THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY 973.7374- H59r HUMS HISTORICAL SURVEY /&WUVW I THE UttAII Of THE WlYtMITY W HAMMHS MAJ CENi. SAMUEL R.CURTiS. REBEL INVASION OF MISSOURI AND KANSAS, AND THE OAMPAIG-N THE AEMY OF THE BOEDER, AGAINST GENERAL STERLING PRICE, IN OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER, 1864. CHICAGO: CHURCH & GOODMAN, 53 LASALLB STREET, LEAVENWORTH, KANSAS: T. W. MARSHALL, 1865. HARVARD COLLEGE LIBRARY IUN 19! > CHARLES ELLIOTT PERKINS MEMORIAL COLLECTION Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1865, BY CHURCH, GOODMAN & DONNELLEY, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, For the Northern District of Illinois. PRIKTED BY CHURCH, GOODMAN & DONNELLEY, LAS ALLS ST., CHICAGO. CHICAGO TYPE FOUNDRY: J. CONAHAN, STEREOTYPES. COX * DONOHUE, BOOKBINDERS. 375, 73 71 ^HXA^v4*4 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 tieism, except those obvious remarks which naturally gr0 w 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 .etails, as well as the reasons which actuated the policy and movements those in command, the author hopes he 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. 541557 CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. Introductory 3 CHAPTER II. General Price crosses the Arkansas Organization of the Rebel Army. 11 CHAPTER ILL Invasion ofMissouri Battle ofPilotKnob 15 CHAPTER IV. Movements in the Department of Kansas Proclamation of Martial Law 23 CHAPTER V. Grand uprising of the People of Kansas 41 CHAPTER YL Affairs in the City and at Fort Leavenworth 49 CHAPTER VLL Generals Curtis and Blunt take the field Organization of Troops 56 CHAPTER Till. 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 XI. March of Rosecrans 1 Cavalry from Jefferson City to Independence 106 CHAPTER XH. Battles on the Big Blue and State Line 122 CHAPTER Xm. Battle ofWestport 149 CHAPTER XIV. General Pleasanton's Operations on the twenty- third 168 CHAPTER XV. Pursuit of Price down 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 Fort Lincoln Rebel Camp on Dry wood Creek Ours at Fort Scott and Marmaton 220 CHAPTER XVIII. Port Scott during the Invasion and the Battles of the 25th Martial law abolished, and Militia 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 279 CHAPTER XXI. From Fayetteville to the Arkansas River Termination of the Pursuit Storm on the Arkansas General Orders 289 CHAPTER XXTT. 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 Win. A. Delong Emmet Goss Orloff Norton 325 Charles V. Hyde 326 Rev. Richard Vernon 327 John Miller Elder Williams G. L. Gove 328 James Nelson Smith 330 H. C. Covil/. 332 Harvey G. Young Daniel Handley Nicholas Brown George Grinold McClure Martin C. H. Budd 333 Leu Selkin Merrick D. Race 334 James Mayrers Aaron Cook 335 David Fults 336 Major-GeneralS. R. Curtis 339 Hon. James H. Lane 342 Brigadier-General John McNeil 345 Battle of the Little Osage 348 ABMY OF THE BORDER. CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTORY. WHILE east of the Mississippi River success crowned our arms during the entire current of the eventful year 1864, 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, by reverses to our arms the rebels 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 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. 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 apparently discouraged and defeated foe. Major-General Banks commanded the Department of the Gulf, which 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 IJnion 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 Red River 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 Rock 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 Price made his last great raid one which, in distance from base, extent of INTRODUCTORY. 5 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 were 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 rebel forces numbered 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 rebel 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 ARMY OF THE BORDER. and others were busily 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 number 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 Red 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, Ark., fight, 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 th6 troops from all smaller stations. Nothing 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 INTRODUCTORY. 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 ij petus 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 the o 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 through 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 among 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 possible by the- distinguished soldier commanding at St. Louis. If General Steele knew or credited the rumor, it does 8 AEMY OF THE BOEDEE. not appear that he 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 resistance, 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, General Curtis' force consisted of about 4J500 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- INTRODUCTORY. airy (the latter an 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 llth regiment Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, Colonel Thomas Moonlight; the 15th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, Colonel Charles R. Jennison ; a small bat- talion of the 3rd Wisconsin Cavalry, with 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 16th Kansas (at Fort Leavenworth and Northern Kansas ;) a new cavalry organization just completed ; and the 17th Regiment (a battalion of six companies, one hundred day men) : these, with McLain's Independent Colo- 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, Major-General 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 Upper Arkansas (a command created 10 AKMY OF THE BOEDER. from the 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 large force of warriors whom he met and defeated. Major-General Sykes was in command of the District of Southern Kansas, with head quarters at Laurence. 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 border, created by the energy of the rebel General Gano, 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. GENERAL PEICE CROSSES THE ARKANSAS ORGANIZA- TION OF THE REBEL ARMY. LIEUTENANT-GENERAL STERLING PRICE, C. S. A., crossed the Arkansas River at Dardennelles, a village in Pope county, 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 the 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 it from 5,000 to 10,000, mostly infantry, and later, at 15,000 mounted men, with 20 guns. Their operations showed the rebel army consisted, at the time of crossing, of about 18,000 armed men, nearly all of whom were mounted. Some three or four thousand recruits and conscripts were added in Northern Arkansas. 12 AKMY OF THE BOKDEE. This force was organized into three divisions, under the command respectively of Brevet Major- Generals Fagan, Marmaduke and Joe Shelby. Fagan's troops were in the main, veteran Arkan- sians. His brigades were commanded by Brigadier Generals Cabell, McRae, Slemmons, and Colonel Dobbins. Among the Colonels and Regimental Commanders, were Munroe, Hills, Gordon, Reeves, Baker, Crandall, Crawford, Witts, McGee and Anderson ; Lieutenant-Colonels Reefe, 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 off artil- leryists, and said to be very effective ; 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 light howitzers. Shelby's division was composed mainly of the old bushwacking, raiding force of Southern Missouri, increased by a rigorous conscription in Nbrthepn Arkansas. The notorious partizan leader, Jeff. M. Thompson, commanded Shelby's old brigade, and EEBEL OKGANIZATION AND ACTIVITY. 13 the infamous guerilla, Colonel Jackman, commanded an other. Among the Colonels, were Smith, Hunter, Slayback, Coffey, Coleman and Schnahle. 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 Northern 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 Rock, served only to confuse Generals Rosecrans 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 Texans 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 BORDER. 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 was confused, and the attention of our officers directed from the rebel line of march. CHAPTER III. INVASION OF MISSOURI BATTLE OF PILOT KNOB. GENERAL CURTIS was encamped upon the Solomon River in Western Kansas, returning from an expe- dition against Indians, when 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 organization of this force was under 16 ARMY OF THE BORDER. way, at the 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. 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 FOE. 17 ernment, the balance, sutlers' and refugee sup plies. The major portion of the train was burnt by 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 24th, Governor Carney was informed of the approaching danger, and requested to have the militia in readiness to co-operate for the defense of the State. Promises were made to the Governor, that, so far as possible, they should mainly be employed as garrisons, during the continuance of danger. On the night of the 24th, Gen. Rosecrans received information of the rebel advance into Mis- souri, by way of Poplar Bluffs and Bloomfield, through Butler and Stoddard counties. Major General George 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 suggested the concentration of the 15th Regiment Kansas Volun- teer Cavalry, at Fort Scott. Two companies of the 17th Regiment (100 days men,) Kansas Volunteers, were sent to Paola, under Lieutenant-Colonel Drake. 2 18 ARMY OF THE BOEDER. 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 22d. 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, between Rolla and Lebanon, and pass out towards Kansas. He advised against any movement too far South, but urged waiting till Price's strength and intentions in Missouri were developed. On the 28th, he was again incredulous. Shelby 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 wagons, prin- cipally loaded with ammunition and ordnance stores. His army lived on the country and con- scripted rigorously as they moved. It is evident OUE TKOOPS 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 Gano 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 ARMY OF THE BOEDER. Butler, Stoddard, Wayne, Madison, and Iron, where was the terminus of the Iron Mountain Railroad, at Pilot Knob. During the early preparations to meet Price, Gen- eral Rosecrans had succeeded in temporarily detain- ing two brigades of the veteran 17th corps, under General A. J. Smith, then passing down the Mis- sissippi River 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. Ewing'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 plain of three hundred acres, with Cedar and Rock mountains to the North, Pilot Knob to the East, and Shepherd mountain on the South and West. These are from five to six hundrc' io ' high, rising abruptly from the valley and cov*. ' 'ith rocks, gnarled oaks and undergrowth. The sieves of Shepherd mountain are accessible. A creek ATTACK ON PILOT KNOB. 21 flows along its base, and through a gap between it and Pildt Knob, into a larger valley beyond, in which is the town of Ironton. Throug this gap runs the Fredericktown road, 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 large force with serviceable artillery. Fort Davidson, defensive work lying on the plain south of the village, 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 how- itzers. During the night preceding the attack, six pieces of field artillery were mounted all en ~ba/rbette. 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 were driven back to Ironton, where a stand was made till night. At midnight it was evident the enemy were in large numbers, their column having been all the night moving in strong 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 empty 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 ARMY OF THE BORDER. nately fought 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, were 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 off, 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 GENERAL EWING KETEEATS. 23 assault progressed, a large cavalry force was sent to occupy tlie Mineral Point Road, over which 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 Fredericktown to Farm- ington, Francois County, north-east of Pilot Knob. General Ewing, finding himself unable to hold the mountain sides, without which the works would be untenable, determined to evacuate. The Potosi (Washington Co.) Road was the only one now open. At midnight preparations began, and before day- break the entire command was on its road North. The magazine was blown up about an hour before day, the enemy being then at Ironton, busily engaged in making fascines and scaling 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 struck 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 which Ewing took advantage 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 ARMY OF THE BORDER. thirty-one miles, and rested till midnight. It was determined to march to Leesburg 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 Leesburg road General Ewing had the advantage (protecting his flanks) of a spur in the Ozark Hills, separating the 4 Huzzah and Courteois rivers, and the gorge of the Huzzah, walled by precipitous cliffs. Besides, to Leesburg (Harrison) was but thirty-five miles ; to Rolla, 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 through 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 HARRISON, MISSOURI. 25 tered the horses. A large number of ties made into breastworks, and the adjacent houses, afforded a ijood means of defense. The wearied command had 9 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 were placed on board, and were about to start for St. Louis, when the stations north and south of the position were seen in flames. The night was then spent in fortifying. On the 80th 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 emergen- 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 Holla 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 back some mounted militia, our cavalry being completely exhausted. The messenger reached Rolla. but Colonel Maupin and companions failed, barely escaping 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 AKMY OF THE BOEDEE. command. General Shelby, who commanded the rebel force, evidently respected the pluck 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, 17th Illinois Cavalry, arrived from Holla with five hundred men. Strong pickets were immediately posted on the roads occupied by the enemy, and towards midnight General Ewing withdrew in the direction of Holla, leaving a hundred men to rein- force the pickets, and destroy the few stores left. The infantry were left at Roll a 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 hundred and fifty killed and wounded, and fifty captured and paroled. The rebel loss is estimated at 1,500. This appears from the evi- THE EEBEL LOSS AT PILOT KNOB. 27 dence of Surgeon T. W. Johnston, left in charge of our wounded. At Ironton, there afterwards fell into our hands, Colonel Thomas, General Fagan's Chief of Staff, three Majors, seven Captains, twelve Lieutenants, and two hundred and four enlisted men, representing seventeen regiments and batteries. The balance of the wounded were sent South under escort of Colonel Rain's Regiment. Those in the hospital were all dangerously, many of them mortally, wounded. In the meanwhile, General Curtis was straining every nerve. Upon 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 DEPARTMENT OF KANSAS PRO- CLAMATION OF MARTIAL LAW. ON the 2d of October, General Rosecrans reported to General Curtis, that the rebel army was moving west, and had intersected the railroads south-west and west of St. Louis, the south-west branch at Franklin, and the Pacific Road at Washington. Both points are in the county of Franklin, the one next west of St. Louis, and each seventy miles from that city. Shelby, after withdrawal from Ewing's front, had proceeded north-east along the line of the road, destroying bridges and other property, until reaching Franklin, where he united with the other divisions, which meanwhile, had marched northward along the line of the Iron Mountain Road, destroying every- thing valuable, consuming all supplies, and conscript- ing all the semi-secessionists, and as many Union men as they could lay their hands on. By the time Price reached Missouri River, at Washington, there RIGID CONSCRIPTION. 29 can be no doubt the rebel force had increased about four thousand. Thus, from the time they left the Arkansas River, of the eighteen 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 15,000 were armed, and that arms 'of different kinds and character were obtained by 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 Enfield 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 troops, that, under General Mower, had been sent to the assistance of Rosecrans, The latter believed that St. Louis was the prize sought by the daring raider. Jefferson City, the State capital, was in the 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 previously assumed command 30 ARMY 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 17th 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 forbidding 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 TROOPS. 31 Northern 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 witnout 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 Railroad, 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 Infantry 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 AKMY OF THE BOEDER. 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, under Captain Moses, and two at Kansas City, under Major Pritchard. General Fisk telegraphed 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 rebels at or near the Osage River, 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, and was urged to hasten the call for the 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 Yth 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 GOVEKISTOK CAEKEY. 33* On the 7th 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 the 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 Jefferson 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. Laraar is forty- six miles south-east of here. (Signed) 0. 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 LEAVEN WORTH, Oct. 5, 1864. f His Excellency, Governor Thomas Carney: The rebel forces under Gen. Price have made a further advance westward, crossing the Gasconade, and are now at 4 IB4 AEMY OF THE BORDEE. 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 soon as possible. For that purpose let farmers' teams, with provisions and forage, be employed to hurry them forward. I 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, 1864. 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. 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 DEITZLEE 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 desolation. 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 westward. Delay 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 you. Meet him, then, at the threshold and strike boldly ; strike as 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 the State militia, arranging the places of rendezvous, etc. In pursuance of this call of the Governor, the militia of Kansas will turn out and rendezvous immediately, as follows : HEAD-QUARTERS, DEPT. KANSAS STATE MTLITIA, ) 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, immediately, at the points indicated below : 36 AKMY OF THE BOEDER. Doniphan, Brown, Nemaha and Marshall counties, at Atchison, under Brigadier General Byron Sherry. Atchison, Leavenworth, Jefferson, Jackson, Pattawat- omie, Riley, Davis, Waubaunsee, Shawn ee, 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. T. 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 five men. Let each regiment or detachment bring its own trans- portation and all the rations possible, but there must be 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 short 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. MOKTON, 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, will 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. GENEKAL BLUNT COMMANDS AT OLATHE. 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 iris 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 country. By command of Major-General Curtis, C. S. CHARLOT, Assistant Adjutant-General. The annexed dispatch was sent to General Sykes, and all commanding 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. K. CURTIS, Maj. Gen." The same day reports were received of the taking of Lexington, and that Independence was threatened. This was by 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 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. General Sykes not liking the ordeiing of General Blunt to Olathe for the the purpose of field operations, asked to be relieved, which was done, and General Blunt was placed in charge of that district. He assumed command by telegraph upon the llth 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 Leaven worth 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, 1864. ) General Orders, No. 54. 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 proclaimed to extend throughout the State of Kansas, and the country occupied by 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 may 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 39 officers will not be disturbed, and especially Courts of Justice and their processes will not be interrupted by the military authorities. All troops, volunteers and militia, are clothed with the 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 severely and promptly punished. Private property and peaceable citizens must be protected. Our object is Price and his followers. His forces are now reported as retreating from Jefferson City in this direction. My advance to meet him is already moving. Let troops of every organization press forward to join in his repulse and pursuit. By command of Major General Curtis. C. S. CHAKLOT, [OFFICIAL.] Assistant Adjutant-General. The same day the latest received from General Rosecrans was as follows : HEAD-QUAETEKS, ST. Louis, ) Oct. 10. f 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 columns under Mower and Smith and our cavalry to get between them and the Osage, and they will suifer. 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. ROSECKANS, Major-General. Hon. Jas. H. Lane, United States Senator, who had for some days been in consultation with General Curtis, having, with 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 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF KANSAS, ) FORT LEAVENWORTH, KANSAS, Oct. 10, 1864. j General Orders, 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. II. 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. IY. 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 Volunteers, 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. VI. 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 Rafferty as Acting Adjutant in the organization of troops of African descent. By command of Major-General Curtis. C. S. CHARLOT, Assistant Adjutant-General. CHAPTER V. GRAND UPRISING OF THE PEOPLE OF KANSAS. NEVER was there heartier response to a demand of such 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 debatable 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 BOEDER. imminent. Peril waited by every man's door, and invasion was the skeleton at many a farmer's fireside. Every border cabin has its tale of suffering and sacrifice, while the waste places in Lawrence yet bring brooding memories unto all. Nor was it alone on the East and South that the dark days of war- fare rested like a thunder cloud. Along 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, with 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 were 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 symbol 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, TURN OUT OF THE MILITIA. 43 axe and flail, reaper and thresher, from every quarter were pouring to the rendezvous appointed for the different regiments. From the State Adjutant-General, Colonel C. K. Holliday's report is given the following extracts, to show officially that in thus writing no overdrawn 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 Holliday proceeds, after referring to the call under the proclamation of martial law : 44 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. "No where, at no time, and under no circum- " stances, has 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 reporting 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 whose direction they were : COMMAND OF BRIGADIER-GEK M. S. GRANT. NO. OF BEG'T. COMMANDING OFFICER. COUNTY. NO. OF MEN. RENDEZVOUS. 1st, Col. C. H. Robinson, Leavenworth, 503 Olathe. 2nd, G. W. Veale, Shawnee, 561 H 3d, Chas. Willemson, Douglas. 643 it 4th, W. D. McCain, Jefferson, 777 M 7th, Peter McFarland. Leavenworth, 705 ct 12th, L. S. Treat, Atchison, 460 13th, J. A. Keeler, Johnson, 400 it 14th, J. M. Harvey, Riley, Waub'sa, &c. 560 M 15th,* J. T. Price, Davis, Dickinson, Salina, &c. 400 ({ 18th, Matthew Quigg, Atchison, 400 M 19th, A. C. Hogan, Leavenworth, 548 tc 20th, J. B. Hubbell, Jackson, 340 H 21st, Sandy Lowe, Douglas, 519 6816 * Of this force the 15th Regiment was, by order of Colonel Holliday, retained at Fort Riley ; the 7th 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 OP NO OF COMMANDING OFFICER. COUNTT. RENDEZVOUS MEN. 9th, Col. Frank M. Tracy. Doniphan, 554 Atchison, 17th,* " E. C. Manning, Marshall, Washing- ton,Republic,Clay. u 22d, " Jas. P. Taylor, Nemaha, 400 H Ind'pt Bat'n. " J. A. Pope, Brown, 200 (( 1154 The Border counties were ordered to assemble at Paola, under BRIGADIER GENERAL FISHBACK. NO. OF REG'T. COMMANDING OFFICER. COUNTY. NO. OF MEN. RENDEZVOUS 5th, 10th, llth Ind'pt Bat'n. Col. G. A. Colton, " Wm. Pennock, " A. J. Mitchell, Lt. Col. M. M. Murdoch, Miami, Franklin and An- derson, Lyon, Osage, 471 751 800 250 Paola, Paola and Mound City. Paola, H 1772 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 AKMY OF THE BOBDEE. NO. OF REG'T. COMMANDING OFFICER. COUNTY. NO. OF MEN. RENDEZVOUS 6th, 16th, Lt. Col. J. L. Snoddy, Col. F. W. Potter, Linn. Coffey, "Woodson. 530 560 Mound City. 1090 At Fort Scott, the militia were under BEIGADIEE GENEEAL J. B. SCOTT. NO. OF REG'T. COMMANDING OFFICER. COUNTY. NO. OF MEN. RENDEZVOUS 24th, Bat'n, u Col. J. Stadden, Lt. Col. Eves, Col. C. P. Twiss, Bourbon, Allen, 500 350 200 Fort Scott. u u 1050 The 22nd Kegiment (Wyandotte county) rendez- voused at Wyandotte City, five hundred and fifty strong. It reported to Major E. S. Hubbard. Win. 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 FOKCE. 47 Regiments, (the former being on important service at Leaven worth, and reaching Westport on the even- ing after the battle that saved Kansas was over ; and o ' the latter being on duty at Fort Riley,) a force of 1,105; thus leaving a force under Grant of 5,715, of whom 4,500 crossed the Missomi line, and the others were garrisoning posts in the State. At Paola, the llth 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 River, 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 larger than these figures show. Some further extracts from Colonel Holliday'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, " seen no fresh signs of any large body of guerillas, though he could hear of occasional small bodies ot 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 towards Pleasant Hill to-day, Lieutenant Keith, with fifty men east and north-east, and Company "D." (forty men) to Independence, all to return to-night. I propose to keep Captain Moses and his two companies at 7 58 ARMY 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 obedient servant, (Signed) JAS. H. FORD, Colonel 2nd Colorado Cavalry, Commanding. Colonel Thomas Moonlight was directed to place himself in communication with Colonel Ford. On the llth, 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 E. 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 Hicknian'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 discharge of his duties. A depot for ordnance, subsistence and quartermaster stores was established at Wyan- dotte. The 23rd Regiment, Colonel William Weer, was stationed there ; Major Hubbard being in command of the post. The cavalry portions of the 2nd and 3rd Eegiments were consolidated into one command, under Colonel George W. Yeale, 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 6th Kansas Cavalry was deemed of value. Lieuten- ant-Colonel Abernathy, formerly of the 8th Kansas, acted as Chief-of-Staff 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 BOKDEK. 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 Booneville 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 badge, a piece of red material of some kind. Most of the men found badges in the scarlet 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 Inspection. 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 llth Kansas Cavalry, Colonel Thomas Moonlight, Commanding; Company "L," 5th Kansas Cavalry, Captain Young; Company FOEWAED MOVEMENTS. 61 "A," Captain Ames, 16th Kansas; the Independent Battery, Colorado Volunteers, Captain George McLain ; and a portion of the 5th (Colonel G. A. Colton), and 10th Regiments (Colonel Wm. 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, Company " A ;" also Companies "D," "E" and " L," 14th Kansas Cavalry ; Cora- 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- pounders in charge of Lieutenant William B. Clark, Company " E," 14th 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 ARMY OF THE BORDER. 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, Sanborn, 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 right wing, under Major-General Blunt, consisting of the Volunteer Cavalry and the 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 19th and 4th, were directed to report to Colonel ORGANIZATION OF FIRST DIVISION. 63 Ford at Independence. On reaching the State line at Oxford, a part of the 19th refused to cross, declaring 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 : IST BRIGADE, Colonel C. R. JENNISON, 15th Kansas Volun- teer Cavalry, Commanding. 15th Regiment Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, Lieutenant- Colonel George H. Hoyt commanding. 3rd Regiment Wisconsin Volunteer Cavalry Battalion, of five companies, Captain Carpenter commanding. Four twelve-pound mountain-howitzers. 2o BRIGADE, Colonel THOMAS MOONLIGHT, llth Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, Commanding. llth Regiment Volunteer Cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel Plumb. Company L, 5th Kansas Cavalry, Captain Young. Company D, 16th Kansas Cavalry, Captain Kendall. Four twelve-pound mountain-howitzers. 3RD BRIGADE, Colonel C. W. BLAIR, 14th Regiment Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, Commanding. 5th Regiment Kansas State Militia, Colonel G. A. Colton (Miami County). 6th Regiment Kansas State Militia, Lieutenant- Colonel J. JD. Snoddy (Linn County). 10th Regiment Kansas State Militia, Colonel Wm. Pennock (Franklin County). 64 ARMY OF THE BOBDEE. Detachment of Company E, 14th Kansas Cavalry, Lieu- tenant Win. B. Clark. Battalion Bourbon County Militia (four companies), Lieu- tenant-Colonel Eves. Independent Battery, Colorado Volunteers, 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 5-ra 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 10th Regiment K. S. M., are hereby ordered to march their regiments to Rockville, via Aubury, with the discretion to march from Aubury too, if in their judgment the enemy are likely to attack Paola.- By order of Brigadier-General Fishback : H. MCBRIDE, A. A. G. Lieutenant-Colonel Snoddy, in common with others, had been directed to report to division head- quarters the number of men, arms, amount of ammunition, etc., in his command. He did so, and also forwarded the following request : HEAD-QUARTERS 6TH REGIMENT, K. S. M., ) HICKMAN'S MILLS, Mo., OCT. 15, 1864. ) CAPTAIN GEO. S. HAMPTON, A. A. G. : In view of the fact that all the effective men of Linn County, Kansas, are now here in my command, and that in consequence that county is now left entirely without protection, 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 I be ordered with my regiment to the border of Linn County. Yery respectfully, your obedient serv't, JAS. D. SNODDY, Lieutenant-Colonel commanding 6th Regt. K. S. M. An endorsement was returned, as follows : HEAD-QUARTERS IST DIVISION, ARMY OF THE ) BORDER, IN THE FIELD, HICKMAN'S MILLS, Oct. 15, 1864. ) Respectfully returned application refused. The Gen- eral commanding 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 required 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 the 16th, the dissatisfaction culminated in an attempt to march the 6th Regiment to Kansas. The regiment was already on its way 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 Fishback 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 Volunteers, and latterly of the 2d South Carolina Volunteers (colored), who had distinguished himself greatly in South Carolina and Florida, having 8 66 ARMY OF THE BORDER. arrived at head-quarters to tender his services, was by the 6th 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 efficient service prior thereto in forwarding troops. Colonel Snoddy was retained 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 up 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. J. Shannon, Division Provost Marshal ; Volunteer Aide-de-Camps, Lieu- tenant-Colonel J. T. Burris, late of the 10th Kansas, Major R. 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 TEOOPS. 67 A. D. C., was assigned to duty after that battle. General Lane remained on duty with General Blunt, "by direction of General Curtis. Colonel Blair, with 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 E,. Davis, Commanding Post at Fort Leavenworth), under 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 Hogan commanded the brigade; Orders were issued directing 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, 17th Kansas, with two companies, garrisoned Paola. He 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 from Osage County, under Lieu- tenant-Colonel M. M. Murdoch. This latter, in obedience to orders, moved up the line in the direction of Westport, and opportunely arrived in time to participate in the engagement of the 22d, 68 ARMY OF THE BOEDER. At Mound City, Captain Greer, 15th Kansas, was in command. He had as garrison sixty men, conva- lescents, 15th 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, with 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 Regiment was retained at Fort Riley. The 14th, 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 march in six days. The 18th Regiment, infantry, GEIfEEAL CURTIS MOVEMENTS. 69 Colonel Matthew Quigg, formerly of tlie 10th Kansas Volunteers, left Atchison and marched to Wyan- 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 16th 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 different 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 Rosecrans would overtake the rebel army at or near Lexington, turn them on a retreat, and thus enable him, with the irregular forces at his disposal, to attack their flank, disorder and pursue their retreating columns. The main difficulty was in obtaining accurate intelligence. Head-quarters were successively made at Wyandotte, Kansas City and Independence. At Kansas City, Lieutenant-Colonel Wheeler, 13th Kansas, and Captain Hinton, of General Blunt' s 70 AEMY OF THE BOEDEE. staff, 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 Wni. F. Cloud, 2nd Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, Colonel S. J. Crawford, 2d Kansas Colored Volunteers (now Governor of Kansas), and Colonel John Ritchie, 1st Regiment, 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 Aid- de-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 Curtis. 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, established 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 West Wind ; all THE RIVER BLOCKADE. l under command of Col. Chester Harding. Started immediately for Jefferson City ; were much delayed by low water and hard winds, and only reached Brunswick at 10 A. M., of the llth inst. Found the town occupied by Captain Kennedy, of Price's Army, with eighty men, mostly raised in the place. A guerilla, named Kyder, with one hundred men, had left the preceding evening. We landed, driving the enemy from the town at the first fire. 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 about three hundred cavalry, and as many more armed citizens, throwing up intrenchnients, intending to hold the place as long as possible. 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 boat 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 boat could not be taken with small arms. He left Glas- gow on the 14th ; 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 heavy fire from two 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 reported connivance with rebels, of the commanders of certain captured boats : HEAD-QUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF KANSAS, ) Fort Leavenworth, October 15, 1864. ) GENERAL ORDERS, ) No. 56. J 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. CHAPTER VIII. MAECH TO LEXINGTON PEEPAEATIONS AT THE BIG BLUE MOVEMENTS OF MILITIA. ON the 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 the Warrensburg Road towards Lexing- ton. On leaving Hickman's Mills, Major Anderson had been sent towards Warrensburg, with instruc- tions to move east until he obtained reliable informa- tion. Bushwhackers were reported in the vicinity of Pleasant Hill. Captain Allen, of the 7th E. M. M., with one hundred and fifty men, held that point. At Warensburg, all the militia had been removed to Jefferson City by General Brown. Major Emory S. Foster assumed command, taking active measures to defend the place. He succeeded in arming about one hundred and twenty men in all, and obtained 5,000 cartridges. The Court House was 9 74 AEMY OF THE BOEDER. occupied as quarters, and defences made around it of wagons and cord wood belonging to the quarter- master's department. Major Anderson reached the town on the 16th inst., and returned to Pleasant Hill on the 17th. Captain Palmer, llth Kansas, with twenty men, was sent on a scout to Knob Noster, ten miles east of Warrensburg, but till after the 17th, was not heard from. One of our spies, who had been within Price's camp, 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 17th, 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. Robert L. JKoe, A. A. A. General, 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, Army of the Border : SIK : For the information of the Colonel commanding, I have the honor to report that in pursuance to instructions received from him I left this place on the afternoon of SCOUT OF MAJOR SMITH. 75 Sunday, the 16th instant, at eight o'clock, with a detach- ment of the 16th Kansas Cavalry arid 2nd Colorado Cavalry, viz. : Companies H, K and L, 16th Kansas, commanded by Major Ketner, and Companies C, E, Gr, K and L, 2nd Colorado, numbering in all about three hundred men. I proceeded east on the Lexington Telegraph Road, 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 Lexington, I commenced making inquiries in regard to the force, and kind, at that place, and the invariable report was from live hundred 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 my 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 posted 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 crawling 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, inviting 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 BORDER. 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 carry them away. I sent a dispatch to Captain Eads, 1st M. S. M., who I learned was at Richmond, 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 with 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-five 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 CAPTAIN EATHBUEN'S GENEEAL OEDEE. Y7 morning just before daylight, to see if he 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 Captain Bedinger, C. S. A., at Lexington, October 14th, 1864, and orders marked " B," by Captain George S. Rathburn, 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'clock 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 TIIE BORDEK. Court House, within twenty-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. IY. If any shots are tired from houses in the city upon Confederate troops, or any force under my command, such houses are ordered to be burned to the ground. Y. 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. RATHBURN, 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 west, crossing the Blue at Franklin's. From there we struck the Lexington arid Independence road, four miles from this 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 these 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 effectually hold the rebel army in check 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 work 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 Rafferty, 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 brigade, and placed under command of Captain Rafferty, 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 BOEDER. difficult. Since Price moved from Jefferson on the 9th, 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 fit 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 you that the militia regiments ordered to repair to this post from Sbaw- neetown yesterday, refused to cross the State line this morning until after I made them a speech explaining 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 difficulty in inducing them to march further into Missouri, and I shall regret if the necessity arises to make the effort. They know their rights under the militia laws of our State, and will not tamely submit to an effort to move them far 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." PBEPARATIONS AT THE BIG BLUE. 81 The 1st Regiment Kansas State Militia 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 with 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, who 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 was 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 1 s Head-Quarters. A large force was assem- bled there. 10 ARMY OF THE BORDER. On the night of the 18th, General Curtis received dispatches from Blunt, announcing his arrival at Lexington. Near that place, Colonel Moonlight's advance (the llth) run on a small guerilla force, drove them through the town, killing and capturing three. Shelby was known to be at Waverly 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. This 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 COLONEL FORD'S ORDERS. 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 LEXINGTON. GENEBAL 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, under 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, llth 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 Rosecrans' 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 19th. 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 1861. Companies " A" and "F" of the llth 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 enemy were reported advancing in three columns by the Dover, Camden and Warrensburg 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 ARMY OF THE BOEDEE. open fields extending for two or three 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 BLUJSTT FALLS BACK. 87 Captain West, 2d Colorado, who was bearing dis- patches to General Blunt. But for this opportune rencounter, Captain 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 spite of their overwhelming numbers and the disparity of our force, the small strength of which 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 fight. 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 BORDER. 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 llth Kansas Cavalry, Colonel Moonlight, with about five hundred men and four howitzers, checked the pressing columns. General Blunt and Colonel Moonlight personally directed the use and firing of the howitzers. The conduct of this force was 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 llth 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 EE-UNION OF THE MILITIA. 89 accomplished. 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. The check was the most serious, when the advantage to be taken by General Kosecrans' 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 was after- wards told by a deserter to this effect, that consider- able disputing occurred among the rebel officers while in Lexington, as to who 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- 11 90 AEMY OF THE BOKDEK. " ties of the road and the darkness of the night, "during which 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 whicfy 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 handled and willing to move forward, that this plan would have been 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 dh 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 llth 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 BLUB. As before stated, General Blunt moved to Inde- pendence on the 20th, leaving Colonel Thos. Moon- light with ten companies of the llth Kansas Cav- alry 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 llth 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 ADVANCE OF THE ENEMY. 93 at the 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,