opposite bank of which the rebels were posted, their batteries upon our front and right. The enemy opened upon us with solid shot, doing no damage. Our line then advanced steadily through a dead briar thicket until within 20 feet of the bayou, when we opened our fire in volley by battalions. The enemy replied, their balls passing over our heads. We continued our fire until the enemy broke and fled, leaving us masters of the field. The depth of the water in the bayou prevented our charging their batteries. No casualties. Your most obedient servant, WARREN C. JONES, Capt., Comdg. Fourteenth Iowa Vol. Infantry. Col. JAMES I. GILBERT, Commanding Second Brigade. No. 11. Report of Maj. George W. Howard, Twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry. HDQRS. TWENTY-SEVENTH REGT. IOWA VOL. INFY., Steamer Diadem, June 7, 1864. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report the part my command took at the battle of Ditch Bayou, June 6, 1864: About 2 miles in the rear of Ditch Bayou, Colonel Gilbert was ordered by Colonel Shaw to take command of the brigade, of which my regiment formed a part, and I assumed command of the regiment. After advancing about a mile my regiment was ordered into line of battle. Our position was at the left of our brigade, which was at the left of and at right angles with the Lake Village road. We were then ordered to advance in line of battle. When within about 20 rods of the bayou we were ordered to march by the left flank into a field some 40 rods to our left. General Mower then directed me to deploy two companies of my regiment as skirmishers to find, if possible, a ford across the bayou. I ordered Companies A and B to comply with the order. My regiment was soon ordered to the bayou. In a short time I was ordered to march by the right flank and joined our brigade at the bridge crossing the bayou. Companies A and B joined us here. They were unsuccessful in finding a ford. The fire of the enemy was very light on the left of our position, and I have no casualties to report. Very respectfully, GEO. W. HOWARD, Major, Commanding Twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry. Lieut. W. G. DONNAN, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 12. Report of Lieut. Col. Gustavus A. Eberhart, Thirty-second Iowa Infantry. HDQRS. THIRTY-SECOND REGT. IOWA INFANTRY, Steamer White Cloud, June 8, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that while the First and Third Divisions were on the march on the 6th instant, the advance of the column having met and engaged the enemy, orders were received to move the Second Brigade forward to support the advance brigades. Moving up within 300 yards of the first line, we were ordered to form in line of battle. This was done, the right of my regiment forming across the road and resting on the lake. As soon as formed we moved forward with the brigade until we came upon the line we were to have supported. We were then ordered to move by the left flank. While executing this movement we lost 1 man killed and 1 wounded from the fire of the enemy. When clear from the other brigade we moved forward in line to the bayou and opened on the enemy and drove him after an action of fifteen minutes. While engaged, the regiment lost 3 killed and 3 wounded, making our total loss 4 killed and 4 wounded, 1 missing. Officers and men conducted themselves in a creditable manner, they supposing that our forward movement was to charge the enemy's battery, not knowing that the bayou was in our front until we came on it. The march was continued from this point without again seeing the enemy. I am, sir, very respectfully, yours, G. A. EBERHART, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Regiment. Lieut. W. G. DONNAN, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 13. Report of Maj. Robert W. Fyan, Twenty-fourth Missouri Infantry. HDQRS. TWENTY-FOURTH MISSOURI VOL. INFANTRY, On board Shenango, June 7, 1864. In obedience to orders received from brigade headquarters, this date, I make the following report of the part taken by the Twentyfourth Missouri Volunteers in the recent engagement at Grand Lake, Ark., on the 6th instant: On the evening of the 5th, the regiment disembarked as ordered, and commenced march with the brigade and division on the morning of the 6th. Some 8 miles from the river and at Grand Lake we received orders from Colonel Gilbert, commanding brigade, to advance and take position in line of battle on the left of the Fourteenth Iowa, which order was obeyed, one or two cannon-shot falling in the ranks of the regiment as it moved into position-the left center of the brigade. Brigade being formed in line of battle, we moved on the enemy, who were posted across a bayou, and in so doing were under a heavy musketry fire from the enemy. Reaching the fence on the edge of the bayou we poured one volley into the enemy, who fell back, except a few who were posted behind fallen timber. Between these sharpshooters and the regiment a desultory fire was kept up for some minutes, until the former withdrew. We remained in our position on the bayou until we received orders from brigade commander to move by the right flank with brigade and take up line of march. I am happy to state that no casualties occurred in the regiment, owing, I think, to our getting the first fire on the enemy. All the officers and men bore themselves gallantly. I am, lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. W. FYAN, Major, Comdg. Twenty-fourth Missouri Vol. Infantry. Lieutenant DONNAN, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 14. Report of Col. Colton Greene, Third Missouri Cavalry (Confederate), commanding Marmaduke's brigade, including skirmishes June 5 and 7 at Worthington's and Sunnyside Landings. HEADQUARTERS MARMADUKE'S BRIGADE, In the Field, June 9, 1864. MAJOR: In my No. 32, recording the operations of this brigade on the Mississippi, I reported that on the 3d and 4th instant no boats appeared on that river. On the morning of the 5th, my scouts brought me intelligence that twelve transports and gun-boats were coming Then a fleet, numbering in all twenty-seven boats, seven of which were iron-clads and gun-boats, had made its appearance. They were watched and found to pass Sunnyside, when late in the afternoon the marine fleet, with the marine cavalry brigade and the Second Wisconsin Cavalry, dropped down and debarked its troops at Worthington's lower landing. This force advanced about sunset and drove in my pickets, which were re-enforced by a detachment under Major Porter, when the enemy retired to his boats. My train was sent to the rear across Ditch Bayou and dispositions made for battle. At sunrise of the 6th, Burbridge's regiment was sent forward under command of Col. John Q. Burbridge to feel the enemy. He was found formed at Worthington's lake plantation in strong cavalry force, and skirmishing at once began. Roberts' and Hulett's companies were dismounted and advanced, and learning the whole fleet had landed, Kitchen's regiment, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Ellison, was deployed as mounted skirmishers to the right of Burbridge, the whole of which regiment was dismounted and deployed, its left resting on the lake. A detachment of Greene's and Jeffers' regiments was sent to the extreme right to reconnoiter and observe. My line of skirmishers extended from the lake through Johnson's plantation to the timber, presenting a front of three-quarters of a mile. All of my guns excepting one rifle of Hughey's battery (a section of which had reported to me) were sent across Ditch Bayou. My position was a peculiar one, and it behooved me to look as much to my rear and right as to my front. There were but two outlets from itone by Beasley's, west, the other by Lake Village-both of which it was easy for the enemy to occupy. I therefore sent a strong force under Major Bennett, with Harris' battery, at Lake Village, to hold the enemy in check should he advance from Columbia; placed a detachment at Beasley's, on Bayou Mason, to hold the bridge, and guarded myself by pickets at every exposed point. These dispositions were made during the night of the 5th. The enemy's infantry debouched from the timber at the foot of Old River Lake and at once deployed to my right. The skirmishing was general along the whole line. Burbridge and Ellison fell back slowly before the increasing force, halting often and checking the advance. My main line, consisting of Greene's and Jeffers', reduced by heavy details, was formed in the grove which skirted my camp (Red Leaf), while Lawther's regiment supported the artillery sent 2 miles to the rear at Ditch Bayou. I determined to skirmish with the enemy to this bayou and there make a stand. The enemy was discovered to be in large force. Major-General Smith commanded, and parts of the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Army Corps, numbering some 8,000 infantry, with 700 cavalry and twelve cannon, were in my front. My force did not exceed 600 men and six cannon. My skirmishers behaved with admirable coolness; made a stand at Red Leaf, where I used one gun. This brought the timid enemy to a halt, and taking advantage of it I retired my line and artillery a quarter of a mile. From this point I retired skirmishing and withdrew my force to the north side of Ditch Bayou-a deep cut 3 miles in length and running from Old River Lake to Bayou Mason. Here four guns of Pratt's battery were placed next to the lake and covering the bridge, supported by Greene's regiment, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, and then Lawther's regiment, supporting Hughey's section, Lieutenant Cortright commanding. Jeffers' regiment formed the extreme right. Burbridge and Ellison were held in reserve. The enemy advanced to within 700 yards, his line extending over a mile, supported by a column of infantry moving up the levee road on the lake, when we opened with artillery. The effect was visible. His line and column were thrown into confusion. The firing now became general along the line and continued for an hour, when the enemy massed and attempted to turn my right. Kitchen's regiment was sent to its support and the artillery ordered to fire by the right oblique with canister. The enemy gave way, but again renewed the fight with determination. Thus was the action continued until 2.30 o'clock, against odds of seven to one. My ammunition was exhausted, my rear not secure, and I determined to withdraw. Jeffers' and Kitchen's regiments and Pratt's battery were retired, then Lawther's, then Cortright's section. Burbridge's regiment was now advanced and covered the retiring troops. After engaging the enemy for half an hour Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell was likewise withdrawn. I now mounted Lawther's regiment, behind which Burbridge retired. Everything moved off slowly and in good order. Colonel Lawther brought up the rear, skirmishing. I moved to Parker's, on Bayou Mason, 3 miles west of Lake Village, at which place the enemy made his bivouac. At 9 o'clock of the 7th, my scouts reported the enemy moving around the lake toward the river, and I at once sent Lawther in pursuit. He harassed him to his boats. My loss was light considering the heavy force we engaged-1 officer and 3 men killed, 7 officers and 26 men wounded; total, 4 killed and 33 wounded. There were 11 horses killed and 21 wounded. From prisoners captured I learn that the enemy's loss exceeded 250 in killed and wounded. Eight of the enemy were captured by my scouts. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Maj. H. EWING, Assistant Adjutant-General. COLTON GREENE, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. JUNE 6, 1864.-Skirmish at Bealer's Ferry, on Little Red River, Ark. Report of Col. Washington F. Geiger, Eighth Missouri Cavalry. DEVALL'S BLUFF, June 8, 1864. CAPTAIN: In compliance with General Orders, No. 14, headquarters District of Little Rock, I have the honor to report that the Eighth Missouri Cavalry arrived here from Little Red River last night, being relieved by battalion Ninth Iowa Cavalry. On the evening of the 6th instant a detachment of 25 men of the Eighth Missouri Cavalry had a skirmish with a party of 40 of Shelby's cavalry, at Bealer's Ferry, on Little Red River. Our loss, 1 man killed, 2 wounded. Enemy's loss, 1 killed, 1 lieutenant and 4 men taken prisoners. Enemy routed, pursuing them 4 miles. Shelby's forces reported between Batesville and Jacksonport. No troops have arrived or left the post to-day. No news of importance. Capt. C. H. DYER, Assistant Adjutant-General. W. F. GEIGER, Colonel, Commanding Post. JUNE 7, 1864.-Affair at Sikeston, Mo. Reports of Col. John B. Rogers, Second Missouri State Militia Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS SUB-DISTRICT, Cape Girardeau, Mo., June 8, 1864. Our men came upon 6 guerrillas at Sikeston about sunset last night, and succeeded in killing the notorious guerrilla Wright. The others escaped, but some of them were wounded, and there was blood on the trail. They took 1 prisoner; he was too drunk to kill. A large party were heard from below, and my men are after them. J. B. ROGERS, Brigadier-General EWING. Colonel. CAPE GIRARDEAU, June 8, 1864. I have just received the following, dated 12 o'clock to-day: Captain EWING: I am en route to Sikeston [after] the rebel bushwhackers. A party of soldiers last evening killed and wounded 11. Send some men to watch the crossing as I run them. J. A. RICE, The line is again cut below here and New Madrid. I do not believe it can be kept up just now. EWING. I will send 100 men down to help Ewing in the morning, and will send 50 in below from Bloomfield. General EWING. J. B. ROGERS, Colonel. HEADQUARTERS SUB-DISTRICT, GENERAL: Lieutenant Rice, who was in command of the affair last evening at Sikeston, has arrived; he reports that he killed 3 guerrillas instead of 1, as before reported. The man Wright was taken |