posted in the town during the night previous and had left at daylight; also that a small picket had left the town as I occupied it. I found but very few citizens in the streets, and they all women and children, but as soon as they learned that Federals occupied the town what few male citizens there were left commenced crawling out of their holes, and the citizens generally commenced swarming around us, some in tears, some in smiles, and some in rags, and generally appeared much rejoiced at our arrival, and offered us the hospitalities of the town, inviting us to their homes, and acted as if they felt that they could not do too much for us. I immediately posted a strong picket about the town and sent out scouts in different directions, as I had learned that a force of from 500 to 700 Confederates had been in camp only six miles from town that a. m. at daylight, intending if such a force was there, if not too strongly posted, to make them show their hands or else throw up ours. My scouts proceeded in a south and a southeasterly direction a distance of nine miles and found no force except a picket of the end enemy six miles from towń, which the scouts fired upon, killing 1 and wounding 2. I learned that quite a large force of the enemy had been at Dover, a distance of eight miles, but that the pickets had been driven in from Lexington by the Federal troops and reported them in large force there, and more coming, and that the Confederates had got up and skedaddled. I also learned in Lexington (from what I consider pretty reliable authority) that a force from 2,000 to 3,000 strong (said to be Shelby's force, and commanded by General Fagan, C. S. Army) was down the river at Waverly.

The citizens of Lexington have had a reign of terror, both loyal people, McClellan people, and rebels. The enemy have plundered and robbed indiscriminately, taking everything of value that they could carry away, and have left many poor families very destitute. I captured 30 double-barreled shotguns brought by the enemy to Lexington to arm their conscripts with; also 1,000 rounds of ammunition, all of which I destroyed, as I had no transportation to carry them away. I sent a dispatch to Captain Eads, First Missouri State Militia, who I learned was at Richmond, across the river, and who was in command at Lexington with his company and two full companies of citizen guards at the time that it was evacuated, advising him to return, which he did just as my rear guard were leaving town, I being well satisfied that he could hold the place if he chose to. I left the place with my command at about 4 o'clock (being out of rations), the citizens pleading with me to stay, and telling me that they would feed my whole command as long as I chose to or could stay there. I returned eighteen miles by same route on which I went in and went into camp, it being now dark. Just before going into camp my advance ran onto six mounted men, what I supposed to be the enemy's (bush whackers) pickets, and who after getting into the brush some distance discharged two shots, probably signals for the force to which they belonged. It being quite dark, my command and their horses being tired and worn out, I did not think it advisable to pursue them. I here had my telegraph operator tap the wire so that I might communicate with you, but he reported that he could get no circuit and I had to abandon it. Hearing that a force of from 75 to 100 bushwhackers had passed south of us just before we went into camp, I sent Captain Greene with his company (E) and Companies G and L, Second Colorado Cavalry, this a. m. just before daylight to see if he could find their whereabouts, and if so give them a turn. His (Captain Greene's) report*

accompanies this and is marked C; also notice* marked A, published by Captain Bedinger, C. S. Army, at Lexington, October 14, 1864, and orders* marked B, by Capt. George S. Rathbun, same date and army. Most of the recruits enlisted by Captains Rathbun and Bedinger, as well as most of their conscripts, deserted and returned to their homes.

In conclusion, I would remark that too much credit cannot be given to the officers and men under my command for their good behavior and prompt obedience of orders. No complaints whatever came to me of the misconduct of any man of my command. I broke camp at daylight this a. m. and arrived here at 12 m.

J. NELSON SMITH,

Major Second Colorado Cavalry, Commanding.

ROBERT S. ROE,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 4th Brig., 1st Div., Army of the Border.

No. 86.

Report of Maj. Gen. George W. Deitzler, Kansas State Militia.

HEADQUARTERS KANSAS STATE MILITIA,

Topeka, December 15, 1864.

MAJOR: In compliance with general field orders from your headquarters, dated Camp Arkansas, November 8, 1864, I have the honor to report the part taken by the troops under my command in the recent campaign against the rebel army under Major-General Price:

On the 9th day of October, 1864, in pursuance of instructions from His Excellency the Governor of Kansas, I issued orders to the militia to prepare themselves for active service for thirty days, and to concentrate immediately at the points indicated in said order, a copy of which is herewith inclosed. So prompt were the militia in responding to this call, and such was the alacrity and enthusiasm manifested in concentrating at the points indicated, that upon my arrival at Olathe, on the evening of the 12th, I found several regiments already in camp there. On the morning of the 13th, having received verbal instructions from Major-General Curtis to order all troops directed to concentrate at Olathe to move to Shawneetown, I proceeded to that point, formed an encampment, and gave directions to thoroughly arm and equip the troops. During the three succeeding days the First, Second, Third, Fourth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth, Twentieth, and Twenty-first Regiments of the militia arrived in camp at Shawneetown. The regiments of Kansas State Militia, which had been ordered to rendezvous at the city of Atchison, were subsequently directed to proceed to Wyandotte and Kansas City. Orders from your headquarters designating the troops in the field as the Army of the Border, and dividing it into two wings, the right under Major-General Blunt, and assigning me to the command of the left, required several regiments of the militia of Southern Kansas to report to General Blunt, who will doubtless include their action in his report. The fact that the citizen soldiery who responded so promptly to the call of the Governor were compelled to leave their homes and business to the care of the women, the old and decrepit, thereby incurring heavy losses and great inconvenience, caused much anxiety and uneasiness, and a strong desire to end the campaign as soon as possible. This feeling was largely increased by the mystery surrounding the

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movements of the enemy, and the uncertain and conflicting information furnished by the officials belonging to the army of General Rosecrans in search of Price.

The impression became general that the rebel forces had moved south through General Rosecrans lines, and we were puzzled prodigiously to account for or understand how a hostile army of 20,000 men could remain in Boonville and the vicinity foraging wide for some two weeks "pursued by General Sanborn's cavalry with all possible dispatch" without molestation. No satisfactory explanation has yet been given of this singular effort to find Price and to "draw him into a trap." In my judgment it was one of the most extraordinary circumstances in the history of campaigning, and it created so great a distrust among the militia that several became discouraged and returned to their homes. The first development of the rebel army was made by Major-General Blunt, who discovered them at Lexington, Mo., on the 19th of October, and being overpowered by superior numbers was obliged to retreat to Independence. Several days prior to this I had, by direction of MajorGeneral Curtis, sent to Independence two regiments of the Kansas State Militia, the Twelfth and Nineteenth, and on the 19th repaired thither in person. On the morning of the 21st, in obedience to orders, I moved with the Nineteenth Regiment to the Big Blue and began to fortify the several crossings of that stream. At this place I found Colonel Blair in command of the Fifth, Sixth, and Tenth Regiments Kansas State Militia and Captain McLain's Colorado battery. I immediately gave the necessary orders to erect fortifications and place the troops in position, and also ordered Brig. Gen. M. S. Grant, who was left in charge of the troops at Shawneetown, to proceed with two regiments of cavalry and two pieces of artillery to Hickman Mills with instructions to fortify and defend the crossings of the Blue at that point, and to open communication with our forces on his left. The remainder of the cavalry and infantry were ordered from Shawneetown to the crossing of the Big Blue on the Independence road, to which place the troops under General Blunt also retreated during the night of the 21st. The entire Army of the Border was now in position on and along the north side of the Big Blue, occupying every passable crossing of that stream from its mouth to Hickman Mills, a distance of about fifteen miles, and presenting a formidable appearance.

Price's army entered Independence on the 20th [21st], and on the morning of the 21st [22d] his cavalry made demonstrations at several points in front of my position (the left wing), in several instances driving the pickets in under cover of our artillery. About noon, having received reliable information that a heavy column of the enemy was moving against the right of our line, I ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Walker, commanding Sixteenth Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, with two pieces of artillery, to re-enforce that position. Subsequently the Twelfth Kansas State Militia and Captain McLain's battery were also withdrawn from my line to re-enforce the right under General Blunt. The enemy having forced a passage of the Blue at Byram's Ford, about 3 p. m., and my position being threatened from the rear, I quietly withdrew my command in perfect order, and retired to Kansas City in obedience to instructions from Major-General Blunt. Just as the troops commenced moving from our works on the Blue, a detachment of rebel cavalry made a furious dash upon the left center of my line, occupied by the Nineteenth Regiment Kansas State Militia, under Colonel Hogan, who received the charge with the greatest coolness and gallantry, completely routing the enemy, killing 12 and capturing 10, without loss to our side. If my information is correct, Price commenced moving his trains south from Independence about 10 o'clock on the night of the 21st under a strong escort, and on the morning of the 22d he moved with his cavalry and some artillery toward Westport, crossing the Blue at Byram's Ford, with the avowed intention of going into Kansas. He drove Colonel Jennison's command to the edge of the timber, about two miles from Westport, where he (Jennison) was re-enforced by a portion of the militia which had become detached from General Grant's com mand at Hickman Mills. A strong detachment of the enemy moved up the Blue under cover of the timber and attacked General Grant, throwing his command into some confusion, killing 36, wounding 43. taking about 100 prisoners, capturing 1 piece of artillery, and compelling General Grant to retire to Olathe. The loss of the enemy in this engagement is not known, but it must have been considerable..

General Grant speaks in the highest terms of the militia under his command, and expresses the opinion that he could have succeeded in repulsing the enemy had it not been for the disgraceful conduct of Major Laing.

In his report of the affair near Hickman Mills General Grant says: Major Laing, Fifteenth Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, with four squadrons of his regiment, was but a short distance in my rear when the fight commenced. I expected he would support me, and sent him word to do so, but he would not, and did not, although urged to do so by every officer in his command. He withdrew his command from the field, which had the effect of destroying the courage of the men under Colonel Lowe (Twenty-first Kansas State Militia) who also failed to support me. Major Laing is responsible for the most of my loss, and showed cowardice in the face of the enemy.

The enemy having forced General Grant to retire during the night to Olathe, and the commands of Colonels Moonlight and Jennison. with several detachments of militia, to Westport, encamped on the night of the 22d on the south side of Brush Creek, about two miles from Westport, his line extending into Kansas near the Shawnee Mission. On the morning of the 23d I received instructions from the commanding general to remain in Kansas City, and to place the artillery and infantry in proper position in the intrenchments and to hurry to the front all the mounted men. About 9 a. m. I directed BrigadierGeneral Sherry, Kansas State Militia, to assume command of the works in Kansas City, and proceeded to Westport. There had been severe fighting all morning in the vicinity of Westport, and some brilliant charges by the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Regiments Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, which were resisted with great stubbornness, and resulted in heavy loss to the enemy, but no ground was gained by our side. The enemy's left in attempting to advance into Kansas had been successfully turned and driven back by the brigades under the gallant Colonels Moonlight and Jennison, who occupied a position near the Shawnee Mission. When I arrived at the front the firing had ceased and I found our forces formed on the bluff on the north side of Brush Creek, the left resting on the road leading from Westport to Hickman Mills, and the enemy on the south side of said creek, beyond the woods. The Kansas militia were dismounted and the horses sent to the rear, and as soon as the formation was completed our forces were ordered by Major-General Curtis to advance, with General Blunt on the left and myself on the right.

The personal presence of Major-General Curtis inspired the men with confidence, and the whole command moved forward in perfect order through the dense underbrush, and as they emerged from the woods on the south side of Brush Creek they encountered the enemy in strong force, and, after a severe struggle, in which our troops showed the greatest bravery, drove him from his chosen position. Taking advantage of the confusion which occurred in the enemy's ranks at this time, our victorious forces advanced rapidly into the open field, firing volley after volley into the flying rebels, killing and wounding large numbers, who were left in our hands. Both armies were now in full view of each other on the open prairie, presenting one of the most magnificent spectacles in nature. The enemy made several attempts to stand, but such was the dashing bravery of our troops that they never succeeded in rallying and forming their men to offer any considerable resistance. A running fight was then kept up for about four miles, the enemy, slowly retreating in a southerly direction, parallel with and about a mile from the State line, in Missouri, when General Rosecrans' advance, under Major-General Pleasonton, made its appearance some distance from the right of the enemy, and opened upon them with artillery. At this point the retreat became a perfect rout, and the enemy, running in great confusion southward, were soon out of sight. Their course was indicated by dense volumes of smoke from burning prairie hay, grain stacks, &c. I accompanied the pursuit a short distance beyond the Blue, where we were joined by Major-General Pleasonton and staff. After consultation with that officer it was decided that the U. S. forces under Generals Curtis and Pleasonton were sufficient to follow the rebel horde and to drive them beyond the States of Missouri and Kansas, whereupon I requested and obtained permission from the general commanding to order the militia to their several counties, except the Fifth, Sixth, and Tenth Regiments, all from Southern Kansas, who continued with the pursuit to Fort Scott, from whence they were sent to their homes.

Not having received complete reports from the several brigade commanders I am not, at this time, prepared to make accurate statements respecting the number of militia in the field, of men killed, wounded, and taken prisoners, nor of particular acts of gallantry and daring of members of the militia which deserve honorable mention. In my report to the Governor of Kansas I will endeavor to do full justice to all. Suffice it to say here, that our casualties were comparatively slight, and that the conduct of both officers and men were highly satisfactory, геflecting great credit and honor upon themselves and the State, and entitling them to the thanks of the whole country.

I cannot close my report without expressing, in behalf of the people of Kansas, my grateful acknowledgments for the distinguished services rendered in the campaign against Price's plundering and murdering army by that noble patriot and gallant chieftain, Maj. Gen. S. R. Curtis. Always at his post, and ever watchful of the interests intrusted to his care, he saw the threatened danger even before the invaders appeared at Pilot Knob, and was the first to sound the tocsin of alarm. With characteristic energy he made every possible preparation to meet the enemy, and entered the field in person at an early day, where he remained, scarcely leaving his saddle, until he saw the rebel horde driven beyond the limits of the department, and only gave up the chase when both his men and animals were completely exhausted. Turning a deaf ear to the schemes of politicians and office-seekers who followed the army, he manifested a singleness of purpose and a devotion to duty rarely witnessed. To the knowledge and ripe experience in military affairs, the vigilance and energy of Major-General Curtis, and his kind co-operation in furnishing arms, ammunition, and the necessary sup