wliere be united witli the other divisions, which meanwhile, bad marched nortln\ard along tbe line of tbe Iron Mountain Road, destroying every- thing valuable, consuming all supplies, and conscript- ing all tbe semi-secessionists, and as many Union men as tbey could lay their bands on. By the time Price reached Missouri River, at Wasbington, there \ RIGID CONSOKIPTIOjS". 29 can be no (loul)t tlie re))el force liad increased about four thousand. Thus, from the time they left the Arkansas River, of the eiixhteen thousand men who crossed at Dardennelles^ the statements of rebel pris- oners, as well as of Union spies, scouts and prisoners, unite in saying that only ir>,00() were armed, and that arms of different kinds and character wei-e obtained Ijy the time they reached Washington, to indifferently equip five or six thousand more. The arms used by their veteran troops were of the best character, mainly Eufield rifles, obtained through Mexico from England. By the movement along the lines of railroad, Price was enabled to throw all the force concen- trated at St. Louis, several days march to his rear. This included the two brigades (veterans) which General A. J. Smith had landed in obedience to orders, as also other ti'oops, that, under General Mower, had been sent to the assistance of Rosecrans, The latter believed that St. Louis w^as the prize sought by the daring raider. * Jefferson City, the State capital, was in tlie greatest danger. Brigadier-General Clinton B. Fisk, commanding the District of North Missouri, head- quarters at St. Joseph, rapidly concentrated what force he had and could spare from posts necessary to be protected, and threw himself into Jefferson City. Brigadier-General Brown, commanding the Central District, head-quarters at Warrensburg, Johnson County, had j)reviously assumed command 30 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. there with all his available force, consisting of less than 2,000 enrolled militia. General Fisk took command, and General Curtis immediately opened communication with him, the telegraph to St. Louis having been destroyed by the rebels. General McNeil also united his forces (cavalry), after relieving General Ewing from his perilous position at Leesburg. This was on the 5th of October. General Sanborn reached the same point next day from Springfield. The force at Jefferson City then numbered 6,000. Four thousand were cavalry, and with eight guns and with the addition of Winslow's Brigade of the l7th Army Corps, formed the Pro- visional Cavalry Division commanded by Major- General Alfred Pleasanton, in the subsequent pursuit of Price, and the battles of the border. In the meanwhile the rebels were steadily advanc- ing westward, destroying, foraging and conscripting as they marched ; General Rosecrans was making cautious movements out of St. Louis. The forces gathered at Jefferson City were resisting strenuously the movements of Price, while General Curtis, in Kansas, was actively employed in working, pre- paring and counselling. October 4th, an order was issued forbiddino; the transit of boats below Kansas City. Colonel Ford, at Independence, was untiring and energetic, keeping stations at Hickman's Mills and Pleasant Hill, while scouting thoroughly to the east. Colonel Thomas Moonlight, commanding the ACTIVITY OF THE TE00P8. 31 Nortliern Sub-Distrist of the District of South Kansas, made a call on Brigadier-General Fishback, K. S. M., for two regiments of State Militia to assemble at Olathe without delay. The notorious guerilla, Bill Anderson, who had operated along the line of the North Missouri Road, kept North Missouri in a continual ferment. During the first week in October, he attacked several trains on the Hannibal & St. Joseph liailroad, robbing the passengers,' and committing other depredations. On the 3d the rebels held Hermann, an important German settlement on the river, where they captured a train and three locomotives. Colonel Chester Harding, Jr., 43d Missouri Inftmtry Volunteers, with four hundred men, left St. Joseph on the 4th, on the steamer West Wind, with the intention of proceeding to Jefferson The Governor of Kansas, in response to a request for the calling out of State Militia, asked that a written demand should be made upon him. This request was promptly complied with on the 4th inst., when it was known that Jefferson City was in peril. On the 6th, General Rosecrans was urged to push his force in rear of the enemy, as delays were disastrous. Colonel Ford then held the advanced posts of the Department of Kansas, and the ones from which information, it was certain, would first come. General Curtis hoped the rebels might still be checked at the Gasconade and Osage Rivers, and to 32 AEMY OF THE BOEDEE. this end counselled General Brown, at the capital of Missouri, to burn the bridges on those streams. Eight ■ companies of the 2d Colorado were . at Pleasant Hill, under the Colonel, two at Independ- ence, nuder Captain Moses, and two at Kansas City, under Major Pritchard. General Fisk telegra[)hed on the 6th, that he held the enemy at the Moreen, upon the road to Castle Rock, and that no force was pressing their rear. Our troops from St. Louis marched in a leisurely manner considering the imminent peril ahead, and the obvious advantage to be gained by attacking the re])els at or near the Osage Piver, where the force in Jefferson City could co-operate. General Curtis deemed this the proper action to be taken. Governor Carney was kept constantly advised as intelligence was received, aiid was urged to hasten the call for tlie militia. Naturally disliking to take the citizens of a whole State from their peaceful avocations, this was not promulgated until longer delay would have been fatal. The 7th and 8th of October passed. Sharp fighting was reported by General Fisk in front of Jefferson City ; our forces withdrawing to the trenches. The telegraph lines between Sedalia and Lexington were cut on the evening of the 8th, the guerilla Anderson having been reported the previous day at Lexington, with five hundred men. The same day all the wires were cut east of Pleasant Hill, indicating the west- ward advance of the rebels. PEOCLAMATION OF GOVEENOR CAENEY. 33 On tlie 7tli of October, Major Samuel S. Curtis, 2d Colorado Cavalry, A. D. C. to General Curtis, took possession of the steamer Benton for Govern- ment purposes. Three Companies of tlie 43d Infantry Missouri Volunteers, under Major Davis, were on board. Three more companies were on the steamer West Wind, Colonel Chester Harding being in command. Major Curtis was directed to proceed with them to Jeiferson City. On the 8th, the following despatch was received : Fort Scott, Oct. 10. To Major-General Curtis: Lamar was burned last night entire — not a house left. Supposed to be done by a large force of bushwhackers. Lamar is forty six miles south-east of here. (Signed) C. W. Blair, Col. The peril being imminent, an urgent letter was sent by General Curtis to the Governor, which was responded to by that functionary in the following proclamation : No. 53. State of Kansas, Executive Department, ] ToPEKA, Oct. 8, 1864. f The State is in peril ! Price and his rebel hosts threaten it with invasion. Kansas must be ready to hurl them back at any cost. The necessity is urgent. The extent of that necessity the subjoined communications from Major General Curtis to me will establish. Headquarters, Department of Kansas, Fort Leavenworth, Oct. 5, 1864. His Excellency^ Governor Thomas Cariiey: The rebel forces under Gen. Price have made a further advance westward, crossing the Gasconade, and are now at 4 34 AEMY OF THE BOEDEE. the railroad bridge on the Osage, about fifteen miles below Jefferson City. Large Federal forces about St. Louis and below tend to drive him towards Kansas. Other motives also will induce his fiendish followers to seek spoils and vengeance in this State. To prevent this, and join in efforts to expel these invaders from the country, I desire that you will call out the entire militia force, with their best arms and ammunition, for a period of thirty days. Each man should be provided with two blankets or a buffalo robe for comfort, and a haversack for carrying provisions. No change of clothing is necessary. I want this force assembled on the border, mainly at Olathe, as 80on as possible. For that purpose let farmers' teams, with provisions and forage, be employed to hurry them forward. 1 will do all in my power to provide provisions and public transportation, but hope every man will be as self- sustaining as possible, and ready to join me in privations, hardships and dangers to aid our comrades in Missouri in destroying these rebel forces before they again desolate the fair fields of Kansas, It is necessary to suspend business and labor until we are assured our property and earnings are not within the grasp of unscrupulous marauders and murderers. Confidently believing. Governor, that your Excellency and all loyal citizens will concert with me in the propriety of this very important demand, and give me your hearty co-operation and assistance. I have the honor to be, your very obedient servant, R. S. Curtis, Maj. Gen. Com'dg Department. United States Military Telegraph, ) Fort Leavenworth, Oct. 8, ISG-i. f To Governor Carney : The line is now cut this side Sedalia. This indicates a rebel move by some body west or south. Hurry the militia. R. S. Curtis, Maj. Gen. United States Military Telegraph, ) Fort Leavenworth, Oct. 8, 1864. f To Governor Carney : I request that you issue the call. Let the Militia turn out. if not needed, they will of course be discharged. Their call and collection would enable us, at least, to give GENERAL DEITZLER COMMANDS THE MILITIA. 35 an impetus to Price's departure. In your prompt responses to my requests heretofore, I am sure we have saved the State from desohition. Let us do it now. The enemy is now near Sedalia, and a tight is expected there to-night. They have burned Syracuse, Lamine and Otterville depots to-day. You see, they seem moving steadily M-estward. Dehiy is ruinous. R. S. Curtis, Maj.-Gen, Kansas, rally! You will do so as you have always promptly done, when your soil has been invaded. The call this time will come to you louder and stronger, because you know the foe will seek to glut his vengeance upon \o\\. Meet him, then, at the threshold and strike boldly ; strike a-s one man against him. Let all business be suspended. The work to be done now is to protect "the State against marauder and murderer. Until that is accomplished we must lead a soldier's life, and do a soldier's duty. Men of Kansas, rally ! One blow, one earnest, united blow, will foil the invader and save you. Who will falter? "Who is not ready to meet the peril ? Who will not defend his home and the State ? To arms, then ! To arms and the tented field, until the rebel foe shall be baffled and beaten back. Thomas Carney, Governor. N. B. — Major-General Deitzler will lead the brave men of Kansas and issue the necessary orders. Commanding officers of brigades and battalions will see that their respective commands are in readiness for immediate service. Thomas Carney, Governor. This was followed by an order from the General in command of tlie State militia, arranging the places of rendezvous, etc. Li pursuance of this call of the Governor, the militia of Kansas will turn out and rendezvous immediately, as follows : Head-Quarters, Dept. Kansas State Militia, ) ToPEKA, Kansas, Oct. 9, 1864. f General Order^ No. 54. In pursuance of the order of the Commander-in-Chief, of the 8th inst., the militia of Kansas will turn out and rendezvous., iirvmediately ., at the points indicated below : 36 ARMY OF THE BOEDER. Doniphan, Brown, Nemaha and Marshall counties, at Atchison, under Brigadier General Bjron Sherry. Atchison, Leavenworth, Jefferson, Jackson, Pattawat- omie, Riley, Davis, Waubaunsee, Shawnee, Douglas and Johnson counties, at Olathe, under Brigadier-General M. S. Grant. "Wyandotte, at Wyandotte, under Major E. S. Hubbard. Miami, Franklin, Osage, Morris and Lyon counties, at Paola, under Brigadier-General S. I^. Wood. Bourbon, Allen and Woodson counties, at Fort Scott. Commanders of brigades and regiments will promptly prepare their respective commands for active service for thirty days, unless sooner discharged, and see that each man is supplied with two blankets, a tin cup, knife and fork, and a haversack ; and, also, a coffee pot and frying pan for every live men. Let each regiment or detachment bring its own trans- portation and all the rations possible, hut there must he no delay on any account. The General Government will undoubtedly pay all proper charges for such transportation and supplies, and will furnish rations and forage as far and as soon as possible, at the points indicated in this order. Let each man come with such arms as are at hand and a full supply of ammunition. As this campaign will be a 6hort one, no change of clothing will be necessary. Until further orders, the head-quarters of the militia will be at Olathe, to which point all returns and communica- tions will be sent. By order of Geo. W. Deitzler, Maj. Gen., K. S. M. John T. Morton, A. A. G. Both orders were embraced in one from Depart- ment head-quarters, under date of the 9th, and which concluded as follows : General Orders^ No. 53. All Federal Officers in this Department, vvill aid in giv- ing circulation and success to this effort to concentrate troops for immediate service. Quarter-masters and Commissaries, will aid to the utmost of their abilities, to have requisite provisions accumulated as fast as possible. GEIS-ERAL BLUNT COMMANDS AT OLATIIE. 37 An earnest and united movement should animate officers and men, volunteers and militia. Let business and personal strife be suspended ; partisan discussions and political animosities be avoided ; and instead of" impatience, fault-finding and detraction, too common among raw recruits, let every man display the fortitude, patience and endurance which distinguish the patriotic soldier engaged in the defence of his home and his country. The sooner this call is met, the more certain will be its success ; and the General earnestly appeals to soldiers and citizens, to unite all their moral and physical energies in this effort to stifle the fiendish hordes that again threaten the people of Kansas and the peace of our countr\\ By command of Major-General Curtis, C. S. CUARLOT, Assistant Adjutant General. The annexed dispatch was sent to General Sykes, and all commandino: officers in the State : "The Governor has called out the entire militia of the State. I want this given the widest circulation and the most prompt action. " S. R. Curtis, Maj. Gen." The same day reports were received of the taking of Lexington, and that Independence was threatened. This was l)y conscripting parties from Shelby's Division. Major-General Blunt, returned from his Indian expedition, reported to head-quarters, and was ordered to Olathe for orders, reporting his arrival by telegraph. Major-General Sykes' health was such that he could not stand the fatigue of the impending campaign, and even General Curtis' rendering it probable that he too might break down, the necessity of a younger and more active man was apparent. 38 AKMY OF THE BOEDER. General Sykes not liking the ordering of General Blunt to Olatlie for the tke purpose of field operations, asked to be relieved, whicli was done, and General Blunt was placed in charge of that district. He assumed command by telegraph upon the 11th inst. Captain Moses, 2d Colorada, reported a small force threatening Independence. Quite an excite- ment was created at Lawrence on the 9th, which was caused by the accidental discharge of firearms. On the 10th, the work of fortifying Leavenworth was commenced. It was determined by General Curtis, in order to secure unity of operation and harmony in management of the forces called out, to to proclaim martial law throughout the State, and at the same time call into active service those not reached by the Governor's call : Head-Quarters, Department of Kansas, ) Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Oct. 10, 1861. j General Orders, JVo. 51. The better to carry out the object of the Governor's Proclamation, issued this morning, and to secure prompt and united military organization and action, martial law is proclain-,ed to extend throngliont the State of Kansas, and the conntrj occupied Ijy the troops moving therefrom, and all men, white or black, between the ages of eighteen (18) and sixty (60), will arm and attach themselves to some of the organizations of troops, for temporary military service. In all the principal cities and towns, business houses will close as directed by the Governor's Proclamation, except where General Officers may give leave to such houses and special establishments as nniy be considered necessary for the public subsistence and health. As this order is only designed to continue while danger of invasion is apprehended, the proper functions of civil price's movements. 39 oflScers will not be disturbed, arid especially Courts of Justice and their processes will not be interrupted by the military authorities. All troops, volunteers and militia, are clothed with tiie powers, and are subject to the duties and penalties pre- scribed in the Articles of War, and soldiers and citizens must expect very summary punishment of crime, and burning, robbing and stealing in the field will be sevei-ely and promptly punished. Private property and peaceable citizens naust be protected. Our object is Price and his followers. His forces are now rejjorted as retreating from Jeiferson City in this direction. My advance to meet him is already moving. Let troops of every organization press forward to juin in Ids repulse and pursuit. By connnand of Major General Curtis. C S. Charlot, [official.] Assistant Adjutant-General. The same day the latest received from General Roseeraus was as follows : Head-Quarteks, St. Louis, ) Oct. 10. ( Price's movements are not known, but he has avowed his intention to go to Leavenworth. If he will try this, it will enable our cohnnns under Mower and Smith and our cavalry to get between them and the Osage, and they will suffer. They spread and stretch out for subsistence ; therefore your cavalry can forcibly strike the heads of their columns and hurt and retard their march. The telegraph lines are so interrupted it will be difficult to communicate with you. (Signed) W. S. Rosecrans, Major-General. Hou. Jas. H. Lane, United States Senator, who had for some da^^s been in consultation witli General Curtis, having, vvdth his usual sagacity, perceived the great peril of the State, now tendered his ser- vices, which were accepted in the following order, assigning various duties to officers who had reported for duty : 40 ARMY OF THE BORDEE. Headquarters, Department of Kansas, ) Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Oct. 10, 1864. ) General Orde7's, No. 55. The following temporary assignments to duty are pub- lished to the command. They will be obeyed and respected accordingly. I. Major F. E. Hunt, Chief Paymaster, is also appointed Acting Aid-de-Camp, and will take charge and command of all artillery in and near the county of Leavenworth, consistent with the general arrangements of District Commanders, Generals Blunt and Davies. IT. Major Henry Almstedt, in addition to his duties as Additional Paymaster, will report to Major F. E. Hunt for artillery duty. III. Hon. Jas. H. Lane, having tendered his services to the Major-General Commanding, they are accepted, and he is assigned to duty as Volunteer Aid-de-Camp. lY. Captain James L. Rafferty, 2nd Kansas Colored, having reported for duty, will take charge of the general organization and command of persons of African descent; all of proper age and ability are included in the proclama- tion, and will be organized as other troops for immediate service. Y. Captain J. M. Mentzer, 2nd Kansas Yolnnteers, cav- alry, reports being here en route and unable to reach his command. He will report for temporary duty to Brigadier- General T. A. Davies, commanding District North Kansas. YI. Rev. J. B. McAfee, Chaplain 2nd Kansas Colored, having reported for duty, will have charge of Contrabands in the field, and will also report to Captain Rafterty as Acting Adjutant in the organization of troops of African descent. By command of Major-Genei-al Curtis. C. S. Charlot, Assistant Adjutant-General. CHAPTER V. GEAND UPEISING OF THE PEOPLE OF KANSAS. Never was there heartier response to a demand of sucli a character, than that of the citizens of Kansas to the call of the Federal and State authorities. In the history of the present war no similar instance occurs. Rebel armies have invaded other loyal States. Twice have the veterans of Lee entered the State of Pennsylvania. The daring partisan, John Morgan, galloped through one half of Ohio and Indiana. Kentucky has been debatal)le ground over and over again. Maryland, like Missouri, has been fought for, and over, by contending armies. For four years the people of Kansas had stood, a wall of fire, round about their border. Not only sending more troops in proportion to population than other States, but compelled also, from her exposed position, to do duty at home ; a large body of her citizens have constantly been under arms for the protection of the eastern and southern borders. The calls have been frequent — the danger often 5 42 AEMY OF THE BORDER. imminent. Peril waited by every man's door, and invasion was the skeleton at many a farmer's fireside. Every border cabin lias its tale of suffering and sacrifice, wliile tlie waste places in Lawrence yet bring brooding memories unto all. Nor was it alone on the East and South that the dark days of wai'- fare rested like a thunder cloud. Alouo- the long- line of sparse settlements upon the western frontier dwelt the haunting terror of hostile Indians. For months the horrors of savage warfare had been added to the desolation of civil strife, Avith its worst con- comitants of guerilla and partisan atrocities. As along the eastern border the militia stood sentinel to watch the murderous bushwhacker, so upon the western frontier, the settler — half farmer and half hunter — did a ranger's duty in guarding the scattered cabins which w^ere slowly feeling their way out over the plains and along the valleys, until they could clasp hands with the mountain settlements. Thus exposed, and thus wearied, though still prepared, the settlers sprang to arms with a won- derful unanimity, which set the nerves tingling and made the blood run like flame. The order flew from one end of the State to the other. Each man vied in rapidly communicating the imperious demand. Flaming, like the Highlanders' ancient spnbol — the cross of fire — the cry, " To Arms," pealed over the prairies, along the streams, in every workshop, and met reply in every town and hamlet. The roads were lined by men, who, leaving the plow and plane, TUEN OUT OF THE MILITIA. 4:h axe and flail, reaper and tlireslier, from every quarter were pouring to tlie rendezvous appointed for the different regiments. From the State Adjutant-General, Colonel C. K. Holliday's report is given the following extracts, to show otticially that in thus writing no overdi'awu picture is presented. " Never was appeal for help answered so promptly. " In most instances on the next day, or the second, " after the receipt of the proclamation at regimental "head-quarters, the regiment itself, in full force, " was on the march for the rendezvous designated " by the commanding general, and it was only in " exceptional cases — where the regimental district " embraces several counties in extent — that the third " or fourth day was required before the command " could take up its line of march. "But promptness alone was not the only com- "mendable feature in the movement. Its univer- " sality was equally marked. * * * Nor " was this earnest enthusiasm confined to those " within military ages ; but very many outside of "those ages — under 21 and over 45 — voluntarily " stepped into the ranks, and hastened " to the "front" with their commands. All this occurred " before there was the remotest intimation that the " services of those outside the military ages would " be required." Colonel HoUiday proceeds, after referring to the call under the proclamation of martial law : 44 AEMY OF THE BOEDEPw. "No where, at no time, and under no circum- " stances, lias such an uprising been witnessed. It " was widespread and complete. It was as thorough "as there was material out of which it could be " composed : as extensive as the limits of the " population among whom it took place." * ^' The following tables show the number of regi- ments rej)orting for active service ; their command- ing officers ; the counties to which they belonged ; the number of effective men in each ; the places of general rendezvous, and the general officers under w^hose direction they were : COMMAND OF BRIGADIER-GEN. M. S. GRANT. NO. OP NO. OF keg't. COMMANDING OFFICER. COUNTY. MEN. RENDEZVOUS. 1st, Col. C. H. Robinson, Leavenworth, 503 Olathe. 2nd, " G. W. Veale, Shawnee, 561 3d, " Chas. Willemson, Donghis. 643 4th, " W. D. McCain, Jefferson, 777 7th, " Peter McFadaud. Leavenworth, 705 12th, " L. S. Treat, Atchison, 460 13th, " J. A. Keeler, Johnson, 400 14th, " J. M. Harvey, Riley, Waub'sa, &c. 560 15th,* " J. T. Price, Davis, Dickinson, Salina, &c. 400 18th, " Matthew Quigg, Atchison, 400 I9ih, " A. C. Hoo-an, Leavenworth, 548 20th, " J. B. Hubbell, Jackson, 340 " 1 21st, " Sandy Lowe, Douglas, 519 6816 * Of this force the 15th Regiment was, by order of Colonel Holliday, retained at Fort Riley ; the 7lh was stationed at Leavenworth City and Fort, until the 22d, when they were sent to the front. Other small detachments were detained at Lawrence and Topeka. The duty of gar- risoning, in the main devolved upon those called out by the order of the Department Commander. At Leavenworth City some fifteen hundred were thus organized. Four full companies of able bodied negroes were organized there, and stationed at the Fort until the 21st, when they also moved to the front. One company was retained, composed of exempts. They were under command of their own officers. THEIR RENDEZVOUS. 45 The following force assembled at Atchison, under Brigadier General Sherry: NO. OF keg't. 9th, 17th* 22d, Ind'pt Bat' 11. COMMANDING OFFICER. Col. Frank M. Tracy. '' E. C. Manning, " Jas. P. Taylor, " J. A. Pope, Doniphan, Marshall, Washing- ton, ltcpublic,Clay. Neinaha, Brown, NO. OP MEN. 55i 400 200 1154 KENDEZVOUS Atchison, The Border counties were ordered to asseml)le at Paola, under Brigadier General Fishback. NO. OF reg't. 5th, 10th, 11th Ind'pt Bat'n. COMMANDING OFFICER. Col. G. A. Colton, " Wm. Pennock, " A. J. Mitchell, Lt. Col. M. M. Murdoch, Miami, Franklin and An- derson, Lyon, NO. OF -MEN. 471 751 300 250 1773 RENDEZVOUS Paola, Paola and Mound City. Paola, The Anderson County Battalion of this regiment, assembled at Mound City, as being more convenient than Paola, but soon after joined the regiment, and with it moved into Missouri. At Mound City assembled the following regi- ments, who were ordered to report to Brigadier Gen- eral S. N. Wood. General Wood, however, failed to report for duty. * The 17th Regiment, Colonel Manning, was the only organization which did not respond to the calls. They presented a reasonable excuse in the fact of the exposure of their section to Indian attacks. The rule which governed the State Adjutant General, in directing the 15th Regi- ment (Colonel Price), to remain at Fort Riley, would have applied to the 17th, 46 ARMY OF THE BORDER. NO. OF reg'i. 6th, 16th, COMMANDING OFFICER. Lt.-Col. J, L. Snoddy, Col. F. W.- Potter, Linn, Coflery, "Woodson. NO. OF MEN. 530 560 1090 RENDEZVOUS Mound Oily. At Fort Scott, the militia were under Brigadier General J. B. Scott. NO. OF reg't. COMMANDING OFFICER. COUNTY. NO. OF MEN. RENDEZVOUS. 24th, J3at'u, Col. J. Stadden, Lt.-Col. Eves, CoL C. P. Twiss, Bourbon, Allen, 500 350 200 Fort Scott. 11 1050 The 22d Regiment (Wyandotte county) rendez- voused at Wyandotte City, five hundred and fifty strong. It reported to Major E. S. Hubbard. Wm. Weer, Late Colonel of the 10th Kansas Volun- teers, was elected Colonel and commissioned by the Governor. To recapitulate : the force assembled at Olathe was, 6,816 That at Atchison, 1,154 " Paola, .... . . 1,872 " Mound City, 1,180 " Fort Scott, 1,050 " Wyandotte, 550 Total, ... - 12,622 These are the figures of the Adjutant-General's report. Out of the Olathe force must be deducted from those actually at the front, the 7th and 15th TOTAL MILITIA FOECE. 47 Kegiments, (the former being on important service at Leavenwortli, and reaching Westport on tlie even- ing after tlie battle that saved Kansas was over ; and the latter being on dnty at Fort Riley,) a force of 1,105; thus leaving a force under Grant of 5,715, of whom 4,500 crossed the Missouri line, and the others were garrisoning posts in the State. At Paola, the 11th and 16th Regiments were retained. Both took active part in the flanking movement of the 2nd Brigade. At Fort Scott, Colonel Stadden with the 24th Regiment, exempts and negroes, did garrison duty. Of the 12,622 of the enrolled militia, at least 10,000 were concentrated south of the Kansas Rivei', in the section threatened by the invading army, along the line of its march in the battles against and in pursuit of its retreating columns. Yet the force in the field under the calls of the Federal and State authorities was actually larorer than these fio;ures show. Some further extracts from Colonel HoEiday's report will show this, and the reasons therefor : ''Portions of some of the foregoing regiments " were detailed for special duty at several points in " the State ; such as Leavenworth, Lawrence, Topeka, " tfec, which number thus detailed, together with the " old and young men, and the colored troops organ- " ized under the martial law proclamation, are not " included in the above exhibit, and would probably " swell the count l)y several thousands. These latter " troops were generally organized at their local ren 48 ARMY OF THE BOEDER. " clezvous, and were held in readiness to marcli to " any point tliat emergencies might require. The " whole number who thus responded for active "service exceeded 16,000, or a larger number than " appears upon the returns of the enrolled military "forwarded to this office." * * * -x- The general disposition of the militia, so far as the points of rendezvous were concerned, w^as wisely arranged. Modifications had afterwards to be made. These will be given in the course of the narrative. CHAPTER VI. AFFAIRS IN TIIE CITY AND AT FORT LEAVENWORTH. The excitement in Leavenwortli was naturally- greater tlian elsewhere in tlie State. Tliat city liad larger interests at stake ; while the proximity of the Fort, with its immense stores of all kinds, rendered it certain that its possession was Price's main aim. The total cessation of business, the departure to the scene of action of so many of its citizens, the rigidity of martial law, and the manner of its enforcement, rendered the peri(xl during which the city was threatened one of the most intense interest. The 1st Regiment, Kansas State Militia, Colonel Charles Ro.hinson commanding, was among the first to respond to the Governor's call, and was, on the second day thereafter, marched to Olathe, the place of general rendezvous. With it went the Leaven- worth Battery, manned by a company of the most respected German citizens. Another regiment, the 19th Cavalry, commanded by Colonel Hogan, followed, leaving on the 11th, and reaching Olathe 6 50 ARMY OF THE BORDER. the same evening. It was soon afterwards ordered to tlie front, and until after tlie battle of Westport^ when it returned home, was among the most efficient. A battery was organized, with guns from the United States Arsenal, which was manned by a company commanded by Captain Zesch, a German merchant of the city, who had seen service. After doing duty in the protection of the city, the battery was ordered to the front, and participated in the movements upon the Big Blue, and in the severe battle of the 2ord near Westport. The Yth Regiment, Kansas State Infantry, Colonel Peter McFarland, was left as garrison, in conjunction with several companies of exempts and a battalion of colored men. The 7th did their whole duty. Lieutenant-Colonel Hershfield thereof, was, by order of General Davies, placed in command of the post of Leaven- worth. The city had been declared such by orders from District head-quarters. This gentleman, one of the most popular and active business men of the city, threw himself into the work of appreciating the crisis. He showed a rare aptitude and energy, and was a most efficient co-worker with the regular military authorities. The position of Post-Com- mander was no enviable one, nor was it rendered more inviting by the annoyance produced through efforts to evade the military duties imposed upon all alike. Colonel Hershfield's tact, as well as firmness, tided him over these difficulties, and he won general POLITICAL EXCITEMENT. 51 esteem by his course. A long line of rifle-pits and earthworks on the south and east sides of the city- were rapidly completed. All were alike compelled to take their share in the common lahor. Much amusement was created by the organization of the " Sneak Company," under Captain Pendiy, a well- known lawyer. The negroes who were not already on duty in Camp Sully, at the Fort, were organized as "The Iron-Clads," under Captain Harvey Edgerton. A strict system of Pickets, Provost Guards and Patrols was arranged and maintained with the utmost diligence. Fears were entertained of an attempt to cross the river by the rebel brigade under General Clarke, known to have crossed into North Missouri. The " Veteran Scouts," a company of discharged soldiers, were charged with the duty of patroling the river banks. Upon the bluffs, south of the city, were planted some heavy siege guns, sixty- pounders, brought from the Fort for that purpose. The wild excitement, produced by the wilder reports and rumors constantly in circulation, kept the public pulse to fever heat. Every man who returned from the front brought fuel for this restless flame. The intense political excitement, which this necessity found in the State, added much to the difiiculties of the occasion. Partizan prejudices strengthened the natural dislike of business men to service such as they were now compelled to perform. One of the city papers added to this feeling, by making it appear that there was no necessity for 62 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. martial law ; that Price was moving to tlie south- west ; and that it was only sought to use the people for political purposes. These things caused dissat- isfaction, both in the city and among its militia then upon the border. Up to the 20th of October, nothing definite had been known of the enemy's whereabouts. At that date dispatches were received announcing the hght of General Blunt, at Lexington, with the entire rebel army. It thus became apparent that Price was advancing westward, and the wise forecast of Gen- eral Curtis, in organizing the militia, was made evident. Before this, owing to the political excite- ment, a great diversity existed as to the necessities of the case, and many were induced to denounce the Department Commander and his co-adjutors. The effect of General Deitzler's dispatch was immediate. The sense of danger was realized, and all went to work with a will. Troops were immediately relieved from duty in the city and defences, and ordered to report daily at their different head-quarters, ready for an immediate movement. On the succeeding day (Friday 21st), dispatches were received from Generals Curtis and Deitzler, announcing the battle of Little Blue, and the falling back of the troops to the line of Big Blue, six miles east of Kansas City. These filled all with dread. Words fail in painting the gloomy uncertainty. Over the thousands of homes, from each of which some loved one had gone forth at the call of duty, ACTIVITY AT i'OET LEAVENWORTH. 53 hung sadness and fearful anxiety. But, impressed by the urgency, one common purpose now animated old and young. The Governor telegraphed tlie following order : In the Field, Big Blue, [ 'October 21, 1864. j To Colonel R. IST. Hershfield, Cominandiwj Post : Send all deserters back to their commands at once. All tliat have left without leave must return. Now is the time for every Kansan to do his duty. Let no man hesitate. Price is upon us. Now is the time to save our homes and assist our comrades. THOMAS CARNEY, Governor and Commander-in-Chief. An order was issued and rigorously enforced, directing the impressment of all males, l)et\veen fifteen and sixty, who we "e not already in service. Other measures were taken, adapted to the emer- gency. The 7th Regiment, the Veteran Scouts, and Captain Zesch's Battery left for Kansas City. The Steamers Benton and Tom Morgan were used as transports. The Morgan was used to patrol the river. Officers had arrived from Genei'al Curtis' Head-Quarters, to aid in the rapid forwarding of troops. At the Fort, the utmost activity was dis- played. At District Head-Quarters, General Davies, and his efiicient Adjutant, worked energetically. Lieutenant Colonel Stark, A. A. A. G., Captain John Willans, A. A. G., were in charge of Department Head-Quarters, and worked night and day to meet the emergency. While their associates were at the front, in the position most dear to the soldiei", these 54 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. officers and others, were filling no less important and laborious positions at liome. Captain Hodges, Depot Quarter-Master, was untiring ; tlie veteran Paymaster, Major Hunt, Captain McNutt, Ordnance Officer, in cliarge of the Arsenal, Colonel Werter R. Davis, Post-Commandant, all did their whole duty. Large amounts of ordnance stores were forwarded ; transportation promptly supplied ; militia were armed. The " Iron Clad Battalion" had already left under Captain Raffiirty. A detachment of Light Artillery (colored), just recruited, had been sent with two guns. Parrots, under command of Second Lieu- tenant P. H. Minor, (colored). In the city, an impromptu gathering was held for counsel. Major Heath, Provost Marshal General of the Department, who had just returned from St. Louis, urged the calling of the citizens together for the better placing of the emergency before them. This was immediately done. The bells were rung, the cannon fired, and soon they rallied in front of the Market House. The meeting was addressed in stirring appeals by Judge Sears, Dr. King, Major H. 11, Heath, and other gentlemen. At the first sound of the bells and cannon, wild anxiety was aroused in the city. Few were acquainted with the object, and reports of a 'rebel force threatening to cross the river, or advancing from the South, spread like wildfire. The real purpose of the alann, however, was soon known. ' Two days passed, and the sound of battle at Big END OF EXCITEMENT. 55 Blue and Westport, could be distinctly heard. The wires were in constant use, and the most excitino- reports reached the city. It was known on Saturday night that our lines had been forced, and that the right and centre were falling back. Sunday morn- ing came, and with it the certainty of a decisive engagement. The hours seemed ages. From Kansas City were sent constant bulletins, and the varying fortunes of that morning met as varying emotions in the streets of Leavenworth. At last, as the afternoon waned, came news of victory, and later, the certainty thereof, in the order abolishing martial law north of the Kansas River. Thus ended the excitement and anxiety con- sequent upon the imminent danger in which Leavenworth had been placed. When all did so well, it would be invidious to distinguish individuals ; but too much praise cannot be accorded to the ladies of the city, who organized relief and aid societies, worked unremittingly to relieve the distress among the poorer classes, occasioned by the stoppage of work and the absence of the men in the field, and by the preparation of supplies for the sick and wounded. Thus has it ever been. The annals of war are gilded by the devotion of the women of the land, who, shut out from sterner duties, have filled their lives with sacrifice, and gone out, blessing and cheering, making beautiful its dreary ways with the light of charity, and the glory of inspiring devotion. CHAPTEE VII. GEKEEALS CTJETIS AND BLUNT TAKE THE FIELD OIIGANIZATION OF TEOOPS. Majoe-Geneeal Blunt assumed command on the loth inst., and telegraphed to head-quarters suggest- ing the concentration of all available force at Olathe and Paola. Not believing that Price avouM attempt to cross the Kansas Piver, he deemed it more likely that he would strike as far up on the south side as possible. A concentration would meet this, while a forward movement into Missouri would enable us to strike his right flank, and if he turned southward, join the pursuit. These views were also those of General Curtis. Orders had been received from General Ilalleck directing the concentration of troops in the vicinity of Fort Scott, under the supposition that Price would be turned south before reaching Lexington. General Curtis made every preparation, previous to taking the field in person. Such reports and dispatches from General Rosecrans, Colonel Ford, ■ EEPORT FEOM COL. FOED. 57 etc., as would, without iujury to the service, arouse the people to a sense of their clanger, were published by his orders. The movements of the 2d Colorado Cavalry were then of the utmost importance. The following dispatches show its position : Head-Quakters, 2nd Colorado Cavalry, Hickman's Mills, Oct. 12, ISO-i. Major-General jS. li. Curtis, Coiamanding Dejxiriment of Kansas, Olathe, Kansas : I have the honor to inform you that at ten o'clock P. M., yesterday, I left Pleasant Hill for this place, reaching here just before daylight. My reasons for this move were, that from all I could learn of Price's movements, he evidently means to strike wovlh of Pleasant Hill, probably between there and Independence, leaving me iu danger of being cut off from your main command. '^ '^ * I was over thirty miles from your main army, and part of the country between dangerous for small parties to travel through. At this place I am only six miles from Oxford, on the Kansas line, sixteen from Pleasant Hill, fourteen from Independence, and thirteen from Kansas Cit_y ; and moreover on the route Price must come on account of water and forage, which in this vicinity are plenty. An- other reason for thinking tliat Price will come this way is that guerillas have told some of their friends that they have positive orders from Price not to destroy any forage in this neighborhood. * * * When I left Pleasant Hill, I sent Captain Green, with one hundred men, north and north-east, to scout well Cedar Creek and the Little Plue, reaching this place by way of Ray town. He arrived about noon to-day. He had seen no fresh signs of any large body of guerillas, though he could hear of occasional small bodies of five or six in a gang. He ascertained that it was their intention to capture this place from the citizen militia to-night, taking their arms from them, but not destroying any forage. I have sent Captain Elmore and fifty men'tow^ards Pleasant Hill to-day, Lieutenant Keith, with fifty men east and noith-east, and Company "H." (forty men) to Independence, all to return to-night. I propose to keep Captain Moses and his two companies at 68 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. Independence for the time being, as an extreme outpost, to be ready to move in a minute, and, as I am now in his rear, to fall back and reinforce me if necessary. Hoping that my actions meet the approbation of the Major-General- Commanding, I am, General, very respectfully, your obedient servant, (Signed) Jas. H. Ford, Colonel 2nd Colorado Cavalry, Commanding. Colonel Thomas Moonliglit was directed to place liimself in communication with Colonel Ford. On the lltli, General Curtis proceeded to Olathe, accompanied by the following members of his staff: Major C. S. Chariot, A. A. G. ; Major T. J. McKenny, Additional A. D. C. ; and Major R. H. Hunt, 15th Kansas, Chief of Artillery. Captain Meeker, Lieutenant Fitch, U. S. Signal Corps, and Lieutenant Hubbard, A. S. O., were also in attend- ance with their command. Honorable James H. Lane, Volunteer Aide-de-Camp, accompanied the General. Honorable S. C. Pomeroy and Colonel W. H. Roberts, Volunteer Aides, reported on the 15th. For the purpose of obtaining wood and water, the rendezvous was changed to Shawnee Town, still nearer the State line. General Blunt was ordered to Hickman's Mills, Missouri. General George W. Deitzler, commanding the State militia, reported at Olathe that evening, and regiments from Leaven- worth, Lawrence and contiguous districts, arrived. Every disposition was made for the prompt organiza- tion and equipment of these forces. The 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 13th, 14th, 19th, 20th, 21st and 22nd Regiments, Kansas State Militia, arrived during the three next AERIVAL OF MILITIA. 59 days. General Grant was very active in discliarge of liis duties. A depot for ordnance, subsistence and c|uartermaster stores was established at Wyan- dotte. Tlie 23rd Regiment, Colonel William Weer, was stationed there ; Major Hubbard being in command of tlie post. The cavalry portions of the 2nd and 3rd Regiments were consolidated into one command, mider Colonel George W. Veale, 2nd Regiment. The infantry were placed under Colonel Williamson, of the 3rd. A portion of the Topeka Battery, under Captain Handley, with a twenty-four pound howitzer, was also attached to Colonel Veale' s command, whose experience as Major of the Oth Kansas Cavalry was deemed of value. Lieuten- ant-Colonel Al,^ernathy, formerly of the 8th Kansas, acted as Chiefof Staif to General Grant. General Deitzler's Staff was announced: Chief, Lieutenant- Colonel O. E. Leonard ; Cavalry, Lieut.-Col. A .W. Spicer, (both, formerly of the 1st Kansas) ; Adjutant, Major John T. Morton ; Quartermaster, Lieutenant- Colonel William Rosenthall ; Engineer, Major L. E. Wilmarth; Judge Advocate, Major John J. Ingalls; Paymaster, Major Charles Chadwick ; and as Aides, Lieutenant -Colonel William Crawford, Majors E. G. Moore, A. R. Banks, and A. S. Hughes. General Grant's command was moved forward to Turkey Creek, beyond Shawnee. A dispatch was received on the 13th, announcing General Rosecrans as having taken the field. Shelby was reported in Howard and Randolph Counties, with four thousand .60 AEMY OF THE BOKDEE. men. Springfield not disturbed. Pleasanton at Jefferson City. Rebels reported moving on the North Missouri Road ; also Standwaite, near Hum- boldt, Kansas. Price was moving on the George- town and Boone ville Road ; Sanborn six miles from the latter point, which Shelby occupied. The statements in relation to North Missouri and Standwaite, were deemed and proved untrue. General Curtis directed that the militia (being without uniform) should wear as a distinctive l)adge, a piece of red material of some kind. Most of the men found badges in the scai'let leaves of the Sumach, which at this season flamed along the creeks and on the prairie's edge. Nicknames are always plenty wherever men assemble. They learned to good humoredly designate themselves as " Kansas Tads," or "The Sumach Millish." The staff officers were employed on the work of Ins]3ection. General Lane, Senator Pomeroy, Col. Roberts, of the Vol- unteer Staff, with Major McKenny, attended to this duty, visiting Wyandotte, Shawneetown, Hickman's Mills, Kansas City and Independence. Major Hunt hurried forward the ordnance stores and amuni- tion with great activity. Lieutenant Fitch, of the Signal Corps, was detailed as Quarter-Master. At daylight of the 14th, Major General Blunt moved from Paola towards Hickman's Mills, Mo. He took with him the 11th Kansas Cavalry, Colonel Thomas Moonlight, Commanding; Company "L," 5th Kansas Cavalry, Captain Young; Company FOE WARD MOVEMET^TS. 61 "A," Captain Ames, 16th Kansas; tlie IndepeiKient Battery, Colorado Volunteers, Captain George McLain ; and a portion of the 5th (Colonel G. A. Colton), and 10th Regiments (Colonel AYm. Pen- nick), K. S. M. These troops were all mounted. On the 15th, Colonel Jennison arrived from Mound City, with the 15th Kansas Cavalry ; Colonel C. W. Blair, 14th Kansas, from Fort Scott, with a battalion of the 3rd Wisconsin Cavalry — portions of Companies " A," " C," " D," " F" and " M,"— under Captain Carpenter, Com})any " A ;" also Companies "D," "E^' and "L," 11th Kansas Cavalry ; Com- pany "D," Captain Kendall, 16th Kansas, and the right section of the 2d Battery, Kansas Volunteers, Lieutenant Knowles. Captain Geo. J. Clark, Ord- nance Officer, accompanied Colonel Blair, with ammu- nition train, and four mountain-howitzers — twelve- jiounders — in charge of Lieutenant William B. Clark, Company " E," 11th Kansas Cavalry, with sixty men of his company. These troops had been directed to join, by forced marches. With Colonel Blair, were a battalion of militia (mounted) from Bourbon County, under Lieutenant Colonel, G. P. Eves, and a Company of Scouts, under Captain John Wilson. The 6th Regiment K. S. M., Lieu- tenant Colonel Snoddy, also reported. The entire force numbered about forty-two hundred men, with eight Parrot guns, and nine mountain-howitzers, the latter attached to the Cavalry. Major Smith, 2d Colorado Cavalry, who had been 62 AKMY OF THE BOEDER. sent by Colonel Ford to Independence, returned, reporting a force under Colonel Page, 1,200 strong, within a short distance of that place. He was again sent out after dark, with two hundred men, to reconnoitre. No other information was received. Active scouting was maintained to the East and South-East, but no evidence of rebel advance in force visible. In Henry County stragglers were seen, sup- posed to be men on furlough, visiting their homes. Advices from St. Louis, located Price's columns at or near Booneville, during this period of suspense. The cavalry belonging to the Districts of Generals McNeil, Sanbprn, Brown and Fisk, were hanging on his rear under General Pleasanton. Colonel Winslow's Brigade of the 17th Army Corps, Gen- eral A. J. Smith, joined the pursuit. General Curtis having determined on a forward movement into Missouri, arranged his forces in two divisions ; the main body of the militia, under Major-General Deitzler, constituting the left wing, to move from Shawneetown towards Lexington, by way of Independence. The riglit wing, under Major-General Blunt, consisting of the Volunteer Cavalry and tlie Southern Border Militia, to move by way of Warrensburg. The successful execution of this plan was frus- trated by the opposition manifested by the militia to crossing the State line. A portion of the Cavalry Brigade organized by General Grant, consisting of the 19tli and 4th, were directed to report to Colonel OEGAinZATION OP FIEST DIVISION. 63 Ford at Independence. On reaching tlie State line at Oxford, a part of the 19th refused to cross, dechiring that there was no power to compel them. They were appealed to by Generals Deitzler and Grant. The 4th Regiment, Colonel McCain, crossed without hesitation, and at last the balance took its line of march to Independence. Colonel Ford, with ten companies of the 2d Colorado, had already preceded them, in obedience to orders from General Blunt. Major Pritchard, of the same regiment, was in command of the post at Kansas City. At Hickman's Mills, similar difficulties occurred with the border militia. On the 15th, General Blunt issued an order brigading his force as follows : 1st Brigade, Colonel C. R. Jennison, 15th Kansas Volun- teer Cavalry, Commanding". 15tli Reghnent Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, Lieutenant- ColoneV George H. Hoyt commandhig. 3rd Reghnent Wisconsin Volunteer Cavalry Battalion, of live companies. Captain Carpenter commanding. Four twelve-pound mountain-howitzers. 2d Brigade, Colonel Thomas Moonlight, 11th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, Commanding. 11th Regiment Volunteer Cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel Plumb. Compan}'^ L, 5th Kansas Cavalry, Captain Young. Company D, 16th Kansas Cavalry, Captain Kendall. Four twelve-pound mountain-howitzers. 3rd Brigade, Colonel C. W. Bla.ir, 14th Regiment Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, Commanding. 5th Regiment Kansas State Militia, Colonel G. A. Colton (Miami County). 6tli Regiment Kansas State Militia, Lieutenant Colonel J. I). Snoddy (Linn County). 10th Regiment Kansas State Militia, Colonel Wra. Pennock (Franklin County). 64 AEMY OF THE BOEDEE. Detachment of Company E, lltli Kansas Cavalry, Lien- tenant Wm. B. Clark. Battalion Bourbon County Militia (four companies), Lieu- tenant-Colonel Eves. Independent Battery, Colorado Yolnnteers, Captain Mc- Lain, six guns ; and right section of 2d Kansas Battery, Lieutenant Knowles. Brigadier-General Fishback, Kansas State Militia, to have immediate command, reporting to Colonel Blair. This last order was issued on a supposed agreement of General Fishback to waive the question of rank. Dissatisfaction, however, was soon manifested by that officer and Colonel Snoddy. General Fishback issued the following order : Head-Quarters 5th Brigade, K. S. M., ) Hickman's Mills, Oct. 15, 1864. ( Colonel Colton, of the 5th Regiment K, S. M., Colonel J. D. Snoddy, 6th Regiment K. S. M., and Colonel Pennock, of the lOtli Regiment K. S. M., are hereby ordered to march their regiments to Rockville, via Anbury, with the discretion to march from Anbury too, if in their judgment tlie enemy are likely to attack Paola.^ By order of Brigadier-General Fishback : H. McBkide, a. a. G. Lieutenant-Colonel Snoddy, in common witli others, had been directed to report to division head- quarters the numl:)er of men, arms, amount of ammunition, etc., in his command. He did so, and also forwarded the following request : IIead-Qitarters 6th Regiment, K. S. M., ) Hickman's Mills, Mo., Oct. 15, 1864. ) Captain Geo. S. Hamptox, A. A. G. : In view of the fact that all the efiective men of Linn County, Kansas, are now here in my command, and that in consequence that county is now left entirely without pvotection, and that the men of my command are poorly prepared to endure a campaign, from the want of camp ACTION OF COLONEL SNODDY. 65 equipage, I most respectfully ask that 1 be ordered with my regiment to the border of Linn County. Yery respectfully, your obedient serv't, Jas. D. Snoddy, Lieutenant-Colonel commanding 6th liegt. K. S. M. An endorsement was returned, as follows : Head-Quarters 1st Division, Army of the Border, in the Field, Hickman's Mills, Oct. 15, 1864. Eespectfully returned — application refused. The Gen- eral comnianding will make such disposition of the troops under his command as in his judgment he thinks best. Everything will be done that is possible to supply the militia of your command with whatever is requii-ed for their comfort, when application is made through the proper channels. By command of Major-General Blunt : Geo. S. Hampton, A. A. G. Early on tlie 16th, the dissatisfaction culminated in an attempt to marcli the 6th Regiment to Kansas. The regiment was already on its Avay ere General Blunt was informed. Prompt measures were taken. The 15th Kansas was ordered out. General Blunt, in person, stopped the regiment, and placed General Fishlmck and Colonel Snoddy in arrest, ordering them to Paola, and marched the militia back to camp. They returned most willingly, greeting the General's action with cheers, and displaying an enthusiastic desire to meet the enemy. Colonel James Montgomery, formerly of the 3d Kansas Vokinteers, and latterly of the 2d South Carolina Volunteers (colored), who had distinguished himself greatly in South Carolina and Florida, Laving 8 . 66 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. arrived at head-quarters to tender liis services, was by tlie 6tli Regiment unanimously elected Colonel. No further conflict of authority occurred. General Fish back was released from arrest by order of General Curtis, on the ground of a misunderstanding between him and General Blunt. He afterwards served gallantly with his brigade at the Big Blue, Westport, rendering eflicient service prior thereto in forwarding troops. Colonel Snoddy was I'etained a prisoner at Paola, till after the army of the border moved south in pursuit of Price. At four P. M. of the 16th, General Blunt received orders to move with all his mounted force towards Pleasant Hill. At seven the same evening, the 1st and 2d Brigades, 2,000 men, with eight howitzers, took uj) the line of march. Before marching, the Division Staff was announced : Cap- tain G. S. Hampton, A. A. G. ; Captain B. F. Simpson, 15th Kansas, Acting Quartermaster ; Cap- tain Geo. J. Clark, Ordnance Officer (he remained with Colonel Blair); Captain A. eT. Shannon, Division Provost Marshal ; Volunteer Aide-de-Camps, Lieu- tenant-Colonel J. T. Burris, late of the 10th Kansas, Major P. G. Ward, 1st Kansas Colored Volunteers, Captain Milhoan, late of the 10th Kansas. Captain R. J. Hinton, 2d Kansas Colored Volunteers, A. D. C. on the regular staff, reported for duty to General Curtis, being unable to reach division head-quarters till after the engagement at Lexington. Major Penny, late of 31st Missouri Volunteers, Volunteer LOCATION OF TKOOPS. 67 A. T>. C, was assigned to duty after tliat battle. General Lane remained on duty witli General Blunt, by direction of General Curtis. Colonel Blair, witli the 3d Brigade, moved to the west side of the Big Blue, where he encamped. Colonel Ford, with the 2d Colorado, held Independence, six miles further east. He had with him there his own regiment, under Major J. Nelson Smith, and several companies of the 16th Kansas Cavalry (Colonel Werter R. Davis, Commanding Post at Fort Leavenworth), undei* Lieutenant-Colonel Sam. Walker, one of the best officers and most gallant soldiers in the service. The 4th and 19th Regiments Kansas State Militia (cavalry), commanded by Colonels Hogan and McCain. Colonel Hofran commanded the brio;ade. Orders were issued directino; militia then concen- trating at Paola, Mound City and Fort Scott, in view of the probability of Price's moving south from the vicinity of Lexington, to remain there, holding themselves in readiness to march at any moment. Lieutenant-Colonel Drake, I7th Kansas, with two companies, garrisoned Paola. lie was shortly after joined by the 12th Regiment Kansas State Militia (Lyon County), Colonel Mitchell, the 16th (Coffey County), Colonel Potter, and a mounted battalion fi'om Osage County, under Lieu- tenant-Colonel M. M. Murdoch. This latter, in obedience to orders, moved uj) tlie line in the direction of Westport, and opportunely arrived in time to participate in the engagement of the 2 2d. 68 AEMY OF THE BOEDEE. At Mound City, Captain Greer, 15tli Kansas, was in command. He had as garrison sixty men, conva- lescents, 15 til Kansas, and five companies of the Linn County Militia, two mounted. At Fort Scott, Captain Vittum, 3rd Wisconsin Cavalry, was in command. He had with him about two hundred volunteers, mostly 2d Kansas Cavalry. Two regi- ments of militia under Brigadier-General J. B. Scott were also assembled there. About three hundred colored men, called out under the proclamation of martial law, were placed under command of Lieu- tenant Wm. D. Matthews (colored), Light Artillery, United States Colored Troops, who, witli his command, were put in charge of a portion of the defences. At various other points in the State, militia were assembled. Those regiments rendezvousing at At- chison were ordered to the front, but owing to a misunderstanding and conflict of authority, they did not move till after the battle of Little Blue, aroused all to a realizing sense of the danger in which the State was placed. The 15th Eegiment was retained at Fort Riley. The lith, under Colonel Harvey, formerly of the 10th Kansas Volunteers, exhibited great alacrity in concentrating and marching, having over one hundred miles to travel. They reached the State line on the afternoon of the 22nd, while an engagement was in progress. Thence they marched to Westport and Kansas City. They made this inarch in six days. The 18th Regiment, infantry, GEISTEEAL CURTIS' MOVEMENTS. 69 Colonel Matthew Quigg, formerly of the lOth Kansas Volunteers, left Atchison and marched to AVyan- dotte, where they remained in camp till the 22nd, when they moved to Big Blue. The 12th Regiment, cavalry, Colonel L. S. Treat, was among the fore- most in usefulness. Two days after receipt of orders. Colonel Treat, with four hundred men, was in the saddle. On the IGtli he reported at Wyandotte to General Curtis, and thence to Colonel Ford, at Independence. While troops were thus concentrating, and the 1st Division was marching towards Lexington, the com- manding General was moving to the diiferent rendezvous, reconnoitering the country, and making other dispositions to meet the enemy. It having been found almost impossible to move the State troops as a unit upon the Lexington road, it was wisely determined to turn all efforts to holding them together at the next most available line of defence. General Curtis confidently hoped the troops under Bosecrans would overtake the I'ebel army at or near Lexington, turn them on a retreat, and thus enable him, with the irregular forces at liis disposal, to attack their Hank, disorder and pursue their retreating columns. The main difficulty Avas in obtainino; accurate intellio;ence. Ilead-ouarters O ox were successively made at Wyandotte, Kansas City and Independence. At Kansas City, Lieutenant-Colonel Wheeler, loth Kansas, and Captain Hinton, of General Blunt' s 70 ARMY OF THE BOEDEE. staif, reported for duty. Lieutenant-Colonel Sears, 18th U. S. C. T,, at home on furlough, also reported. He was announced as Provost Marshal. Captain Edgar Seelye, A. Q. M., stationed at Kansas City, was announced as Acting Chief Quartermaster. From Fort Smith, Arkansas, arrived Colonel Wm. F. Cloud, 2nd Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, Colonel S. J. Crawford, 2d Kansas Colored Volunteers (now Governor of Kansas), and Colonel John Ritchie, 1st Kegiment, Indian Brigade, who with Lieu- tenant S. S. Prouty, Regimental Quarter-Master 3rd Regiment, Indian Brigade, reported to General Curtis for duty, and were assigned ; the Colonel as Volunteer Aidde-Camp, and Lieutenant Prouty to the Quarter-Master's Department. Other members of the department staff arrived. Lieutenant G. T. Robinson, Chief Engineer, was placed in charge of the preparation of defences upon the lines chosen by General Cartis. Major S. S. Curtis, 2d Colorado, A. D. C, reported on the 18th at Kansas City, with the Steamer "Benton," on board which, he had run the blockade of the Mis- souri River, estabhshed by the rebels at Lexington and elsewhere. The whole trip was of so daring a character as to be worthy of mention. Major Curtis, in obedience to orders, took posses- sion and charge of the Benton, on the 7th of October. Had on board three companies of the 43rd M. S. M., under command of Major Davis. Three companies of same Regiment were on the AVest Wind ; all RUNNING THE EIVEE BLOCKADE. 7l imder commaud of Col. Chester Harding. Started immediately for Jefferson City ; were much dela3'ed by low Water and hard winds, and only reached Brunswick at 10 A. M., of the 11th inst. Found the town occupied by Captain Kennedy, of Price's Army, with eighty men, mostly raised in the place. A guerilla, named Ryder, with one hundred men, had left the preceding evening. We landed, driving the enemy from the town at the first lire. Colonel Harding seized all the serviceable horses, mounted and sent in pursuit eighty men, who returned during the night, reporting having come up with the enemy, who again fled without fight. Lieut. Brunswick next day saw a few of the enemy at Cambridge. Ar- rived at Glasgow on the 13th ; found Captain Mayer, of 9th M. S. M., with al)Out three hundred cavalry, and as many more armed citizens, throwing up intrenchments, intending to hold the place as long as possil)le. Learned that Price was at Booneville, conscripting every man fit for duty, and had posses- sion of the steam ferry boat. Colonel Harding decided to remain at Glasgow. Believing the ])oat would be wanted at Leavenworth, Major Curtis con- cluded to return, and in view of the -weakness of the garrison, without a guard, feeling confident the ])oat could not be taken with small arms. He left Glas- gow on the 1-lth ; was fired into that evening at Miami City, and at Plains City, and again the next morning, when the mate of the boat was slightly wounded. Fired into near Waverly, by about fifty 72 ARMY OF THE BORDER. rebels, and also at Lexington. Here the boat was under a lieavy fire from tM^o hundred bushwhackers ; the shot fell thick and fast, without however, doing material damage. Besides the above, was fired into repeatedly by small parties. The boat was struck by over six hundred shots ; probably three or four thousand more were fired at her, before arriving at Kansas City. Though bringing up the boat was considered hazardous, the capture of Glasgow the next day by Price, proves it better than to have remained there. The following order was issued, owing to the re23orted connivance with rebels, of the commanders of certain captured boats : Head-Quarters, Department oe Kansas, ) Fort Leavenworth^ Octoher 15, 1861. j General Orders, No. 56. Commanders and owners of Steam-boats and Ferry- boats on the Missouri River, in this command, will see that their boats do not fall into rebel hands in a condition for rebel service, under the sure and swift penalty of the loss of boat, and the forfeit of the life of the commander and pilot. By Command of Major-General Curtis : W. H. Stark, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. CPIAPTER VIII. MARCH TO LEXINGTON PREPARATIONS AT THE BIG BLUE MOVEMENTS OF MILITIA. On tlie 18th, General Curtis' Head-Quarters were at Camp Chariot, Kansas City. Information was con- stantly received of the movements of General Blunt, who, with the volunteer cavalry of his Division, was moving by tlie Warrensburg Road towards Lexing- ton. On leaving Hickman's Mills, Major Anderson had been sent towards AVarrensburg, with instruc- tions to move east until lie obtained reliable informa- tion. Bushwhackers were reported in the vicinity of Plea-sant Hill. Captain Allen, of the 7tli E. M. M., with one hundred and fifty men, held that point. At Warensburg, all tlie militia had been removed to Jefferson City by General Brown. Major Emory S. Foster assumed command, taking active measures to defend tlie place. He succeeded in arming about one hundred and twenty men in all, and obtained 5,000 cartridges. The Court House was 9 74 ARMY OF THE BOEDEE. occupied as quarters, and defences made around it of wagons and cord wood belonging to the cparter- master's department. Major Anderson reached the town on the 16th iust., and returned to Pleasant Hill on the l7th. Captain Palmer, 11th Kansas, with twenty men, was sent on a scout to Knob Noster, ten miles east of Warrensburg, but till after the I7th, was not heard from. One of our spies, who had been within Price's canij), reported him as having a force of over 20,000, daily augmented by conscripts and recruits. Camp rumors stated Price's intention to move on Kansas City by way of Lex- ington, following the. river, and thence through Kansas and the Indian Territory to the Arkansas. General Blunt believed this would be their route; all information obtained, confirmed it. Hopes were entertained of communicating with Sanborn, who, on the 14th, was at Georgetown. On the l7th. Blunt moved to Holden ; the same night twenty miles towards Lexington ; on the afternoon of the 18th, reached that city. In the meanwhile, Major J. Nelson Smith, 2d Col- orado Volunteer Cavalry, had been ordered on a scout towards Lexington, the results of which are thus reported by him : Independence, Mo., Oct. 18, 1864. JRobert L. Roe^ A. A. A. General, 1st Brigade, 'ind Division, Army of the Border : Sir: — For the information of the Colonel conmiandins;, I have the honor to report that in pursuance to instructions received from him I left this place on the afternoon of SCOUT OF HAJOE SMITH. 75 Sunday, the 16th instant, at eight o'ch^ck, with a detach- ment of the 16th Kansas Cavah-y and 2nd Cok)rado Cavah'y, viz. : Companies H, K and L, 16th Kansas, comniaiuk^l by Major Ketner, and Companies C, E, C, K and L, 2nd Colorado, nnmbering in all about three hundred men. I proceeded east on the Lexington Telegraph lioad, and when out nine or ten miles from this place found the telegraph line down and cut, which continued for every two or three miles until I reached Lexington. * * * When within ten miles of Lexinu'ton, I commenced makino- inquiries in regard to the force, and kind, at that place, and the invariable report was from live hmidred to seven hundred men, about half Confederate troops and the rest bushwhackers ; and not till I got within a mile and a half or two miles could I learn anything to the contrary, when I learned that it was reported that the enemy's force had left late the night before. I dashed with nSy command into the town on the morning of the 17th, a little after sunrise, but found the town evacuated. I was informed by the citizens that a strong picket of the enemy had been jjosted in the town during the night previous, and had left at day- light. Also, that a small picket force had left the town as I occupied it. I found but very few citizens in the streets, and they all women and children ; but as soon as they learned that "Feds." occupied the town, what few male citizens there were left commenced crawding out of their holes, and the citizens generally commenced crowding around us — some in tears, some in smiles, and some in rags. They generally appeared much rejoiced at our arrival, and offered us the hospitalities of the town, invitiiig us to their homes, and acting as if they could not do too much for us. I immediately posted a strong picket about the town and sent out scouts in different directions, as I had learned that a force, from five hundred to seven hundred, of Confederates had been in camp only six miles from town at daylight, intending, if such a force was there, if not too strongly posted, to make them show their hands- or else throw up ours. My scouts proceeded in a south and south-easterly direction a distance of nine miles, and found no force except a picket of the enemy six miles from town, which the scouts fired upon, killing one and wounding two. I learned that quite a large force of the enemy had been at Dover, a distance of eight miles, but 76 AEMY OF THE BORDEE. that the pickets had been driven in from Lexington by the Federal troops, and reported them in large force there and more coming, and that the Confederates had got up and " skedaddled." I also learned in Lexington, from what I consider pretty- reliable authority, that a force from 2,000 to 3,000 strong (said to be Shelby's force, and commanded by General Fagan, C. S. A.) was down the river at Waverly. The citizens of Lexington have had a reign of terror, both loyal people, McClellan people, and rebels. The enemy have plundered and robbed indiscriminately, taking every- thing of value they could carry away, and have left many poor families very destitute. I captured thirty (30) double- barreled shot-guns, brought by the enemy to Lexington, to arm their conscripts with ; also, one thousand rounds of ammunition, all of which I destroyed, as I had no trans- portation to^arry them away. I sent a dispatch to Captain Fads, 1st M. S. M., who I learned was at Eiclnnond, across the river, and who was in command at Lexington, with his company, and two full companies of citizen guards, at the time that it was evacuated, advising him to return, which he did just as my rear guard was leaving town. Being well satisfied that he could hold the place, if he chose to, I left the place with my command at about four o'clock, being out of rations, the citizens pleading wnth me to stay, and telling me that they would feed my whole command so long as I chose to, or could stay there. I returned eighteen miles by the same route on which I came in, and went into camp, it being now dark. Just before going into camp, my advance ran into six mounted men, which I supposed to be the enemy's bushwhacker pickets, and who after getting into the brush some distance, discharged two shots, probably signals for the force to which they belonged. It being quite dark, my command and their horses being tired and worn out, I did not think' it advisable to pursue them. I here had my telegraph •operator "tap" the wire, so that I might communicate with you, but he reported that he could get no circuit, and I had to abandon it. Hearing that a force of from seventy-live to one hundred bushwhackers had passed south of us just before we went into camp, I sent Captain Greene with his company (E), and companies G and L, 2nd Colorado Cavalry, this CAPTAIISr KATHBURn's GEISTEEAL ORDEE. 77 morning just before daylight, to see if lie could find their whereabouts, and if so to give them a turn. His (Captain Green's) report accompanies this, and is marked ^'C," also notice marked "A,"" published by Ca])tain Beding-er, C. S. A., at Lexington, October 14th, 1864, and orders marked '' B," by Captain George S. llathburn, same date and army. Most of the recruits enlisted by Captains Rathburn and Bedinger, as well as most of their conscripts, deserted and returned to their homes. In conclusion, I would remark that too much credit cannot be given to the officers and men under my command for their good behavior and prompt obedience of orders. No complaints whatever came to me of the misconduct of any man of my command. I broke camp at daylight this morning, and arrived here at twelve o'olock M. (Signed) J. Nelson Smith. Major 2d Colorado Cavalry, Commanding. NOTICE. Head-Quarters, Lexington, Mo., Oct. 14th. I hereby notify the citizens of the city of Lexington and vicinity, that I am here now for the purpose of enlisting all those who are subject to military duty, and organizing them into companies, battalions, &c., with authority from Major-General Price. All those subject to duty will report to me at the Court House, immediately. L. L. Bedinger, Captain and Recruiting Officer. GENERAL ORDER. Head-Quarters Detachment Shelby's Brigade, ) Lexington, Mo., Oct. 14th. f The city of Lexington having this day surrendered to me by the Mayor thereof, in the name of the Confederate Government, I have the honor to issue the following General Order : I. The rights of non-combatants and private property must be respected and preserved. II. All male white citizens between the ages of seven- teen and fifty are ordered to report to head-quarters at the 78 AEMY OF THE BORDER. Court House, within twentj-four hours after issuing this order. III. All public property belonging to the Federal Gov- ernment in this city is taken possession of, in the name of the Confederacy, and the citizens are required to report the same to head-quarters at the Court House, immediately. IV. If any shots are fired from houses in the city upon Confederate troops, or any force under my command, such houses are ordered to be burned to the ground. V. Proper vouchers to be issued for all property taken for the public use in the Quartermaster's Department. This order to be rigidly enforced. Geo. S. Rathbukn, Capt. Com'd'g Detachment Shelby's Brigade, Recruiting Service. Independence, Mo., Oct. 7, 1864. Sir : — I have the honor herewith to report for the infor- mation of the Major-Commanding, that I scouted in a south- east direction through Texas Prairie, and found a large trail going east, supposed to be Todd's command. Said trail was in the vicinity of Judge Gray's. We then struck for Fire Prairie, by the way of Robinson's ; thence w^est, crossing the Blue at Franklin's. From there we struck the Lexington and Independence road, four miles from tins place. After leaving the large trail, we heard of two parties, one of six and one of three, traveling in all thirty miles from the time of leaving your command on same date. Respectfully, your obedient servant, (Signed) W. H. Green, Captain Company E, 2nd Colorado Cavalry. To Lieutenant J. W. Stanton, Bat. While tliese movements were progressing, the difficulty of advancing the militia to the points most essential for practical resistance to Price, daily- became greater. The aim now was to concentrate force enough at some particular point sufficiently strong to effiictually hold the rebel army in checls OPEEATIONS OF THE MILITIA. ^9 until General Pleasanton could co-operate. To this end Colonel Blair was stationed at the Big Blue, and with the engineers, actively engaged in fortifying that line, by means of formidable abattis and breast works at salient points, rifle pits to cover the line of advance, and such other means as would materially strengthen the natural advantages of the west bank of the stream. At Kansas City martial law was rigidly enforced, and all available force set to w^ork constructing a long line of intrench- ments on the east and south, thus creating a formid- able obstacle to the rebel army. Officers were sent to hurry all troops to the front. Among these, Captain R. J. Hinton received orders to take general charge of the movements and organization of the colored men. The Leavenworth Battalion, under Captain Raiferty, accompanied by a section of Parrott guns, with thirty men, under Lieutenant P. H. Minor (colored), two companies from Wyandotte, and three from Shawneetown, were sent to the front under the general direction of Captain Hinton, with the assistance of Lieutenant-Colonel O. E. Learnerd and Captain Simpson, Kansas State Mi- litia. These troops, with companies attached to other regiments, were organized as a l^rigade, and placed under command of Captain Rafterty, 83d United States Colored Troops. It numbered over one thousand men, who deserve, with their officers, great credit for uniform zeal and gallantry. Mean- while the handling of the militia became more 80 ARMY OF THE BORDER. difficult. Since Price moved from Jefferson on the 9tli, no positive information had been received of his whereabouts. This tended to increase the difficulties. They are strikingly illustrative of the obstacles caused, even in a loyal community, by the mis- chievous theory of State sovereignty, and show the necessity of remodeling our militia system, and adapting it somewhat to the wants of a nation, instead of being now lit only for the loose ties of a confederation. A dispatch from General Deitzler to General Curtis, illustrates forcibly the great trouble in the way of effective organization : Independence, Mo., Oct. 17, 5 P. M., 1864. General : — I have the honor to inform yon that the militia regiments ordered to repair to tliis post from Shaw- neetown yesterday, refnsed to cross the State line this mornino; nntii after I made them a speech exphiining the object of the movement, and promised to accompany them, and see that they are " not ordered too far in this State." They are arriving here as I write, and seem to be in good spirits. I apprehend considerable difficnlty in indncing them to march fnrther into JVIissonri, and I shall regret if the necessity arises to make the effort. They know tlieir rights nnder the militia laws of our State, and will not tamely submit to an effort to move them ftir from their homes, unless the necessity is great and apparent. General Blunt passed through Pleasant Hill to-day, moving towards Warrensburg. Major Smith has not yet returned, but is expected in during the night. He will doubtless bring some reliable information respecting the strength and whereabouts of Price's army. I cannot persuade myself to believe his army is moving in this direction in consid- erable force. A few days will certainly determine this perplexing business." PEEPAEATIONS AT THE BIG BLUE. 81 The 1st Regiment Kansas State IMilitia refused to cross the line. The Leavenworth Mercantile Battery deserted, taking their guns. On the 19th, over one-half the 1st Regiment returned to Leavenworth. The others moved to Wyandotte. Afterwards, a small number crossed the river, and participated in the battle of Westport. They were induced to this by the action of Lieutenant-Colonel McCarthy and Adjutant Frank S. Drake. A small number after- wards moved over Avith Colonel Robinson, who also removed his shoulder-straps and took a musket. To return. The force at Independence has already been given. General Deitzler, at Shawneetown, was reinforced by the 9th Battery Wisconsin Volunteers, under Captain J. W. Dodge and Lieutenant Hicks, w^ho had left Fort Riley on the 14th, making a forced march of one hundred and forty miles, and reporting on the 18th. He was afterwards attached to Colonel Blair's Brigade. At the Big Blue, every preparation was being made. At Kansas City, Colonel Coats commanded the Missouri Militia. Colonel Van Horn, M. C. elect, was of great service in rallying and organizing the loyal people. At Wyandotte, a large militia force w^as assembled. Major Hubbard, Command- ing the post, was untiring in the discharge of his duties. The 18th Regiment, Colonel Quigg, was in camp, as also the 23rd. At Shawnee, was General Deitzler s Head-Quarters. A large force was assem- bled there. 10 82 AEMY OF THE BORDER. On the night of the 18th, General Curtis received dispatches from Bhmt, announcing his arrival at Lexington. Near that place, Colonel Moonlight's advance (the 11th) run on a small guerilla force, drove them through the town, killing and capturing three. Shelby was known to be at AVaverly on the 17th, Price was at Marshall, Saline County, and moving up the river. His head-quarters, reported at the Kizer farm, thirty-two miles east of Lexington. Conscripting was going on briskly. Blunt urged the sending of troops, and the repair of telegraph from Independence. Captain Geo. West, with thirty-six men of Company " F," was sent with dispatches. At 11 A. M., of the 19th, a party was sent to repair the telegraph. At 4 A. M., of the 20th, a dispatch was received by General Curtis, announcing an engagement at Lexington that afternoon, with General Price, and the falling back of Blunt towards Independence. Tliis intelligence was immediately communicated to Fort Leavenworth, to all posts and the forces at the Big Blue, Shawnee, "Wyandotte and Kansas City. It was now evident that Price's entire army was moving westward, aiming directly at Kansas. Lieutenant Smith, Company M., 3rd Kansas State Militia, was ordered to scout thoroughly towards Blunt's advance on the Lexington Road. Captain Hinton was sent forward with dispatches to General Blunt, whom he reached about sunrise. Major McKenny was dispatched to Colonel Ford, with 83 orders for him to keep open the road to Kansas City. Captain Hyde, 16th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, was directed to take the Steamer Tom Morgan, and with a guard of twenty men proceed down the river as far as Lexington. If fired upon by artillery, to turn back and. report at Kansas City. CHAPTER IX. BATTLE OF LEXINGTOIS'. General Blunt, with two Brigades of Cavalry, moved from Hickman's Mills on the 16th, by way of Pleasant Hill and Holden, to Lexington. At Holden a party of citizens and militia from Warrensburg, were met, nnder command of Major Foster. They were sent back to Warrensburg ; Major Foster reach- ing that place first, and telegraphing that no rebel force had been there. Nothing of special import- ance occurred on the march. Company " B," Cap- •tain Green, 11th Kansas, held the advance, when our troops entered the city. At Lexington, the General learnt the rebel's whereabouts. Price was near Waverly, twenty-two miles east, busily engaged in concentrating his army for the purpose of resisting E-osecrans' advance. General Curtis was immedi- ately informed of the position, and requested to send the 2d Colorado and 16th Kansas Cavalry. Owing to the militia difficulties, the General was unable to send forward the desired reinforcements. This ADVANCE OF THE ENEMY. 85 information was received at 11 A. M. of the 19tli. Messengers were sent to General Sanborn, but failed to reach him. The two brigades were disposed to meet the rebel advance. The 1st Brigade was encamped on the Fair Ground, south of town, and the 2d Brigade near the College Buildings, famous for their bloody defence by Mulligan in ISGl. Companies "A" and "F" of the lltli Kansas, under Captain Palmer, were stationed on the Dover road, and Company "B," Cap- tain Green, was stationed on the Warrensburg road. Early in the morning General Blunt, assisted by Hon. Jas. H. Lane and Lieutenant-Colonel Burris, acting as Aides, made a thorough inspection of the ground, and approaches to the city. They had but just returned, to head-quarters when information was received that our pickets had been driven in. The enemv were reported advancing in three columns by the Dover, Camden and AVarrensburg road. All was put in readiness for resistance. The pickets fell back, stubbornly contesting every foot of ground. The 1st Brigade immediately formed to the south of the Fair Ground, along a road running through the camp. The 2d Brigade took position in line with them. General Blunt, with the officers of his staff, was everywhere present. Strong parties were sent forward to make a thorough reconnoissance of the ground at our front. Our line of battle was formed to the south-east of the city, with 'open and undulating country in our front and 86 AEMY OF THE BOEDEE. open fields extending for two or tlu'ee miles ; the Independence road being in our rear. It thus offered a good opportunity for active skirmishing, and enabled us to keep open a line of retreat, all flanking movements being visible. The direct attack was made by the Camden road. A portion of the 15th Kansas, under Lieutenant-Colonel Hoyt, had been sent forward. The balance of the brigade, with howitzers, was posted on the southern edge of the city, but were soon after ordered back to the Fair Ground. Companies "E" and "F," under Capt. J. A. Curtis and 1st Lieutenant J. T. Smith, were moved to the right of the line upon the Sedalia road, with one howitzer, under Lieutenant J. Murphy, Company "B," 15th Regiment. Capt. Curtis moved forward rapidly, and soon became actively engaged with the rebel advance, four hundred strong, whom he drove back to the columns. The skirmishing was sharp and severe, firing with small arms being continuous, while the howitzer was used with con- siderable effect. The enemy was several times repulsed, not only here, but on our left, where the 2d Brigade was actively engaged. While thus engaged, General Blunt, with his staff, was forming a second line of battle, and withdrawing the troops to take this position. The 2d Brigade was thus withdrawn. Captain Curtis, outflanked, had been cut off. He did not rejoin the main column until after dark, having gallantly cut his way through, meeting on his retreat a detachment under GENERAL BLUNT FALLS BACK. 87 Captain West, 2d Colorado, who was bearing dis- patches to General Blunt. But for this opportune rencounter, Cai)tain West with his thirty men would have entered Lexington, then occupied by the rebels. By the time we were actively engaged, it became evident from the steady movements as they massed themselves in our front, that their whole force was present. At the same time they brought forward a battery, and soon convinced us of their possession of Parrott guns. Their artillery did not do us much damage, while our howitzers, well and rapidly served, were kept well in front, and loaded at short range with canister, did considerable execution, as was evident from the caution with which they advanced, in sj)ite of their overwhelming numbers and the disparity of our force, the small strength of w^hich was plainly visible. General Blunt's object was, by persistent resist- ance,- at the same time falling back, to delay the enemy and ascertain their strength. An irregular firing, with occasional artillery practice, was kept up for about two hours. Their rifled guns being brought into play, it became necessary for us to move off, which was done with the utmost coolness. General Blunt, General Lane, Captain Simpson and Colonel Burris had been throughout this engagement on the skirmish line, directing and participating in the fischt. General Lane dismounted, and with a Sharp's carbine took his place in the ranks of the skirmishers, in front of the 2d Brigade. 88 ARMY OF THE BOEDER. The command was directed to withdraw on the Independence road. This was done in excellent order, though the enemy pressed forward rapidly to prevent its success. The movement was covered by the 11th Kansas Cavalry, Colonel Moonlight, with about five hundred men and four howitzers, cliecked the pressing colmnns. General Blunt and Colonel Moonlight personally directed the use and firing of the howitzers. The conduct of this force w^as beyond all praise. They fought and fell back, form- ing four different lines of battle, retiring only to the main column, when almost enveloped by the enemy. A retreating fight was maintained for over six miles, until the head of our column reached the forks of the roads to Independence and Wellington. Our loss was inconsiderable — about forty killed, wounded and missing. Many cases of individual bravery made the engagement brilliant. The action of Cap- tain Jack Curtis, in cutting his way out of the rebel lines, and rejoining the division was worthy of all praise. A small body of Kansas State Militia, and Captain Grover's Company Enrolled Missouri Militia, from Warrensburg, did excellent service. The troops engaged were, the 11th and 15th Kansas, the 3rd Wisconsin Cavalry Battalion, under Captain Carpenter, which occupied the left of the 1st Brigade, and Companies "A" and "D," of the 16th, under Captains Ames and Kendall, who behaved like veterans. The entire objects sought in this movement to Lexington, had been successfully RE-UNION OF THE MILITIA. 89 accompli shed. The enemy's force had been devel- oped ; his position, strength and location ascertained, for the first time since Price had left Pilot Knob. Our loss was small. An army of 28,000 had been in check for at least twenty-four hours, by a cav- alry column of 2,000. Through this stubborn resistance, an important gain in time was made. General Curtis was enabled to disseminate reliable information to his militia, thus re-uniting them, and producing harmony of spirit and action. At the same time, it enabled him to bring forward a con- siderable body of troops, who had been held back, and also to fully arrange and prepare his chosen lines. Tlie check was the most serious, when the advantage to be taken by General Rosecraus' troops, but thirty miles east of Price, was to be considered. The Division engaged by General Blunt was that of Joe Shelby. A characteristic story w\as after- wards told by a deserter to this effect, that consider- able disputing occurred among the rebel officers while in Lexington, as to w'ho commanded our troops in this engagement. Some declared that it could not be General Blunt, as he held no command. During the discussion Shelby is reported as saying : " Well, gentlemen, I've only one thing to say : it was either Blunt or the devil." Among the acts of coolness, is one given by Colonel Jennison in his published report : "The retrogade movement was conducted with "the utmost good order, notwithstanding thedifficul- 1] 90 AEMY OF THE BORDER. "ties of tlie road and tlie darkness of tlie niglit, "during wliicli nothing of consequence was aban- "doned, and officers and men discharged their duties "with as much equanimity as though there was not "an army of 30,000 pressing closely upon their rear, "An incident to the credit of Lieutenant Murphy, "15th Kansas V. C, and Sergeant Patterson, 14th "Kansas V. C, attached to the battery, may be men- "tioned here : Owing to the darkness of the night • " and the inequalities of the road, an accident occurred "by which the limber of one of the howitzers was "broken, and before it could be repaired the entire "column had passed. Lieutenant Murphy and Ser- "geant Patterson remained with the piece, and "succeeded in bringing it away in the very fire of the "enemy's pressing columns." Colonel Moonlight records also the breaking of the tongue of a howitzer while covering the with- drawal, and the lashing of the same to another piece under a heavy fire of the enemy. After dark the command was marched leisurely towards Independence, bivouacking a few miles from the Little Blue, at 2 A. M. Dispatches were received at sunrise, directing the division to move to Independence, leaving a battalion to hold the bridge at Little Blue till the enemy appeared, and then burn it. General Blunt urged that the Little Blue be held as our next line of battle, confidently announcing our ability to hold the same. There is little doubt that if our militia force MOVEMENT TOWAEDS INDEPENDENCE. 91 had been easily liaiidled and willing to move forward, tliat this plan would have heen advan- tageous, as in that way Pleasanton's cavalry would have closed up sooner on the rebel rear, and the fighting necessary on his part to regain Indepen- dence and cross the Big Blue have been avoided. As, however, the militia could not be moved for- ward, it was necessary that our lines on the Big Blue should be regarded as the main one. Another objection to the Little Blue was the character of that stream, which, being easily fordable, was con- sidered not of sufficient extent to warrant prominent movements. Colonel Moonlight, with the 11th Kansas, was left at the crossing of the Little Blue, and the 1st Brigade, with the balance of the 2d, moved into Independence. The bridge commanded the main road to Lexington. Had it been possible to have, at this time, extended our right by way of Lone Jack, and thus united with Rosecrans' left, throwing the main portion of the Army of the Border, with that of Missouri, on the east and south of Price, leaving sufficient to the west to check him temporarily, it is certain that we should have succeeded in bagging the prey, and bringing him to grief. The character of the main portion of our force precluded this. CHAPTER X. BATTLE OF THE LITTLE BLUE. As before stated, General Blunt moved to Inde- pendence on the 20tli, leaving Colonel Thos. Moon- liglit with ten companies of the llth Kansas Cav airy to resist the approach of the enemy as long as possible. Two companies of the 5th Kansas Cav- alry, under Captain Young, had been left on the State line to watch the guerillas, and Companies "A" and "D," of the 16th, which had been with the 2d Brigade at Lexington, were, on arrival at the Blue, ordered to report to Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel Walker, commanding their regiment. This left Colonel Moonlight with about six hundred men, and the four twelve-pound mountain howitzers, attached to the 11th Kansas. As the stream was fordable at almost every point, it was no easy matter to hold the west bank. Major Martin Anderson, with two companies was stationed ADVAKCE OF THE ETCEMY. 93 at tlie bridge, with directions to hold the same as long as possible, and burn it before retreating. Cap- tain Green, with Company "I," was stationed at a ford two miles south of the bridge, with instructions to hold the same. Captain Huntoon, with Company "H," was stationed at a ford four miles distant. Colo- nel Moonlight's Head-Quarters were in the vicinity of the bridge. Heavy pickets were thrown out on the Lexington Road, and every preparation made that the necessities demanded. Though the stream was shallow and easily forded, the heavy timber and broken ground, extending west for two miles, with advantages afforded by the fences, walls, Yn{xi\\\\'^r^ AND BIGBLPE OCT. 2.S 8. ZS IS £ A CHAPTER XII. BATTLES ON THE BIG BLUE AND STATE LIKE. The entire force under General Curtis rested on the night of the 21st, upon the west bank of the Big Blue, the main body at and adjacent to the road leading from Independence and Kansas City. Pur- suant to order, General Deitzler retired to this point during the forenoon of the 21st, from Independence. He found Colonel Blair, with a considerable force of militia, two sections of the 9th Battery Wisconsin Volunteers, under Captain Dodge and Lieutenant Hicks, and a section of the 2d Kansas Battery. A great deal of work had been done to render this very strong position more defensible. The east bank was open country to the front and right, while the west bank rose abruptly as precipitous bluffs, well covered with timber and brush, quite difficult of access, and makes a defile for the road to pass through. South of the road the timber was dense — ground broken. North of the roa-d, were open fields sloping moder- POSITION OF TROOPS. 123 ately to within twelve or fifteen feet of tlie stream. The roads from fords crossing the Blue, all converged to Westport and Kansas City. North of the main ford, was one other at the mouth, three miles above. Here a small steamboat was stationed, as also a bat- talion of the 19th Kansas State Militia, Col, Hogan, two hundred and fifty strong. The 4th and 19th had reported to Colonel Blair, Commanding 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, by order of General Deitzler. Every thing being in readiness for the expected emergency, transportation was all sent back to Kan- sas City. At that point and Wyandotte, by direc- tion of Colonel Weir, 23rd Regiment K. S. M., alarm guns were fired at midnight, and the militia aroused. A considerable body of colored troops moved during the night, as did the 10th and 23rd Reo;iments, also militia and volunteers from Kansas City. The main line, our left and centre, extended for six miles. The 19th Regiment held the extreme left, when, on the morning of the 2 2d, the troops waited the rebel approach. North of the road w^as formed the 6th Regiment K. S. M., Colonel James Montgomery ; then the colored volunteers, about six hundred strong (the mounted companies being retained with their local militia regiments). Imme- diately to their rear, in the open ground, was sta- tioned the 9th Wisconsin Battery, and to the right, under direction of Captain Dodge, the two Parrotts of Lieutenant Minor. The guns were supported by 15" 124 ARMY OF THE BORDER. the 5tli Regiment K. S. M., Colonel Colton, and Lieutenant-Colonel Eves' Battalion from Bourbon county. Above the main crossing, McLain's Colorado Bat- tery held a commanding position. The 4th Brigade was formed to support it, with the 12th Regiment K. S. M., Colonel Treat. The second Colorado sup- plied the pickets to the east. One was advanced to Rock Ford, four miles from Independence. Six com- panies, under Captain Green, were thrown across as skirmishers, and remained until the left and centre retired to Kansas City. At Simmons' Ford, two miles south, the 10th Regiment K. S. M., Colonel Wm. Pennock, was sta- tioned, supporting a section of the 2d Kansas Bat- tery. Early on the morning of the 22d, Colonel Moonlight moved to this point with the 11th Kansas and assumed command. Above this a cattle ford — known as Hinkle's — was left comparatively un- guarded. Three miles from Simmons' Ford is Byrom's. This proved to be the main point of attack. Roads to Independence and Raytown cross here, and to the west run roads which diverge to Kansas City or Westport, striking between both, or moving out towards the State line. Colonel Blair had, the evening previous, directed Colonel McCaiu, with mounted battalion of the 4th K. S. M., to proceed to this ford, hold the same, and scout thoroughly the eastern bank and roads ; also to open communication with the force at Russell's COLONEL MCCAIN'S MOVEMENTS. 125 Ford on the Hickman's Mills road, some miles to tlie south. It was late at night Avhen tlie 4th Regiment proceeded to its destination. Compelled to cross the Blue, it moved almost in the face of the enemy, over a rough country, and by blind and broken roads. At 1 P. M., Colonel McCain halted his command in the bottom near Byrom's Ford, to await daylight, and thus enable kim to ascertain kis whereabouts. In the morning at break of day, lie occupied his assigned position. Dispatckes were sent to Hick- man's witk an escort of twenty-one men. Tkis party was attacked soon after dayligkt^ two miles from the Ford, and all but one taken prisoners. He escaped by the fleetness of kis korse. Aaron Cook^ one of the prisoners, was murdered in cold blood. Major Hazen was sent w^itk a detackment to kold anotker ford, long disused, some distance above. He came across a rebel straggler, played "secesk" on kim, obtaining niuck valuable information, and tken brougkt kim into camp. At nine A. M., Colonel Jennison, witk tke 1st Brigade, took position at Byrom's Ford. Still furtker above was tke ford know^n as Eussell's, or Hickman's Mills Crossius^. This was of consider- able importance. General M. S. Grant, tkrougk General Deitzler, kad been directed to kold tkis position witk militia ; two regiments of cavalry and one gun being detailed for tkat purpose under tke following order : 126 ARMY OF THE BOEDER. Head-Quarters Kansas State Militia, ) Camp at Shawnee, Kansas, > Oct. 20th, 1864. ) Special Order, [ No. 15. f I. The commanding officer, 1st Brigade, will, on receipt of this order, move the 2d K. S. M., Colonel Veale com- manding, and the 21st K. S. M., Colonel Lowe command- ing, to the crossing of the Big Blue, near Hickman's Mills, Missouri. II. The officers commanding this force, on arriving at the point designated, will proceed at once to fortity that crossing for defensive purposes, and picket thoroughly the country on the opposite side. -:«■ * * * * * « * By order of Major-General Deitzler, K. S. M. John T. Morton, A. A. G; The Leavenwortli Battery was designated as part of this force, but as elsewhere stated, it abandoned the field and returned home. Colonel Veale's immediate command consisted of the cavalry of the 2d and 3rd Regiments, numbering about seven hundred men. The 21st, Colonel Lowe, numbered about five hundred. A brass twenty-four pound howitzer, belonging to Company "A," 2d Regiment, under Captain Ross Burues, was attached. Colonel Veale moved on the morning of the 21st, crossed the State line, marched through Westport and to the ford near Hickman's Mills, where he encamped. Here the guns at the Little Blue were plainly heard, and the militia fully realized that they were in face of an enemy, and about to fight for their homes. The same night a bushwhacking force, under Lieutenant Mears, said to be four hundred MOVEMENT OF COLONEL VEALE. 127 strong, surprised a company of Missouri Militia, under Captain Tate, at Hickman's Mills, and passed within range of our pickets. At sunrise, Colonel Veale receiving a dispatch from General Grant, stating his inability to join at an early hour with balance of brigade, fell back, according to direction, to the Moccabee Farm (a well known Union man's), one and a half miles in the direction of Westport. This would give him an oppor- tunity of supporting the force at Byrom's Ford. Such was the position of our forces along the line of the Big Blue, before the enemy attacked our right. It extended for nearly fifteen miles, and could not be otherwise than weak at isolated points. The main body of the State Militia (infantry) were at Kansas City, or concentrating there from Shawnee Town and Leavenworth. A battalion from Osage County encamped the night of the 21st at Little Santa Fe, and moved up the line in time to partici- pate in the engagements. A battalion of the 13th Regiment, and also one of the 23rd, under Lieu- tenant-Colonels Johnson and Guildford, participated in the movements on our extreme right. About 9 o'clock A. M., a small body of cavalry demonstrated on the main road, east of the centre. It was a feint to cover movements to the south-west. Captain Green drove back this force. A small scouting party also appeared at the cavalry ford on our extreme left, but retired before the militia. 128 ARMY OF THE BORDER. General Deitzler liacl command of the left, Gen- eral Blmit the right and centre. General Curtis' Head-Qnarters were about a mile from the ford, and afterwards farther west, at the forks of roads to Kansas City and AVestport. Early in the forenoon, becomins: conv^inced that the rebels were movino" up the stream, orders were sent through Major McKenny to General Deitzler, to reinforce Colonel Jennison. The 16th Kansas, Lieutenant-Colonel Walker, which had reported to General Deitzler, was ordered to Byrom's Ford, as was also Colonel Moon- light, with the 2d Brigade. At Byrom's Forcl, Colonel Jennison had timber felled to obstruct the crossing. The position was a strong one, and the ford was rendered almost impregnable. Two companies, 15th Kansas, under Captains Swain and .Smith, were sent across the stream to scout. Afterwards, a battalion, under Major Laing, were sent up stream towards Hick- man's Mills, and did not rejoin the brigade until after Price retreated south. Captain Smith returned to the main ford in safety, though narrowly escaping capture. Captain Swain retained liis post at the forks of the Raytowu and Independence roads, until the enemy had passed between him and the ford, as well as to the south, moving towards Hickman's Mills. He found himself in a perilous position, and almost surrounded. Swain determined to make an attempt to escape," hoping to pass between the moving columns as a part of the rebel force. This A GALLANT ESCAPE. 129 design was materially assisted by tlie fact, that many of the confederates wore blue overcoats, captured from our men. Addressing his men, he told them if they would obey orders and hold together, he could take them thi'ough. Moving to the west, skirting the timber, he passed a short distance without attracting attention, though the sound of artillery and other movements, showed that our position had been attacked. On the east and south, heavy col- nmns could be seen moving and closing to his front, while the timber seemed to swarm with rebel scouts. The scpiadron was seen, pursued ; the race became exciting and desperate, and our men, though holding well together, were almost headed off. They went by the head of the rebel column with a dash, sabre and revolver in hand, reins in teeth, passed the flankers, and succeeded in escaping without loss. The squadron moved rapidly beyond the enemy, reached and passed round Hickman's Mills, crossing the line into Kansas, rejoining their regiment at or near Little Santa Fe. To return to Byrom's Ford, where Shelby's advance was attempting to cross, Colonel Jennison placed the howitzers in the road commanding the east bank, and deployed a strong skirmish line. For houi's the rebels madii but little progress, having commenced the attack at 11, and not forcing a pas- sage till 3 P. M. It is certain that a portion of the attacking force crossed at cattle fords, both above and below Colonel Jennison's position. On finding 16 130 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. itself flanked, the 1st Brigade fell back towards Westport, fighting at every available point. Dis- patches were sent to Generals Curtis and Blunt. The latter, hearing the guns, had previously ordered Colonel Moonlight, and the 16th Kansas, to support the 1st Brigade. McLain's Battery was also with- drawn from its position and ordered towards West- port. It was found impossible to reach the Byrom's Ford road with artillery by any shorter route than this. Thus our lines were driven back, and the rebels crossed the stream in force, moving a heavy column, under General Shelby himself, towards the State line, passing round by roads south-east of Westport. Another body of rebels moved directly to that place, passing to the left of Colonel Jennison, by whom they were supposed to be Kansas Militia. Lieutenant-Colonel Sam Walker, moving with the 16th Cavalry, to the support of Jennison, discovered them and halted his command, sending back skir- mishers under Captain Wright. He held them handsomely in check. They commenced to flank us on the left. Again the 16th fell slowly back to the outskirts of Westport, and with the assistance of a battalion of militia cavalry, under Lieutenant-Colonel M. Murdock, k^pt the enemy out until the arrival of Colonel Ford compelled them, to retreat to the Blue. Major McKenny rallied the militia and placed them in a position to do good service. The 1st Brigade moved steadily to the open prairie, four miles below Westport, near the State ENGAGEMENT ON THE LINE. 131 line. Upon reaching the line road, Colonel Moon- light, with the 11th Kansas Volunteer Cavaliy, the 12th Regiment Kansas State Militia, two Parrott guns and four howitzers, joined the com- mand. The head of Shelby's Division was then near the line, and almost into Kansas. Both brigades formed in line, and the action commenced fiercely. A body of militia (battalion of the 13th, under Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson), were formed in line of battle to the rear of the 1st Brigade. The engagement became sharp and general. Our forces had been strengthened by the body guard of General Curtis, who, at Westport, had directed Major Hunt to reinforce Colonel Jennison. The Colonel directed him, as they met on the Byrom's Ford road, to fall back towards Westport and assist in holding that place against the rebel flanking column. Here Colonel Moonlight was joined by Major Hunt, and all passed out to the south. Two rifled guns had been brought up by Shelby, and the field was hotly contested ; but we continued to drive them steadily for nearly four miles and until dark, back to the Big Blue. The 14th Regiment, Kansas State Militia, Colonel Harvey, on its march to Kansas City, arrived in sight of the enemy, and were deployed on the high prairie in support of our troops. Among the most eflicient volunteers on this occasion, was an Aide of General Grant, Kansas State Militia, Dr. Dubois, of Leavenworth, who rendered Colonel Jennison orreat assistance in con- 132 AKMY OF TILE BOEDER. veying orders, riding to the most exposed portion of our lines. The fighting was principally done by our gMrmishers, eight companies being deployed for that purpose. Four or five companies of the 11th and the remainder of the 15th — the former under Lieu- tenant-Colonel Plumb, and the latter under Captains Wanless and Johnson and Major Hunt, who assumed command of our skirmish line after the engagement opened — composed our advance. The work was most gallantly executed. As the 1st and 2d Brigades came up at diflferent parts of the engage- ment, no general direction was taken by either com- mander ; Colonel Jennison being the senior ofiicer, however, Colonel Moonlight formed on his left. Major Hunt took command of the skirmish line. Under his direction, the formation was completed, a steady forward movement made, and success insui'ed. When the rebels withdrew, the Major was loudly cheered by the men, who realized that this result was largely due to his efforts. Wlien the sun went down, Shelby's Division had melted from the field. They had fallen back to the Big Blue, where a long line of fires and heavy columns of smoke told of the presence of a large army. Our troops retired to Westport, which was already occupied by the 16th Ivansas ; CoIoeci Ford with the 2d Colorado Cavalry, and McLain's Battery covering the roads to Kansas City. Colonel Ford with a portion of his regiment and the 12th K. S. M. had been ordered from the centre to reinforce Jennison about 3 P.M. EEBEL DEFEAT AT SUNDOWN. 133 In this engagement our loss was inconsiderable, while the results were most conspicuous. Gallautr}'- was never more heartily displayed. Each man felt he was defendins: his own fire-side. The conscious- ness of the devastation to which Kansas would be doomed in the event of a rebel invasion — the memory of Lawrence and other raids — nerved every arm, and filled the heart of. our soldiers with fierce resolve not to be defeated, however great were the odds. The loss on the part of the enemy was reported at over one hundred. We captured one hundred and fifty stand of small arms from dead and wounded left on the field. Among the prisoners waa a Lieutenant of Jackman's Regiment, who reported the entire rebel army on the Blue as numbering 30,000, and intending to fight in the morning for the possession of Kansas City. To return to the force at the Plickman's Mills crossing — our extreme right — and the events which transpired there. Colonel Veale havins; moved back to the Moc- abee farm, formed his command in line of battle, covering the road to Byrom's Ford. T|ieu, with his Adjutant, Lieutenant E. P. Kellum, and an escort of twelve men, he moved down the road to commu- nicate with Colonel Jennison ; Lieutenant-Colonel Greene beinc; left in command of the Brio;ade. General M. S. Grant, accompanied by the 21st K. S. M., soon after arrived on the ground. On the return of Colonel Veale, who reported all right at 134 AKMY OF THE BOEDEE. the ford, it was determined to move forward and occupy the position originally assigned them. Col. Veale, with six companies moved to the east side of the Blue, reconnoitering towards Independence ; Captain Hindman, with the Douglas County Battal- ion, being left in charge of the train and ford. A messenger had previously reached Grant, with the following dispatch from General Curtis : Head-Quaeters, Forks of the Road, ) 9 A. M., Oct. 22d, 1864. f General Grant : — Price is making very feeble demon- strations in front. Look out for your position. Send scouts on road to Pleasant Hill, and also towards Inde- pendence, to see if Price is moving towards my flank. Send me reports every thirty minutes. S. R. Curtis, Major-General. Lieutenant-Colonel Guildford with battalion of the 23rd Hegiment Kansas State Militia, reached Westport about 10 A. M., and was ordered to rep)ort to Colonel Veale. Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson also reported with battalion of the 13th. Lieutenant- Colonel Abernathy was sent Math a party to communicate with Colonel Jennison. On his return, Colonel Lowe was sent to the Rock Ford on the Little Blue, upon the Pleasant Hill road. At the crossing were retained, under command of Lieu- tenant-Colonel Guildford, his own battalion ; that of the 13th, Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson ; Captain Hindman's, 3rd Regiment, and the twenty-four- pound howitzer. Colonel Veale moved, as ordered, on the Hickman's Mills road, without finding the 135 enemy. On Lis return he halted to feed, and was met by General Grant, who had also crossed the stream to examine the country. Returning with Colonel Veale, they were met at the crossing by dispatches directing Grant to reinforce Jennison, who had been driven from Byrom's Ford. Arriving at the west side, it was found that Colonel Guildford had moved without orders in the direction of Westport. The difficulty in the management of affairs here, seems to have been that General Grant scattered too much, sending out too heavy recon- ncritering parties, and not keeping the troops well in hand. The gun had also moved back, and as was soon seen, was left with only the detachment belonging thereto, to protect and defend it. A dispatch was sent to Colonel Lowe, directing his speedy return. This reached him at Hickman's Mills. Major Laing, with four companies of the 15th Kansas Cavalry, was also with him. An Aide of General Curtis, Lieutenant Cyrus M. Roberts, found this ^orce and returned to the Blue with it. Laing was charged with want of alacrity in moving as directed. In the meantime it was found that our troops were engaged near the Mocabee farm, and General Grant, believing that Colonel Lowe would soon be up, determined, contrary to the recommendations of Colonel Veale, to push forward to the prairie on the "Westport Road. The rebels, who had crossed between Byrom's and Russell Fords, attacked Cols. 136 ARMY OF THE BORDEE. Guildford and Johnson in tlie lane. Captain Hindman's battalion had fled, leaving the train. The others had been driven from the field in the direction of Westport. Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson afterwards moved out to the support of Colonel Jennison at the State line fif>;ht. Captain Bnrnes, marching in rear of Guildford, was challenged in the lane by a rebel officer. A heavy line was deployed, and the rebels opened Are upon the little handful of twenty-one men who were with the gun. Private Race and the Captain returned to the gun, which, in spite of the odds, returned the rebel fire with a sjiell. At this time Colonel Veale, with a battalion, numbering in all not over two hundred and fifty men, formed to sup- port the gun. The rel)el force in our front was under Jackman, and in spite of the disparity of numbers, their advance was for some time checked. A rebel officer rode up to Colonel Veale, and, mis- taking him for one of their own officers, was captured. It proved to l)e a nephew of General Shelby. The gallant militia formed under a galling fire, and maintained the unequal conflict for about forty minutes. Expecting the arrival of Colonel Lowe, General Grant hesitated to withdraw, though urged to do so by Colonel Veale. Our first line of battle was broken in some confusion, but speedily re-formed, and the men continued the conflict with the coolness of veterans, exhibiting none of the characteristics of raw militia. It was the very apotheosis of valor, and EETEEAT FROM EUSSELl's FORD. 137 well deserves a place among tlie heroic actions of this war. The continued resistance, so deadly and effective, of this puny handful, exasperated the reljels to mad- ness, and finally their whole line, which had been strengthened until it numbered 3,000 men, charged with a yell, almost overwhelming the little band. This onslaught drove our force parallel to the lane. The rebels dismounted and occupied a locust grove on our right, pouring therefrom a deadly fire. Com- pany " B," 2d Hegiment, cleared the grove, and repelled a fiank movement. Still Colonel Lowe did not arrive, and it became evident that an attempt at escape must be immediately luade. The battery l)oys stood at their guns, each vying with the other, until all were shot down ; all dead or wounded, or taken prisoners. Not a member of the detachment escaped. A fianking column had in the meanwhile passed around the Locust Grove, and extending almost to the Blue, poured in a most deadly fire, and the weak and waverino; line fled towards the timber. Colonel Veale, Lieutenant-Colonel Greene, Captain Huutoon, and other gallant oflicers, remained almost to the last man. They had nobly striven against odds outnumbering them at least ten to one. The rebels charged with their wild and peculiar yell. Maddened by the gallant resistance they met, our men were shot down as they surrendered, or mur- dered as they lay wounded on the ground. True 17 138 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. courage seems not to excite admiration, but rather to arouse their passions to madness. Another line of battle was formed in the timber of the Big Blue, and Colonel Lowe arriving on the double quick, dismounted his men, sent the horses to the rear, and moved in good order to check the enemy's advance. They came on yelling, evidently intendino; to take in the entire force of "Tads." Major Laing, with battalion of the 15th Kansas, is reported as not acting with proper courage, and iinally as moving off the field without in any way aiding the militia. He was arrested by order of General Curtis for this, and was afterwards tried, the court exonerating him, though dismissing him from the service on other disgraceful charges. The 21st was formed along the brow of the rise ; the enemy were coming in hot haste through a nar- row defile at the foot. Those of the 21st who could see the enemy commenced firing; the rebel advance fell back out of sight. Presently they moved for- ward again, when a heavy volley from our entire line drove them once more. At this time, some of the militia, seeing Major Laing leaving, also started to the rear ; but Colonel Lowe, Lieutenant-Colonel Rob- inson, Major Still, and Lieutenant Roberts, A. D. C, weapons in hand, checked and turned them to the front. A brisk fire was maintained for half an hour, but the rebels gladly availed themselves of all possible shelter. Finding our position could not be forced, they returned, leaving our exhausted citizens MUEDEK OF OUR WOUN-DED. 139 to withdraw unmolested from their isolated and perilous position. Tlie 21st lost three men — two killed. To narrate the conspicuous acts of personal dar- ing, at the Mocabee Farm fight, would be impos- sible. Where all done so well, it would seem invidious. Dan Handly, of the battery, fell at his gun, lighting even after being wounded aud on the ground. Many, as before stated, were shot after surrender. It is probable, that but for the personal interference of General Joe Shelby, all would have been butchered by Jackman's bushwhackers. Lieu- tenant Wm. De Long was shot after capture, and died at Kansas City. Race of Company " A," was also shot, and died on the following Tuesday. Lieu- tenant-Colonel Greene, while with Captain Huntoon, endeavorino; to form a line on the west bank of the stream, was taken prisoner. He was divested of nearly all his clothing and shot at three times, one ball taking effect in his hip, one glancing along the back of his head, and the other missing. The ruf&an who fired, exclaimed as he did so — " There, d — n you, die !" Colonel Greene shortly after dark succeeded in dragging himself to a ravine on the left of the road, and lay there that night and following day. He heard tlie noise of the engagement at the State line, and distant thunders of the guns at West- port next morning. About 11 A. M., the forces of Marmaduke commenced moving by the adjacent road to the South. Colonel Greene, being discov- 140 AEMY OF THE BORDER. ered, was at first supposed to belong to their own command. A surgeon gave liim some whiskey and water. Later in the day, when in response to close questioning, Colonel Greene assured a party he was a Federal officer from Kansas. Although displea- sure was manifested, no threats were made or violence exhibited. Before night the rebels had passed. Our troops moved upon a road further to the west. Colonel Greene did not obtain assistance till Tues- day, when he reached a house, was fed and taken to Westport. Captain Huntoon was taken prisoner, as were many others. Two men of the 23rd were killed after surrender; three taken prisoners, who subse- quently escaped. A portion of its train, nine wagons and eighteen horses, were captured ; as also a portion of the train of the 19th, with the Brigade Quarter-Master, Lieutenant Marsh, of Leavenworth. The simple, but vivid words of Colonel Veale's report, form a fitting close to this narrative : "It is not for me to say upon whom rests the *' responsibility of scattering our forces in such a " manner as to preclude the possibility of concert, or " unity of action. I can only say, I acted under " orders, and by so doing lost twenty-four brave " Kansans killed, about that number wounded, and " eighty-eight taken prisoners, among them four " officers ; also one twenty-four pound brass howitzer, *' and one hundred horses. " The enemy's loss in killed and wounded in this *' engagement was very heavy, as our prisoners MOUENESTG HOUSEHOLDS. 141 " passing over a portion of tlie field a few momenta " after the battle counted forty-three dead rebels. " AVliile our loss is very severe, I have to thank " God that the bold stand taken l)y my brave men •*' gave the enemy an afternoon jol), which detained " them from marching into Kansas ; and the next "morning they were confronted l:)y an army that "neither yielded them ground nor spared their " ammunition, but put them on a hasty retreat " southward, and thus Kansas was saved. " On the . morning of the 24th, we gathered "together our dead (our wounded having been "already cared for), and took them to Kansas City, "where we obtained coffins for them, and on the " morning of the 25tli we buried them at Wvandotte, " on Kansas soil. From there we marched home to "meet our mourning friends, and tell the story of "the fallen." And there was mourning in many households. The brave had fallen. Their homes were bereaved. Widows and orphans were made desolate. Let any one think what a calamity the sudden death of two score of active citizens would be in any small community. Yet it was not this alone which affected Shawnee county. Three score and over were pris- oners in the hands of the Philistines. Their fate was more pitiful ; as, even if not murdered, there was the horror of ling^erinc; starvation, and all the foul and loathsome fear of the rebel prison pens, to haunt with dread the loving memories at home. 142 AEMY OF THE BORDEE. Soon afterwards tlie dead were gathered up and returned to Topeka, where they were re-buried with public honors. A monument is to be erected over their grave. The number of prisoners captured by the rebels was one hundred and two. The number of killed was thirty, ten of whom were killed after surrender; one being shot for a bushwhacker by our own troops, through a sad error. The wounded in all would not number more than fifty. The following are the names of the wounded of the 2d Regiment : Lieu- tenant-Colonel H. M. Greene, Captain S. B. Miles, Captain H. E. Bush, Captain Ross Burnes, Lieutenant Wm. De Long (since died), Privates John P. Green, John A. Ward, Brook Crawford, John Keiser, Isaac Rickel, John Prater, Peter Fleck, Allen Blandon, John Thompson, H. M. Howard, Martin Dreck, James Norris, Wm. T. Thompson, John Branner, John Ward. The prisoners were: Captain Huntoon, Lieuten- ants Hiram Ward, P. H. Gilland and John W. Brown, (Lieutenant Ward died after his release, from the sufferings endured while a prisoner;) Sergeant Geo. Duncan, Corporal J. H. Glenn, Privates G. H. Wood, F. Dawson, C. G. Howard, W. Flanders, A. McConnel, F. M. Fletcher, Nelson Young, S. Shaefer, J. S. Stansfield, E. B. Williams, Levi Williams, J. Warren, J. Reed, O. Nuylor, J. T. Gage, A. Quiet, J. Keiser, R. B. Hoeback, Wm. Marx, J. B. Taylor, A. G. Taylor, G. B. McKee, John Kempt, S. J. RETURlSr TO KANSAS. 143 Reader, J. W. Clark, Epli. Jolanson, J. P. Majors, J. Bickel, D. Vangliii, J. Hudgins, T. Fleshman, Geo. Fix, H. Fix, W. True, H. Cunningham, L. T. Cook, S. Blandon, G. Wood, D. Stevens, Jerome Stalil, Eli Snyder, J. Russell, B. Ingrund, W. S. Hiljbard, H. M. Denning, John Robinson, J. S. Markham, S. Rosier, H. Linn, E. AVilliams, G. G. Sage, C. G. Follansbee, John Link, R. Fitzgerald, Fred Mackey, J. Anderson, A. H. Holman, E. Rape and Jacob Klein. Lieutenant Marsh, Brigade Quartermaster, was also captured, as were twenty men of the 4tli Regi- ment, and others belonging to the 19th and 23rd Regiments. After witnessino; the withdrawal of the rebels from their front, the militia retired to Kansas, (whither they had 1)een pi'eceded by Major Laing,) foUowino; the timber of the Blue to Little Santa Fe. The 2d Regiment moved to Wyandotte and Kansas City next day. The 21st, with others, were sta- tioned at the Fords on the Kansas River, under directions of General Curtis, through Senator Pomeroy. AVhile these events were transpiring, the left and centre of the army had fallen back to Kansas City by order of General Blunt. This movement was commenced about four P. M. General Blunt and staff moved towards Westport in advance. Direct- ing his staff' and Colonel Blair to station the troops as they arrived in the entrenchments at Kansas Cit ', 144 ARMY OF THE EOKDEE. General Blunt himself rode to Westport, where lie found the other brigades of his command ; the 1st and 2d with the 4th and 10th Kansas State Militia at the south side of the town ; the 2d Colorado, 12th Kansas State Militia, and McLain's Battery, on the hill upon the Kansas City road, in line of battle. The militia were ordered to Kansas City and placed in the entrenchments till daybreak. The battery was also ordered back. The cavalry remained at Westj^ort, the 16th Kansas holding the picket lines. The rebel camp extended for miles, far to the right and left of our bivouack fires. A night of anxiety and doubt, but not dread, was passed. As our troops were falling back, a messenger arrived from General Pleasanton, at Independence, announcing the victory there, and his presence in our neighborhood. The intelligence was greeted with wild cheers, as staff officers rode along the line communicating the welcome news. As the rear guard left the crossing of the Blue, a party of rebels, about five hundred strong, who had lain concealed in the brush on the east bank, made a rush upon the rear, consisting of the 19th Regiment Kansas State Militia, under Colonel Hogan. The rel)el dash was gallantly made, and as gallantly defeated. Wading the creek, they pushed through and over the abattis, logs, etc., up to Hogan' s line. Our gallant militia turned promjitly. A sharp but MOVEMENT TO KANSAS CITY. 145 short skirmish ensued — partly in the bed of the river. The rebels fled, leaving twelve dead and ten prisoners in our hands, among whom was a Captain Von Valkenberg, brotlier to a member of Congress from New York. On being taken before General Curtis, he stated that it was Price's intention to occupy Kansas City ; of his ability to do which the Captain seemed not to doubt. The lal)or of placing the militia was of an onerous character. Not appreciating the importance of position, a large nundjer of the companies sought to pass into town and obtain f9od. The scene grew animated. Staft' officers galloped here and there, shouting hoarsely ; portions of the militia obstinately insisting upon their right to do as they pleased ; amusing colloquies and expostulations occurred, but at last the long line of works was occupied, and affairs began to assume a business sha];)e. The guns were placed in commanding positions ; the 2d Kansas Battery covering the main road to Independence ; Dodge's (9th Wisconsin) Battery and the section under Lieutenant Minor occupying elevated ground, covering roads to the north and west ; McLain being placed to cover the approach from 'Westj;)ort. By some mistake, the ordnance train and horses of the militia were removed towai'ds the Kansas River, near the Wyandotte bridge, and were not found until nearly daybreak. Head-quarters were established at the Gillis House. Very few obtained food, while many of 18 146 AEMY OF THE BOEDEE. the officers worked hard throughout the night in procuring and forwarding ammunition and subsist- ence to the troops at Westport and in the trenches. General Blunt and staff worked all night, and before day mounted their horses and rode to the front. CHAPTEK XII I. BATTLE OF WESTPORT. The Sabbatli dawned upon hostile armies ; one intent upon invasion and rapine ; the other, sternly moved to resist and defeat the foe. The intense feeling among Kansas troops, as the taint flush of morn lit up the eastern sky, cannot now be realized. All felt they were defending their homes. The artillery of the opening conflict could be plainly heard at many of their firesides. It was a day such as seldom dawns upon a peoj^le. Mothers, wives, little ones, were uniting in prayer for protection. An host of implacable foes, in insolent triumph, were thundering at their doors. But no one shrank from the bloody conflict. Each felt here w^as the hour of manhood ; and all were equal to the grand occasion. The volunteer troops of General Curtis were left watching, during the night, extended lines of camp-fires, which told them the foeman's Avherea- 150 AKMY OF THE BOEDER. bouts. East of Westport extends tlie long line of the Big Blue, witli its broken country densely cov- ered witli timber. Two miles south is Brush creek, a small stream emptying into the Blue, with precipi- tous banks, densely wooded. It branches about four miles west at the Shawnee Mission, and heads a dozen miles further in Kansas. Four miles north is Kansas City, at the junction of the Kansas and Mis- souri Rivers. The Kansas is almost due north, with a well-timbered stream, easily defensible— Turkey creek lying between — and emptying into the river near Kansas City. This was an important part of the line adopted by General Curtis, in the event of falling back to Kansas City. North-east lies Inde- pendence, distance twelve miles. One road runs directly east from the town to the Blue. The Byromjs Ford road runs south by east from West- port, till it strikes the stream The road to Little Santa Fe, a small village on the State line, about twelve miles south-west, passes directly south across Brush creek. The Byrom's Ford road leaves this just north of the creek, while the Hickman's Mill road crosses it about three miles from Westport. The country south of Brush Creek and east of the Big Blue, is high table land — the summit level between the Big Blue and the Kansas Rivers. For over two miles, contiguous to Brush Creek on the south, the cultivated fields extend, with lines of fences and walls, admirably adapted for sheltering troops. They were freely used by both sides. LOCATION OF TEOOPS. 151 Beyond this, for about four miles, swells the open prairie, until you reach the broken country about Indian Creek, where the dense timber, interspersed with occasional fields, offers good cover for a retreating army. The troops who were to participate in this day's operations, were located in this wise : General Curtis, with the volunteers at Westport as an advance, and the main body of the militia in the intrenchnients at Kansas City. Thus his line ext^ided north and south. The rebel army were encamped on the Big Blue, from the vicinity of Byrom's Ford, where their main body bivouacked, westward to beyond Russell's Ford. General Pleas- anton, with the four brigades of cavalry under his command, had succeeded on the evening of the 22d, in occupying Independence, and defeating the rebel rear division with some loss. Three brigades, Sanborn, Brown and Winslow's (of the I7th Army Corps), were on the road to Byrom's Ford, following in the direct track of Price's main army ; while Gen- eral McNeil, with the 1st Brigade, was moving from Independence, on a road running north and west towards Hickman's Mill. The Union army was therefore advancing from the north and east ; while the rebel army were moving south and west. Gen- eral Curtis' main purpose would be to prevent them going any further west, and if unable to defeat them fully, to turn them southward. Two roads run in this direction, both of which the rebel army covered ; 152 AKMY OF TIIE BORDEK. the State line road already spoken of, north of the Big Blue till you crossed it some miles beyond Little Santa Fe, and the other crossing at the Russell Ford, and passing through Pleasant Hill and Harrisonville, some miles east of the river road. McNeil's move- ment upon the road from Independence to Hick- man's Mill, south of the Blue, was designed to obtain possession of this road at the mill, and so check a movement on that line. In addition to these forces. Major General A. J. Smith, with 10,000 infantry, was moving rapidly from Lexington to Independ- ence, hoping to ]3articipate in the final engagement, should we succeed in holding Price. The earliest dawn found General Blunt with his staff at Westport, and the utmost activity prevailing throughout our lines. The brigade of Colonel Blair, consisting of the 4th, 5th, 6th, 10th and 19th Regi- ments K. S. M. (Cavalry), with the 9th Wisconsin Battery, and the section belonging to the Colored Battery under Lieutenant Minor, were ordered to march at 3 A. M., from the intrench ments to the front. McLain had already moved. By 5 o'clock, Colonel Blair was on the move. The 1st, 3rd and 4th Brigades, Colonels Jennison Moonlight and Ford, were already moving out to attack the enemy, who from his position, if allowed, could at his leisure attack us in front, or turn our right flank. The 1st and 4th Brigades, numbering in all not more than 1,800 men, with McLain's Battery, moved FOKMATIOJS" OF OUK LINE. 153 on tlie south road, crossed Brusli creek and took position, mainly to the right of the road. The north bank of the creek was covered for over a mile with timber and sparse brush. South, the timber extended for half a mile, when the road passed between heavy stone walls for some distance. To the left, the timber was dense, made so by the junc- tion of a small creek with the main one ; while to the right were open fields, on the northern edge of which the timber swept to the west in shape like the horn of a crescent. Here then the line was formed. Our left, consisting of the 2d Colorado and 16th Kansas, rested on the lane ; the battery in the field near the timber, while the 1st Brigade deployed to the right. General Blunt by this movement sought to gain time for the arrival and deployment of the militia, and to hinder the rebel movements upon our right, toward which it was evident a portion of their lines were movino;. From the roof of the hotel at Westport, the rebel army could plainly be seen. In front of our little advance, was deploying a large force, consisting, as afterwards proved, of the Divi- sion of Major-General Joe Shelby, with a portion of Fagan's Division. (This latter had fallen l)ack to Byrom's Ford, after being driven by McNeil from Independence.) Further to the south and east could be seen an enormous train moving off under protec- tion of Marmaduke's Division, with a large force of conscripts, tfec, most of whom were indifferently armed. The glasses of observant officers showed 19 154 AEMY OF THE BOEDEE. that this train, enormous in extent, was moving towards the south. This was hailed as an evidence of Price's intention to fight only when necessary to enable him to escape with the immense plunder of his raid. A smidl body of the 6th K. S. M. was sent under Colonel Burris, Vol. A. D. C, to scout through the timber to the' east, which in that direction came close to the town, and might easily afford a cover to a flanking: movement. He soon returned with information that the enemy were all west of the Blue and south of the Byrom's Ford road. Our troops were barely deployed before being hotly engaged. The fences impeded active operations by cavalry, but afforded protection to skirmishers, who were pushed rapidly forward. McLain was in position at the edge of the timber, half a mile to the rear. At first the firing was entirely artillery, with the exception of a few shots exchanged by the skirmish line. The rebels continued deploying, receiving large reinforcements, and advancing with spirit and vigor. Their long lines pressed forward steadily, displaying as they did so in the centre a fine battle flag. Two guns, under Lieutenant Eayres, were ordered forward, taking position on the hill and overlooking the open prairie across which the enemy was advancing. The guns did excellent work, were double shotted with canister, while the range being short aild the firing rapid, every shot told. The enemy's guns replied with vigor, and the ball was THE ENEMY S ADVANCE CHECKED. 155 opened. Colonel Moonlight, witli the 2d Brigade, had not yet taken position. Captain Hinton, General Blunt's Aide, was sent to the Colonel with orders to press forward on the right. He found him deploy- ing his troops, consisting of the 11th Kansas, detach- ments of the 5th and a battalion <5i the 12th K. S. M., under Lieutenant-Colonel Wood worth. Along the line the fighting continued with varying fortune on either side. Lieutenant Beach, of the Colorado Battery, with the left section, was ordered forward to relieve Eayres, whose ammunition was nearly exhausted. Finally the battery took position at the front ; centre section occupying the road. On our right a heavy attack was made by a rebel brigade, resulting in the pressing back of that wing. The 15th Kansas cavalry had just previously been compelled to fall back, so that the left of the 2d Bri- gade was unprotected. A new line was immediately formed two hundred yards in the rear. As the 2d Brigade fell back, the enemy succeeded in raking the exposed flank. Two squadrons of the 11th Artillery and Infantry were immediately wheeled, and returned the fire. By this movement, which was well performed, the enemy were checked. Lieutenant- Colonel Woodworth, of the 12th K. S. M., held the right flank, gallantly charging with his "Tads" upon the rebel skirmishers and driving them back to their main line. While the 2d Brigade was thus retiring, an order was received from General Blunt, directing Colonel Moonlight to withdraw, move towards 156 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. Shawnee Mission, and watcli tlie enemy's right flank, following and keeping them out of Kansas. While this was occurring on our right — the 2d Brigade withdrawing, and the 15th re-forming — the rebels were rapidly forming on our left for a charge down the lane, for the purpose of capturing the guns under Lieut. Birdsall. They had previously suc- ceeded in planting a section of Parrott guns on the line road, and with a raking and rapid fire, rendered our position one of extreme danger. Dobbin's Brigade was formed, and headed by Shelby in per- son, a bold and dashing charge was made. The lane had been swept by the fire from their guns. Portions of the 4th Brigade were rapidly formed, consisting of the 16th Kansas, and a battalion of the 2d Colorado, under Captain Green. With wild huzzas, our boys led by Col. Sam Walker in person, dashed forward on the charging brigade, which in close column moved on the guns in such dangerous proximity to them, that the men barely had time to run them to the rear by hand, when the galloping squadrons met in the fierce contest. Everywhere could be heard mingling yells and cheers ; while still in the advance. Colonel Walker, sabre in hand, dashed into the midst of the rebels. The encounter was brief. Before the wild onset of our counter-charge, the keen edges of the flashing sabres, and the quick crack of their Colts, the rebels broke and fled precipitately to their main columns, which, still a mile to the south, were con- stantly increasing in numbers. Colonel Walker was COLONEL BLAIR RETIEES. 157 severely wounded in the foot. His personal daring was the theme of all who saw or participated. Still the rebels advanced, though thus checked on the left, and finally succeeded in face of a destructive fire from the 1st Brigade, in forcing a heavy column into a small copse, which jutted out from the main line, to the risfht of Colonel Ford. Our line com- menced falling slowly back, forming and fighting on each ridge as it did so. In the meanwhile, Colonel Blair's Brigade having formed south of Westport, on high ground overlook- ing a little creek, the southern acclivity of which was covered with dense timber and undergrowth, was dismounted (every sixth man detailed to hold horses), advanced through the timber and across the creek. The militia were deployed to the front and left of the 1 5th Kansas, occupying the ground left by the 2d Brigade. The enemy were strongly posted behind a stone wall, while we were partly protected by the fence and timber. Firing wa9 kept up rapidly for half an hour. The militia took advantage of every shelter, and like hunters in pur- suit of game, did not throw away their powder, but watched the chances of hitting some one. It was not an orderly, but a very effective fire. No advance was attempted, and soon Colonel Blair retired in obedience to orders, with the balance of the division, through the timber across the creek, taking his former position on the north side. Colonel S. J. Crawford, now joined Colonel Blair, and assisted 158 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. during the balance of tlie day in tlie direction of tMs militia. General W. H. M. Fisliback joined his brigade, and with it participated in the action. The entire division now occupied a position upon the north bank of the creek ; the battery upon a commanding point of the ridge, covering the road and timber on south side ; the volunteer cavalry on the bottom and near the crossing, while a part of the 2d Colorado, under Captain Green, and the 12th K. S. M., under Colonel Treat, were deployed on foot as skirmishers. In the rear of this our first position, the activity was general, the enthusiasm thorough, and the spirit of emulation and determination visible on all sides. General Curtis had arrived between seven and eight at Westport, after giving necessary orders at Kansas City. All the males able to work, were set to work on the entrenchments ; Brigadier-General Sherry, K. S. M., being placed in command. The mounted militia force, with the mercantile battery, under Captain Zesch, were moved to Westport, where, under the direction of staff officers, they were dismounted, horses sent to the rear, and the men placed in position preparatory to the final advance. In the meantime General Blunt had proceeded to the front, now our second line, upon the north side of Brush Creek. The rebel force could be distinctly seen deployed in great numbers. An occasional shot from the skirmish line could be heard, and the sound indicated a gradual advance. The 1st Brigade had GALLANT ACTION OF THE FIFTH EEGIMENT. 159 formed a second line in rear of tlie dismounted militia, along wliose line could be seen rapidly riding the commanding and staff officers. Colonel Colton, commanding 5tli Regiment, was most conspicuous for coolness and courage. McLain had opened from our extreme left, shelling a small body of timber, through which he believed a column of rebels w^ere advancing. The firing ceased, under orders from General Blunt, who believed our own men w^ere endangered. A small body of rebels advanced through the timber, were met and gallantly repulsed by the militia under Colonel Colton. The men stood up to them like veterans, pouring in their volleys as regularly as trained infantry practising. The rebels broke and fled, before a militia force of about equal number. Colonels Colton and Crawford rode along the lines encouraging and directing the men, who, as the rebels turned in disorder, set up a wild cheer. Meanwhile, Colonel Blair, hearing a rumor to the effect that the rebels were attempting to flank him, without waiting for orders, moved into the dense timber to the right, twice the length of hia line, and pushed it steadily forward. A messenger was sent to General Blunt to inform him of hia movement. At the same time. Generals Curtis and Blunt, both fearing this flank movement, sent orders to Colonel Blair to carry out the operation he had already commenced. The 19th Regiment, which had been formed and dismounted to the rear of the 160 ARMY OF THE BORDEE. main force, was moved b}^ a road further to the right, and, as the militia emerged from the timber, formed on Colonel Blair's right. General Curtis himself joined this movement, encouraging the militia by his presence. Dodge's Battery with two howitzers were piloted through a narrow defile to a point where the guns could be admirably placed, by a venerable patriot of seventy-five, who was upon the field ready to do his humble share of the work. The right of the line commenced immediate demon- strations upon the enemy who were posted along the forces to their front. Skirmishers filled the field, poured a destructive fire from the fences and from a large brick house in the orchard just beyond. The risfht of the brio-ade was sent forward to clear the house. It was gallantly done. Adjutant James Aikens of the Bourbon county Battalion, was severely wounded in this movement. The left of the line moved forward steadily through a stubble field to their front. While the right was thus moving under the imme- diate eye of General Curtis, the left and centre, under direction of General Blunt, had also advanced. When our line moved, it did so rapidly, regaining its original position, and punishing the enemy with great effect. Our artillery was well served. The rebels fought stubbornly. Hardly had we taken position, when the enemy charged in column upon a section of McLain's, occupying the road; the 15th being to the right in front, with Company "E" ADVANCE OF OUE LINES. 161 deployed as skirmishers, and forming the left of the line . Colonel Jennison rapidly rallied the skirmish- ers and led, in person, a charge iipon the rel^els' right jElank. Two squadrons of the 2d Colorado, under Captain Green, simultaneously formed and charged upon their left. The dash was irresistable. Short, sharp, but severe ; and when it was over the rebel column fled in disorder, leaving one hundred prisoners and a number of killed and wounded. Captain Curtis Johnson, commanding Company "E," 15th, distinguished himself greatly, both in the charge and a personal encounter with Colonel McGee, com- manding a regiment of Arkansas rebels, who was killed, while the Captain w^as severely w^ounded in the arm. The enemy fell back upon the road. Our lines were again advanced on the right of the road, driving the enemy at all points. Progress was, however, stubbornly contested, and was for a time but slow. We now presented a formidable appear- ance ; our lines having fairly debouched from the timber, and wdth a steady, unbroken front w^ere moving forward. The scene was superb, combining all the wdld picturesqueness of a battle field with (for a short time) the regularity of a parade. Another charge, made by Colonel Hoyt and Captain Thompson, with a portion of the 15th and 16th, carried some stone walls to the centre and right centre of our lines. The boys went at it with wild cheers. The rebels 20 162 AEMT OF THE BOEDEE. fled to the main line, wliicli yet offered a formidable front. The walls cleared by the charge were imme- diately occupied by om^ skirmishers. On the main road, near the line first formed at early dawn, was found a broken and dismounted gun. It bore the mark of a Texan foundry, and was evidently an imitation of our Parrotts. We learned afterwards that a shell from the section under Lieutenant Eayres had struck the muzzle of this gun while the charge was being inserted. The gunner's hand was taken off, the gun burst, as our shell exploded, and six men were killed and wounded, as also several horses. While the lines were thus moving, quite an excit- ing episode occurred to the rear, on the left of the road. General Blunt had turned back a short distance to give some orders, and while doing so the main body of our troo239 upon the right swept forward in advance. Keturning with a few members of his staff and orderlies, he found a howitzer, which had been stationed in the dooryard of a farm house, a little to the left of the road, and in the edge of the creek timber, seriously threatened by a small column of rebels advancing from the east. The howitzer was without support, but the gallant squad in charge, under direction of a sergeant, were most actively engaged in double-shotting it with canister and firing into the compact rebel column. The General and party dashed forward, and, revolvers in hand, the small party formed themselves to defend the gun. So near was the rebel force that pistol shots were POSITIOJSr OF OUR ARTILLERY. 163 exchanged, wlien a portion of Company " E," 14tli Kansas, Lieutenant Clark commanding, acting as escort to tlie General, daslied np and charged the rebels, who fled. It was supposed this force had been driven and separated from the main rebel army by the advance of Pleasanton on the Byrom's Ford road, near which they deployed. The gallant activity of the artillerists, as well as the prompt dash of General Blunt, saved the guns. In the meanwhile we were swarming forward. Behind us to the right the militia still poured. The regiments left at Kansas City had been brought forward, and were now moving through the timber a mile to our rear. The artillery were all in position, and eighteen brass Parrott guns, with thirteen mountain howitzers, were playing briskly on the rebel lines, falling slowly back in admirable order before our advance. Lieutenant Hicks, with two guns of the 9th Wisconsin Battery, and one ten- pound Parrott of the Colored Battery, was placed upon the right wing ; Captain Dodge, with three other guns, was on the left. When the rebel column formed for its last charge, Captain Dodge opened on them with spherical case, at a distance of five hundred yards. McLain in the centre, had driven a battery of four guns from the rebel front. Lieuten- ant Eayre, with the right section, was then ordered to the 1st Brio-ade, on the risfht of the line road. General Blunt himself, took direction of the firing on the left and centre, and with Captain 104 ARMY OF THE BORDER. Dodge's guns following Lim, assumed position after position, opening on the rebel lines. Thundering cheers also burst along our lines, as shell after shell made gaps in the enemy's ranks. The gunners could not see the execution, for the smoke of their guns ; but our advancing troops watched the effect, and cheered tremendously as the gaps were made and closed. It would be impossible with words to paint the scene. The pencil could only give the figures ; but imagination cannot furnish memory with the vivid details by which to reproduce the battle scenes of that Sabbath morn. At the summit of a slight slope, amid the general backward movement of the enemy, a small body seemed determined to stand. Colonel Jennison, with General Blunt's body guard, and a squadron of the 2d Colorado, charged upon them. The rebels fied in disorder, not waiting to feel our sabre's edge, but inclining rather to trust the fleetness of their steeds. Some fled to the timber on the left, which was also occupied by the command repulsed in their attack on the howitzer. A detachment of the charging squadrons was dismounted and formed along a wall skirting the road to the left, and opened a galling fire on them. They left, soon rejoining the main body. A general charge was now ordered; Generals Curtis, Blunt and Deitzler leading it. The 1st Brig- ade was formed ; Lieutenant-Colonel Hoyt, with six DETERMINED CHARGE OF FIRST BRIGADE. 165 companies of the 15tb, on the left of the road ; Colonel Jennison, with the 3rd Wisconsin Battalion, two companies of the 2d Colorado, one company of the 15th, and General Blunt's Escort, 'were rapidly advanced and impetuously charged. The 4th Brig- ade, under Colonel Ford, also formed, and charged simultaneously, the guns dashing well up to the front (McLain with two sections, finding himself with canister only, had advanced at the top of his horse's speed and took position in front) ; Dodge and McLain pouring in heavy charges, which told upon the now wavering rebel lines ; the little howitzers char2:in2; and firins: at the front of our skirmishing lines ; with the wild huzzas of the vol- unteer cavalry in the advance, and the thundering ch'^ers of the racing militia to the rear, as they came tearing across the fields ; while the bending and wavering rebel lines, falling back in partial disorder, formed a scene never to be forgotten by any who witnessed it. AVliile our artillery was taking this third and final position. Captain Dodge found the rebels were opening with a gun about nine hundred yards to his front, and somewhat to the right. A well directed solid shot from the Parrott, sighted by Captain Dodge, broke this piece at the first trial. The charge was made, and the rebels broke dis- ordered upon our right and centre. Again our lines were advanced. Everywhere in front, were seen the general ofi[icers, cheering and encouraging, greeted with the enthusiastic shouts of the men, while twice lOG AEMY OF THE BOEDEE. tlie rebel columns liacl broken and re-formed. Both lines were now deploying upon tlie open prairie, ours still having tlie advantage of some fields and fences. At this tiiiCie, a heavy column of cavalry could be seen emerging from the timber, and deploying about a mile to the east, and advancing towards the rebel right. Some doubts were felt as to its character, l)ut as the line deployed, the union guidons plainly visi- ble, were hailed with thundering cheers. A battery was opened upon the retreating rebels by this new foe. The enemy's right rapidly formed a new front, and attempted to check their advance. They made a vigorous charge and compelled a portion to fall back hastily. Again was our artillery advanced, pouring in a destructive fire. Again was our cavalry pushed forward, and the rattle of small arms was continuous alouo; the front. Pleasanton's brig-ades charged simultaneously, and the rebel rear broke before this onset in wild disorder, making their way through the Indian Creek timber, in rapid rout, scat- tering arms, equipments, etc., as they fled, and leav- ing their dead and wounded on the field. It had been evident for some time, that the force at our front was fighting only to cover the safe retreat of their train and main army. For miles the ground was strewn with the debris of a defeated and routed army, while the dead and wounded told the bloody character of the fray. Shouts that made the heavens ring ; a rapid trampling of hurrying squadrons ; dense clouds of dust moving swiftly to the South ; SALVATIOlsr OF ISTOPwTHEEN KANSAS. 167 a swinging forward into column of the forces on the left ; the thundering of the guns dashing down the road ; w^hile far in the advance, the yells and cheers of 2")ursued and pursuers, were taken up and echoed by the triumphant paeans which, from the hurrying militia in the rear, again caught np by those at Westport, and travelling on the wings of the wind, were borne jubilantly on to Kansas City, where those w^ho in dread suspense had waited the welcome news, again made the welkin ring, and onward it iled to tell afar that the invaders had been defeated — the traitors driven backhand that the homes of Northern Kansas were saved from desolation. CHAPTER XIV. GEISTEEAL PLEASANTOn's OPEEATIONS ON THE TWENTY-TIQED. The night of the 2 2d found General Pleasanton's force in possession of Independence, and moving in the rear of Fagan's discomfited command towards Byrom's Ford, where, on the previous day, Colonel Jennison had resisted the advance of the rebel army. Clark's Brigade held the rebel rear ; while the vete- ran brigade, commanded by Colonel B. F. Winslow, 4th Iowa Cavalry Volunteers (a brigade which up to this date had marched eight hundred miles, and then had not one man dismounted,) led the advance of the Missouri Cavalry, pushing the enemy until half-past ten P. M., and bivouacking three miles from the Blue. General McNeil, whose darino- and ac- tivity were mainly instrumental in driving the enemy from Independence, moved at midnight upon the Hickman's Mills road, with orders to reach the junction of the Independence with the State Line road at Little Santa Fe. AEEEST AISTD ACQUITTAL OF GENEEAL BEOWN. 169 Brigadier-General E. B. Brown was ordered for ward to relieve Colonel AVinslow and open tlie attack at tlie morning's earliest hour. At five A. M., troops commenced moving. General Brown liad been directed to attack the enemy vigorously, as he would be supported. From some cause, the attack was not made as anticipated, and General Pleasanton riding to the front, relieved General Brown, placed him under arrest, and directed Colonel J. F. Phillips, 'Jib. M. S. M., to take command ; Lieutenant-Colonel Crittenden assuming command of the 'Tth." General Sanborn was ordered to support the advance. Colonel Wiuslow, by request of General Pleasanton, assumed direction of the advanced movements. The enemy were posted in strong force on the west side of the stream ; the ford and approaches being obstructed by Colonel Jennison's defences, materi- ally strengthened by the rebels when they occupied his position. Their line was formed in force about a half mile from the stream. Bearing upon the ford, a heavy gun was planted, by which our line, as it formed and advanced was seriously annoyed, and quite a number killed and wounded. One battalion of the 4th Iowa Cavalry, under command of Captain Dee, one hundred men of the 4th Missouri Cavalry, and the 7th M. S. M., com- manded by Lieutenant- Colonel Crittenden, were * General Brown was afterwards tried at St. Louis by a Court Martial, under charges preferred by General Pleasanton, for his conduct on this occasion, but was honorably acquitted of all failure to do his duty. 21 IVO AEMY OF THE BOEDEE. dismounted and formed on tlie banks of the river. The firing opened sharp and effective. The 4th M. S. M., Major G. W. Kelly commanding, and the 1st M. S. M. Cavalry, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel B. F. Lazear, were formed in column, directed to cross and charge the enemy beyond the ford. This order was executed in the face of the galling rebel fire and despite the obstacles in the creek. A num- ber of men and horses were killed and wounded in the stream. Nothing daunted, our troops resolutely pushed forward and gained the Avest bank. In the meanwhile, the Hh M. S. M. crossed, bearing to the right. A furious engagement commenced. Major Kelly forming in the rear of Colonel Crittenden, the latter swung his lines quickly to the left of the road, while Major Kelly made a similar movement to the right. The rebel line was driven back for two hundred yards. They then occupied a range of low hills, extending through an open field to the left, and along a bluff covered with dense wood on our right. It was strengthened very much by high fences and some log buildings, behind which the rebels were posted. The 4th Missouri State Militia dismounted and formed on the right ; the 7th also dismounted, with a battalion of the 4th Iowa Cavalry, while Colonel Phillips took command of the 1st M. S. M., with intent to charge. The character of the ground was such as to render cavalry movements difficult, and utterly preclude any VIGOEOUS ATTEMPTS TO DEIVE TIIE EISTEMY. I7l formation but that of a column of fours. Twice the effort to charge was gallantly made. Twice it failed. The storm of shot and shell howled down that declivity from the armed lines along the brow, sweeping the road and insuring the destruction of horse and rider bold enough to attempt the ascent. The 1st Regiment dismounted, and the Brigade of Colonel Phillips advanced together, supported by part of Colonel Winslow's command. General San- born's were moving across the ford at this time ; one regiment, the 2d Arkansas Cavalry, Colonel Phelps, Juu., being already engaged. To drive the enemy from his formidable j^osition, became an absolute necessity. A charge was ordered and made. When "within one hundred yards of the rebel line, our troops gave way in disorder, unable to stand the terrible fire. By direction of Colonel Winslow, one reo-iment had been held in reserve. Here the officers, Colonels Phillips, Winslow,. Lazear, etc., rallied their repulsed but not disheartened men, gal- lantly exposing themselves in this duty to the scathino; fire from the fences. Colonel Winslow's veterans were brought up and formed. Again l^oth brio-ades charo;ed. The movement was successful, though the enemy's lines were stubbornly held until the troops met, and the contest became an hand to hand one. Across the field, for one hundred and sixty yards, our troops pushed steadily. They liter- ally moved in face of a shower of lead. Sharp- shooters occupied the tree-tops, singling out th« 172 ARMY OF THE BORDER. officers witli fatal effect ; Col. Winslow being struck in the left leg. A number of line officers were shot. Captain Blair, of the 4tli M. S. M., fell mortally wounded. Van Sickle, Hamilton, Dale, Bryson, Barkley, Christian, Combs and Milner, of Brown's Brigade, fell beneath this leaden tempest. The movement was pressed with increased vigor, the enemy driven from their shelter, and as they fell back to the timber, were followed and driven still further west in great confusion, leaving their dead and wounded, with a number of prisoners in our hands. Just as they turned to move off, a rifle ball struck Colonel Winslow, and though the latter kept his saddle for over a mile in the pursuit, the com- mand of his brigade devolved upon the young and gallant Lieutenant-Colonel F. T. Benteen, Command- ing the 10th Missouri Cavalry. By his direction, t-he 3rd Iowa Cavalry, under Major B. S. Jones, were dismounted and ]3ushed forward. At the log houses already spoken of, were found about two hundred men of Brown's Brigade, who were shelter- ing themselves in disorder from a very hot fire the enemy were pouring on them from the woods at the western edge of the field. They were urged into the open, and with the dis- mounted men of the veteran brigade, advanced across the open field at ih.e double-quick to the woods beyond. The enemy resisted the advance with great gallantry. We pushed through the timber to the prairie. Here were some guns in position play- HALTING OF OUR TROOPS. 173 ing furiously on our advance, wliicli moved so rapidly as to induce the rebel commander to withdraw all artillery and cavalry across the prairie, beyond the reach of our own guns now opening on them. The 4th Iowa Cavalry was on the skirmish line. Our advance rested here for a short time — the enemy having temporarily passed out of range — long enough for the three brigades to concentrate, Gen- eral Sanborn being on the left, Phillips in the centre, and Winslow on the right. Our loss, owing to the shelter afforded by the timber, w^as not as great as might have been expected for the stubborn resist- ance encountered, and the formidable position held by the enemy. Two hundred killed and wounded, will cover it. The fio-htino; had lasted for several hours, and it was noon as we mounted again and moved across the prairie, forming a line nearly at right angles with the army of General Curtis, then most actively pressing the enemy about three miles further north and west. Colonel Benteen soon after moved into a corn field, with the intention of feeding his exhausted animals. It became evident, in a very few minutes, that a battle was rao-ino; at the front. Our line of march had been to the south-west, and the enemy was driven beyond the Harrisonville road. General Sanborn had followed and driven the rebel rear across the prairie, and as he now came in full, sight of the battle-field of Westport, with all its active scenes, he re-formed his brigade, and moved 174 ARMY OF THE BORDEE. against tlie front which Price's army had formed to meet him. They opened a galling artillery lii'e which was responded to by Colonel Cole, with Thur- ber's Battery. A charge was made by the rebels, which shook the right of Sanborn's Brigade, and drove in a portion with considerable confusion. Our guns were double shotted, and soon checked the desperate onset. They were fighting for the purpose of withdrawine: from the field in somethino; like order. In this they succeeded, though at great loss. Generals Curtis and Blunt had seen this advance, and with their whole line were rapidJy driving in the rebel front opposed to them, doubling it upon their ri^rht flank, which had faced south and north just east of the line road, to meet Pleasanton. Twenty rifled guns opened along the entire line, and making great gaps, drove the enemy in confusion. Colonel Benteen, who had seen Sanborn charged, and the slight confusion produced by it, w^as moving forward. He swung his leading regiment — 10th Missouri Cavalry — into line to the left, and ordered them to make a counter charge, which was done in splendid style. The whole command joined in the rapid and successful movement ; the enemy fled, and the two gallant but wearied armies met upon the State line road, pressing forward in pursuit. As they swung into column Generals Pleasanton and Blunt met, hurriedly exchanged congratulations, and pressed forward to Indian Creek, where they, with General Curtis, Generals Deitzler and Fishback, COURAGE AND ACTIVITY OF MAJOR MOKENNY. 175 Governor Carney, General Sanborn, General Lane, and the principal officers with both armies, and citizens who had participated in the battle, stopped at a farm house for consultation and refreshment. The pursuit of the retreating rebels was main- tained by Colonel Jennison with the 1st Brigade, and a battalion of the 2d Colorado, Captain Green, who kept fearlessly on their heels for ten miles, skirmishino; to the crossinsf of the Blue four miles beyond Little Santa Fe, where just at sundown a stand was made by General Fagan, who opened on our daring troopers with three rifled guns, and compelled them to desist from further pursuit. In this charge Major McKenny, and Colonels Crawford and Cloud of Gen. Curtis' staff, were most active. Colonel Jennison, in his published report, says of the former : " During the pursuit I was accompanied " by Major McKenny, of General Curtis' staif, who " is entitled to special mention for assistance rendered " here and elsewhere, as well as for his assured and " courageous bearing upon the field," A consulta- tion was held at Indian Creek. General Pleasanton suggested a movement by his division on the Harrisonville road, urging the exhausted condition of his men and animals, — most of the men had been constantly in the saddle for thirty days ; as also the necessity of the Missouri troo2:)S being at their several posts in time for the ensuing Presidential election. General Deitzler and Governoi Carney urged with great force that the militia of Northern 176 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. Kansas be relieved, and presenting the fact of their condition in the field without proper equipments, orates the amount of force ao;ainst Avhicli McNeil's had to contend. As the battle of Westport was fought by the Divisions of Shelby and Fagan, it follows that Marmaduke's Division and the new one formed by Pri<3e from his conscripts and recruits, were with the train encountered by General McNeil. All data concur m making the rebel army at this time as about 30,000. General McNeil had about 1,800 men. The rebel train was guarded by about 15,000, countinof Marmaduke's Division. While our victorious troops were driving the rebels southwards, Colonel Moonlight with the 2d Brigade and a portion of the 12tli K. S. M., was moving down the line, watching, hawk-like, the enemy's march, and ready to swoop upon any detached parties, or resist the main column should it cross into Kansas. Colonel Burris accompanied the column. All the splendid hours of that battle- INCIDElSiTS OF THE BATTLE-FIELD. l79 morn, until the snn dipped far down the meridian, these gallant troops stood at Shawnee Mission, listening to the cannon's sullen boom, the feinter rattle of small arms, and the mingling sound which marked the sway and sense of the struggle. Debarred from direct participation in the glory of its passing phases, they yet well esteemed the important trust delegated to them and their commander. How well it was performed, these pages tell. A small rebel force had crossed the line in falling back from the battle. But Moonlight was on their trail. At Little Santa Fe, Captain Huutoon, with Company "H," 11th Kansas, being in the advance, struck the rear and drove it across the line out of Kansas. The brigade pushed on to Aubrey, and rested till towards morning of the 25th. So lay our forces. The main body near the village of Santa Fe, the 2d Brigade about six miles south, while General McNeil was about four miles to the south-east. The rear of the rebel army camped a little east of Aubrey. The editor of the Kansas Citj tTournal of Com- merce thus graphically describes some incidents and scenes on the battle-field : " The battle-field exliibited evidences of the fiercest con- test. The enemy had fled in such haste, that he had been forced to leave his dead and many of his severely wonnded. In the iield next to the lane, on this side of Wernel's liouse, there were seven dead rebels l,yii*g: side by side, and near them an officer, said to be Colonel McGee ; aronnd the latter the rebels had built a little pen of rails. A little further on, we saw a dead rebel lying stiff" and stark by the road-side, shot through the liead. Still farther on were the remains of a rebel cannon, broken to pieces 180 ARMY OF THE BORDER. by a shot from one of our guns. Striking; the open prairie beyond WerneFs, the evidences of the tight were visible all about — dead horses, saddles, blankets, broken guns and dead rebels. A little distance from the forks of the road, on the Harrisonville road, lay a dead rebel, the top of his head shot off by a cannon ball. He was the very image of a bushwhacker, and had on three pairs of pantaloons. On one of his lingers was a large gold ring. One of our soldiers tried to take it otf, but the hnger was so swollen that it would' not come off, and he left it and passed on. Another dead rebel we saw in this part of the held. He was clothed in a fine suit of new clothes, evidently the plunder of some store or house. On the prairie our shells seemed to have done the main execution. About three miles out was a rebel shot through the bowels, and left by his companions by the roadside to die. At a house by the road was one shot through the neck — a mortal wound. Early in the day the rebels took possession of Mr. Wernel's house for a hospital. Here they left about a dozen, too severely wounded to be moved, and three soldiers to take care of them. We interrogated some of these men, and they all were members of Dobbin's brigade of Ai-kansas troops With one exception, of those we conversed with, they claimed to have been forced into the service ; one, a boy of eighteen, said he volunteered rather than be con- scripted. The most of those wounded will die, being shot through the body. The less severely wounded were removed last night to Westport, and are receiving the same attentions as our wounded. Quite a haul of prisoners was made during the day. Some forty or fifty of them were marshalled in line just at night as we came through Westport, and started off under guard for this place. Many of them were mere boys from sixteen to nineteen years old. Some of them had a bush- whacker look, while some of them looked like " good quiet farmers," who had lately joined the expedition for plunder. One of them remarked that they "had got the joke on Old Pap this time, as they would surely beat him into Kansas City." Another remarked that " He wished Old Pap was along with them." One thing was to be remarked of all the rebels we saw — dead or alive — the stolid, ignorant, degraded appearance of the whole of them. They seem to belong to a different THE WOimDED CAEED FOR. 181 race from ours, and most certainly an inferior one. In truth, this war is one of intelligence, enlightened and Christian civilization against barbarism. These miserable, degraded, hungry wretches, on their errand of plunder and devastaticcn to our peaceful homes, are lit represeniatives of the half civilized power that is endeavoring to overthrow republican institutions on this continent. Woe would have betided the homes of this hated city had these wretches made good their entrance here. That they did not, we owe, under the good Providence of God, to the brave Kansas boys who helped us beat the invader back. We should certainly have been overpowered had they not crossed the line and helped to light tlieir own as well as our battle on Missouri soil. Our wounded, as well as those of the rebel army left on the field, had been carefully and promptly attended to, under the direction of Suro;eon S. B Davis, Division Medical Director, who by General Curtis had been announced as Medical Director of the army. He was present at Lexington and at the Little Blue. At Independence, a hospital was organized and placed under charge of Surgeon S. P. Earickson, IGtb K. V. C. Thirty-one of the most seriously w^ounded w^ere left in the to^vn, and were retaken by General McNeil. Arrangements were made at Kansas City for ample hospital accommoda- tions. The severely wounded on the 22d, at Byrom's Ford, Hickman's Mill Crossing, and on the State line, were left on the field. On the morning of the 23rd, Surgeon Davis, with Surgeon Philip Harvey, U. S. v., and the various regimental surgeons, w^ere efficiently engaged with organizing an ambulance corps. The regimental Chaplains were all active and very efficient. Surgeon Davis, with ambulances, 182 ARMY OF THE BORDEU. proceeded to the front for tlie purpose of gathering the wounded of the previous day, but as the battle had commenced, this became impossible. Major Davis remained at the front, rendering efficient service as Aide, until the final charge was made. The field was then searched, and all the wounded removed. A number too seriously injured were arranged in a temporary hospital at Westport, to which a number of o-allaut members of the 2d Regiment K. S. M., who had remained on the field from the 2 2d unattended, were removed. Assistant Surgeon Graham, 13th K. Y. I. (who, being on furlough, had volunteered his services), was placed in charge. The steamer " Tom Morgan " was sent to Independence, and all the rebel and wounded of Kansas regiments removed. Surgeon Harvey was placed in general charge of all the field hospitals now established, and on the 24th Surgeon Davis started to rejoin the arm}^ Surgeons Pollock, 2d Colorado, and Ainsworth, 11th Kansas, and Assist- ant Surgeons Vance and Aikens, 2d Colorado Volun- teers, had preceded him. CHAPTER Xy. PdRSUIT OF PEICE DOWN THE STATE LINE. At sunrise of tlie 24tli, tlie troops now comprising tlie Army of tlie Border were on tlie marcli. The rear of Price's Army liad encamped eiglit or ten miles to tlie south. The advance, with their immense train and im|)erfectly armed division of consci'ipts, volunteers and bushwhackers, under a Brigadier- General T}der, the prisoners and Provost Guard, and the division under Marmaduke, was at least hve miles further. The rebel army moved with great celerity, being all mounted. It marched, as appeared from its broad and massively marked trails, in two columns of com2:)anies, one on each side of the Prairie road, with artillery, etc., in the centre. The 1st Division was under Major-Genei-al James G. Blunt, and consisted of the volunteers of the department of Kansas (except Moonlight's Brigade) and the militia from Southern Kansas — the re2:ion now threatened. The composition of the 2d Division, under Major-General Alfred Pleasantou, has already 184 AEMY OF THE BOEDEE. been given. Its brigades were led by efficient officers. The commanding General was accompanied by Company " G," 1 1th Kansas Cavalry, under Lieu- tenant Gill, and a detachment of the veteran :2d Kansas Cavalry (about one hundred and fifty), under Major Henry Hopkins, with four howitzers under Sergeant Sloonacker. The 2d Brigade, 1st Division, Colonel Thomas Moonlight, consisting of the 11th Kansas, under Lieutenant Colonel Plumb, and a detachment of the 5th, under Captain Young, with four howitzers, about TOO men, were detached, watching the rebel right flank. The force now in direct pursuit of Price was about 10,000 men, with three field batteries, and two of mountain howitzers. General Rosecrans left Independence the same morning that the cavalry marched from Little Santa Fe. The infantry division, under Major-General A. J. Smith, fi'om In- dependence had marched towards Harrisonville, north-west, l)ut too far east to be of service against Price. As the camp broke, the 1st Division took the lead; the 4th Brigade, Colonel Ford, being in advance. Three squadrons of the 2d Colorado formed the advance, which was commanded l)y Captain E. W. Kingsbury. Nothing of importance occurred during the march except the capture of several stragglers and a number of exhausted rebels who were abandoned by MARKS OF THE REBEL EETEEAT. 185 their comrades. At the crossing of the Big Blue, was to be seen the marks of Colonel Jennison's presence in stark forms of several bushwhacking looking individuals, who had met their fate during the nio;ht. Amono- these was one clothed in a Federal uniform, who, in obedience to general orders, was hung as a spy. Tlie day waned, the march continued with unaljated vigor, and the road was more thickly strewed with the debris of a retreating foe. Hun- dreds of broken down and abandoned animals could be seen feeldy grazing along our line of march. Broken wagons, and, al)out noon, the limber and caisson of a twenty-four-pound howitzer, captured on the 2 2d from General M. S. Grant, near the Moccabee farm, were found on the road. The rebel rear kept well in advance, and a dense moving column of dust some miles to the south alone told of their presence. Occasionally small parties might be seen moving from the riirht in the direction of the main column. As the afternoon waned, evidences of the haste with which the rebels pressed forward were visible on all hands. Large droves of foot-sore cattle were now found, as well as many sick men lying by the road side. The country through which the march extended was entirely deserted. So far, the main body of neither army had entered Kansas. The State line road runs about a mile from the east border of Kansas. As the troops marched through the hours 9.q 186 ARMY OF THE BOEDER. of that pleasant October day, tlie western prairies were eagerly scanned by those wlio hourly expected to see the wreathing smoke arising which would tell of the invaders' torch. But the indomitable Moon- light was pressing on that flank, and until darkness hid the pursuit, no outlying parties of marauders ventui'ed into the State. At Coldwater Grove, about fifteen miles from Santa Fe, the 2d Brigade struck the rebel centre, and skirmished with it for some time. The movement was a bold one, and entirely successful in creating a panic sufficient to induce the rebel commanders to keep their force well in hand and move steadily south. Seeing that they must camp on the Marias des Cygnes, where the road to Fort Scott deflects from the Line road. Colonel Moonlight moved rapidly towards Mound City, which was threatened by this route. The border of Missouri, through which ■ both armies were passing, was entirely desolate ; not with the grand monotony of nature, but with the ruin of civilization and cultivation. Desolation most abso- lute and appalling ; for it told of the savage devasta- tion of partizan warfare, and of the fearful retribution the passions of men had inflicted. The .condition of the Missouri border affords a vivid illustration of the solemn warning of the sacred writer : "It must needs be that offences come ; but woe unto him by whom offences cometh." The outrages inflicted upon the Free State settlers of Kansas by citizens of Missouri, for and in behalf of human slavery, were fearfully "jennison's tombstokes/' 187 balanced by tlie woe wliicli liad lighted upon tlieir land. Dui'ing tlie fifty miles of this marcli not an inhabi- tant was to be seen. Where they had lived was marked by the charred remains of consumed dwellings, the only standing parts of which were brick chimneys, built according to Southern fashion, on the house's exterior. These are familiarly known as "Jennison's Tombstones," from the fact that that partizan, in his campaign of lSGl-2, burnt the houses in all districts infested by bushwliackers. Long lines of grey ashes told where fences had stood ; ^\'hile rank crops of unsightly weeds marked where cultivation had once smiled. It Avas a fair land to look upon. Broad, swelling prairies stretching east and west ; well-defined water courses, with dark masses of wood robed in autumnal glory, all com- l:)ined to make a bright picture of pastoral beauty. Yet it was desolate and dreary, and in spite of the natural advantages, there rested over all a sense of brooding; horror. At sundown the column halted at AVestpoint, a deserted and half burnt village upon the State line, about forty miles north of Fort Scott. At this place the evidences of gaining upon the rebel march were more apparent. Darkness came on. The troops of the 1st Division made such preparations for refreshing themselves as their scant means allowed. The crimson light of many fires gleamed through the gray night mist. 188 ARMY OF THE BOEDER. Some of the cattle abandoned by the rebels were slaughtered, and the fresh beef, roasted on sticks over blazing lires, was eagerly eaten by hungry soldiers, in most instances without salt or bread. Thus they rested. The clouds grew darker and a heavy mist began to fall. In the meanwhile impending operations were of course the subject of discussion between the Generals. It was evident that the retreating rebels could not march further that night. They had traveled sixty miles without rest. Eight miles to the south was the Marais des Cygnes*"^' river, at the Trading Post cross- ing of which the rebels would probably encamp. They had left the Line road near this place (Westpoint), and were then in Kansas. The Trading Post, a small hamlet on the south side of the stream, was about two miles west of the line, and was surrounded by a populous farming settlement. During the previous summer a company of the 15th Kansas had been stationed there. A large quantity of hay belouo-ins: to the Government was stacked there. The stream is wide ; the Ford has steep banks ; the timber dense and broad, and the approach from the north easily defended from two mounds, between which the road passes. General Blunt urged that army pass to the west, crossing by a ford four miles above, and thus flank- ing the enemy, l^e placed right in its path, compel- * Swamp of the Swans. FURY OF THE EEBELS. 189 ling Price to figlit or surrender. This movement was urged witli great pertinacity, but was finally rejected by General Curtis, as involving an additional march of fifteen miles without the certainty that the rebel army would not move so easily and rapid as to render it of no avail. He therefore determined that the pursuit be followed on the same line, directing that General Pleasanton's Division now take the right for a night march. Over two hours were consumed in this change. General Sanl)orn took command of the advance, with his own and Phillips' brigade ; Colonel Gravelley, 8th M. S. M., having the front. While this change was progressing, and the weary 1st Division were taking advantage thereof to rest as well as they could, Captain Kingsbury, with his battalion of Colorado Cavalry, unacquainted with the new order, had pressed close upon the rebel rear, which he struck about four miles from Westpoint. The malignant fury of the rebel invader was now apparent. They had entered Kansas. The first house across the line was the scene of a dastardly murder. iVn old, gray-haired minister of the Gos|)el lay dead, with white locks reddened by his own Ijlood. The woman and children were frantic and crazed with terror and grief. The fence and out- house were burniuo;. The interior of the cabin presented a woe-begone appearance. A perfect saturnalia of destruction seemed to have reigned. Everything not portable had been broken. On the 190 ARMY OF THE BOEDEE. floor were black and charred marks, where fire liad been set. The frightened inmates were stripped of nearly every article of clothing on their persons or in the cabin ; and to crown the brutality, in very wantonness, the ruffians had shot one of their exhausted horses and tumbled it into the spring, in order to make the water useless. Such was the first scene witnessed by those of our officers who had pressed on behind the advance. Lieutenant-Colonel Y/heeler, 13th Kansas, Captain Young, 5th Kansas, and Captain Hiuton, A. D. C. to General Blunt, all rendered the bereaved woman what assistance and consolation they could. The latter moved on to overtake Captain Kings- bury. At every dwelling the scene thus described was repeated. Fortunately the men had fled or were in the militia regiments halted at Westpoint. Night had fallen, darkness and rain set in, and a cover afforded for marauding which was freely used. This portion of Kansas (Linn county) is the section whicli suffered most under the rebel march. A \vriter in the Border Sentinel thus describes the condition of the county, and some of the brutalities practiced : " Along the line of retreat of the rebel army every house witlnn reach of the main body or flankers was robbed of everything it contained. All kinds pf clothing were taken ; even the flannel was in some instances taken from infants. Every morsel of food, cooked and uncooked, was consumed, destroyed or taken along ; and all the stock that could be led or driven was taken ; in fact, everything valuable and not valuable was taken ; so that those men and families INSTANCES OF EEBEL BRUTALITY. 191 whose hard fate it was to be in the way, are left stripped of every comfort and necessary of Hfe. * * " * "The retreat of the rebel army is marked not only by robbery and desolation of the wildest kind, but the fiends were not content with that. Six miles north of the Trad- ing Post they murdered Samuel A. Long, aged lifty-six years ; he was previously robbed of his 'money. Three miles north of the Trading Post, John Williams, a preacher, aged sixty years, was indecently mutilated and then hung. Five miles north of the Post, Richard B. Vernon was murdered ; and in the vicinity of the Post, John Miller, aged sixty-live years, was killed. Many other citizens, all unarmed, as these were, were shot at." Another writer in the Leavenwortli Times gives his testimony : " The rebels sustained their well-earned reputation tor savage brutality, wdiich had previously secured for them an infamous place in history. Seven or eight men, aged and unarmed, were murdered near Trading Post. In an extent of six miles wide through which the army passed in Linn county, every house was plundered of ail kinds of provisions, blankets, clothing and all articles, valual>le or worthless, that could l)e carried oil". Even the flannel was taken from infants, in two instances that have come to my knowledge ; and two young ladies were stripped of every article of clothing except one under-garment to each. A woman who was holding a sick baby had the shawl rudely torn from about it. Only one house was burned in this county (Mr. Dowd's store, at Trading Post) and it is said that Price had the man shot who did that." During the day dispatches had been sent by General Curtis to Lieutenant-Colonel Drake, I'Ttli Kansas, commanding at Paola, after our columns were soutb of that place, informing liim that his post was no longer in danger, and directing that he render all possible assistance to reinforcing Mound City and Fort Scott. Dispatches were also sent to 192 AEMY OF THE BOEDEE. Fort Scott, and at sundown to Colonel Moonlight at Mound City, directing him to press forward to the former post at all speed, holding it at all hazards until our army reinforced him. The messenger (citizen) sent with this dispatch failed to get through, liaving been driven back by rebel scouts, and was met several miles fi'om Westpoint by Captain Hinton, who sent him to try again, accompanied by a meml)er of the 15tli Kansas, whose family lived in the vicinity, and who knew the country thoroughly. They succeeded in reaching Colonel Moonlight during the night. Mound City, the county seat of Linn, was eleven miles west of the Trading Post, which the rebel advance reached at four P. M. Messengei-s were sent to warn Captain Greer, Company "I," 15th Xansas, who with eighty men of that regiment and three companies of militia, exempts and negroes, was holding the place, A detachment, about six hun- dred strono;, was seen movins: in that direction. This was believed to be a bushwdiacking force, until scouts brought intelligence which proved beyond cavil that it belonged to the rebel army. Every precaution and preparation was made by Captain Greer. His small force was posted so as to command the apprc>aches. The Government stores were loaded for removal. Information was sent to Fort Scott south and to Paola north of the rebel approach. About this time a dispatch was received from Colonel Moonlight, who was pressing vigorously SKIEMISHING AT TEADESTG POST. 193 on to relieve this j)lace. Scouting parties were sent out, one of whom encountered a rebel picket six miles from town. Intelligence was received from Colonel Drake. He was on the march with part of the 17th Kansas. The 11th K. S. M., Colonel Mitchell, had joined Colonel Moonlight. The 19th, Colonel,^ F. W. Potter, was at Paola. About mid- night Colonel Moonlight reached Mound City, having marched sixty-fiv^e miles without food or forage. At the Trading Post was encamped the rebel army. Captain Kingsbury attacked and drove in their pickets about eight P. M., immediately sending back messengers to General Blunt, supposed to be close behind. He continued skirmishing slightly for two hours, until relieved by Colonel Gravelley, and ordered to withdraw from the advance by General Sanborn. The advance of Pleasanton's Division reached the vicinity of the mounds, occupied strongly by the rebel outposts, about 10 A. M. Finding the rebels in force (as General Sanborn believed), and not knowing the topography, by his orders, Colonel Gravelley withdrew our pickets about half a mile, and the troops were ordered to rest. Sanborn estab- lished his head-quarters at the house of Elder Williams, three miles ^lorth of the Trading Post. The country hereabouts being enclosed, the 1st Divi- sion was halted three miles further to the rear, on the open prairie, unable to reach the fields where forage 24 194 ARMY OF THE BORDER. and fuel could be obtained. For hours Colonel Blair's Militia Brigade, still further in tlie rear, stood by their horses, having no orders to rest, without fire to dry their drenched garments, and without food. About midnight some fires were lighted, but they were shortly extinguished, under apprehension that our position would be seen through them. General Curtis, whose object was to press the foe, at least keep him aroused and in a state of activity, so as to complete the breaking down of his forces from exhaustion, finding the column halted, and no sound of conflict to be heard, sent Majors Weed, McKenny and Hunt, with Capt. Meeker, to General Sanborn, to ascertain the cause of the halt. They found that ofiicer in his blanket, and were informed that he was satisfied the enemy was in force upon the mounds in front, and that he could not take the responsibility of moving further till daylight. On this being communicated to General Curtis, he ordered that artillery be opened upon the rebel camp. Owing to the darkness and storm, this was not accomplished till near daylight. In the meanwhile. Major R. H. Hunt, with Captain E,. J. Hiuton, had moved to our picket lines, aroused the Colorado battalion from its bivouac, and passing Colonel Gravelley's quarters, informed him of their intention, moved out to attack, and drive in the rebel pickets, determining to carry the mounds under cover of the rain and darkness. CHAPTER XVI. ATTACK ON THE MOUND BATTLES OF MAEIAS DES CYGNES AND MINE CREEK. The Colorado boys moved cheerfully to the work before tliem. It was a dangerous task, the character of which seemed highteneed by the darkness of the night, and the heavy mist soon to change into a tempest of rain. Yet these were favorable assist- ants ; the rain deadened our movements, while darkness covered the approach. Captain Kingsbury believed the rebel force on the mounds compara- tively small, and stated his first attack had created alarm ; that before withdrawing, the harnessing of animals, the movements of wagons, and other prepa- rations for leaving, were most plainly audible in the rebel camp, which seemed to occupy a large space on both sides of the river. The enemy's exhausted state was evident from their failure to obstruct, as they might have done, the passage of the stream, the road through the timber, and the steep banks beyond. 198 ARMY OF THE BOEDEE. Our picket line was formed along the main road, and in tlie open fields about a half mile from the timber's edge. East of the road was a steep mound, with bare sides, looking to the north. West of the road, and a little further to the south, was one higher and more precipitous, covered with brush and trees to the summit. These afforded formidable points of defence, and looming through the flashing lightning and rifted rain-clouds, seemed more difficult to attain than afterwards, when daylight gave a correct idea of the surroundings. As the Colorado boys advanced. Colonel Grravelley (who accompanied them, having sent for his com- mand), Major R. H. Hunt, Capt, R. J. Hinton, Capt. Kingsbury, Lieut. Hubbard, Signal Officer (who with some of the corps had joined the movement), were joined by a volunteer scout of General Blunt, Marcus, formerly of the 10th Kansas, who some time previ- ously had passed our pickets and succeeded' in i creeping through the brush and tall grass half way up the" eastern mound, listening to the rebels talk, and ascertaining their numbers. He reported this mound held by about three hundred men ; that the force north of the stream was a brio;ade under General Slemmons, with three guns. The darkness was great, and the heavy rain poured down. The 2d Colorado advanced on the f north-west, while Colonel Gravelley's force, now moving up, were placed to their left. The line moved steadily till within a hundred yards of the A BRILLIANT ASSAULT. 199 mound, when clear and sliarp througli tlie niglit rung tlie rebel challenge, replied to simultaneously by ours: " Who goes there ?" and " Who are you ?" as quickly answered, "Federal troops," "Confederates." The sound of the challenge had not died away when the hill-side blazed with a long; wavinj^:, flashinof line of lire, and the sharp ring of musketry gave forth rude alarm. Througli the darkness Hashed returning blaze. AVith varying fortune our line moved, on steadily up the hill, driving the rebels back. A small squad of Colorado men passed round the Avestern base and looked on the southern side of the mound. They were soon greeted with a l)linding flash, the crashing of a hundred bullets, and under so overwhelming a fire, fell back to the main body, having learned of the extent of the force stationed there, through the lightning and musketry flashes. General Sanborn had Ijeen ordered by General Curtis to open with artilleiy, but so far its sound was not heard. Colonel Gravelley dismounted and most gallantly led his men, in the face of a heavy Are, up the mound, as did Captain Kingsbury also. Major Hunt had returned to see to the artillery. Captain Hinton moved with tlie advance. Just before day broke, a rebel battery opened, though their shells overshot and did no damao-e. AVith a cheer our line advanced and carried the top of the mound and opened a brisk fire upon the rebels formed in line of battle in an 02:»en field just south of this mound. 200 ARMY OF THE BORDEE. The day broke clear, and tlie welcome sound of our artillery was beard. The shells fell however in the neighborhood of the men on the mound. General Sanborn was movins; forward with his command. Major Hunt riding up, soon caused a cessation of the fire, and the battery was moved to a better position. From the condition of the roads through the heavy rain, and the passage over them of the rebel army, it became evident that the movements of our troops would necessarily be slow. General Curtis, with liis staff, was on horseback at the earliest dawn, and moved to the front. From the summit of the captured mound, about 2,000 rebels could be seen in line of battle on the edge of the timber, from a bat- tery in wliich, at long intervals, they sent a shell screaming in our dii'ectiou. After the storm of the night, the clouds had broken away, the sunrise lit the scene with splendor, and all the landscape glowed and twinkled. It was hailed as an omen of success. Lieutenant-Colonel Benteen, with his brigade, by direction of General Sanborn, had sent one regiment to a ford three miles west, and the 4th Iowa Cavalry to report to Colonel Gravelley, and under his direc- tion they were directed to carr}' the mound on the right, which about daylight was done without serious opposition. General Pleasanton, unattended, rode to the sum- mit of the mound, followed by General Sanborn. STATE OF THE VACATED CAMP. 201 The troops were tlieii formed in column on the road ; the enemy's rear guard falling back rapidly through the timber. Colonel Grav^elley, with the 8th and 0th M. S. M. (the latter commanded by Major Plumb), and Kingsbury's Colorado Battalion, moved towards the ford, followed by Colonel Phillip's advance, the 2d Arkansas, Colonel Phelps. Major Hunt and Captain Hinton, reported to General Pleasanton, and by him were requested to assist General Sanborn as Aides. At the ford a small body of rebels were engaged in felling trees to obstruct the passage. • Major Hunt moved rapidly with a detachment of the 2d Colo- rado, led by Captain Kingsbury, to drive them away. A sharp fusilade ensued, lasting a few minutes, not however before the enemy had succeeded in creating an obstruction which was a serious cause of delay. AVe passed through the hastily vacated camp. Cloth- ing, blankets, parts of tents, camp utensils, mess chests, etc., all betokened the hasty evacuation. The picture was hideous in its filth. The dehi'is of a camp is never a sightly object, but the peculiar features thereof were enhanced by the knee deej^ mud, the remains of slaughtered cattle, the broken equipments, and the disgusting effluvia which greeted the nostrils. The little hamlet looked woe-begone. A. few women, ashen grey with terror, and half naked, poured blessings upon the troops as they moved by. In every house were found sick or wounded rebels. Some stragglers were captured during the 25 ,-- 202 AEMY OF THE BOEDEE. . morning, and it is believed were hung by our troops in the rear. The passions aroused by the sight of their pillaged homes, their insulted friends, and the knowlecl2:e of the base murders committed on old and defenceless men, might afford palliation of such acts of summary retaliation. At the crossing, the advance was joined by Colonel S. J. Crawford, and Colonel C. W. Blair, Volunteer Aides-de-Camp, who had pressed forward to see the position of affairs. Colonel Blair, know- ing that his brigade. could not cross till late in the morning, and naturally anxious as to the fate of Fort Scott, which was his post and the residence of his family, had come to the front. General Blunt also joined General Curtis at the ford. The 2d Arkansas Cavalry were first on the south side, followed immediately by the Colorado Battal- ion. Detachments of the 5th and 8tli M. S. M. came next. The enemy had set fire to a couple of large ricks of hay and some abandoned wagons in a field to our front, and beyond the smoke could be seen moving columns. Emerging from the timber a body of men Avere seen drawn up in line of battle, about half a mile distant, and in front of a farm house. It was at first doubted whether these might not be a portion of our own force who had crossed below the main ford. Colonel Blair assured Colonel Phelps that such could not be the case, and also called his attention to the SKIEMISHEES DRIVEN^ IIST. 203 fact, tliat no guidons were displayed by tliem. This was undoul)ted evidence of tlieir hostility. The charge was sounded, Colonel Phelps heading his regiment. Colonel Crawford and Major Hunt moving with it ; while Colonel Blair and Captain Hinton galloped to the right to bring forward troops, there forming. The 2d Colorado, under Captain Kingsbury, which had been sent forward by General Sanborn, pressed to the charge as fast as their weary animals would move. Half way to the enemy's lines we flushed their skirmishers, who were concealed in the rank grass beyond a gentle rise. Firing a hasty volley, they retreated quickly to their main body, which moved off by .the left flank at full sj)eed, our squadrons in rapid pursuit. The first line had been formed facing the west. About a mile beyond, another line was now formed, facing to the north, and strengthened by three guns — two rifled and one small smooth-bore — its right resting on a timbered ravine, running from the main stream. The left rested upon a small knoll on the summit of which was a I02: cabin. Their artillery opened, but principally firing solid shot did no great damage. The whistling of shell was how- ever by no means unfrequent. Orderlies were sent to hurry forward the artillery, while directions were received from General Sanborn not to press a charge until other troops had been brought forward. Generals Curtis and Pleasanton were then at the ford directino- movements there. 204 ARMY OF THE BOEDEE. Finding tliat our guns did not come forward as rapidly as was hoped, it was determined, as the fire from the rebel battery was galling our troops, to endeavor to capture them by a combined movement of all the troops now deployed. The 2d Arkansas, led- by Colonel Phelps, and the 2d Colorado bat- talion, under Captain Kingsbury, advanced most gallantly, the men cheering lustily as the charge was sounded. The regiment to the left failed to support them promptly. The small force in fi'ont still pressed forward in spite of the heavy fire from the rebel line, and though unable to charge in conse- quence of their numbers, they compelled the foe to give way, though but slowly. At this time Major Hunt rode up to Colonel Phelps, informing him that " the General exj)ected him to capture those guns." " I would have done so five minutes ago," was the Colonel's reply, " had I been properly supported." With an assurance that he should be, Major Hunt galloped to the left, and the 8th M. S. M. swung into line and forward on the charge. The line, con- sisting of the 2d Arkansas, three companies of the 2d Colorado, and the Missouri regiment, charged in gallant style ; other troops closed ujj in the rear, while two of Thurber's guns opened, having been brought up on the gallop. As we advanced, the rebels broke to the rear — failing to come to close quarters — ^leaving their small gun on the field, which we took. Owing to the delay on om* left, the enemy ADVANCE OF Phillips' beigade. 205 were enabled to save tlieir Parrotts, by rapidly limbering to the rear and going off on the gallop. Another line of battle was seen about two miles south as we pressed forward, but it moved off as we advanced, after firing a few shots from their rifled guns. Three roads met in the main one leading across the stream ; one to our right lead direct to Mound City ; another — the centre, over which the main reljel army moved — was the direct road to Fort Scott, Mine Creek and Osage, some five and ten miles south, and entering the military and telegraph road a few miles above Fort Scott. The other, to the left, branched again, one uniting with the Mine Creek road, and the other following the State line. Phillips' Brigade (M. S. M.) moved forward on the road to the centre. Colonel Cloud, was ordered by General Curtis, to take the 2d Kansas, under Major Hopkins and Captain Cosegrove, and move on the extreme right. The Colonel himself, with a small detachment, moved on the centre. Lieutenant-Colonel Benteen, with the veteran brigade of Colonel Winslow, moved on the road to the left, some distance behind Colonel Phillips. Major Weed, Major Hunt, Colonel Crawford, Colonel Blair, Captain Hinton, and other staff officers, moved to the front to render what assistance could be given. The Colorado Battalion moved on the centre road. Considerable delay, and consequent separation of troops occurred, owing to the difficult passage of the ford. General Pleasanton pressed forward the 206 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. troops, sending orders to Sanborn and McNeil. General Sanborn had previously halted, and let his men and horses feed. In the meanwhile the advance brigades moved rapidly across the open prairie. Soon the timber of Mine Creek, about five miles south-east of Mound City, came in sight. As the gallant Missouri and Arkansas troops under Colonel Phillips reached the brow of a long acclivity which overlooked the creek valley beyond, the enemy were discovered in great force formed in line of battle upon the north side of the stream, with their right resting upon the crossing and left extending north-west and resting on the timber of the stream. The open prairie, sweeping away, aiforded the grandest possible field for cavalry riiovements. It became evident that here the battle was to be fought. The rebels, deployed six lines deep in the centre, showed a force of from 12,000 to 15,000 men. As it afterwards appeared, the two divisions of Fagan and Marmaduke, comprising the flower of the rebel army, were thus arranged in battle array under the direction of General Price, who commanded in person. Beyond the creek to the. south could be seen a long train and accompany- ing troops, extending for some miles. This was Shelby's Division and the new one under Tyler, with, the plunder and prisoners of the Missouri raid. The rebel artillery, ten pieces, was stationed on the left of their line, an error on the part of the rebel General which our officers were not sIoav to perceive. HALT OF COLONEL PHILLIPS. 207 If we succeeded in breaking their centre, there was no possibility of their withdrawing the guns. From our front to the rebel lines, the ground formed a gentle descent. On the right, and a little to our front, was a farm house and fences. To our extreme left and front was a slight swale, the timber and ci'eek, then a rising corn field with a log cabin at the top. The brigade of Colonel Phillips had halted upon the edge of the table land, with skirmishers well thrown out,, about one thousand yards from the enemy. Colonel Benteen was still some distance in the rear. Major Hopkins, with the 2d Kansas and two howitzers, came up on the extreme right. Gen- eral Pleasanton had been informed of the position of our forces, and was pressing to the front with a section of Rodman's guns, and his escort, accom- panied by Major Curtis, who had reported him for duty. It was apparent the rebel army were determined to fight here, with the expectation of checking our march, and so enabling them to move more leisurely towards Fort Scott. The whole of their line was not visible, the right being behind the brow of the hill, descending into Mine Creek. Their artillery was playing with considerable effect upon the right of the unsupported brigade of Colonel Phillips, still steadily advancing. Majors Weed and Hunt gal- loped to the left to inform Colonel Benteen of the position of affairs on the right, and desire him to press forward with a view to charge before the rebels 208 AEMY OF THE BORDER. had time to do so, n movement whicli it was evident they were about to execute. The Coh:>nel responded heartily to the suggestion, and the brigade, consist- ing of the 10th Missouri Cavalry, Major W. H. Lask ; the 4th Iowa Cavalry, Major A. R. Pierce ; 3rd Iowa Cavalry, Major B. S. Jones ; and the 4th Missouri and Tth Indiana Cavalry consolidated, under Major Simmonson, moved in column on the gallop, each regiment forming on the left of Phillips, as they came up. At this time the rebel guns were firing canister at an enemy they supposed to be advancing on their right, and hidden from view by the rise in front. This alone saved Colonel Phillips, who, if known to be unsupported, w^ould have been swept from the field by a vigorous advance. In the face of this fire, which tore the ground in front, and filled the air with hurtling missiles. Colonel Benteen's Brigade broke from regimental columns, forming into line to the right and left, and moving steadily forward till they reached short range. The rattle of mus- ketry, mingled with the roar of artillery, the shouts of the soldiers, the scream of the shells, the crash of small arms, the hissing sound of canister, and the cries of the wounded as they fell about us, filled the air, forming a picture, when set ofi:' by the walls of steel before, and that aljout and behind us, that can be easier remembered than described. It was evi- dent that a desperate eifort was preparing in the rebel lines. A group of officers could be seen in the SCENES OF THE BATTLE-FIELD. 209 centre, evidently of liigli rank, wliile others were clashing furiously up and down, and fiercely the tiger rebel yell met and mingled with the wild hurras of our men. The long Ihies of rebels, with crasli and fury of raging battle about them ; the slender brigades deployed and advancing on their front, while to the north, across the broad prairie, were to be seen the rapidly deploying troops advancing to reinforce our front. These scenes take lonirer to describe than to enact. While these troops were pressing to our assistance, deploying to the right and left, forming a second line of battle, and the generals, with their escort and staff were riding hastily forward. Colonel Benteeu had, without hesitation, dashed on under a fire so terrible, that even his veteran troops were for a moment staggered. The brigade to the right was showino- sierns of distress, when, niakino; a ritrht half wheel, and sending to Colonel Phillips to move at the same time, away went Benteen, both brigades precipitating themselves upon the centre and left of the I'ebel lines. The gallant staff officers of General Curtis, so soon as the charge sounded, rode to the right and left along the line, cheering and encouraging the troops, charging themselves in the very thick front and fore- most of the fight. Colonels Crawford and Cloud were in the centre. Colonel Blair with Majoi's Weed and Hunt, and Sergeant Sloonacker, 15th Kansas, were on the right ; Captain Hinton had moved with 20 210 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. ,tlie extreme left of Colonel Beiiteen's command. Major Curtis, with tlie escort company of General Pleasanton, and two of Tliurber's guns, wliicli had now reached the field, opened on the rebel right. Forward ! was shouted along the line. Away it went ; at first slowly, and then with a fierce mo- mentum, dashing and crashing through the rebel right and centre, j A rush — a scramble — a confused vision of flashing sabres on ourrightand centre ; the wild ti'ample of rushing horses ; the frantic shouts of charging combatants ; the crash of small arms — - not continuous as in line — but rapid and isolated as of individual combat ; the cessation of the enemy's artillery fii'e, and the intermittent fire of our own guns, were the elements which made up a scene worthy of being immortalized in the verse of Tennyson, or by the brush of Horace Vernet. So rapidly had the centre and right swept forward, that the extreme left, which from' the nature of the ground had not been able to charge simultaneously, and was now swinging, half-wheel to the I'ight, with the view of crossing a ravine, clearing the corn field on the south, and attacking the disordered rebel force on the flank as it emerged from the wood ; — this force as it swept through the ravine and into the field, was fired upon by our own guns. Supposing these shells to be from the rebel guns, the left went thundering through the field, when they were fired upon by a line of skirmishers. With a cheer our boys dashed forward. The rebels fled ; a number THE OLD woman's BLESSING. 211 lay wounded, and over tliem went the line amid a volley from tliose behind the fence at the top of the field. In front of a log cabin stood an old woman, with several children clinging to her skirts, fearless of the leaden shower which ceaselessly pat- tered against the cabin wall ; with dress disordered and grey locks floating in the wind, the old lady shouted, while we whirled past, " God bless you, boys ! God bless you boys ! Hurra for the Union ! Hurra for Kansas ! Give it to 'em !" and similar exclamations. The sight was inspiring. The bless- ing: came like a drau2:ht of wine, and with a wild shout the troops cleared the fence, swept over the prairie beyond, and attacked the disordered rebels as they emerged from the timber, capturing a Major and a number of men. Several shells had already fallen in our midst, when it became evident that the left was mistaken for rebels, and it fell back across the prairie to the supports which were coming up. The firing was directed by General Sanborn, who had mistaken these troops for the enemy, but as soon as they fell back, both General Pleasanton and General Sanborn rode up and ordered the fire to cease. Captain Hintou was with the left and par- ticipated in the charge. While this was going on upon the left, the right and centre had com])letely routed the rebel force, causing them to fall back in wild disorder over Mine Creek and reform upon the south side, about a mile beyond. Colonel Benteen was in hot pursuit, 212 AEMY OF THE BOKDEE. until General Pleasanton, who had reached the field just as our charge was being made, sent an order directmo- that no further advance be made until the division could concentrate. When our attack was made, from the capture of so many rebel officers of high rank it would appear that they were all assembled in and about the centre. Brigadier-General Cabell was captured by Sergeant Calvary M. Young, of Company "A," 3rd Iowa- Cavalry, and Major-General Marmaduke was cap- tured by Private James Dunleavy, of Company "D." Two stands of coloi-s were taken by Major Pierce, 4th Iowa Cavalry, (who in the engagement cut down eight men with his own hands,) besides a large number of prisoners and four guns. Colonel Jeffards, formerly a Lieutenant-Colonel in the famous Stone- wall Brigade, surrendered with a number of men to Colonel Cloud. Among other officers captured was Colonel John Waddell, a nephew of General Frost, of Camp Jackson notoriety. Colonel Crandall, Mar- maduke's Adjutant, was taken near his chief, as was his Medical Director. Brigadier-General Slemmon, who commanded the rear attacked by our troops at the ]\tounds and at the Trading Post, was mortally wounded, and died afterwards at Newtonia. Briga- dier-General Graham was killed and left on the field. A large number of field officers of various grades were captured, about eight hundred of the rank and file, and nine guns, which, with the one taken at Marias des Cygnes, made ten. The wounded left on CAPTURE OF MARMADUKE. 213 tlie field numbered over two hundred, while the dead was about the same. A number of our officers were severely wounded, but our actual loss was not more than one hundred and fifty men. The impetu- osity of the charge, and its complete success, accounts for this slight loss. Had Colonel Phillips' brigade been armed with sabres and carbines, in place of long rifles, the victory would have been more com- plete. Yet never was there witnessed a more over- whelmins: rout than the field of this o-lorious charire presented. The field was won against 12,000, by two brigades, numbering not more than 2,500. Major- General Fagan was at first reported killed, and the body of an officer, found afterwards to be that of General Graham, mistaken for him. General Cabell informed Colonel Wheeler, that when he was cap- tured. Price himself was within a few feet, and only escaped by the fleetness of his horse, and absence of any distinctive dress which could render him a mark. Major-General Marmaduke was captured by Corpo- ral James Dunleavy, of Copapany " D," 3rd Iowa Cavalry. The rebel General was rallying his men, Dunleavy galloping towards him, occasionally firing. Marmaduke mistook him for one of his own men, and started towards him, reproving him for firing on his friends. Dunleavy stopped, waiting coolly till Marmaduke got within twenty or thirty rods of him, then coverino; him with his revolver, ordered him to dismount and surrender. General Marmaduke did so, and his horse galloped ofl'. Colonel Blair was 214 AEMY OF THE BOrvDEE. riding by at tliis time, and Dunleavy seeing lie was an officer, offered to Kim the prisoner. The Colonel declined the trouble, when Marmaduke said : " Sir, you are an officer ; I claim protection at your hands ; I am General Marmaduke." Taking charge. Colonel Blair said he would protect him until delivered to General Curtis as a prisoner. Marmaduke at this seemed much relieved. Dunleavy then said, " Colonel, remember I took him prisoner. I am James Dunleavy, Corporal of Company " D," ord Iowa Cavalry." Colonel Blair told the Corporal (who was severely wounded in the right fore arm, but still held his revolver vigorously) to come along, and he should have tke honor of being introduced to General Curtis as the captor of General Marmaduke. Colonel Blair moved to the rear with his prisoner, passing Generals Pleasanton and Sanborn. A led horse was taken from a soldier, and Marmaduke mounted, as he complained greatly of fatigue. Colonel Blair found Generals Curtis and Blunt, with Senator I^ane, and other staff officers at the house of Mrs. Beagins, about a half mile from the field of our successful charge. The prisoner was introduced, as also his captor, wkom the General found afterwards to be a son of an old Iowa friend. He directed the Corporal to retain Marmaduke's revolver. An amusing incident occurred at this time. When the rel)el line was forming, Marmaduke's Division was on the right. Its commander I'ode a very fine mare, which lie called " Miss Mary Price.' " MISS MAEY PEICE." 215 After performing some equestrian feats, and extolling the qualities of liis steed, he asked the old lady whose blessing had saluted us as we charged by her door, " what she thought of Miss Mary" — adding, boastingly, of riding over the Kansas Jayhawkers. After the battle, the old lady went to Mrs. Reagin's, and seeing Marmaduke^ saluted liim with, " How are you. General, and how 's IMiss Mary Price, and where 's the Kansas Jayhawkers now V The General answered not. Majors Weed and Curtis, with Colonel Cloud, were busy in collecting the prisoners, scattered all over the held. General Curtis placed them in charge of Lieutenant-Colonel J. J. Sears, 18th U. S. C. L, Acting Provost Marshal, detailing a Missouri Kegiment to guard them. The captured guns were brought up to Mrs. Eeagin's and turned over to Colonel Sears. The charge upon these guns, surrendered by Colonel Jeffards to Colonel Cloud, was made ]3y a portion of the 10th Missouri Volun- teer Cavalry, and a detachment of the 2d Kansas Cavalry acting with Colonel Cloud. General Sanborn, who had now come up, was directed to move his brigade to the right of the line, and take the advance. The troops on the skirmish line being completely worn out, Colonel Cloud was directed to take their place with the 2d Kansas. These movements following the rebel defeat, had transpired while Colonel Benteen and Colonel Phillips were still pressing the enemy across Mine Creek. A formidable line of battle had been again 216 AEMY OF THE BORDER. formed by tliem on a prairie ridge about one mile to tlie soutli. This they soon abandoned, and our sMr- misliers pursued tliera beyond the dividing ridge of Mine Creek and Little Osage. The rear of our troojos (General McNeil and General Blunt) were still far behind. General Pleasanton complained of the former as not showing willingness to move for- ward. Major Chariot, General Curtis' Adjutant, was sent to bring his brigade forward, and to arrest General McNeil if hesitation was evinced. His brigade being in advance of the 1st Division, delayed General Blunt at the crossino;. Some waggons had broken down and obstructed the ford, causing delay. General McNeil stated that no order for an advance had been received by him. He came up on the gallop upon receipt of the order. As the Major was en route to General McNeil, he passed Mi's. Keagin's, where our prisoners and wounded were being gath- ered, and found Captain Gates and Major Suess, of General Pleasanton's staif, disputing with Colonel Sears for custody of the prisoners, claiming them as " General Pleasanton's prisoners." They were informed that, as General Curtis, the senior officer present, had placed them in charge of Colonel Sears, they woidd be retained by that officer till relieved. Our dead and wounded were left on the field to the kindly care of the citizens ; so also were the rebel wounded. Our movements were stiJl onward. Fort Scott lay in the direction of the enemy's march. Stores to the value of two millions, belonging to the EESULTS OF THE BATTLE. 21 7 Government were tliere. Hence the necessity of pressing after tlie shaken, but not yet beaten, rebel army. To the early attack on the Mounds, and the vigor- ous driving of the enemy at the Trading Post Ford, and in the valley beyond, is to be attributed the engagement and consequent victory at Mine Creek. Had not the Colorado Battalion carried the Mounds, and so opened the ball before daylight, the import- ant Post at Fort Scott, and the whole of South-east Kansas, would have fallen a prey to the rebel army. BATTLE GROUND ^^ CHARIOT. OCT. 25. 64. iCROVE CHAPTER XVII. ENGAGEMENTS AT THE LITTLE OSAGE AND CHAELOT MARCH OF MOONLIGHT — ENGAGEMENTS AT MOUND CITY AND FORT LINCOLN REBEL CAMP ON DRYWOOD CREEK OURS AT FORT SCOTT AND MARMATON. While the prisoners were being gathered in, the captured guns and trophies taken care of, and mes- sengers sent in haste to hurry forward McNeil's Brigade and the 1st Division, the two brigades of Benteen and Phillips which so gallantly reaped the harvest now being secured on Mine Creek, were, under orders from General Pleasanton, reforming their lines and awaiting the forward movement. Benteen's veterans, indeed, had pressed onward in hot haste, and when directed to halt were reforming for another charge upon a line presenting itself along a ridge about a mile south of the stream. This was evidently intended to cover the retreat and recovery from disorder into which our impetuous charge had thrown the divisions of Marmaduke and Fagan. As the veteran 2d Kansas, one hundred DEVASTATION AND RUIlSr, 221 and fifty strong, took the skirmish line (having reported to General Sanborn, now moving his troops upon the right for that purpose), and moved steadily- forward, this line melted away, and when the ridge was reached were seen joining the main column. The scene was most striking. Seldom, if ever, has " the pomp and circumstance of glorious war " had so broad a field whereon to display its attrac tions. The battle-field with its hideous concomitants of death and suffering was veiled by the intervening timber. Beyond the valley, bodies of troops, dimly discernible, were pressing forward to join the pursuit Thin columns of smoke, wTeathing upward in the soft Indian summer haze, told of the desolation which the invader had wrought behind us. Before were rising denser and fi-esher the same black tokens, and the van of their march was plainly distinguish- able by ruddy masses of cloud which told of Ijurning prairie, hay ricks and buildings. To the straining eyes on the halted skirmish line it was still certain that they were moving direct towards Foi't Scott. Colonel Charles W. Blair, who, accompanied by Captain Hinton, had moved to the extreme advance, scanned the horizon eagerly with his glass, and grew restless at the delay, which, however, was necessary to concentrate and reform our troops, broken and disorganized by the rapid j)ursuit and subsequent charge. About a half mile to the rear of the skir- mishers, a fine display of extensive cavalry move- ments were visible. Three brigades were forming in 222 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. column of regiments. Colonel Benteen on the left, Pliillips in tlie centre, and General Sanborn moving to tlie right. The formation was perfect, and the level prairie to their front allowed the whole extended line to move unbroken. In the front and centre rode the two Generals, Curtis and Pleasanton, with their respective staffs and escort, forming themselves an attractive feature of the pageant thus unconsciously exhibited to the observant eye. Gen- eral Blunt had returned from Mine Creek to endea- vor to hurry forward his own division. As the buo-les alona; the line blared forth the advance, the division moved in the direction of the Little Osage, near which, some four miles distant, the enemy's main advance could be seen. Half way upon the prairie fresh smoke was rising densely, tellinar of some new horror. When our skirmishers moved past the house, the bloody form of a young man, just shot down, was to be seen at the threshold. It Avas a well-cultivated farm. The extensive ricks of hay and corn stalks which were stacked in the barn -yard were burning, while all the adjoining prairie was fast blackening with the flames which ran along its swells. The house had been stripped. The young man was a member of the Linn county militia, who knowing the enemy's march would be by his dwelling, had left his command and reached it, only in time to be murdered. Further to the west some miles, a heavy volume of smoke could be seen rising from a dense body of timber, which was LONG AND EAPID MARCHES. 223 known to be in the vicinity of Fort Lincoln. A small column of mounted men could be seen moving therefrom towards the main body of rebels. Fur- ther to the north, aiii moving to the west, l)y the aid of glasses, could be distinguished another body of cavalry, which it was believed was the gallant 2d Brigade, under Colonel Moonlight. As afterwards appeared, Colonel Moonlight, with the 11th Kansas volunteers and Lyon county militia, under Colonel Mitchell, had reached Mound City about one P. M., having marched sixty-five miles without rest or food, accomplishing the last thirty miles in five hours. Here the messenger sent by General Blunt, directing him to move on to Fort Scott and hold the place at all hazards, was received. Captain Greer with the force at his command had already given a small Ixxly of rebels, the evening before, a taste of his quality. Towards morning, Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel A. Drake, with two companies of the l7th Kansas, arrived. Colonel Drake was in command at Paola, and immediately on learning of the safety of that important post, had, leaving the 18th K. S. M., Colonel Potter com- manding, moved with the balance of his force to Mound City, making a night march, arriving in time to aid in the defence, by checking a force then moving up Sugar Creek. As day broke, scouts arrived with the intelligence that the enemy's advance, eight hundred strong, were moving direct towards the post. Moonlight formed a line of battk 224 AEMY OF THE BORDER. to the nortli-east of town, and a sharp skirmish, ensued, which resulted in the rapid withdrawal of the foe — our cavalry pursuing for two miles in the direction of Price's main army. Manlove, a member of the militia under Captain Greer, was killed, and Mr. Williams was severely wounded, during this fight. From the high prairie, where the 2d Brigade with- drew and moved towards Fort Scott, they had an opportunity to witness the magnificent charge made by Benteen and Phillips at Mine Creek, Moving on the Telegraj)h I'oad, Moonlight again encountered the enemy at Fort Lincoln. They held the heavy timber, were apparently in force, and after some sharp skii'mishing the 2d Brigade was withdrawn, its commander leaving a battalion of the 11th Kansas to watch the enemy, while he moved up the stream and flanked them to the west, marchmg rapidly to Fort Scott, which he reached at four P. M. The rebels burned the buildings at Fort Lincoln, and several houses, robbed the post-ofifice and store, murdering one of the citizens. At JMound City, another brush was had with a straggling force. About 10 A. M., a body of one hundred and fifty advanced within a half mile of the public square. Captain Greer sent the militia to meet them. The rebels took possession of a corn field. Lieutenant Parks was severely wounded in this movement. Colonel Drake, with his command, then advanced into the field, and succeeded in dislodging the enemy, who fl.ed, leaving some wounded and six prisoners in THE WOmSTDED CARED FOR. 225 our hands. Caj)tain Greer, with a portion of the militia, by a flank movement succeeded in capturing several. Eighteen prisoners were taken. The danger to the people in and around Mound City was over ; their work however, had only just begun. Our march down the line had been so rapid, and work from the previous three day's fighting so great, that but few of the surgeons were with the pursuing troops. Surgeons Ashmore and Twiss, of the 11th and 15th Kansas, were left to take care of the wounded. The resident practitioners, Doctors Ben- der and Hiatt, heartily co-operated. Every suitable building at Mound City was converted into hos2:)itals for our own and the rebel wounded. About two hundred rebel dead were buried by the citizens on the field at Mine Creek. For days after, bodies were found in the long grass and brush fringing the stream, where, when wounded, they had dragged themselves. Sixty wounded rebels were conveyed to Mound City, and there received every attention that humanity demanded. A number of our own wounded were also moved hither, as afterwards others were taken to Fort Scott. The noble women of Linn county labored unremittingly in full grati- ^' tude for their rescue. The wanton burning of the prairie, in which the rebels indulged, was in the end mainly injurious to themselves. These fires swept the fields on Mine Creek and the Osage, burning the bodies of their wounded and charring the remains 28 226 AEMT OF THE BOEDER. of their dead. At Mine Creek, many of their wounded were burned to death. The 1st Division found many of the charred bodies as they passed. In one instance, a man was lying on his face, and his clothes had all been consumed except his pockets, which were piotected by his body. In the pockets were found some Confederate scrip, a few doUars in specie, and a pass which the soldier had at some time received from his command- ing officer, allowing him to visit home for a week. This proved afterwards the means of recognizing the dead man. At Fort Scott, where the rebel prison- ers were collected, and a good deal of inquiry was being made by them concerning the fate of various comrades, the Union soldier who had taken this pass from the pockets of the dead rebel, walked up to the line and inquired if any of them knew of such a man, calling the name found on the pass. " Yes," eagerly replied one of the rebels coming forward, "was he taken prisoner?" "Why, what do you want to know for ?" " He was my brother," was the quick response. " Well," said the Union soldier, ^^ all I can say is, that you have burned your own brother to death ; I found this in his pocket." We left our troops moving towards the Little Osage ; the 2d Kansas, under Major Hopkins and Captain Cosegrove, being still in the advance. Colonel Cloud commanded the skii*mish line. About two miles from the stream, we again flushed the rebel rear, which was driven rapidly towards the M:er of being; flanked by columns through the corn-field and town, when General Blunt sent orders to Captain McLain to fall back about three hundred yards, to a ]3osition near some lone trees, whence opening on the rebel right, he was to cover the falling back of our force, and the formation of a second line of battle. This move- ment was finally accomplished, and the flanking operations of the rebels checked. It was not done however, without some confusion and loss. Captain McLain moving his guns at a gallop to the position assigned, came nearly creating a panic in a battalion of the 15th, at the time of falling back. in pursuance of orders. For the first time in the campaign, a line of stragglers could be seen making their way towards the rear. Major Chariot, Colonel Burris, Captain Hinton, and Captain Tough, Chief Scout, exerted themselves efficiently to stay this movement. Most of those who retired were wounded, and many FAILUEE OF EEBELS TO CHAEGE. 269 of these returned to tlie field. The formidable array at the front, and the failure of support from the brigades behind, might well have made the most dauntless quail. In the ranks of the enemy, the utmost exertions were made by the leading officers, to bring their men to a charge. So overwhelming was their force, that such an event must have produced disaster to us. Among the most conspicuous in these efforts, was an officer of splendid proportions, finely mounted on a white horse, who, bareheaded, and sabre in hand, rode furiously up and down the rebel lines, cheering on the men and exposing himself heedlessly to the utmost peril of the strife. We afterwards learned this was Lieutenant-Colonel Reefe, of Fayetteville, commanding Munroe's Arkansas Kegi- • ment. At last he succeeded in shaming his men into an effort. As the 2d Colorado was slowly moving back to the second position, whence McLain was now belching forth his thunders, the quick eye of Captain Green detected a suspicious formation and movements. Without waiting for orders, he brought two companies by " fours right about," and made a counter-charge, before which the rebels flew precipitately, in spite of the orders and denuncia- tions of their commanders. The exploits performed by our troops at preceding engagements, had lent an wholesome dread of their prowess. Colonel Reefe received many complimentar}^ volleys from our line, but seemed to bear a charmed life. 270 AEMY OF THE BORDEE. The rebel fire slackened somewhat, as we became well established in our second position. We had now been on the field — holding it with but a handful of men, yet defiant and confident — for over two hours. The sunset's crimson tints were lighting the western horizon ; the evening damps began to chill the com- batants. The enemy, it was evident, were preparing for another attempt at flanking our left. In this event General Blunt determined to retire to the blufi:", whence he knew the enemy could not drive him, and there await reinforcements. At this juncture, General Sanborn, in advance of his command, was met at the foot of the bluif, by Captain Hinton, General Blunt' s Aid, and hastily informed of the position of afi!'airs. It was suggested to General Sanborn to bring his brigade in upon our left, and resist the movement through the corn-field. The General immediately returned to execute this movement. The information was conveyed to General Blunt. It was received by the troops at the front with enthusiastic cheers. At this time, one half of the line was out of carbine ammunition, the firing had been so rapid and exhaustive. The how- itzers were yet well out to the front. ■ Captain McLain had retired with his guns to the foot of the bluff, a movement made without orders, and as alleged by the Captain, in consequence of the utter exhaustion of men and horses. General Sanborn now moved down the bluff and into the valley on the gallop ; the 6th M. S. M. and GENEEAL Sanborn's eepoet. 271 the 2d Arkansas Cavalry, Colonel Phelj^s, jnn., being in tlie advance. As they neared the field through which the enemy were moving, these regiments dismounted, formed line of battle, driving the rebels through the field. A section of Rodman guns, under Lieutenant Montgomery, was opened on the rebel centre from our left. General Blunt's force again moved forward on a line with Sanborn's. A few volleys were fired, and then some scattering shots terminated the hard fouo;ht battle of Newtonia, the enemy abandoning the field. While General Sanljorn was moving into position, General Curtis with his stafi:' and escort arrived. Finding that Blunt had engaged the enemy, the commanding General pushed on with Sanborn to his assistance. The latter deserves great credit for the promptness of his movement, and celerity of his march from Fort Scott. In his published report, General Sanborn says : " I marched sixly-two (G2) miles that day, keeping the artillery and teams along, and reached Newtonia on the 28th, about four P. M., having marched one hundred and four miles, with artillery and train, in thirty-six hours. "I found General Blunt heavih' engaged with the enemy, his line slowly receding, and the enemy's line extending much beyond 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 field intersected with stones, walls and other obstacles, I was induced to dismount my command, and the regi- ments were ordered to advance as fast as they could dismount and form. The 6th Cavalry, M. S. M., 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 ftilling back. It is impossible to record all the incidents of this day. The vigorous attack with a handful of men 272 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. by General Blunt, is almost unparalleled for audacity during the war ; not more so tlian the severe punish- ment given to the enemy, and the tenacity with which our position was held, in spite of failure of supports, and the large force of the enemy against which we were pitted. The results of the conflict were most disastrous to them, much more so than to us, though our loss was not inconsiderable. Accord- ing to reports, our loss was as follows : 15th Kansas, ten killed, twenty-nine wounded and one missing; 16th Kansas, two killed and thirteen wounded; 3rd Wisconsin (Lieutenant Pond commanding) eleven w^ounded ; 2d Colorado Battery, one killed, five wounded ; in all ninety-five wounded, eighteen killed and one missing ; total, one hundred and fourteen ; not more than twenty were seriously wounded. About one hundred horses were killed and w^ounded. Captain Moses, 2d Colorado, was wounded twice. The enemy lost two hundred and seventh-five wounded, thirty-five seriously. Two colonels were killed. They also buried General Slemmons, who was wounded on Mine Creek, three days previous. In the first onset, 16th Kansas, Major Ketner com- manding, drove the enemy for some distance. He had two horses shot under him. Captain Tough had a narrow escape, a ball passing through the rim of his felt hat. Captain Hinton was partially stunned by the explosion of a shell within a few feet of him. Colonel Burris, Volunteer Aide, deserves the greatest credit for coolness and usefulness. Next to General MURDER OF CHRISTENSOlSr. 273 Blunt, in perfect and audacious courage, comes Colou(!l Ford, of the 2d Colorado. The regiment commanded by him were model soldiers throughout the campaign, and won the highest encomiums. Two companies became famous on account of their gray horses. Everywhere in front they were to the rebels as is Death on the pale horse to the wicked. Newtonia was garrisoned by a small battalion of enrolled militia, under Major Johnson, who retired on the approach of the enemy. Moving towards Mount Vernon, he encountered about four hundred rebels, who were out foraging, A skirmish ensued, in which the rebels were defeated. Lieutenant Christenson, a mendier of the militia, residing in Isl^ewtonia, was taken prisoner, and in the presence of his wife and mother was inhumanly butchered. He was a German, but lately married, and had been for a long time a scourge to the bushwhackers of this vicinity. His body was recovered next morning from the woods, where it had been thrown, brutally mutilated. Colonel Jennison, in his published report of the campaign, says of Newtonia : " On the morning of the 28th, the march was resumed, the brigade being then nnder command of Lieutenant-Colonel Hoyt, passing the Granby lead mines, Newton county, about 2 o'clock P. M., the Colorado 2d being in the advance, with the Colorado Battery. When within about three miles of Newtonia, messengers passed along tlie lines from the front, with the intelli- gr-nce that our advance had overtaken the rebel army at the latter place, and was then engaged. The command "Forward — trot — gallop — march!" was given, and never with more hearty alacrity obeyed, and the brigade swept on through almost impenetrable clouds of dust to the open ground north of the town, where our artillery were already posted, and had opened fire witli shell upon the enemy's lines, then distant more than a mile, and evidently striving to get into the tunber on the Pineville road with the train. 34 2^4 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. Reaching the crest of the hill upon which the battery was posted, the order was given, and the 1st Brigade moved rapidly towards the enemy, by this time engaged by Colonel Ford's tirigade. The 1st Brigade was immediately formed, by direction of the General Commanding, on the right of the line. Commencing a spirited and determined tire at a range of about five hundred yards, the howitzers, under Sergeant Patterson, doing more etficient execu- tion than at any previous action during the campaign. In tliis connection, I would mention with particular recommendations to favor, Sergeant Patterson, 14th K. V. C, an experienced and callable artillerist of long service in the Army of the Potomac and elsewhere. During the whole of the campaign, he remained in the fluthful discharge of his duties as Sergeant of the howit- zer battery, which fired the first gun at Lexington, and almost the last at Newtonia. For further details of the battle, permit me to extract from the report of Lieutenant-Colonel Hoyt, 15th K. V. C, as follows, he being at that time in command of the Brigade, by reason of the temporary disability of myself, caused by au accident: "Head- Quarters 15th K. V. C, In the Field, ) Cherokee Nation, Nov. 9, 1864. ) * * =^ * "On the 28th of October, Price was attacked by General Blunt, with the brigades of yourself and Colonel Ford, 2d Colorado Cavalry, at Newtonia, Mo. In this engagement, it was my privilege to lead your brigade, of which I can only say, none could have fought more nobly, or with greater determination, standing under fire a long time without a cartridge to return the galling fire of the enemy, having expended eighty rounds to the man, the alacrity of our movements rendering it impossible for the ammunition train to keep up. " I desire to mention Lieut. Jos. Mackle, A. A. A. G., 1st Brigade, and Lieutenant "VV. H. Bisbee, Company "E," 15th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, acting Regimental Adjutant, for their praiseworthy conduct in the last named, and in fact all the engagements in which this regiment was employed." Of the officers of my command and their men, it is not possible for me to specify particular names, for all were brave, and none were either cowardly or incompetent. ' " GEO. H. HOYT, " Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding. ' ' Maintaining its line of battle unbroken imtil some time after dark, the 1st Brigade, in obedience to orders from the General Commanding, encamped for the night in tlie town of Newtonia, having brought in all it's wounded, who were properly cared for, and bestowed in the houses of the town." Ill tlie same report, the Colonel mentions the 3rd Wisconsin Cavalry, and quotes from Lieutenant Pond's report : " Of the battle of Newtonia, Lieutenant Pond reports that his command, reduced to thirty-four effective men, was placed on the left of the 2d Colo- rado, and took part in the charge led, as at Westport, by General Blunt in person, against an enemy so vastly superior, that the audacity of the charge must have been as auspicious as its valor. That we held that position until our ammunition was exhausted, and afterwards until succor came, history will tell and truly; but hoiv\ seems a miracle. In this contest, Lieutenant Pond's command lost four men, seriously woimded, and eleven horses kiUed. The Lieutenant concludes his report as follows: REBEL COMMISSARIAT. 2^5 " It affords rne pleasure, in connection herewith, to notice the conspicuous gallantry and heroiBin of Lieutenant John Crites, Company "D." His coolness and self-possession, under tlie most terrific fire, gave to his recruits the full assurance of veterans. He was the only commissioned officer in the battalion with me wlien we entered the battle of jSTewtonia: The remaining prisoners of tlie 2d Kansas State Militia, under Captain Huntoon, came into camp on the 29th, having been paroled by General Price at Granby. They were in a most pitiable condition ; starved, half naked, worn out and barefoot, having been robbed by their captors of all decent articles of clotliing. Everything possible was done for their comfort. That night the enemy retired in hasty disorder, leaving their wounded in our lines, and their dead unburied where they fell. The condition of their wounded was frightful. An assistant surgeon of Munroe's Arkansas Regiment, and a medical student recruited at Lexington, were left in charge of the hosiDital. One sack of flour and a scant supply of a few common drugs, were all that the rebel medical and commissariat stores could furnish. The surgeon came in under a flag of truce, and, announcing their condition, asked such medical stores as humanity demanded should be at his disposal. On arrival of our medical train, their wants were supplied. Every preparation was made for an early resump- tion of the pursuit, which General Curtis was now sure would result in the surrender of the rebel army. This was the main purpose of his campaign, and with efficient co-operation after the battle of 'New- tonia, could have been brought about. Our horses 276 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. and men, exliausted tliougli tliey were, were in better condition than the enemy's. Below this point, he passed beyond the range of mills and grain. By a vigorous pursuit, he could be prevented from menac- ing our posts in Western Arkansas and on the river, while they would be enabled to prevent him crossing that stream. Even if not successful in forcing a surrender, immediate and unremitting pursuit must exhaust the rebels, deplete his army by constant desertion, and finally compel him to flee only as a mob retires, disordered, demobilized and demoralized utterly. Such was undoubtedly the reasoning on the night of the 28th. General McNeil and Colonel Moonlight came in after dark. The first was ordered to take the advance next day, moving' at three A. M. Just as the troops were moving out, a courier arrived from General Pleasanton, with orders from General Kosecraus, directing all the troops of his department to return to their respective districts. This of course prohibited any further pursuit, as General Curtis had with him less than 1,500 men, proj^erly belonging to his command. Generals Sanborn and McNeil moved towards Springfield, while the 1st Division was ordered to return to Kansas by way of Neosho. Major Murphy, of M. S. M., was left in command of Newtonia, and every possible preparation made for taking care of the v/ounded. Subsistence and medical train arrived during the forenoon of the 29th. Neosho, October 30, 1864, In the Field. blunt' S PUBLISHED ACCOUNT. 277 Tbe indignation of all was intense. It was felt that General Ilosecrans could not have known or appreciated the position. Misinformed as to the campaign, by those whose duty it was to have told the truth, the order recalling was without doubt issued on the idea that the campaign was practically over, and further pursuit was useless. The Lieuten- ant-General did not, as will be hereafter seen, agree Avith this view. The following account of the conflict at Newtonia was sent by General Blunt to Senator Lane, and by the latter published in the papers of the State : To General J. PL Lane: On the 2Stli instant, at 3 o'clock P. M., after marching all day and night previously, I came up with Price at Newtonia, with Ford's and Jennison's Brigades of my Division. Price had gone into camp in the timber south of tlie town, tliinking that we had quit the pursuit. Upon discovering our advance, he formed one line of battle in tlie edge of the timber, another in front on the prairie, developing almost ten tliousand men. I moved forward rapidly and attacked him with vigor. The figlit lasted from 3 o'clock until dark, and was the warmest contested held we have had in the campaign. With the two brigades, I lield the field, without support, until nearly sundown, when Sanborn came up just in time to form on my left and repulse a flanking column of the enemy. We then drove them from the field in confusion. They retreated hastily, and moved all night on the Cassville road. My loss in killed and wounded, was about one hundred and eighteen, and about one hundred and seventy-five horses killed. A rebel surgeon, who came in with a flag of truce, reports the enemy's loss at over two hundred. Among their killed were two Colonels. A spy of ours, wlio has been with them for several days past and during the battle of the 28th, has come in, and reports that Price has 16,000 men armed, and 10,000 unarmed; that he has still about four hundred wagons, mostly loaded with goods plundered, and that lie has burned large amounts of his transportation. He says Price will not fight unless compelled to, to save his train and unarmed conscripts, but will move as rapidly as possible to Bed River. He also sa3's Price intended, if possible, to make his head- quarters this winter at Kansas City. Tiiis is also corroborated by most of tbe prisoners we have taken. Price toid the Missouri recruits that Kansas could not raise force enough to disturb him in carrying out his programme. General Curtis ordered the troops to march yesterday morning at 3 o'clock, »nd vigorously follow up the pursuit, but before the hour arrived, an order 278 ARMY OF THE BOEDER. came from General Rosecrans for all the forces of Pleasanton to abandon the pursuit and return to the head-quarters of their respective districts. Yester- day I removed to this point to recruit the stock and rest the men, and be within supporting distance of Forts Gibson and Smitli. Orders liave just arrived from Lieutenant-General Grant, which will, I hope, enable us to yet do the enemy more damage. Of the Shawnee county militia, one hundred have come in paroled. They have suffered much for food and from hard travel. All say they were well treated as prisoners. They speak well of General Shelby. I will keep you advised aa proper. Truly yours, JAS. G. BLUNT. CHAPTEK XX. EESUMPTlOlSr OF PURSUIT EOITTE OF THE REBELS THE PEA EIDGE BATTLE-FIELD ATTACK OjST FAY- ETTEVILLE GALLANT DEFENSE. The troops under General Curtis rested at Neosho, on the niglit of tlie 29tb. Early on the morning of the 30th, a courier arrived Avith dispatches, enchasing an order, through General Halleck, from Lieutenant-General Grant, bearing date the 28th, desiring the pursuit of Price to be continued to the Arkansas Piver, or until he encountered General Steele or General Reynolds. Acting on this, General Curtis immediately issued orders for a continuance of the march, and consider- ing that this overruled the orders of General Rose- crans, received twenty-two hours before at Newtonia, sent dispatches to Generals Sanborn and McNeil, Colonel Phillips and Colonel Benteen. The courier found the latter a few miles north of Neosho ; the others were not reached till after arrival at Spring- field. They were ordered to move by way of Cass- 280 AKMY OF THE BOEDER. ville, Mo. General McNeil used great exertions to overtake General Curtis. When the order was received, lie was busily engaged in shoeing his horses, and the time necessarily occupied in the work upon a thousand animals, delayed his march. He however pushed after the 1st Division, and after leaving Cass ville, taking with him the best mounted men of the brigade, follov/ed with all speed, and missing the trail, marched direct to Fort Smith. Colonel Benteen joined General Curtis on the morning of November 1st, at the camp near Pea Rido'e. General Sanborn followed to Cassville, whence he issued an order directing Colonel Ben- teen's movements. That officer returned answer, that being only temporarily in the Department of Missouri, and having received orders from General Grant, through General Curtis, he held himself bound to obey them, and when relieved, to rejoin as speedily as might 1)6, his proper corp command. A wide difference of o]>inion existed between the Commanding Generals in Missouri, and General Curtis, as to the policy of pursuing the enemy below Newtonia, The order of General Rosecrans is one evidence, and the following communication to Plea- antou from General Sanl)orn, is another. As this letter is a good statement of this difference, it is given entire : Head- Quarters, District of S. W. Missouri, ) Springfield, Nov. 12, 18G4. f To Major-General Pleasanton: I haye just returned from Cassville, and will forward my official report of the campaign in a few days. No one has lired a shot at the enemy since the A DIFFERENCE OF 0PINI01S-. 281 battle of Newtonia, where the enemy gained great advantage over Blunt at first, but my command got up in time to turn the enemy's right, and the tide of tilings. Tiie enemy lost very largely in men and horses in North-west Arkansas, and the border. My idea was, and is now, that when we got him below Newtonia and tho region of grain mills and caltle, we should not crowd him any more, 'but rather make an effort to hold him in this land of starvation, as we would a garrison out of supplies, until his army broke up and divided. Deserters were very numerous while Price was in this section, but "I have seen none that have left Jiim since he was pushed off towards his supplies. My own view is, that all the efforts of General Curtis to drive the enemy, and they have been great, and entitle him to credit, have^ been to oiir detriment and the enemy's advantage, for I believe one-half of his army would have deserted north of the Arkansas, had it not been for the fear of the pursuing foe, and the pursuit has been expensive; l)ut tlie enemy has suffered badly, and all sliould be satisfied, I suppose. My dispatches from General Thayer indicate tliat the troops on the Arkansas will not attack Price. JOHN B. SANBORN, Brigadier-General Commanding. An ojjvions criticism on tliis is that the Lieutenant- General and the Secretary of War did not agree with General Sanborn or his immediate commander. An order from General Grant has already been given. To anticipate somewhat, it is here stated, that on the 7th of November, the Secretary of War directed General Curtis to assume command of all troops on his line of march in pursuit of Price, returning them to their proper commanders after its close. As to the criticism upon the wisdom of General Curtis' policy, a sufficient answer is found in the fact, that an abandonment of the pursuit at the point named, would have flooded the district which General Sanborn commanded, with the worst of bushwhackers. Again, the sagacity shown by General Curtis, is exhibited in tlie fact that in all probability, not only Fayetteville would have fallen, but that, strengthened by a junction with Generals 3^ 282 AEMY OF THE BORDER. Cooper aud Gano, Price would have made a com- paratively easy capture of Forts Smith and Gibson, and thus replaced his great losses by equally as valuable gains. After leaving Cassville, it was found that the main force of the enemy had moved to Pineville, and thence by way of Maysville down the State Line. It was determined to push on direct to Fayetteville, as that post being exposed, might fall an easy prey to any superior rebel force. We camped near the old battle-field of Pea Kidge, remaining there two days, awaiting the arrival of the subsistence train, which reached us the morning of the 3rd. Breaking camp in the midst of a severe snow storm, the Army of the Border, now about three thousand strong, marched to Sugar Creek. On this day's march. General Curtis passed across the historic ground made famous by the victory he won over the combined armies of Price, Mcintosh and McCullough, under Van Dorn, in March, 18(32. Again was he pursuing his old antagonist, but under somewhat different circumstances. Giving that for- midable foe the first eftectual rebuff of the war, it must have been a source of great satisfaction to the gallant old soldier commanding our troops, to know that he was again driving this same chieftain, and undrr circumstances which warranted a belief in its being a final and fatal blow to the rebel power west of the Mississippi. Dispatches were received from General Thayer at ATTACK 0:sr FAYETTEVILLE. 283 Fort Smith, and Colonel Harrison at Fayette viile, urging a close pursuit of Price as tlie only means of saving those posts. Three clays of unremitting raiu and snow, as well as the delay necessary for tlie arrival of our trains, had impeded our movements. It became evident no assistance could be expected from General Rosecrans' troops. Major Melton, 2d Arkansas Cavalry, commanding post at Cassville, reported with fifty men, and was sent forward to Fayetteville. About midnight on the 3rd, while encamped at Cross Hollows, in the midst ^if a heavy storm of rain and snow, dis2:)atches arrived from Colonel Harrison, announcing an attack by Fagan on that post, and requesting assistance. It was then held against great odds, but must fall if not soon relieved. Fayetteville, eighteen miles in advance of our camp, was strongly fortified by substantial earth- works, garrisoned by a force of 1,100 troops and citizens, commanded by Colonel M. La Rue Harrison, 1st Cavalry, Arkansas Volunteers. It was a place of considerable importance, and contained valuable stores. The 1st Arkansas had been stationed there since the spring of \Vd. After the disastrous cam- paign of General Steele, in the spring of '64, bands of guerrillas reappeared in North-western Arkansas, harassing the Union citizens and soldiers, breaking up the mail and telegraphic route, and constantly harassing our trains and forces. They were led by a noted partizan, Major Buck Brown. Afterwards 284 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. Colonel Brooks, of the rebel army, appeared in the district with three hundred men. Having authority to raise a rebel brigade, he immediately commenced recruiting and conscripting. Colonel Harrison's force, nominally cavalry, was but indifferently mounted, and as he was compelled to guard and hold open the route north to Cassville, and south to Van Buren, his troops and stock were greatly overworked. At Fayetteville, eleven companies were stationed, of whom only two hundred were mounted. As Price moved north, the rebels became bolder. October 20th, while Colonel Hg,rrison was escorting a subsist- ence train from Cassville, with one hundred and seventy men, he encountered Buck Brown in Benton county, with some six hundred men, and had a severe fight, which, lasting two hours, resulted in the defeat of Brown, who retreated, leaving several killed and wounded. Learning that Brooks was at Fitzgerald Mountain with eight hundred men, wait- ing in ambush for the arrival of the train. Colonel Harrison made a detour, ]:)assing four miles to the east, at midnight of the 21st, and arrived safely at Fayetteville on the 25th. The rebels under Colonel Brooks then invested Fayetteville, with the intention of starving the garrison out. The investment was so complete as to prevent foraging other than by. sending out well armed parties of mounted men, with sacks for corn, to be brought back on their animals. On the 27th, Captain D. C. Hopkins, one of the most dashing ATTACK ON EAST MOUNT AIIS". 285 officers tlie Arkansas loyalists have furnislied, while thus foraging, was attacked by Buck Brown with five hundred men. Captain Hopkins forced his way .through the enemy, skirmishing with him for several miles, and after a narrow escape from being cut off by Brooks, reached Fayetteville in safety. On the 28tli Brooks occupied East Mountain, a prominent elevation near the post. With two guns, which he succeeded in planting thereon, he annoyed the o-arrison, shellino- the outer intrenchments. Captains Hopkins and E. B. Harrison, with their respective companies, dismounted, were ordered to clear the mountain side. Twice they charged up the precipitous sides ; twice were they repulsed. On the third attempt they succeeded in attacking and dislodging the foe, driving him from the summit. In this attempt, our force had, at various portions of the ascent, to pull themselv^es up the steep sides by means of the bushes and vines, being all the time exposed to the enemy's fire. We captured a number of small arms and a quantity of forage. Several killed and wounded were left in our hands. One of their guns burst in the assault. At ten A. M., Brooks made a desperate and vigorous attack upon the works at the west side. After two hours' severe fiirhtino- he was driven off, with the loss of twelve killed and twenty-five wounded, several of these mortally. Buck Brown lost eleven killed and wounded. Our loss was two seriously wounded, one of whom died afterwards, and four slightly wounded. 286 AEMY OF THE BOKDEPw The enemy still continued in the vicinity of the post, but made no further demonstrations until the 3rd of November. Early that morning, Colonel Harrison's scouts reported 8,000 rebels with two< guns, marching under Fagan from Cane Hill. Price had moved continuously to Cane Hill, a village about thirty miles south-west of Fayetteville, known as the head-quarters of a strong rebel community. Here, while engaged in recruiting his command, caring for the wounded, itants of the section through which they passed, but by some of the best officers serving in the Department of Kansas. The charges made involved killing of prisoners, robbery of non-combatants, general burning, destruction and spoliation of property. A communication in the Arkansas Journal^ a radical and loyal paper published at Little Rock, the cTrgan of the Free State Government, says, under date of June 7th, 1865, of the condition of affairs in iT 310 AEMY OF TIIE BOEDEE. NortL^'estern Arkansas, and ,of tlie actions thus charged. The italics are not in the original : "After the defeat of Fagan at Fayetteville, on the 3rd of November last, and the retreat of the rebel army south of the Arkansas river, large num- bers of union people who had, during the fall campaign, fled to that post for protection against rebel persecution, were left entirely destitute of the means of support, and the long continued investment of the place, and the subse- quent almost impassable condition of the roads, had rendered it impossible for the government to keep up a sufficient supply of subsistence stores to feed both troops and citizens. In addition to this, the order for the abandonment of Western Arkansas in December last, caused for a time the stopping of southward bound trains, and prevented the importation of provisions by citizens. "For the three months of August, September and October, 1864, the presence in the country of an average number of fifteen hundred well mounted rebels, under command of Colonel W. H. Brooks and Major W. M. Brown, commonly known as "Buck Brown, the bushwhacker;" and, during the last two weeks of October, of fifteen thousand men under Sterling Price; then for nearly the whole month of November, the " Army of the Border,' under command of Major General Curtis, caused a destitution among the people almost unknown in the annals of history. On the rdurn oj Jennisori's Ibth Kanjia,s CkivcUry through Washirajton and Benton Counties, they plumltred the citizeris indiscriminately of the last vestige of moveable property that had ieen spared by all previous gang ^ of thieves, and lighted their disgracefid viarchhmne- ward, by the burning dwellings of the peaceful citizens, whom they had made out- casts and beggars in their oivn country. And to-day, the blackened chimneys ,that mark the burial ground of all that was dear to hundreds of once happy families in Northwestern Arkansas, are appropriately termed 'Jennison's tombstones.' " It is to be deplored that such acts should have tarnished a fame so fairly and honorably won on the field. But there are men who mistake passion for principle ; who, animated by revenge, believe them- selves the instruments of retributive justice ; and wdiose mode of conducting war will always degene- rate into pillage and cruelty, leading after them the baser mass who make no pretence whatever. With the return of Colonel Jennison's command to their stations, the campaign was completely closed. After forty days in the saddle, making almost unequalled marches of over one thousand miles in all; fighting battles and winning victories against a foe CLOSE OF THE CAMPAIGN. 311 outnumbering us largely ; bringing about tlieir com- plete and overwlielming defeat ; following them throLigli an impoverished and destitute country for several hundred miles ; allowing them no time to recover or recuperate their exhausted strength ; sav- ing by these rapid and daring movements our ex])osed garrisons in Western Arkansas and the Indian Terri- tory. This, as well as the earlier portion of the same extraordinary campaign, when an army was organized out of raw militia, presenting the spectacle of the business of a wdiole State being suspended, and every male person capable of doing so, flying to arms to defend their homes from invasion and spolia- tion. In whatever light we look at the campaign, to the history of which these pages have been devoted, its claim to be considered one of the more daring and vigorously executed of the war cannot be contested by any who may be cognizant of the extraordinary facts thereof. Great and disastrous as was the rebel defeat, yet none can deny admiration to the rebel leader, for the splendid manner in which the earlier portion of his great raid was conducted, nor for the endurance and energy displayed by him in his hardly pressed retreat. The sufferings of his troops must have been frightful. Success gilds all mistakes ; misfor- tunes and defeats dim the lustre of the most brilliant career. General Price was no exception to these rules. On arrival in Texas, the mortification and chagrin, natural to men so utterly defeated, broke 312 AEMY OF THE BOEDEE. out in crimination and recrimination against their commander. Portions of a very bitter correspond- ence between him and the perambulative rebel chiimant for the governorship of Missouri, Tom Reynolds, found their way into Northern newsj)apers. It also appeared that at the time our officers were at Shreveport, La., discussing terms of surrender with Kirby Smith, that General Price was then in arrest and being tried by court martial for the issue of his. campaign. So completely demoralized were portions of the rebel command, that it was found necessary to remove the Missouri cavalry into the interior of Texas to prevent their complete disband- ment by desertion and mutiny. CHAPTER XXIII. GENERAL OKDERS AND CONGEATULATIONS. Colonel Jennison, on his return, issued the follow- ing congratulatory general order. Its modesty is as remarkable as its leuofth : Head- Quarters, Jennison' s Brigade, ^ In the Field, Fort Scott, Kansas, Nov. 23. 1864. ) General Field Orders, ) No. 3. [ I. In obedience to orders from the Major-General Commanding, the First Brigade, Army of the Border, is hereby dissolved; and the ditlerent regi- ments, battalions, detachments or batteries thereof, will proceed to their respective stations as elsewhere specifled. In dissolving the Brigade, how- ever, and relinquishing his connection witli it as a Brigade, the Colonel Commanding desires to express to one and all his thanks for the undivided support and cordial co-operation afforded him during tlie entire campaign recently closed — one of the most arduous and extensive yet undertaken siuce the opening of the war. Where all have sustained themselves so gallantly in the field, the Colonel Commanding feels that it would be injustice to par- ticularize, and he can therefore only award the fullest meed of praise to all under his command. Since the organization of the brigade at Hickman's Mills, Mo., on the 15th of October, you have marelied over one thousand miles, suffering all the privations incidental to a soldier's life; many of you on foot, without ade- quate clothing, blankets or commissary supplies, and yet no complaints were uttered; and whether in bivouac on the summit of the Boston mountains, or encountering an enemy your superior in numbers ten fold, it can still be said that the First Brigade was the same hardy, uncomplaining organization. On the 16th of October, we left Hickman's Mills, Mo., marching towards Warrensburg, west of which, however, our direction was changed to Lex- ington, where we arrived on the 18th. The succeeding day we were attacked by tlie full force of the enemy, estimated at 26,000. We lield our position \uitil the entire rebel army was developed, when,' overwhelmed by rapidly advancing numbers, we were compelled to fall back toward Inde- pendence, 'which movement was executed without the least confusion. To the First Brigade, then, is due the credit of having first engaged the rebel army under General Price in Central Missouri. 39 314 AEMY OF THE BORDER. On the 21st, the brigade again bncountered the enemy at the Little Blue, in conjunction with the brigades of Colonels Ford and Moonlight, where was fought one of the most stubborn engagements of the campaign, as the list of casualties will show. Falling back from this position tlirough Inde- pendence, we again met the enemy at Byrom's crossing of the Big Blue, felling timber and obstructing his crossing for one entire day. with the First Brigade alone. Being compelled by force of opposing numbers to abandon this position, and closely followed by the rebels, we retreated slowly in the direction of Westport; meeting Shelby's Division of the rebel army on the prairie at tlie State line, below Westport, where the First Brigade held in cheek, and tinally rcnited. a force five times its number, driving them some four miles into the timber of the Blue. In this action, however, the brigade of "Colonel Moonlight took part, as did a portion of the Kansas State Militia. This action, more than anj^ other, established the reputation of the lirigade for cool and determined courage, as it was fought at short range and entirely with small arms, the howitzers not being brought into action. This check, so unexpected to the enemy, prevented, in the estima- tion of all, Shelbj^'s raid into Kansas; as he was compelled to fall back to the main army for the night. On the morning of the 23rd, the brigade, numbering scarcely six hundred men, was early aroused and prepared for the crowning battle of the cam- paign — the complete and total rout of Price at Westport — for wliicli we owe so much to our gallant comrades of General Pleasantou's Division. Our prospects were gloomy, it must be owned, until tlie white smoke puffs at our left gave evidence that the expected assistance had arrived; and then, with a courage that had ennobled it throughout the campaign, the First Brigade charged down tiie slopes. But tlirough a campaign so extensive — a march covering so many miles — it is impossible to remember details, or to recount individual acts of daring on the tield; but the Colonel Commanding is proud to report that he will ever remember the officers and men of the First Brisrade, with feelings of gratitude and affection. Then followed the battles of Little Santa Fe and Newtonia, in the former of which only a portion of the brigade was engaged, and which may per- haps be termed a mere desultory skirmish, in comparison to others preceding and subsequent. On the 28th, we came up with the rear of the rebel force at Newtonia, the main command having pushed into the timber south and west of the town; but the entire force was within easy supporting distance. Then the First Brigade, supported by the 1st Colorado Battery, and Colonel Ford's Brigade, engaged a force at least 20,000, while the total opposing army did not number eight hundred ! Newtonia! at the third battle fought on that almost storied ground, the twin Regiments of the West — Colorado and Kansas — acquitted themselves, as the General Commanding justly remarks, " with a courage and heroism unparalleled in the history of the war." On the march thenceforth to the Arkansas River, and the return, it is needless to speak at length; but the result is before us all. We have assisted in the defeat and total rout of a rebel army, estimated at 30,000 strong, and we have been among those who stood on the Arkansas, across which liad so recently passed the disorganized and demoralized remnant of the most for- midable army that ever attempted the invasion of Kansas. The nation appre- ciates your courage, and rejoices in the result of your heroic labors. Many of our comrades have fallen — some amid the roar and crash of battle — and others by the steady and ambushed rifle of the licensed banditti, who infest the Southern country. The former have nobly fallen; the latter were brutally murdered by those who outrage all laws of civilized warfare, and transform the soldier into the assassin. Among the victims of the latter, are CONGE ATULATOEY ORDERS. 315 Orloff Norton, Captain Commanding Compaay L, 15th K. V. C, Emmett Goss, 1st Lieutenant Company M, latii K. V. C, and J. T. Smith, 1st, Lieutenant Commanding Company E, K. V. C. The two former liave never been heard from, and it is hardly to be supposed they have escaped. The latter lies dangerously wounded at Fayeiteville, Arkansas. Thus tliree among tiie bravest officers of the regiment liave been lost to it; and after having stood m the fore front of every action, are to bo recorded as killed or wounded by busliwhaekers. II. To Captain J. F. Broadhead, of Mound City, and Dr. Dubois, of Leavenworth, Volunteer Aids on his staff, the Colonel Connnanding is greatly indebted for their eliicicnt action and fearless dischai'ge of duties which devolved upon them. To Dr. Dubois, especially, at the battle ou the State Line, the Colonel Commanding would ac-cord particular praise for his coolness and determination on the field. III. In compliance with General Field Orders No. 6, dated Head-quar- ters, 1st Division, Army of the Border, camp on Arkansi^s River, November 8th, ISGJr, the troops comprising the Finst Brigade, are autliorized to inscribe upon their banners, Lexington. Little Blue, Big Blue, Wkatjmt and Nev:tonia. IV. At the disbanding of the division, on the Arkan.sas River, the IGtli Kansas Cavalry, commanded by Major Ketner, the 1st Colorado Independent Battery, commanded by Captain McLain, and the 9th Wisconsni Battery, commanded by Captain Dodge, were attached to the brigade for the return inarch. To each of these, the Colonel Commanding tenders his hearty thanks for the' very able and soldierly manner in which they have sustained their counnands during the tedious marches of the return. V. The Colonel Commanding, deems it unnecessary in a general order to particularize, as the details of the campaign will be set forth in the Brigade reports to the Assistant Adjutant-General, as soon as the various reports from subordinate commanders are received. By order of Colonel Jennison: JOS. MACKLE, Lieutenant and A. A. A. General, 1st Brigade, 1st Division, Army of the Border. Colonel Moonlight, commanding tlie 2d Brigade, also issued a field order, in congratulation to liis command, wliich is here inserted : Head-Qu.a.kters, Second Brigade, First Division, \ Army of the Border, )■ Paola, Kansas, December 15, 18G4. General Field Order, No. 2. The brigade has been dissolved by your late Division Commander, Major- General James G. Blunt, now commanding District of South Kansas, and the companies will again resume ths stations occupied by them prior to the late campaign. When Price, with a well organized army, found his way into Missouri, and threatened the border of Kansas, the 2d Brigade was the first to rally to the '• Battle Cry of Freedom,"' and beard the lion in his den. It was you tliat led the advance and captured Lexington on the 18th of October, by a dashing charge of eight miles, killing in the vei-y streets several busliwhaek- ers (then holding the town awaiting Price's advance) wounding a few and i 316 ARMY OF THE BORDER. capturing: a number of prisoners. It was you who bore the brunt of the battle of Lexington on tlie following day, and by your determined will and indomitable courage, was the enemy held at bay, until his entire force was developed, and the eyes of the blind opened to the danger then threatening your young State. To yoic was assigned the duty of covering the retreat — and nobly was it done. Long after dark did j'ou contest every inch of ground. Stand after stand was made for miles, and while the ary was " Still they come," your front remained unbroken and your courage una- bated. The battle of the Little Blue on the 21st was certainly no less yours than that of Lexington. The 2d Brigade began the fight, having been left to meet the advancing enemy. The 2d Brigade maintained the fight and held their ground for several hours, part of the time with not twenty rounds of ammuniliou throughout, while cheer after cheer rent the air, for the purpose of blinding the enemy and bidding defiance to rebelhon. The 2d Brigade arjain covered the retreat on tlie evening of this day, battling with the enemy in the very streets of Independence until darkness put an end to the strife. You participated in the fight on Big Blue, and Kansas owes her safety to your gallantry and devotion, combined with that of the 1st Brigade, when you forced back the invading enemy on that memorable night, and compelled tliem to revere the very soil of Freedom and the institution against wiiich they were fighting; nor were you found wanting on the morrow, for tlie dawn of day found you in the saddle prepared to renew the unequal contest. To you was assigned the right of the line of battle, and could you have been properly supported, when yon drove the enemy back foot by foot, for over a mile, tlie battle field would assuredly then have been ours. When the enemy retreated, the 2d Brigade was on the right flank, and at Little Santa Fe compelled liim to abandon his purpose of marching south through Kan- sas. At Cold Water Grove the enemy again felt your presence, and after a continuous march of sixty-five miles, you arrived in time to save Mound City from ruin and her inhabitants from destruction. While the enemy was being scattered "like chaff before the wind" by our pursuing forces at the Marias des C3'gnes, you were whipping in the vandal flankers on the right, and while the battle of the Osage was raging, the 2d Brigade was forcing its way to Fort Scott. At Fort Lincoln, the enemj' denied you a passage, and by sheer force of numbers _you were compelled to march to Fort Scott by a circuitous route, having made thirty-five miles in five hours, including an hour's fight at Fort Lincoln. Fort Scott was saved. The enemy was whipped, and for the first time in ten days j'ou were reluctantly permitted to refresh yourselves in a siueet sleep of victory. It was not your fault' that you did not participate in the battle of Newtonia, as instructions had been received to await rations thou forty-eight hours due. You participated in the pursuit of Price until he crossed the Arkansas River, returning to your present stations via Fort Smith. In two months you have marched over twelve hundred miles, repeatedly engaged an enemy ten times your number with varied success. You have endured hardships of no ordinary magnitude; braved dangers in every shape, and still you are the same imcomplaining, devoted patriots; uniformly oloe- dient, and consistently careful of the interests of the Government and her loyal supporters. To you the country is indebted; of you the State of Kansas feels proud; guard well her interest in your new yet old positions on the border. Many gallant comrades have fallen during the struggle, and " sleep the sleep that knows no waking;" and while we mourn the departed heroes, let us nerve ourselves to deeds of still greater daring, remembering that rebellion still lives, and that Freedom knows no conqueror. To my Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Lieutenant I. I. Taber, Regi LETTER OF THANKS. 317 mental Adjutant 11th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, I cannot give too much praise. He was my only staff officer throughout the entire campaign, and performed the duties of three officers, never faltering, ever ready and devoted to the interests of the brigade. Other officers and men deserve special mention, whicli is carefullv made in my report. THOS. MOONLIGHT, Colonel llth Kansas Cavalry, Commanding. Ira I. Taber, 1st Lieutenant and A. A. A. General. Colonel James H. Ford, 2(1 Colorado Cavalry, with the modesty that marks bis character and dis- tinguishes the true soldier, did not indulge in this luxury. The Governor of Colorado, however, paid to the troops from that Territoiy, the following handsome and well-deserved compliment : LETTER OF THANKS. Executive Department, Colorado Territory, Denver, December 2, 18G4. To the Officers and. Men of the Second Regiment of Colorado Cavalry, and the First Colorado Battery : I thank you in behalf'of our common country, and especially of your fellov?-eitizens of Colorado Territory, who have heard with pride and plea- sure, the report of your gallant and heroic conduct in the late and bloody battles with the rebel hosts under Price. While our citizens mourn the loss of friends fallen nobly coniending for their country's honor, every patriotic heart rejoices that victory perched" upon your banner. The hopes, the prayers and benedictions of those you have left behind you will follow 3'ou, and when you return from the field, their gratitude will prove that the defenders of their country shall receive the honors of their countrymen. " JOHN EVAXS, Governor Colorado Territory. At Department head-quarters, a special order was issued, relieving Sergeant Spencer P. Wade, C(^m- pany"E," 11th K. V. C, who with a detachment had been placed on the steamers " Emile" and " U. S. Grant," while they were employed in the military service as patrol boats. The last paragraph thus honoral)ly speaks of Sergeant Wade : " In relieving Sergeant Wade from the important duty assigned him, the General Commanding takes pleasure in acknowledging the soldierly conduct 318 ARMY OF THE BORDER. and efficient manner in which he and the men under his control have dis- charged their trust, and sincerely liopes tlieir example may actuate others to the discharge of their duties in the same laudable manner. "By Command op Major-General Curtis: '•JOHN WILLANS, A. A. G." The following deserved tribute to a member of the once " despised and rejected race," is worthy a place here : Head-Quarters, Fort Scott, Kansas, ) November 18, 1864. J Lieutenant W. D. Matthews, Colored Light Artillery^ Fort Scott, Kansas : Sir: — On leaving this post, pursuant to orders from Department Head- quarters, I desire to express to you my sincere thanks for the patient industry and skill, with which you have dis;harged your various duties since I placed you on duty, to assist in preparnig the post for a vigorous defence against the probable attack of the enemy. You have been a model of proper discipline and subordination, strictly attentive to duty, promptly obedient to orders, and acting with a wise dis- cretion in all matters requiring the exercise of your individual judgment. Trusting that you may be successful in the service, and in life, I am Very respectfully yours, CHAS. W. BLAIR, Colonel Commanding Post. We close with the order of General Blunt, relieving the Volunteer Aides wlio served upon the Division Staff: Order, ) 1- \ Head- Quarters, First Division, Army of the Border, In the Field, Fort Scott, Nov. 22d, 1864. General Order, No. I. The campaign against the rebel forces under General Price, having successfully terminated, the following named persons, Volunteer Aides on the Staff of the Commanding General, announced in General Field Orders, No. 5, are hereby relieved from further duty: Lieutenant-Colonel J. T. Burris, late of the 10th Regiment Kansas Volun- teers. Major Thomas H. Penny, late of the 35th Missouri Volunteers. Major R. G. Ward, 1st Regiment Kansas Colored Volunteers. Captain A. J. Shannon, Provost Marshal District South Kansas. Captain T. E. Milhoan, late of the 10th Regiment Kansas Volunteers. II. In taking leave, the General Commanding desires to ex^Dre-ss his gratitude to these officers, for their valuable services and uniform gallant conduct. III. Company E, 14th Kansas Volunteers, under command of Lieutenant EETUENS OF KILLED AND WOUNDED. 819 W. B. Clark, detailed as escort to the Commanding General on the 22d of October, are deserving of especial mention for their gallantry in the battlea of the 23rd and 2Sth. They will inscribe on their guidon " Weiitpo7-f^ and ' ' Newtonia. ' ' By COMMAND OF MaJOR- GENERAL BLUNT: GEO. S. HAMPTON, A. A. General. Tlie returns from the medical officers of the army (wliicli clo not sliow the militia who fell, the large number who were but slightly wounded, and many who were allowed to proceed to their homes for attendance and care) give the following as our loss : Killed, seventy-five ; wounded, one hundred and seventy-three ; three died in hospital ; total, two hundred and fifty-one. Missing (probably bush- whacked) six ; prisoners, one hundred and twenty. The total loss with the militia will be about five hundred. General Pleasanton reports, three hundred and sixty wounded in hospital, and about one hundred killed, in all four hundred and sixty. Our entire loss, resulting from casualties of battle, exposure, bushwhacking, ^Z, v-^' ' ■'' N '^ r ./ v-*^ ,0- . ^^ a^ A^- ^. >^'^ .->"^v.^, " - ^^"^ "^ .0- .^" ''t. h-., X^^'^, ■-^" ,0 o. s- X' -oo' ,<^ -"^^ *• ' % ^ -is o>' ^^..^ ,/-^. \0 o -"TT LIBRARY OF CONGRESS DD0E77mH'=i7 w