Special Orders
NO. 32

SIR: Last evening Lieutenant Ralph, Company M, First Missouri Cavalry, returned from a scout through Pemiscot County to the Arkansas line. He has with him 25 men of the same regiment. He <ar62_454> heard of a body of rebels, under Colonel Kitchen, who were reported to have been at Osceola on or about the 23d instant. Citizens report them to number from 200 to 300. I suppose from 100 to 150 would be about the number. It seems to have been a concentration of guerrilla bands for the purpose of conscripting.

They crossed New River at Hornersville, in the southern part of Dunklin County, and were last heard from at that point. Colonel Kitchen is reported to have relieved General McRae. The command of Lieutenant Ralph could not cross the swamp and New and Little Rivers without wading and swimming 12 miles, therefore he thought it unadvisable to attempt it. This band could be broken up by an expedition from Cape Girardeau or Bloomfield. From the fact that our cavalry force is now reduced to 53 men for duty, no successful move can be made from this point. This and Pemiscot Counties are not at present troubled with guerrillas.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

SIR: On my arrival here I found everything in very good condition. The country is clear of guerrillas, as far as I can hear, for near 40 miles. I can hear of the rebels on Crowley's Ridge, at a place called Scatterville. It is said Colonel Kitchen has returned from General Price and ordered all these scattered bands to report to him, and that they have gone. They may be getting together to go to Price. Freeman is there also. I will leave here on Monday with a small escort. I think I will be able to stop jayhawking by making their friends responsible for these acts. This I will do. Those who feed and conceal them are as mean as they are, and I will kill them if the thing does not stop. If Union men are robbed I will take their property to pay for it. If they kill a loyal man, I will kill 5 of them. I believe by this course it can be stopped. I would like to know the result of my visit to Saint Louis as soon as you know how it terminates. In the mean time, I will go on as usual and do all the good and as little harm as I can to the United States and as much harm and as little good as I can to the rebels.

Yours, respectfully,

Sol. Kitchen has returned from Price's army with 30 officers. He claims to be a brigadier-general, and in a speech at Jonesborough a few days since said he was in command of all rebel forces east of White River. The disposition of his brigade is as follows, as nearly as can be ascertained: Five hundred under Freeman on White River, near Augusta: 150 under Captain McKee, near Jonesborough; 150 (doubtful) under Reves, on Cherokee Bay. This embraces all the rebel force south of us on Crowley's Ridge, except about 40 men under Gibins, Bolin, Williams & Co., at Blue Land. McRae has gone west of White River from Augusta. Scouts, refugees, &c., all agree in this.

I wish to inform you of the following dispatch just received from Captain Leeper. He says Captain Johns has just returned from below; he met with the enemy in force, but says that Reyes, Kitchen, and Freeman have been camped on the [east]side of Black River 12 miles below Pocahontas, and that they crossed to the west side of the river on last Monday; they were said to be about 1,000 strong, and that it was the general talk in the country that they were going to attack Patterson. Also that Kitchen had men on Currant River last week to secure forage, preparatory to a move on this place. Captain Johns was some 10 miles above Pocahontas on Black River. I think, however, that this report is rather exaggerated and sensational, but will be on the alert.

On the 17th, I passed through Barnesville and encamped 6 miles from Current River, on Hen Peck Creek.

18th, took the main Alton road and encamped 3 miles north of Eleven Points River. After having encamped I sent a scout of 20 men, under the command of Lieutenant Blain, to look after some desperadoes on Spring Creek. About 4 miles from camp he discovered some 8 or 10 in an old house and charged upon them. The rebels fired a volley from the windows and door, killing 1 private (Thorpe), of Company D, and wounding Sergeant Burks, of the same company; then availing themselves of some rugged bluffs in the rear of the house, made their escape, abandoning their horses.

On the morning of the 19th, I scoured the hills of Eleven Points River, and then proceeded through Alton to Frederick's Fork, and encamped.

On the 20th, I took the Alton and Pocahontas road and moved forward in the direction of Pocahontas. About noon we came upon a rebel conscripting party. The advance charged upon them, killing 8, wounding 1 mortally, and capturing the remainder of the squad. On the afternoon of the same day a man was shot and killed by the advance guard in attempting to make his escape from a house. We encamped at McElroy's, 10 miles from Pocahontas.

On the morning of the 21st, I moved forward to Pocahontas. Finding nothing there I took the road to Warm Sulphur Springs, then a due west course to Eleven Points River, and encamped.

On the 22d, I marched toward the headwaters of the Fourche à Thomas. Moving up that creek, about 5 o'clock in the afternoon we encountered Captain Payton with his company of horse-thieves and murderers. He drew up in line and fired upon the advance without effect, when, bringing my men forward at the gallop, I ordered a charge. The men went into them with a yell, killed 11, and pursued the remainder for miles across the hills, dispersing them in every direction. I encamped at this place for the night.

On the 23d, took the Van Buren road, passed through that place and Patterson, arriving at this post on the evening of the 25th, having been absent nine and one-half days, traveled more than 300 miles, killed 21 guerrillas, captured 11 prisoners, some 12 horses, some arms, &c. The whole country through which I passed is infested with small bands of guerrillas, their principal headquarters being in Oregon County, and commanded by Captains Payton, Long, and Evans. Kitchen, Freeman, and Love have concentrated for some purpose a force of about 500 men east of Black River, near Jacksonport. Reyes has about 90 men 15 miles southeast of Pocahontas. No considerable force can exist for any length of time north of Pocahontas, there being no forage in the country. It was <ar61_643> with the utmost difficulty that I could obtain forage for 100 men by taking all I could find. There was about 15 feet of water in Black River at Pocahontas. I could not find any of Colonel Livingston's scouts; they never came up to the Missouri line.

Commanding Post of Pilot Knob.

DEAR GENERAL: I have 110 men in camp on Village Creek, and 200 more ready to go in camp as soon as I can procure supplies for them. Corn and wheat are very scarce in this country. Colonel Clark has come here with orders from the War Department which has caused a great deal of confusion; is telling all of my men that he has been confirmed as colonel of my regiment, and that he has orders to take command of them wherever he finds them. What shall I do with him? General McRae has an order signed by Gallagher revoking my orders and authorizing him to retain all the soldiers in his district. I wish you would inquire into this matter. It will be impossible to get men out of here under such conflict of orders; in fact, men are very loth to undertake to come out. Unless you wish me to remain here and so direct I shall come to you as soon as grass is sufficient to <ar62_1098> support horses, there being no chance to get forage north of Arkansas River. If Clark was out of here and no conflict with my orders I could very soon get up a good command, one strong enough to capture all the Yankees north of Arkansas River. I have been busily engaged in trying to suppress jayhawking.

I am, your obedient servant,

Refugees from Arkansas report that Kitchen has concentrated from 1,500 to 2,000 men at and near Jacksonport, for an attack on Batesville or a raid north.

But few guerrillas left on the border.

Your letter of the 28th is at hand.(*) Can you not move a portion of the forces at Yellville forward to Buffalo Creek, where there is forage, and where they can support the forces at and cover Yellville, thereby reducing the number of horses at Yellville so that they could be well fear? Or you can keep a portion of your command in the field on Buffalo, sending out detachments with six days' rations, <ar63_12> with instructions not to run down their horses while out, but feed and recuperate them. Do the best you can for the Government and people. If you are attacked by forces largely superior, fight and maneuver, keeping where you can get forage and supplies, attacking the enemy whenever you can. Send through your prisoners and wounded the first good opportunity. Kitchen, whom you spoke of as brigadier-general, is, I think, an old captain of bushwhackers, whose wife lives in Lebanon, on the Rolla road.

Cape Girardeau.

[ar61_644 con't]

On the 27th, Lieutenant Chitwood learned, by passing himself for a secessionist, that Captain Evans, a bushwhacker, had 5 or 6 men following him and watching his movements. He left a sergeant and 5 men on side of the road, and about 11 o'clock, 27th, 3 men passed along on his trail; they were fired upon, and I man killed, which proved to be Lieutenant Roberts, of Captain Evans' company; the other 2 made their escape. The lieutenant says that he learned, from what he considers reliable information, that Colonel Freeman's command, numbering 500 or 600 men, was near Pocahontas at the time; says that he could not obtain any forage of any consequence in Oregon County; that his horses were broken down, several of them having to be abandoned; that he believed that after the fight on the 26th that all gangs of rebels in Oregon County made for Freeman's command, and that they would not return without a sufficient force to overpower him, and that he therefore returned; his command reached Gasconade last night. The lieutenant reports that Captain Chambers and several of the men's horses were shot, so as to be worthless; that he captured 2 horses which were not injured, which were rode in by men of his command, whose horses were wounded and had to be abandoned.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

J. J. GRAVELY,

Springfield, Mo.

The force that was in front of Yellville was not so strong as reported. It was the old command of General McRae, and some portions of Freeman's command; no force can move into this State now without marching nearly 100 miles without forage, unless it is transported from the place of starting. Three prisoners captured at Batesville by Freeman's command have arrived here and say that the enemy were informed that our forces had left Yellville. The enemy might have anticipated occupying the place without a fight or capturing <ar63_52> train supplies, &c. Prisoners that we have taken say the enemy tried to cross the Arkansas and could not, and were compelled to come north of the mountains. General Ketchum is reported to be in command, but my belief is that this officer's name is Kitchen, a guerrilla captain who formerly resided in Lebanon, in this district. Official reports of officers in command of recruits are forwarded today by mail.

Shortly after it commenced raining and became very dark, the darkness and rain continuing without intermission all night. Having awakened about 3 o'clock in the morning, I held some conversation with Lieutenant Phillips, and then laid down again, with my head resting on the root of a tree. I had been in this position only about five minutes, when a man within a few feet of me demanded of me to surrender the entire command. I answered negatively, in rather rough language, upon which he immediately fired on me with a shotgun. I returned the fire with my revolver. At this the men sprang up with their arms, when the guerrillas, to the number of about 100, opened on us with shotguns and pistols, and as they were within 5 or 10 feet of us, we had no alternative but to right, notwithstanding the great disadvantages under which we labored. The fight lasted some five minutes, when the rebels commenced to retreat. I then ordered my men to fall back to the house, after which the rebels came up and carried off their dead and wounded. I also removed mine to the house. I felt that as it was impossible to see 5 feet it would be folly for me to pursue them in the woods, and also felt confident that they would renew the attack at daybreak, but in this I was disappointed. I then buried Lieutenant Phillips, who was killed after being shot down three times, and left Sergeant Handy, who was mortally wounded, in the hands of the women of the house, who promised to bury him. I then started to join Captain Montgomery, carrying my wounded on litters. The road lay through a very bad swamp for about 6 miles, yet the men cheerfully bore the fatigue of carrying their wounded comrades, and think that it was the most laborious march I ever made. After proceeding in this way some 6 miles, I found some teams and pressed them to convey the wounded. Inclosed I send a list(*) of the killed and wounded. Of the loss of the enemy I can form no correct estimate. The ground was covered with blood, and a large number of guns and pistols were picked up in the morning.

I was joined by Captain Montgomery, with his command, on the evening of the 7th, and on the morning of the 8th we marched to a point a few miles above Barfield's Point, where we embarked on the steamer Darling, arriving at this post about 11 p.m., on the 8th. The wounded have been well cared for, and will in all probability recover. Captain Montgomery's command while detached had no general engagement; he lost no men either killed or wounded, but killed some 6 or 7 guerrillas.

I cannot speak too highly of the energy and perseverance of the men of my command, displayed on this fatiguing march, nor of the desperate courage with which they met and repelled a fierce night attack made by overwhelming numbers of confident desperadoes. The question may occur as how they managed to elude the pickets. This can only be answered by the fact that they were thoroughly <ar61_874> acquainted with every part of the ground, and it was so dark, and the rain falling in such torrents, that they could neither be seen or heard. One of the sentinels near me did not hear them until I received the summons to surrender. I suppose the attacking party to have been under the command of Colonel Clark, of the Seventh Missouri (Confederate) Cavalry.

I send you copies of several papers(*) captured by Captain Preuitt, on the dead body of the guerrilla Captain Williams. By these you will see about how many different commands they have in this section of country. I suppose all the parts of regiments and the various guerrilla bands will foot up about 1,000 men. I have been warned by rebel sympathizers, citizens of influence, that it is the intention of Colonels McGee, Kitchen, Clark, and Freeman to make a combined attack on this post; but this I do not fear, as with the command here I think I can repel any force which they can bring to bear. They may attack the town for plunder, but I give them the credit for better judgment than to make an attack on the fort. I think that the only way that these bands can be successfully operated against is to send out a heavy cavalry force from Cape Girardeau and Bloomfield, going down between Little River and the Saint Francis, at the same time a co-operating force of cavalry from this post to move down on this side of Little River. You will notice that one of the inclosed orders is dated at the Blue Cane. This is a dense canebrake, in the center of which is one of the rebel camps. They here have a store supplied with stolen goods, a distillery, several houses, and a large amount of stock. I think the restrictions on shipping goods to this section should be more severe, as I am led to believe that the rebels receive half of their supplies from professed good and loyal merchants.

The three companies of the First Missouri Cavalry stationed here are very poorly mounted. To be effective, they should have at least 50 new horses. The proper requisition was made some two months ago, but the Cavalry Bureau has failed to furnish them. I will send to Saint Louis on the first boat all the guerrilla prisoners that can be convicted.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

I have information that I think reliable that Kitchen and Clark are now concentrating quite a force at Gainesville. All the citizens are ordered to remove at once. I am satisfied we may expect a raid soon on our outposts. I have scouts out and will endeavor to keep you advised. I-think they mean mischief either at Patterson or Bloomfield.

I beg your pardon for not having answered your telegram in regard to howitzers at Fort Curtis. I am not acquainted with the position of defense at Patterson, and therefore telegraphed on receipt of your first dispatch to Major Wilson, commanding at Patterson, for advice. Major Wilson sent written instructions which I somehow did not receive. Telegraphed to him again this morning on receipt of your second dispatch. Am awaiting an answer. Will inform you as soon as Major Wilson answers.

Advised all the outposts in regard to Kitchen and Clark's force gathering. Entertain no fear; they are on the lookout. Major Wilson has four good companies; will fight four times their number and whip them. Can re-enforce them in two hours from here. The company at Centreville should not be taken away from there; it is a most important point, an opening for the rebels to come in. Do not be alarmed; I think it is no more than a scare, to which we down here are used. Major Wilson thinks the howitzers could be used to advantage in case of an attack.

General Rice came to this creek just after I had received the above report, 7.30 o clock. We agree that we are between 5 and 6 miles from your headquarters; the junction is 4 miles still farther. We <ar61_763> propose to move at daylight. I send with this orders to Colonel Ritter to move at daylight. The road is good; there are two small creeks to cross; bottoms narrow (a few yards wide), but may (probably will) require some work. The crossing here is covered with water, and promises to last well. Lieutenant Porter places but little confidence in the prisoner's statement, but I feel satisfied that a considerable part of the enemy's force has got between us and Camden. The remainder may be camped to-night on the upper crossing of the White Oak, in which case we will be before them at the junction in the morning.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

There are some five or six fords between Van Buren and Doniphan, and many places that the river can be forded at low water. All roads crossing Currant River between Van Buren and Doniphan are very bad and scarcely ever traveled. I am not sufficiently well acquainted with the country to give you a satisfactory reply in regard to fortifications, but I would suppose that a location might be selected within 1 mile of Doniphan for fortifications. Captain Johns has just returned from Cherokee Bay. He reports guerrillas all gone below to join Kitchen. He did not find one on the trip. There was a mistake in regard to the howitzers. I understand Lieutenant Pope, in charge of them, that [he had] the boxes, or carriages, of guns and one caisson, but I found it not so. The boxes had been taken off some days ago, but the workmen not having the required lumber, a delay was occasioned. At the last issue of ordnance a new kind of cartridge was received not fitting the boxes, being 1 ½ inches longer than the old ones, projected that far out at the top of the box, making them unserviceable.

Relying on having enough artillery in Battery G, Second Missouri, since ordered to Cape Girardeau, I ordered an alteration in the boxes to suit the ammunition, which has not yet been accomplished; therefore it is impossible for those howitzers to move to-day as promised. In order to do the thing as quickly as possible, I shall, if not countermanded before mail time this noon, send Lieutenant Pope with the boxes to Saint Louis arsenal for exchange if possible; if not, then for the speediest repair. I would suggest to have those two companies, L and K, First Infantry, Missouri State Militia, at present at Benton Barracks, sent down here to re-enforce this post, so that Centreville and Patterson might be sufficiently re-enforced by cavalry from this post, besides some more infantry, there being only one company, one being exclusively used for artillery in Fort Davidson here, and would for garrison duty be far more advantageous, and secure this part of the country against any force that can be brought <ar63_166> from below. However, as it is, I entertain no fear. I wish guerrillas would show themselves in force so as to give us a chance to whip them to hell, from where they can rise no more.

Major H. Ewing
A A Genl. Marmaduke staff

Scouts returned from Poplar Bluff, Doniphan, and below, on the 15th instant; from direction of Bloomfield the 20th instant; scout also returned yesterday from Reeves' Station and below. Scout west from Patterson returned to day. All report that guerrilla bands have gone below to join Kitchen and Reves.

I learn to-night that Jeff. Thompson is at Harrisburg, but have not learned his force. Kitchen is near Gainesville with a scattered force of about 200. Bolin is between Clarkton and Kennett with about 100. It appears that they are plundering the citizens there in general. This information is not from any of my scouts. I expect some of them in to-night or in the morning. They are about Jonesborough and Chalk Bluff. Saint Francis 100 yards wide and swimming.

<ar63_283>

I have rebel information that their plan is to send two brigades of cavalry and two of mounted infantry to North Missouri, a column of guerrillas and Seventh Rebel Missouri on Rolla, to operate with the conspirators' organization here. Our troops are scattered over the State. Please let me have the Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry.

Some of my scouts are in and report Jeff. Thompson at Harrisburg with about 100 armed men and conscripting citizens; part of Bolin's men on West Prairie laying in supplies; Kitchen at home; Clark on Grand Prairie with about fifty men. Saint Francis River impossible to cross except in dug outs; overflows the banks for half a mile, but falling. It might be crossed in five or six days.

Yours, &c.,

Soon after these events the guard of the train was re-enforced by one regiment of cavalry, one regiment and one battalion of infantry, and two pieces of artillery, a detachment of which force (Sixth Kansas Cavalry) fell in with the head of my regiment while moving to the place ordered. Toward dark intelligence was received from my scouts that the enemy had encamped near the forks of the Prairie D'Ane and upper roads, and by your order Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell was withdrawn. On the morning of the 18th instant, leaving Kitchen's regiment and a detachment of the Third to cover our front and flank, I marched with Greene's regiment, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell; Burbridge's regiment, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Preston; a small detachment of Jeffers', under Captain Cobb, and Harris' battery, numbering in all 486 men. I came on the enemy in rear of Cabell's brigade at 9.30 o clock. Dismounted and placed Harris' battery in position on the extreme right of our line. At 10 o'clock this battery opened on the enemy. The remainder of my command was held in reserve. The enemy heavily engaged our left and center, and at 10.45 o'clock I was ordered to its support. Moving rapidly for a half mile through a thick forest, we tore down a rail fence, formed in an open field under a heavy fire of musketry, and advanced steadily across it, passing another fence. The left and center were hotly pressed, when I advanced at the double-quick with loud cheers, passed the line, delivered several well-directed volleys, and charged the enemy through burning woods and a dense smoke. He gave way, closely pressed, but reformed under cover of his train. Upon this position we advanced, firing; charged the train, with great slaughter to the enemy; who abandoned his artillery on the field and again formed behind the huts, fences, and timber of an adjoining plantation. With cries of "Here's your mule!" and cheers for Missouri, his line was again broken by our advancing force. Once more he rallied in the thick brush beyond this plantation, through the bare fields of which we charged and drove him in confusion. Again another stand was made on the crest of a steep hill, which was as quickly carried at the charge. No further resistance was now made to our victorious line, which scattered and drove the enemy in every direction, until by your order the pursuit was stopped. The command rallied and moved by the left flank across the road to cover the removal of the captured train, animals, artillery, and arms. Toward sunset we remounted, brought up the rear, and marching all night reached the position left in the morning at daylight. In this action three of my regiments were absent.

Where all behaved so gallantly it is difficult to determine upon whom to bestow praise. Every man did his duty. There was no straggling, no plundering. For eighteen days we marched and engaged the enemy, and notwithstanding the loss of sleep for three nights previous to this action, the men bore themselves with cheerfulness <ar61_829> and fortitude. To Capt. Benjamin Hooper, of my staff, I am under great obligations for valuable services on the field. His gallantry, as it has always been, was conspicuous. Privates Coleman, Company H, Fourth Regiment, and Kimbrough, Company F, Third Regiment, who acted as orderlies, executed my commands with intelligence and bravery. To the impetuosity of our advance is to be attributed my light loss in killed and wounded, a list(*) of which is herewith annexed.

I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

There is no present danger to Bloomfield; the water is too high. Colonel Tyler sent me the following telegram:

Colonel ROGERS:

Major Wilson reports that rumor places Kitchen and Reyes between Cherokee Bay and Gainesville trying to raise a force to attack Bloomfield and break up the court. I start an expedition in that direction to-morrow.

I do not believe it, but have scouts on the Saint Francis, and he cannot cross that stream until the water falls, and I should know it long before that. Last night the same rumor reached here, but I give no credence to it. I am watching and have no fears. I told you last night I thought the rumor wild. We cannot et to Bloomfield, nor neither can any enemy. We are all right at Bloomfield. Have no fears on our account.

I now deployed Burbridge's regiment as skirmishers, with intervals of one pace; brought up one gun of Lieutenant Zimmerman's section (the other piece was disabled); ordered Captain Cobb to press the enemy's right and heavily engage the enemy; he held.his position for half an hour and then gave way, fighting as he retired; drove him half a mile. At this time Brigadier-General Marmaduke appeared on the field with, a section of Hughey's battery and Monroe's regiment, of Cabell s brigade. The latter he moved to the right. The action was recommenced with greater vigor, when the enemy again gave ground. The whole line was advanced and the reserve brought up within 75 yards of the first line. The artillery did effective service--silenced the enemy's battery and broke its support. He retreated to the river, leaving his dead on the field. Our right was advanced to within 75 yards of his line, when it gave way. The field was ours. General Marmaduke then ordered the command to withdraw 2 miles to a point naturally inaccessible, and which was strengthened by hasty works of timber.

The conduct of Lieutenant-Colonel Preston, his officers and men, was particularly distinguished in this action for coolness and gallantry. Lieut.' G. W. Scott and Lieut. Jesse McCaleb, Company I, deserve especial notice. Lieutenant Scott's charge with the reserve skirmishers was brilliantly and timely done. He cannot be too highly commended for bravery. Captain Cobb, of Jeffers' regiment, was also distinguished for gallant and useful conduct. He handled his squadron with skill and courage, and is a modest and meritorious officer. Greene's and Kitchen's regiments, though not actively engaged, were constantly under fire and behaved well. Lieutenant Zimmerman deserves to be mentioned for the manner in which he served his gun and for the gallant behavior of himself and men. Loss, 1 lieutenant, 1 non-commissioned officer, and 4 privates killed; 2 officers and 21 privates wounded. Retired in rear of Cabell's brigade at midnight; detached Greene's regiment, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, to hold the position; marched until daylight to the southwestern edge of Prairie DAne, near Fulke's, 16 miles.

April 5, Campbell skirmishes with the enemy in front of our works; holds him in check all day; loss, none. April 6, brigade takes position on the edge of the prairie and assists in constructing Fort McKay; Campbell fights the enemy again and falls back 4 miles; no pursuit. April 7, Captain Porter, Fourth Regiment, with 150 men, relieves Campbell; engages the enemy, who retires; Lieut. G. W. Scott, Company I, Fourth Regiment, with 1 man charges 10 of the enemy; routed them, capturing arms and equipments. April 8, Porter still skirmishes with the enemy, who does not press him; is relieved by Brigadier-General Cabell. April 9, no fighting today. April 10, occupy our position at the works--the extreme left; enemy appears on the upper edge of the prairie; moves on my <ar61_833> left; skirmishers engage; sent a section of Harris' battery to support the left; enemy opened with artillery; an artillery fight takes place; enemy advances his line; drives in my skirmishers; is driven back in return; again takes the position, which he retires from at night; vedettes and skirmishers remain under arms all night; loss, 3 horses killed and 1 man wounded. April 11, enemy appears in force and offers battle; skirmish with him on the left; is engaged in the center by Brigadier-General Shelby; at 5 p.m. all the troops retire; brigade ordered to occupy the position and delay the enemy; relieved General Shelby's skirmishers at dark, 1½ miles in front of the works; covered the front with mounted and dismounted skirmishers; occasional shots during the night. April 12, sunrise, Steele's army appears on the prairie; skirmishing along the whole line; the enemy is held in check until 9.30 o'clock, when he advances on our left in large force and cannonades heavily; our forces are gradually withdrawn, and at 10.30 o clock the works are abandoned; Captain Roberts, Company I, Fourth Regiment, brings up the rear; enemy follows and attacks him, using artillery; rearguard fighting continues for several miles, when the enemy withdraw; encamped at sundown on Prairie De Rohan; detachment under Lieut. G. W. Scott attacks the enemy's rear; no loss; distance marched, 12 miles. April 13, marched at 10 a.m. 8 miles on the Munn's Mill road; ordered to the Anderson road, and halted two hours at Centreville; marched all night and reached Munn's Mill at 3 a.m.; distance, 30 miles. April 14, moved at daylight in the direction of Camden; got in front of the enemy, and bivouacked at Gulley's, 10 miles from Camden; flankers fell in with a small force which they attacked and dispersed; distance, 26 miles. April 15, ordered into position at 7 a.m. to cover the retreat of Shelby, who was falling back before the advancing column; remained until Shelby retired; moved off all the brigade, except Lawther's regiment and a section of Harris' battery; engaged the enemy at Gulley's, and kept up a retreating fight for 3 miles; turned to the right and moved over to the Camp Bragg road, 6 miles of Camden; Lawther's regiment remained in front of Steele's column, fighting until dark and passing through Camden; loss, 4 wounded; distance, 10 miles. April 16, drove in the enemy's pickets on Prairie D'Ane road; captured 3; Lieut. Ambrose W. Hulett charges a detachment 2 miles of Camden, capturing 2; several escapades to-day; ordered at 4 p.m. to move to the Prairie D'Ane road and attack Thayer's rear, who was moving into Camden; marched rapidly and found the enemy's rear guard 4 miles of town; pursues it in a trot, Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, commanding Greene's regiment, in front; overtake the enemy at Mrs.------- and skirmish with them; Campbell moves on, driving in the rear guard; falls upon enemy's outpost; routs it; runs it into town; captures colors and camp equipments; column moved back to its first position on Camp Bragg road; loss, 1 captain (staff officer), captured; distance, 15 miles. April 17, several escapades in sight of the enemy's camp to-day; Lieutenant-Colonel Ellison on outpost captures 3 prisoners; Lieutenants Scott, Company I; Hulett, Company G, Fourth Regiment, and Lieutenant Smith, Company E, Jeffers' regiment, each commanding detachment, charged the enemy south and west of Camden, inflicting loss; loss, 1 man wounded; scouts report train and escort just passing the enemy's vedettes on the upper road; Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, Third Regiment, and Captain Jacobs, Fourth Regiment, «53 R R--VOL XXXIV, PT I» <ar61_834> ordered to pursue; escort is re-enforced, and consists of two regiments of cavalry, two regiments of negroes, regiment and battalion of white infantry, four pieces of artillery; Campbell ordered to lie in ambush; he falls in with Sixth Kansas Cavalry and drives it; train moves on and encamps on Prairie D'Ane road near Poison Spring; General Marmaduke reaches camp at 5 p.m. and orders command to :move; marched to Campbell's position and return by order, reaching camp after midnight; loss, 2 men wounded; distance traveled, 18 miles. April 18, marched at 7 a.m. and reached the enemy near Poison Spring; Lieutenant-Colonel Ellison and detachment of Greene's regiment are left to cover our old position; brigade dismounted and held in reserve; Harris' battery takes position on the extreme right; enemy presses our left; brigade ordered to its support; advanced at double-quick; charges and routs the enemy; enemy makes several stands, but is each time charged and routed with slaughter; whole train captured; brigade withdraws and reaches camp at sunrise the day following; loss, 1 officer and 1 private killed, 1 officer and 13 men wounded; distance traveled, 37 miles; Greene's and Burbridge's regiments and Cobb's detachment alone engaged. April 19, moved over to the Wire road and bivouacked at Mrs. Walker's, 12 miles of Camden, picketing the right and center; distance traveled, 15 miles. April 20, in statu quo. April 21, enemy attacks my picket on Wire road; is repulsed. April 22, all quiet. April 23, marched at 8 a.m. in advance to make a demonstration in force; deploy skirmishers this side of bridge on Two Bayous and advance main force in line; drive the enemy across the bridge; light skirmishing; shelled the enemy; withdraw and occupy former Position at 8 a.m.; distance, 20 miles. April 21, in statu quo. April 25, enemy's cavalry drives in my picket, which being re-enforced repulsed the enemy and pursue him to the bridge; loss, 1 man captured and 1 wounded; sent Kitchen's regiment to Champagnolle to guard pontoon bridge. April 26, advanced Greene's regiment 6 miles. April 27, marched at 10 a.m. to White Hall, on Ouachita River, where Wood's battalion reports. Sent Lawther's regiment to guard prisoners captured by Brigadier-General Fagan: crossed the river with Greene's and Burbridge's regiments, Wood's battalion, and Harris' battery; swam horses; up all night. April 28, marched all day and night; sent Wood's battalion to report to Major-General Price; halted one hour within 6 miles of Princeton. April 29, still marching; got on enemy's right flank; got on his rear between Tulip and Princeton; Jeffers' regiment and Wood's battalion in my front; attack enemy's rear on Jenkins' Ferry road; sent Harris' battery forward; again attacked the enemy, who halts on the Saline River; skirmish with him until dark; distance traveled from Wire road to Saline River, 90 miles, without feed for horses or rations and sleep for men; occasional skirmishing all night; no loss. April 30, ordered forward with Greene's and Burbridge's regiments to feel the enemy; begun skirmishing before sunrise; drove the enemy 500 yards; he halts and fights hard; is forced back half a mile; general engagement now begins; enemy in force; still drive the enemy slowly, fighting two hours without support; infantry comes up; for full account see report of May 5; loss, 6 privates killed, 1 major killed, 9 officers, 4 sergeants, and 30 privates wounded; bivouacked near the field. May 1, marched in direction of Arkadelphia, 25 miles. May 2, marched to within 12 miles of Arkadelphia; distance traveled, 13 miles; campaign ends. <ar61_835>

Recapitulation: Killed, 3 officers, 12 men; wounded, 13 officers, 84 men. Skirmishes, 16. Engagements, 3. Distance marched by main body, 435 miles.

Very respectfully., your obedient servant,

Maj. H. Ewing
A.A.Genl.

<ar61_915>

All quiet, as far as I could learn, west of Pocahontas and Doniphan.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

1. Gordon’s, Shank’s and Smith’s regiments, Elliot’s Hunter’s and Pickler’s battalions and Collin’s battery of four guns. Elloit’s battalion (150 men) absent on scout and not included.
2. Burbridge’s, Greene’s, Jeffer’s, Kitchen’s and Lawthers regiments, and Harris battery of four guns.
3. Six guns

Captured a rebel mail and the carrier ;nothing of importance in it. Destroyed a supply of medicines stored up by the rebels valued at about $10,000; captured and destroyed many shotguns, rifles, and a considerable amount of ammunition. Got into Gainesville just twenty-four hours after Kitchen, with several of his officers left there. Officers and men had a pretty severe time, but stood it well. Our only casualty was the wounding of Captain Johns by some guerrillas while he was in camp at Scatterville, Ark. I think the country has been more thoroughly scoured this time than ever before.

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

[ar61_938 con't]

I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

SIR: I am just in possession of some information from Freeman's and McRae's rebel command, brought by Isaac Goacher, refugee, just come in from Lawrence County, Ark. He tells me Freeman himself is wounded, and is on Crowley's Ridge, but his and McRae's <ar64_165> command is on this side of Black River. He says he saw quite a lot of them as he came up all along the road in squads, from 20 to 60 in each squad. The last he saw was on Eleven Points River. They all were moving in this direction in different routes. He says he knows he must have seen some 500 or 600 men, all mounted: horses very poor, the men mostly bad clothes, and armed with all kinds of arms. He said Kitchen also had a squad separate, and that everybody is trying to get away. The rebels will escort their friends as far this way as they think they are safe. They also send their wives up here to live again. The widow Lennox has moved up in this country, or she started up here. He says she had some 5 or 6 negroes and some 5 mules and horses. Kitchen, with 25 men, escorted her as far as Jack's Fork. I don't know where she is. I have not heard from her yet in this county. Her farm is near Lake Spring. I sent Captain Benz yesterday morning down in that county to look around. This county seems full of bushwhackers, 3 and 4 together, but have done no mischief yet that I can learn. I have the boys out every day. I will try and do the best with them I can. I apprehend no danger of an attack here, but they will pester the county a great deal. People are all working finely and trying to make crops. I will protect them the best I can with my small force.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

Hiller, at Bloomfield, has information that the enemy are gathering quite a force at Cane Island, about 100 miles southeast of Bloomfield and across the Saint Francis. The river is not fordable, or we would cross and attack, but we think they will bridge it. We have scouts watching every move, and hope they will cross, when we will seize the bridge and debate with them. They are Kitchen's men and say [they] mean to join McRae. We shall know soon. Let me urge again that Hiller be relieved from court-martial, as he knows everybody there and can get information when a stranger could not.

We have been taking few prisoners. We have only taken 2, and the excuse of the men taking them was that they were unarmed. I have just examined them, and find them