COLONEL:* HEADQUARTERS SHELBY'S DIVISION, December -, 1861 I rested until July 12, organizing and putting into running or various regiments and brigades, and scouting and patrolling the com try from one end to the other after jayhawkers and robbers, many of wh were caught and executed directly on the spot. In these quiet and try days of summer a Federal cavalry regiment-the Tenth Illinoi came weekly to Searcy and sent an indirect challenge for an equal fo to come down and fight them. On the 11th [12th] Colonel Gordon w 500 men started after them, and on the 12th [14th] at daylight charg directly into camp, firing upon some sound asleep and others undress The panic and rout was complete. Out of the 600 boasting Feder not 100 escaped to tell the tale. Gordon gathered up carefully all arms, and sending part of his force to the railroad under Major Daniel, returned to camp with his prisoners. McDaniel struck the railroad the next day, captured 13 prisone destroyed about half a mile of track and telegraph, and returned. train of cars coming under full steam from Little Rock ran off embankment, killing 6 soldiers, wounding severely 17, and destroy 1 locomotive and 2 cars. At the same time I sent Colonel McCray w sufficient force to the Mississippi River for several hundred stand arms, which had been negotiated for. McCray was entirely success and succeeded in bringing over about 900 good guns. I now organiz a combined attack upon river and railroad, determining to strik double blow in different directions. Colonel McCray went toward railroad with about 1,000 men, and I went to White River with abe 600. Reaching the river on the 31st, seven miles below Clarendon, I co menced immediately to get my guns in position. While doing so, a before I could possibly use them, two gun-boats passed slowly dov one of them landing within ten feet of my concealed scouts. Af they left the preparations were completed, and the river watched a d and a night, but nothing passed up or down. Still waiting, my tr and trusty spies soon brought me intelligence that a large Federal fo was advancing up White River by boats and was already at Des A thus gaining my rear and threatening both the reserve ammunition a unarmed recruits at Jacksonport. No time was to be lost. Marchi immediately all that day and night and the next day, I reached Augu shortly after the arrival of the enemy, who fled hurriedly on my approa This sudden and rapid movement on my part alone saved me from irr arable loss. McCray reached the neighborhood of the railroad safe held a good force back as a reserve, and commenced operations. C man went first with 500 men, destroyed some of the track, burned so trestle-work, and retired fighting. Jackman one day later made a v orous attack again, killed 10 Federals, captured 23, destroyed a mile railroad, stirred up a hornet's nest, and fell back hard pressed. Th a large force of the enemy massed on McCray, forced him back, and sent to me for help. I marched my entire force night and day to assistance, checked the Federals, and drove them back, after which 1 command rested for several days.f * For portion of report here omitted, see Vol. XXXIV, Part I, p. 926. † For continuation of report, see p. 649. My thanks are earnestly due to all my officers and men for their courage and devotion and their eagerness at all times to meet the enemy. Hoping this report will prove satisfactory, I am, colonel, very respectfully, JO. O. SHELBY, Maj. L. A. MACLEAN, No. 14. Reports of Maj. Gen. Samuel B. Maxey, C. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF INDIAN TERRITORY, Fort Towson, C. N., July 30, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that I was officially advised last night that on the morning of the 27th instant a detachment about 600 strong, under the command of Brig. Gen. R. M. Gano, made up from Gano's brigade, Col. S. N. Folsom's (Second Choctaw) regiment, and Lieut. Col. J. W. Wells' battalion, attacked the Sixth Kansas Cavalry within five miles of Fort Smith, completely routing it, killing and wounding about 50, capturing 127 prisoners, about 200 Sharps rifles, and about 400 six-shooters, a number of horses, some sutler's stores, camp equipage, &c. Among the prisoners is Major Mefford, who commanded said regiment. A body of Arkansas Federals, who were with the Sixth Kansas, stampeded. Our loss 8 killed and several wounded; the exact number not known. An unofficial note from an officer states that the enemy from Fort Smith followed General Gano out on his return and that an attack on the camp was likely. I do not believe the enemy will now throw out anything more than a reconnaissance in force. Preparations to the extent of our means will be made. Very respectfully, general, your obedient servant, Brig. Gen. W. R. BOGGS, S. B. MAXEY, Major-General, Commanding. Chief of Staff, Trans-Mississippi Dept., Shreveport, La. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF INDIAN TERRITORY, Fort Towson, C. N., August 6, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that I received official advices from General Cooper last night, under date August 2, that on the 31st ultimo he made a demonstration in force on Fort Smith, ran in the pickets and all outside the breast-works. Subsequently the enemy on Tecovering from surprise came out and a picket fight ensued, he losing "men killed, and the enemy he thinks considerably more. Не сарtured 12 prisoners and burnt their camp and commissary stores at Green Springs, three miles from Fort Smith; also captured some horses and cattle. The next day having taken up camp on Cedar Prairie, about nine miles from Fort Smith, he sent a small scout near Fort Smith, west of Poteau, which was heavily shelled (without damage) for several hours with heavy guns. The scout, under Captain Gunter, First Cherok Regiment, reported the enemy crossing boxes, barrels, &c., over t Arkansas River, and troops mounted and drawn upon that side. Gu ter concluded from what he saw that enemy was evacuating. Gener Cooper says he is "not satisfied they are evacuating." I think n The best way to aid in forcing it is to prevent boats running fro Little Rock. In the meantime if the river should ever fall I have given necessa instructions to cut lines of communication north. This movement General Cooper was made to cover a new disposition of the lines p viously ordered. General C. reports the enemy badly alarmed by movements. Cloud is reported back from Clarksville. If this be the river is clear from Fort Smith to Little Rock. General Cooper sa General Watie reports that Major Pickler was killed at Fayetteville few days ago; no particulars. He says he hopes to give somethi more definite by to-morrow of movements about Fort Smith. Very respectfully, general, your obedient servant, Brig. Gen. W. R. BOGGS, S. B. MAXEY, Major-General. Chief of Staff, Trans-Mississippi Dept., Shreveport, GENERAL: If you have any mercy on a friend away from newspape and telegraphs send me some news whenever you get it. I am ve uneasy about Hood. The enemy having got south of Chattahooch Forrest is no longer necessary on Mobile and Ohio Railroad. His tr move is to Stevenson, Ala., from which point he can destroy the tunn twenty-three miles distant, on the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroa and the bridge at Bridgeport, besides numerous bridges on Crow Cree and another between Stevenson and Bridgeport. The tunnel can most effectually destroyed in twenty-four hours. I thoroughly exa ined it once with a view to its destruction when necessary. I have fear of Lee, and am satisfied he can and ought to re-enforce Hood. Yours, truly, MAXEY General BOGGS. ADDENDA. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DISTRICT INDIAN TERRITORY, No. 53. Fort Towson, C. N., July 29, 1864I. In announcing the brilliant victory won by the force composed detachments from Gano's and Walker's brigades and Wells' battali on the 27th instant, while under the command of Brig. Gen. R. M. Gar near Fort Smith, the major-general commanding returns his thanks every officer and man engaged. In brilliancy and dash and complet ness of success it has not been surpassed in this year of brilliant va tories. II. This order will be published to every regiment and battalion an at every post in this district. S. B. MAXEY, Major-General, Commanding. No. 15. Report of Brig. Gen. Douglas H. Cooper, C. S. Army. HDQRS. C. S. FORCES, DIST. OF INDIAN TERRITORY, In the Field, August 10, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of recent operations by the troops under my command in the vicinity of Fort Smith: My scouts having reported to me at James' Creek, near old Choctaw Council House, a body of Federal cavalry (supposed to be Arkansans) encamped near Caldwell's, and other detachments on Massard Prairie, five miles from Fort Smith, on the 26th of July General Gano was directed to have a detachment of 500 men from his brigade ready by 3 p. m. for a scout. Detachments from Second Indian Brigade, under Col. S. N. Folsom, and from Wells' battalion, under Lieutenant-Colonel Wells, were also ordered to be in readiness. Lieut. Col. Jack McCurtain was directed to take post with his Choctaw battalion by sunrise next morning on the Devil's Backbone. Capt. J. Henry Minhart was instructed to report to the senior officer present with the detachments as a guide to conduct the expedition; the whole, except McCurtain's battalion, to rendezvous on Poteau, near Page's Ferry, by dark. The plan, as shown by Special Orders, No. 86 (marked A),* was for Col. S. N. Folsom, commanding detachment from Indian division, to attack the camp of Federals at Caldwell's, on the Jenny Lind road, capture or destroy it if possible, and if pursued by other troops on Massard Prairie or from Fort Smith to retreat by the Fort Towson road over the Devil's Backbone, where McCurtain lay in ambush; the detachment from Gano's brigade to remain concealed near Page's, on Cedar Prairie, until the Federals should pass in pursuit of Folsom, and then attack them in rear, while Folsom and McCurtain should turn upon them at the Backbone. On the arrival of the different detachments at the Poteau General Gano, finding the force from the Indian division much smaller than I had anticipated, and very properly, under the change of circumstances, in accordance with the latter clause of Special Orders, No. 86, determined to go in command of the attacking party, trusting to the assistance of Colonel McCurtain at the Backbone should he be followed by a superior force. The expedition resulted on the morning of the 27th in the complete rout of the Sixth Kansas Cavalry and dispersion of the Arkansas Federals. Enemy's loss supposed to have been about 50 in killed and wounded and 124 prisoners, the destruction of their camp and transportation, the capture of large numbers of small-arms-rifles, revolving pistols, and clothing, &c., in profusion. The enemy came out from Fort Smith and pursued for a short distance. A few followed to the Backbone, but again retired without molesting our forces, who encamped two miles south of the Backbone at James' Fork for the night. The lack of the party in ambush near Page's enabled them to return in safety to Fort Smith. * Not found, This was a brilliant and dashing affair not unworthy of General Gan reputation as one of Morgan's best officers. Considering the proximi of the enemy in large force, the officers and men engaged merit t thanks and applause of the country which has been accorded to the All are reported to me as having behaved well. John B. Turner, acting aide-de-camp on my staff, accompanied t expedition and behaved with his usual gallantry. Col. S. N. Folso commanding Choctaw Brigade, and Lieut. Col. J. W. Wells, commar ing battalion Texas cavalry, to whom Major Mefford and a large nu ber of Federal prisoners surrendered, were conspicuous on this occasi for their bravery. For further particulars of this affair see Gene Gano's report, marked B.* I desire in closing this part of my report to pay a passing tribute the memory of the Rev. Tiok-homma (or Red Pine, a Choctaw, kno among the whites as William Cass), who fell mortally wounded wh leading the advance. This brave warrior and Christian had on eve occasion displayed the highest order of courage. He served as chapl in my old regiment, and continued in the same position through eve trial, and was also distinguished as a warrior in every battle in wh his regiment was engaged until he received his death wound. On the 28th Brigadier-General Watie was directed to send picked men, under dashing officers, across the Arkansas River for purpose of breaking up and burning a camp of Federals engaged cutting hay and pasturing stock on Blackburn's Prairie. It was det mined, also, to make demonstration on Fort Smith, thereby creatin diversion in favor of Watie's scouts; ascertain at the same time, if 1 sible, the strength of the enemy, and to cover the removal of South families from Sebastian County along the line. On the 29th Lieutenant-Colonel McCurtain was directed to hold battalion in readiness at Double Springs to march with General Gand co-operate with his brigade on the day following. Brigadier-G eral Watie, with the effective men of his brigade present, was orde to move up to Scullyville Prairie, and the Choctaw Brigade, under C S. N. Folsom, Wells' battalion, and a section of Howell's battery to same place. General Watie having reported the river too full to crг the detachments under Colonel Bell and Colonel Adair were ordered join General Watie at Scullyville. Major Burnet, with his battalion sharpshooters, the most of the artillery, and the train were orde * Not found. |