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The Battle of
Carthage, also known as the Battle of Dry Fork, took place at the
beginning of the Civil War on July 5, 1861, in Jasper County,
Missouri. The experienced Colonel Franz Sigel commanded 1,100 Federal
soldiers intent on keeping Missouri within the Union. The Missouri State
Guard (Confederate) was commanded by Governor Claiborne F. Jackson himself
and numbered over 4,000 unorganized, inexperienced soldiers, along with
2,000 unarmed troops who did not participate in the battle. The battle was
rather meaningless from a tactical or strategic view, though it was deemed
a victory by the Missouri State Guard. The Battle of Carthage played a
part in determining Missouri's course during the war, as it helped spark
recruitment for the Southern regiments. It was the only time in history
that a sitting Governor commanded troops in battle. REPORTS: No. 1. Capt. Thomas W. Sweeny, Second U. S. Infantry. No. 2. Col. Franz Sigel, Third Missouri Infantry, with congratulatory letter from General Lyon. No. 3. Brig. Gen. James S. Rains, commanding Second Division Missouri State Guard NO. 4. Col. Richard H. Weightman, commanding First Brigade, Second Division, Missouri State Guard. No. 5. Col. James McCown, Second Cavalry, Eighth Division Missouri State Guard. No. 6. Col. R. L. Y. Peyton, Third Cavalry, Eighth Division Missouri State Guard. No. 7. Lieut. Col. Richard A. Vaughan, Seventh Cavalry, Eighth Division, Missouri State Guard. No. 8. Brig. Gen. John B. Clark, commanding Third Division Missouri State Guard. No. 9. Brig. Gen. William Y. Slack, commanding Fourth Division Missouri State Guard. No. 10. Col. B. A. Rives, First Cavalry, Fourth Division Missouri State Guard. No. 11. Brig. Gen. Monroe M. Parsons, commanding Sixth Division Missouri State Guard.
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No. 1.
The enemy, being vastly superior in numbers, completely surrounded our troops and attempted to cut them off. Upon receiving information of these facts, I hastily collected about 400 men, and within three hours after receiving the intelligence was on my way to relieve Colonel Sigel's command. I fell in with the retreating column at Mount Vernon, Lawrence County, and prepared to give the enemy battle, who I learned from my scouts was advancing in great force. Having remained at Mount Vernon for two days, I took up my line of march for this place, fearing an attack on it from the combined forces of Jackson, Rains, Price, and McCulloch, whose troops I learned were about to form a junction on the Arkansas frontier, towards which the enemy retired from Carthage. I have an effective force of 2,000 officers and men at this point under my command, and feel confident in my ability to hold until joined by General Lyon, who I learn is within two or three days march of me. I am very
deficient in ammunition for the eight field pieces attached to this
command ; also for the .69-caliber rifle musket with which the principal
part of my command is armed. I have repeatedly presented my wants in these
particulars, and pressed them upon the attention of the authorities at the
Saint Louis Arsenal without effect. The inhabitants of this portion of the
country are generally loyal, and since my arrival here I have organized
several regiments of Home Guards, but they are very deficient in arms and
ammunition. Mounted troops are much needed. Colonel Wyman's regiment
Illinois Volunteers is expected to arrive here soon. |
No. 2.
It was now my duty to give all my attention to the northern forces of the enemy. Apprehending that they would try to find their way to Arkansas, I ordered a detachment of two companies and two pieces of artillery, under the command of Captain Cramer, to Cedar Creek and Grand Falls, to occupy the Military and Kunsas line road, and to obtain all possible information relative to the northern troops of the enemy. I also ordered the battalion under Colonel Salomon, on his march from Mount Vernon to Sarcoxie, to unite with the troops under my command at Neosho by forced marches. As soon as this battalion had arrived, and our troops were sufficiently prepared, I directed them from Neosho and Grand Falls to Diamond Grove (7 miles south of Carthage), where they arrived at noon and advanced towards the north. One company of Captain Hackmann I ordered to move from Mount Vernon to Sarcoxie. Captain Conrad, of Company B, Rifle Battalion, Omitted as unimportant. Third Regiment, I ordered to stay in Neosho as garrison, and for the protection of the Union-loving people against bands of secessionists, but to retreat to Sarcoxie if he should find it necessary. Company H, Captain Indest, was one of the two companies sent to Grand Falls, from which place this company had not returned when the battle commenced. On the evening of the 4th of July, after a march of 20 miles, the troops went into camp on the southeast of Carthage, behind the Spring River. It was now as much as certain that Jackson's troops, reported 4,000 strong, were about nine miles before us, their scouts swarming over the great plateau to the north of Carthage, and almost within our sight. The troops under my command on the 5th of July who were engaged in the action of the day were composed as follows : Nine companies of the Third Regiment, with a total effective strength of 550 men, seven companies of the Fifth Regiment, numbering 400 men ; two batteries of artillery, four pieces each. With these troops I advanced slowly towards the enemy, our skirmishers driving before them numerous squads of mounted riflemen, who were observing our march. The baggage train followed our troops at a distance of about three miles. After crossing Dry Fork Creek, 6 miles beyond Carthage, and advancing 3 miles farther, we found the enemy in line of battle on an elevated ground, gradually rising from the creek, and about one and a half miles distant. Their first line was formed in three regiments, deployed in line, and with proper intervals between them. Two regiments, forming the wings, consisted of cavalry, the center of infantry, cavalry, and two pieces of artillery. The other pieces were posted on the right, and one on the left wing. The whole force within our sight may have numbered 3,500 men, besides a strong reserve in the rear. As our advance guard was already engaged, I sent two pieces of artillery and two companies of the Third Regiment forward to assist them. One piece of artillery and one company of the Third Regiment of infantry I posted behind the creek, as a guard against movements of the cavalry towards our rear and our baggage. The remainder of our troops I formed in the following order : The second battalion of the Third Regiment, under the command of Major Bischoff, on the left in close column: next to them, four pieces of artillery ; in the center, the Fifth Regiment in two separate battalions, under Colonel Salomon and Lieutenant-Colonel Wolff; on the right, three pieces of artillery, under the command of Captain Essig, and to his right the First Battalion of the Third Regiment, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Hassendeubel. When these dispositions were made, and after we had advanced a few hundred yards, I ordered Major Backpf to commence his fire with all the seven pieces against the enemy s lines. The fire was answered promptly. I observed now that the two mounted regiments of the rebel army prepared themselves to turn our right and left. They moved by the flank, and, describing a wide circle, left great intervals between them and the center. I immediately directed the whole fire of our artillery against the right of the enemy s center, so that in a short time the fire of his artillery began to slacken on this point. I formed now a chain of skirmishers between our pieces, ordered two pieces of Captain Essig s battery from the right to our left wing, and made known to the commanders and troops that it was my intention to gain the heights by advancing with our left and taking position on the right flank of the enemy's center. In this critical moment, Captain Wilkins, commander of one of the two batteries, declared that he was uunable to advance for want of ammunition. No time could be lost. One part of the troops on the extreme right and left were already engaged with the mounted troops, and to advance with the rest without the assistance of artillery seemed to me a movement which could easily turn out into a deroute. The moral effect of the enemy's mounted regiments behind our lines, although the real danger was not great, could not be denied. To lose our whole baggage was another consideration of importance, It was therefore with great mortification that I ordered one part of the troops behind Dry Fork Creek, whilst Lieutenant Colonel Hassendeubel, with the First Battalion of the Third and a battalion of the Fifth Regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Wolff, followed by four pieces of Captain Wilkins battery, repaired to the baggage train to defend it against the projected attack. The enemy followed slowly toward Dry Fork Creek. Captain Essig's battery had taken position behind the ford, assisted by one company of the Fifth Regiment (Captain Stephani) on the left, and two companies of the Third Eegiment (Captains Dengler and Goliner) on the right, whilst two companies of the Fifth Eegiment (Stark and Meissuer) remained as a reserve behind both wings. It was at the point that these troops resisted the enemy's entire force for two hours and inflicted on him the severest losses. Up to this time the rebellious flag had sunk twice amidst the triumphant shouts of the United States volunteers. Meanwhile the two large bodies of cavalry had completely surrounded us, and had formed into line against our rear. They were posted behind a small creek, called Buck's Branch, which we had to pass. To meet them, I left the position on Dry Fork, and ordered two pieces to the right and two pieces to the lelt of our reserve and baggage, assisted by parts of the Fifth and Third Regiments in column, under Colonel Salomon and Lieutenant-Colonel Wolff, whilst Lieutenant-Colonel Hassendeubel, with his well-known ability, formed three companies of the First Battalion, Third Regiment, in line, and in front of the baggage, against the cavalry. Behind these troops and baggage Lieutenant Schrickel, of the First Battery of Artillery, with two companies, was acting as a rear guard against the main body of the enemy, moving from Dry Fork. After one round of our whole line, the infantry moved in double-quick time towards the enemy, and routed him completely. His flight was accompanied by tremendous hurrahs of our little army. The troops and baggage train crossed the creek, and retreated unmolested to the heights crowning the north side of Carthage before Spring River. Here they took position again. The enemy advanced slowly with his center, while he pushed forward his cavalry to turn our right and left, and to gain the Springfield road. As I thought it most necessary and important to keep open my communications with Mount Vernon and Springfield, I ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Wolff, with two pieces of artillery (Lieutenant Schaefer, Second Battery), to pass Carthage, and to occupy the eastern heights on the Sarcoxie road. Captain Cramer, with two companies (Indest and Zeis), had to follow him, and to guard the west side of the town 8 gainst a movement of the enemy towards this side. Our rear guard took possession of the town to give the remainder of the troops time to rest, as they had, after a march of 22 miles on the 4th and 18 miles on the 5th, been in action the whole day since 9 o clock in the morning, exposed to an intense heat, and almost without eating or drinking. The enemy, taking advantage of his cavalry, forded Spring River on different points, spread through the woods, and, partly dismounted, harassed our troops from all sides. I therefore ordered the retreat towards Sarcoxie, under the protection of our artillery and infantry, taking first position on the heights behind Carthage, and then at the entrance of the road of Sarcoxie into the woods 2 miles southeast of Carthage. From this place our troops passed unmolested to Sarcoxie. The losses of all the troops under my command on this day were 13 killed and 31 wounded. Among the
latter, Captain Strodtinann, Company E, Third Regiment, and Lieutenant
Bischoff, Company B, of the same regiment. The First
Battery lost nine horses, the Third Begiment, Major Bischoff, one. One
baggage wagon was lost in Carthage for want of horses to move it.
According to reliable information, the enemy s losses have not
been less than 350 to 400. One of their pieces
was
dismounted and another burst. It is with the deepest regret that I must
report the surprise and capture of Captain Conrad and his company of 91 men
at Neosho on the 5th of July. Officers and men
were
released on oath not to bear arms against the Confederate States during
the war. With the greatest pleasure, and to do justice to the officers and
men under my command, I must say that they fought with the greatest skill
and bravery. Although more than once menaced in flank and rear by large
forces of cavalry, and attacked in front by an overwhelming force, they
stood like veterans, and defended one position after the other with out
one man leaving the ranks. With the most sincere thanks, I acknowledge the
services of the Fifth Regiment under their brave commanders and adjutant ;
they showed themselves as true friends and comrades of battle. And so
did" the artillery and their able commander, Major Backof, who,
as well as Adjutants Albert and Heinrichs, assisted me during the whole
day in performing the duties involved in my command. |
3. My division took up the line of march as ordered, and most of them without having prepared any breakfast. About 7 a. m., having marched some 5 miles, our scouts reported the enemy in force 3 miles in advance. I immediately went for ward with some of my staff to reconnoiter their movements and examine the ground. Perceiving that they were descending a slope towards a creek skirted on both sides with timber, I sent orders to Captain Shelby, who was in the advance, to halt and detain the whole command out of view, hoping that the enemy would cross the creek, when I could oblige them to take position in the bottom, while I drew Up my force on the height commanding it. My expectations were realized, and after the enemy had crossed the creek I ordered Captain Shelby forward to check their advance. I then directed Colonel Weightman to deploy the brigade in order of battle on the ridge of prairie overlooking the enemy. This order was executed with celerity and precision, he placing Colonel Graves on the right, the artillery in the center, and Colonel Peyton to take position on the right of the First Brigade, and extend over their line as far as practicable towards the timber, the other division taking position on the left of my command. The ground upon which our army was drawn up was a high ridge of prairie, gently sloping southward, with undulations to a creek about one mile and a quarter distant. In front of our right was a large field of corn extending to the timber on the creek. The enemy, under command of Colonel Sigel, apparently about 2,000 strong, with seven pieces of artillery, took up their position on the north side of the creek, and it has been impossible to verify the names of individuals or organizations. three-quarters of a mile from the timber, and threw a few spherical-caseshot at Captain Shelby s company, which was ordered back to the main line. This movement, conducted in the face of both armies, was executed with a precision worthy of the parade ground. I then sent this company to the extreme right, to reconnoiter the timber and examine for a crossing. The action commenced by the enemy opening a heavy fire from their battery. This was promptly responded to by the artillery of General Parsons command, which had unlimbered on the left of my division. Captain Bledsoe, under the direction of Colonel Weightman, then opened a steady and well-directed tire upon the densest of the enemy's masses, forcing them to take refuge in the depression of prairie and finally to retire some 200 yards, when Colonel Weightman promptly and gallantly advanced his whole brigade in battle order and reopened his fire from Captain Bledsoe's guns. By this time I had led the cavalry on the right through the corn field with a view of our flanking the enemy, or, if the ground was suitable, of charging their battery. The enemy opened with some execution a well-directed fire of grape and spherical-case shot upon our advancing column, which sustained itself with much gallantry, and Colonel Sigel. fearing that his army would be outflanked, and suffering very much from the rapid and welldirected fire from Captain Bledsoe s battery, retired under cover of his. battery across the creek. Colonel Weightman, in his report, speaks in the highest terms of the coolness and steadiness of the First Brigade throughout this portion of the engagement, and I bear grateful testimony as to the eagerness with which the cavalry desired to charge over tlie most unfavorable ground. Our loss up to this time was very small. Colonel Weightman, now joined by Colonel Hurst s regiment, advanced, and perceiving the enemy posted on a ridge beyond the creek, uulimbered within 400 yards of the enemy s battery and opened upon them with round shot and canister, while the infantry advanced to engage the enemy at close quarters. This point was severely contested and the loss great. The officers of Captain Bledsoe s artillery are reported to have most gallantly served their guns in person, two^of them (Lieutenants Wallace and Higgins) after being wounded 5 the latter falling exhausted under the muzzle of his piece. Lieutenant-Colonel O'Kane, in the most gallant style, pressed forward with his command, and, aided by a portion of General Clark's division, repulsed the enemy from their position. Colonel Sigel again commenced a retrograde movement, and retreated across a prairie 5 miles to Spring River, closely followed by the infantry and artillery. The cavalry under my command, joined by a regiment of General Slack's division, commanded by Colonel Rives, endeavored to outflank them on the right, but the retreat was so rapid as to defeat our object. On nearing Spring River we attempted to intercept the enemy's crossing, but they again opened a heavy and destructive fire from their artillery, which compelled us to take a crossing higher up, and, pushing forward, endeavored to surround the town. For the details of the actions of the First Brigade in their several contests for the city I refer you to the able report of Colonel Weightman. As I was enabled to reach the rear of Carthage, I dismounted the whole command, who eagerly pressed to the support of their comrades engaged in town, and just arrived in time to see the complete rout of the enemy. Our loss in
these engagements amounts to 44 killed and wounded. Lieutenant-Colonels
Rosser and O'Kane and Captain Bledsoe are favorably introduced to my
notice by Colonel Weightman, and I take great pleasure in seconding his
recommendation, and ask leave to add to the list the name of Col. Richard
H. Weightman as deserving a brevet for gallant and meritorious conduct. To
the officers and men of my command I return my thanks for their gallant
bearing and their dauntless zeal for the cause so dear to us all. |
4. On the morning of the 5th of July, about 8 o clock, while the Army of Missouri was on the march southward towards Carthage, about 10 miles from that place (your division in advance), I was directed by you to deploy my brigade in order of battle, to meet the enemy, more than Nominal list of casualties, omitted, shows Killed, 1 officer and 2 enlisted men, and wounded, 5 officers and 36 enlisted men. 2,000 strong, with eight pieces of artillery, then advancing to attack us. Accordingly I arranged the brigade in order of battle, Colonel Graves on the right, the artillery in the center, and Lieutenant-Colonel O Kane on the left. At this time Colonel Hurst was 3 miles in the rear with his regiment, which, having inarched since 4 o clock in the morning without breakfast, had, with my authority and of necessity, stopped to prepare a meal. I immediately dispatched a courier to the rear for him, and directed him to come forward at speed and take position on the right of Colonel Graves. You, general, with the remainder and greater portion of your command (composed principally of mounted men), while I was deploying, took position on the extreme right of the Army of Missouri. On the line thus taken by your division the other divisions formed as they successively came on the ground. The engagement was begun about 8.30 o clock a. m. by the enemy's artillery, which opened a heavy fire of round shot, shell, sphericalcase shot, and grape. This was promptly responded to by the artillery of General Parsons division, four 6-pounders, which had unlimbered in gallant style immediately on the left of my brigade. Captain Bledsoe then opened upon the enemy a steady and well-directed fire, by my direction, aiming at the densest of the enemy's masses, ceasing fire whenever the enemy, driven from their ranks, took refuge in depressions on the plains so as to be out of sight, and reopening upon them as they again showed themselves in masses, notwithstanding the fire from the enemy s artillery was rapid and well directed, and continued for forty minutes. Our loss, owing to the fact that our line presented no depth to them, was small. At this point Major Murray, of Lieutenant-Colonel O'Kane s battalion, had his horse shot under him by grape shot. The enemy then slowly retired for about 200 yards, halted, and commenced the engagement, when I advanced the whole line of the brigade in battle order, and reopened fire upon him by Captain Bledsoe's guns, General Parsons artillery having by this time retired, as I learn, for want of ammunition. At this time the cavalry of your division, under your immediate command, was closing on the enemy s left flank, and at the same time a large body of cavalry from some of the other divisions was threatening his right flank, and the enemy, after cannonading us but a few minutes, again retired under cover of the fire of his artillery, passing through the timber which skirted its banks, crossed Bear Creek, one of the tributaries of Spring River, about 1 miles in rear of their second position. Up to this time the engagement had been in the open prairie, without shelter for the infantry or artillery of my brigade, who, being immediately in front of the enemy and in his line of attack, received the great severity of his fire. I cannot too much commend to your favorable notice the steadiness, worthy of disciplined troops, displayed by infantry and artillery of the brigade. Before the enemy returned the second time, Colonel Hurst, with his regiment, came forward from the rear at double-quick time, and took the position assigned him on the right of Colonel Graves. I again advanced in battle order the whole line of the brigade. As I neared the timber, proceeding along the road I discovered the enemy through the openings through which the road passed posted in force on the brow of the hill on the opposite bank of the creek, distant about 400 yards, and only to be seen through the opening. At this exposed point I directed Lieutenant-Colonel Rosser to have the artillery unlimbered and to open fire upon the enemy, and at the same time I directed the infantry on either wing of the brigade to pass into and through the timber, and engage the enemy at close quarters. All these orders were promptly obeyed amidst a storm of grape. The artillery steadily unlimbered, and opened a carefully-aimed fire upon the enemy. Lieut. Col. T. H. Rosser in person, with the calmness of a professor of entomology examining a rare addition to his collection, aimed one of the guns, while the enemy's grape shot tore up the earth and disabled men and horses around him. In the course of the cannonading at this point Capt. Hiram Bledsoe and Lieutenant Wallace, of the artillery, and Capt. F. M. McKinney, of infantry, all of Lieutenant-Colonel Rosser's command, in person served the guns, in consequence of the number of men disabled, Lieutenant Wallace remaining at his post, though twice wounded in the leg. At this point the artillery lost in wounded the gallant Lieut. Charles Higgins, seriously but not fatally wounded, who, shot down at the gun he was serving, gained his feet and continued the loading until completed, and fell exhausted under the muzzle of his piece, Lieutenant Wallace very slightly wounded, and 8 privates. Three horses were also wounded, and 4 killed. Lieutenant-Colonel O'Kane, with his battalion, upon the receipt of my order, advanced rapidly through a field, and on the skirt of the timber nearest to us fell in with the enemy, and aided by Captains Games and Kelly s companies (General Clark's division) and Colonel Burbridge's regiment (General Clark's division), engaged the enemy, and after a short conflict drove him through the timber across the creek back upon his main body. Lieutenant-Colonel O'Kane had his horse shot under him, and suffered a loss of 2 killed and 20 wounded. Lieutenant-Colonel O'Kane makes honorable mention of Captains Hale and Vaughn who rushed into the conflict, and also of Captains McElrath and Gray and Lieutenant Taylor, commanding Captain Warren's company Captain Warren having been shot through the leg by a grape shot. Responding with spirit and zeal to my order, Colonels Graves and Hurst threw their regiments into the timber on the right of the artillery, and advancing to the creek found it impassable on the direct line of attack at which they reached it, and, being forced to seek a ford at a point below, passed through the timber on the farther bank of the creek on the enemy's left flank, but not until he was in the act of retiring. The enemy was a third time forced to retire. By this time it was 2 o clock p. m. The entire brigade, with the exception of Colonel Graves command, had been marching since 4 o'clock a. m. (Colonel Hurst s regiment without breakfast), and I was proceeding to encamp the brigade upon the ground recently held by the enemy the scene of their victory, when, learning that Colonel Rives, of General Slack's command, with his regiment of cavalry, had engaged the enemy and needed support, I again called upon my wearied brigade to advance to which they promptly responded ; but the enemy before our arrival had again retreated. The brigade advancing crossed Spring Kiver, and was passing through the timber on its banks, and was nearing Carthage, when the enemy from a concealed position opened upon us his artillery. I halted the artillery, and ordered the infantry regiments of Colonels Graves and Hurst to leave the road and pass through the timber and flank the enemy on his left. In obedience to the order, Colonels Graves and Hurst, with their regiments, passed through the timber to the right of the road, and arriving in town fell on the rear of the retreating enemy, but being uncertain of his identity, did not at once open lire, on him. As soon, however, as it was made certain bv a reconnaissance that it was the eiieiny, and not our comrades in arms, Colonels Graves and Hurst, together with the infantry regiment of Col. John T. Hughes, of General Slack's division, opened a heavy and well-directed fire upon the enemy's infantry, throwing it into confusion and forcing it to retreat with great precipitation. The enemy's artillery again opened their fire, to which our artillery, which I had brought up, responded, aided by two pieces of General Parsons artillery, which had by his order reported to me at this point. The enemy retreated on the Sarcoxie road, and was followed for a mile or two by our indefatigable artillery and infantry. Night put a stop to the conflict, and my brigade encamped in and around Carthage. The battles of this day of victory for Missouri extended over a space of 10 miles, and were continued for twelve hours. They opened the communication between Missouri and her friends, and gave her access to arms and munitions of war. In view of the magnitude of these results, so important to the cause of liberty, political and private, in Missouri, and also of the steady courage of the raw levies of Missouri in face of a disciplined enemy, the 5th of July last past is a day to be remembered. General, it may
be safely said that this brigade, your whole division, and the whole Army
of the Missouri engaged in that day's battles have done the
State some service. I have no means of computing
the
loss of the enemy. The loss of this brigade is as follows : Killed, 2 ;
wounded, 38 ; total casualties, 40. Col. E. M. Stith, brigade
quartermaster; Maj. George W. Morris, of Clay County,
aide-de-camp, adjutant of the brigade; Maj. Thomas
M. McCrowder and Sergt. Maj. J. Thomas Whitfield,
all of
my staff, deserve honorable mention for the zeal, discretion, and
gallantry with which |
5.
Report
of Col. James McCown, Second Cavalry, Eighth Division Missouri State
Guard. (Confederate) Upon being joined by General Rains, I understood from him we were to charge upon the enemy s battery on a given signal from the commanding officer of cavalry on the east wing. I neither saw nor heard any signal from the east wing to charge, nor was any order given by Brigadier-General Bains at any time for my battalion. The movement of cavalry throughout from the west wing was a flank movement, and in passing out of the grain field my command was exposed to a heavy fire from the enemy s battery, wounding Private George W. O'Haver, of Captain Crenshaw's company (left arm shot off), of which wound he died at the end of two days 5 his horse was also wounded. And we advanced, wounding Private Elijah Wood, of Captain McCowan's company (left leg shot off, but in a fair way to recover). Six horses killed in Captain McCowan s company & several slightly wounded. After passing through the grain field in the midst of the fire we were led into and across a body of timber and halted by General Bains, some time after which we were ordered across the prairie to the timber on Spring River in order to gain a position in rear of the enemy, but arrived too late, the enemy having gained the timber in their retreat before we arrived. While halted
for the purpose of ascertaining the position of the enemy near the timber
on Spring Biver, we received shots from the enemy's battery, one of which
wounded Private John Byler, of Captain McCowan's company, in the left
thigh and leg, and also wounded his horse. In consequence of failing to
gain the rear of the enemy at the timber on the north side of Spring
River, we had to pass some distance down Spring River in order to gain a
crossing. After crossing to the south side of the river we traveled up the
road leading to Carthage until within a mile and a half of Carthage, when
we obliqued to the right of the road, marched up to a point of timber
opposite to and about I mile south of Carthage, when we formed the line,
and marched into the town of Carthage soon after the enemy had retreated
out of town. All of our movements during the engagement were according to
the orders of Brigadier-General Rains. I am. proud in being able to state
that during the whole day my command, both officers and privates, demeaned
themselves well, and evinced more cool courage than is generally found
among raw recruits. |
6. The force from my own regiment, composed of Company A, commanded by Captain Book ; Company B, commanded by Captain Marchbanks, and part of Company H, commanded by Captain Erwin, as also the battalions of Colonel McCown and Lieutenant-Colonel Vaughan and the companies of Captains Owens and Stone in a few moments were on the line of march. The balance of my regiment was left under command of Lieutenant-Colonel White. Major Tyler, of the regiment, went with us. After a march of some 6 miles, and when arriving on the brow of the hill north of Coon Creek, we found the enemy posted about a mile ahead of us on the main road. Here a halt was ordered, and in a very few moments, our artillery coming up, the cavalry, by your directions, were deployed to the right, and moving down a sloping plain for about 400 or 500 yards, were halted to await further orders from yourself, my own regiment at the head of the main body, and the battalion of Colonel McCown filing to the right and taking position some 300 yards in advance of us. While resting here I received an order to send off the companies of my regiment to join that of Captain Shelby, detailed for some special service, and immediately sent Captain Dook and his company. While in this position the batteries of the enemy were on the left, to the southeast and north of the creek, distant about three-quarters of a mile from my regiment, with a large corn field between us, and directly south of us to the timber of the creek it was, I suppose, a little over half a mile, with fencing to pass through. After remaining at the point I have mentioned for some short time you appeared on the field and took command in person of the whole column. By your order my regiment and those in rear of me turned to the left, and entering the field (the fence being thrown down for that purpose) came up in the rear of Colonel McCown s battalion, who had entered the same before us and from a different point, and then the whole force by your command passed through to the timber of the creek. This was done under a severe and heavy fire from the cannon of the enemy, your self in the advance. In rushing for nearly a quarter of a mile under the fire of the artillery, my own regiment (consisting then of only 60 men), both officers and privates, bore themselves with calmness and gallantry, and halting at the edge of the timber reformed and passed through in good order to the prairie on the south side of the creek. Every officer and private in the whole column, as yourself can testify, were ready to obey any call you might give them. After crossing over on the south side of the timber and gaining the prairie the whole column was halted, and remained therefor some time. In a short Avhile Captain Book, with his company, regained his regiment and the whole column, moving forward, keeping the course of the enemy, after a march of some 4 miles, was halted, in order that you might cross over and confer with those in command of our army on the left of us, you leaving instructions not to move until you should appear in person or send orders. Before your return to my command the column was marched forward in order to intercept the enemy at or before he should march to Carthage, which movement afterwards met with your approbation. In a very
short while you overtook us at the second creek, and the command was
marched rapidly forward between the second creek and Spring River ; the
cannon of the Federal forces again opened upon us. After crossing Spring
River, when within about a mile and a half of Carthage, the firing of
cannon was heard in the direction of the town, and the command was by you
then marched as quickly as possible towards that point. When within about
a mile of Carthage, by your order we dismounted in the road, and, forming
in line, entered the town, but too late to engage in any action. I have
further to report to you that all of the men in my regiment who left in
the morning with Lieutenant-Colonel White who could procure arms and
ammunition did so, and then acted throughout the day with the forces on
the left. Captain Moore, of Company C ; Lieutenant- Colonel
Graves, Leaky, and 27 privates ; Captain Smith, of Company E;
Lieutenants Ferry, Williams, and Bennett, with his 6 privates ; Captain
Bryant and Lieutenant Campbell, of Company F, with 4 privates ; Lieutenant
Martin, of Company G, with 2 privates ; Lieutenant Brookoust, of Company
H, with 12 privates, and Lieutenant Williams, of Company A, they being all
who could procure arms and ammunition, with Lieutenant-Colonel White, I am
informed, did gallant service in different parts of the field. In the
affair at Carthage Captain Moore was injured and Private Lewis Highley
severely wounded. I have great pleasure in stating to you that the
officers and privates of my regiment and the officers and privates of the
whole brigade while under my immediate command obeyed with promptness any
order given by you, and conducted themselves with the courage and
steadiness of true soldiers. I have further to say that the whole number
of men, officers and privates, of my regiment that took part in the affair
of the 5th instant was 181. |
7. We were
prevented from making a direct charge on the battery of the enemy from the
fact [that] a strong fence ran parallel with, north, and between my
command and the position taken by the enemy. We therefore followed in rear
of Colonel Peyton s regiment through the field, wheat and corn, until some
confusion, occasioned by pulling down a strong fence, was discovered at
the head of the column, when I obliqued to the right, in tending to get a
position in rear of the enemy and charge from that position. From the
time we passed the brow of the hill in the field we osed to a raking
fire of canister and round shot until we reached the timber. I am proud to
say the men behaved admirably, promptly obeying every order given to them,
and were remarkably calm and cool for young soldiers. Lieutenant Kimble,
of Company B, had his leg broken and his horse killed under him by a
cannon ball. Lieutenant Badger, of the same company, had his saber and
scabbard broken in two by the explosion of a bomb.* Private Hockaby, of
the same company, had his horse killed under him. Capt. J. F. Stone, of
Company C, had his horse killed under him while at the head of his
company. Private Wilson, of the same company, lost his horse at this time.
I was ordered to take my command down the creek and cross over at the
first crossing I could find. I did so, and joined the cavalry brigade on
the prairie south of the creek. We were not near enough again during the
day to give or receive a shot from the enemy. |
8. It was now 11 o
clock. The enemy being posted something near a thousand yards from our
front, with eight pieces of artillery, responded to the tire of General
Parsons artillery with brisk and continuous fire of shell, grape, and
shot, lasting between twenty and thirty minutes, which was spiritedly
replied to by the artillery from the batteries of Supposing his
design by such movement was to gain a position on our left and to make an
attack on our flank, the several commands changed their direction from the
south to the east, each marching in separated columns, Colonel O'Kane
forming the extreme right, with Major Dills on his left, Colonel Kelly on
my right, and my column forming the extreme left. Continuing in this
direction for half a mile, and upon ascending the hill, I discovered the
enemy, who seemed to be rapidly forming into line of battle about one mile
and a half from his first position, behind a cluster of trees, and upon an
eminence on the south side of Bear Creek. Immediately in the front and for
some miles above him was a skirt of thick brush timber, through which the
creek ran, and upon which his line was being formed. We immediately
advanced to the timber on the north side of the creek and took a position
near the enemy, when a sharp and incessant fire of small-arms on either
side occurred, lasting for about thirty minutes; but by well-directed fire
from the bat tery of Captain Bledsoe, which early in the engagement was
run near the enemy, and the fatal aim and steady advance of the infantry,
the enemy was driven from his second position and forced to make a rapid
A detailed
report of the surgeon is hereto attached, and made a part of this report.
When the enemy commenced his second retreat my forces were compelled to
make a detour of half a mile up the creek before they could find a
crossing, the depth of the stream, together with the abruptness of the
banks, being of such a character as not to allow crossing at
a distance. When we had effected a crossing we heard the firing of
cannon in the direction of Carthage, about 1 mile in our advance, to which
point we rapidly hurried. On arriving there we found the enemy still
retreating in the direction of Carthage, but occasionally firing his
artillery to cover his retreat. At Carthage a sharp conflict occurred, of
some fifteen or twenty minutes, between the enemy and portions of the
cavalry, infantry, and artillery of the several divisions, when he again
retreated, and were pursued for several miles beyond Carthage, I have no means
at hand to give an accurate account of the loss of the enemy. From the
number of his dead and wounded scattered upon his line of retreat it
cannot be otherwise than great. In this connection it gives me pleasure to
state that my entire command, officers and soldiers, acquitted themselves
with honor, and de Before closing
this report I desire to express my thanks to Brig. Gen. M. M. Parsons,
Colonels Weightman, Kelly, Rosser, and O'Kane, Major Dills, Captains
Bledsoe and Guibor, with whom I was thrown during the engagement, and who
at the head of their respective forces cordially and efficiently united
and acted with me in every movement of the forces under my command.
Brigadier-Generals Slack and Rains, with portions of their respective
commands, engaged the enemy at points which could not be observed from my
position, and I therefore am unable to speak |
9. In the town of
Carthage the enemy took his next position, taking shelter in and behind
houses, walls, and fences. This stand of the enemy was an obstinate one,
dealing shot and shell freely from their batteries into our ranks. Colonel
Hughes command, under his direction, and that of Lieutenant-Colonel
Prichard and Major Thornton, was By this time
nightfall had set in, and, owing to the exhausted condition of Colonel
Hughes command, they were called from the field. A portion of Colonel
Rives cavalry, in command of Captain McNeil, continued in pursuit of the
enemy, continuing to annoy their flank and rear until it was entirely
dark, and capturing a portion of their bag |
10. I crossed Bear
Creek, and after the second engagement between our artillery and infantry
and that of the enemy I got in front of the enemy, and formed my command
on the north side of Buck Branch, in conjunction with Colonel Brown,
commanding First Regiinent Cavalry, Sixth Division Missouri State Guard,
when another short engagement ensued, but Colonel Weightman coming up with
his artillery, the enemy again retreated. I was .then ordered to report to
and co-operate with Brigadier-General Rains, and endeavor to intercept the
retreat of the enemy through Carthage, but in consequence of the
difficulty in crossing Spring River, when we arrived there the enemy had
passed through the town, being hotly pursued by Colonel Hughes and others.
I joined in the pursuit and continued it on foot until dark. Captain
McNeil, of Company B, being separated from my command, succeeded in
capturing a portion of the transportation and baggage of the enemy. Too
much credit cannot be awarded to the officers and men under my command for
the bravery exhibited by them on this their first battlefield, and the
fidelity with which they executed my commands. |
11. At this time I
did not know the position nor the strength of the enemy, but hurrying up
my battery, consisting Colonel Brown
advanced with his cavalry upon the enemy's right flank, which caused him
to change the position of his right, as well of infantry as of artillery.
Two pieces of artillery were at this time diverted from my infantry, and
directed exclusively upon my cavalry. Seeing that there was a prospect of
surrounding the enemy, I ordered They fired
rapid volleys of grape, shell, and round shot upon this command in its
advance through the field ; yet our troops, without wavering, gallantly
succeeded in gaining the south side of it, and, rapidly deploying, threw
themselves over the fence and into the timber. In the mean time Colonel
Weightrnan had planted his battery on our side of the creek in the road
immediately in front of the enemy s and opened fire. The action on the
enemy s right with General Clark's infantry and mine now became general,
the opposing lines having arrived within 30 or 40 yaru,s of each other.
Brisk volleys on both sides were kept up for nearly half an Iiour, and the
enemy finally gave way and retreated under cover of their artillery. Not
being advised as to what was going on to the right of the road and to the
right of Colonel Weightman s battery, I then rode up to a high point of
ground which commanded a view of the enemy's position and our own lines to
the right. I then discovered that the whole force of the enemy were in
full retreat. I then ordered my infantry and artillery forward. Colonel
Kelly, Major Dills, and Captain Guibor, of the I advanced my infantry and two pieces of my artillery for the purpose of again giving them battle, but before my forces came up the enemy had accomplished their object, and again retreated. When I arrived at Spring River, having ascertained that two pieces of my artillery, under Captain Guibor, had already crossed and were in the front, I delayed a while for my infantry to come up, which they did as promptly as they could. The river being deep, and the men wearied from their long exertion, I turned my carriage back to ford them over the stream. Immediately thereafter I ordered them to the front at as quick a pace as I thought they were able to march. About this time I heard cannonading in Carthage, about one mile in advance. Hurrying up with my infantry, I arrived in town, and found there a body of cavalry. I ordered them to the front immediately. Passing to the east of the town I found my artillery engaged with the enemy at a mile distant, the enemy having occupied the wood at my left, about 400 yards distant. By this time, Colonel Kelly having arrived with my infantry, I ordered him to advance immediately and take possession of the wood to my left. After a few
minutes sharp firing the enemy was again dislodged and in full retreat
across the prairie. It is due to Major Dills, of the infantry, and to
Captain Alexander, of the mounted service, to say that they and their
commands acted with great discretion and bravery in driving the enemy from
this last position. At this position it is with regret that I report to
your excellency that one of my bravest and best officers fell at the head
of his command, viz, Captain McKinzie, of the Clark Township Southern
Guards. Tour excellency will pardon me for the digression when I state
that this valuable officer was my orderly sergeant through Doniphan's
campaign in Mexico, when we were striving to uphold the very flag which
now floats at the head of the menials that attempt to oppress us. I deem
this testimonial of my regard for him as due on account of our long
association together in defense of our country. My casualties
were as follows : Killed, Captain McKinzie ; wounded, Jesse Gillian,
second lieutenant, Colonel Kelly's regiment; Thomas Doyle, William D.
Hicks, and Garret Scott. Capt. Lucius Gaines, of Major Dills' battalion;
B. F. Asbury, of Captain Crews' company, and R. E. Baber, of Captain
Livingston's company, were slightly wounded. |
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