force might attack him from the outside, sent to Johnstown for reenforcements, which were promptly sent by Capt. Galen G. Norton, Second Colorado Volunteers, commanding at that station, but the bushwhackers had surrendered before they arrived. About daylight, finding that they could not escape, the leader proposed to surrender on condition that they should be treated as prisoners of war. Barkley told them that if they could prove themselves Confederate soldiers they should be treated as such, but if they were bushwhackers, they must take the consequences, assuring them that they should have a fair trial, whereupon they surrendered and were brought to camp. They were dressed in Federal overcoats and equipped with U. S. arms (Remington revolvers) and accouterments, with a quantity of ammunition. On being brought to camp they were placed under strict guard; food was given them, of which the leader partook almost voraciously; the other fellow, who called himself Ratliff, was sullen and refused to eat. Neither would give any truthful answer to any question asked them.

After they had been allowed to rest for about three hours, and the citizens whom they had robbed had collected and identified an amount of property which Sergeant Barkley had captured in their possession, I called on Captain Norton, Captain Deviny, Lieutenant, Atkinson, Lieutenant Page, and Sergt. John W. Barkley to try their case. The witnesses were duly sworn and identified the men as belonging to the band who had committed a number of outrages during the winter. Jones, the leader, made a shrewd defense until he found himself trapped, when he became bold and said that if the affair was to do over again he would have sent some of the squads to the lower regions before he went there; at any rate, he said that "if he had to die, he had paid for his life nine times." At 10 a. m., 27th, pursuant to the resolutions passed on (see evidence and sentence inclosed), I had them executed. They were allowed to write to their friends (submitting their letters for inspection), and were allowed to send their money and trinkets to their friends also. It was only at the last moment that they made themselves known. The leader proved to be the notorious Benton Gann, of La Fayette County, who has long commanded a marauding band on the border. The other was George Herold, of Cass County, one of Gann's men. They refused to give any useful information; said their trial had been fair and that they were not afraid to die, which boast they made good. They calmly walked to the grave, looked contemptuously on the detail assembled, said they were ready, quietly folded their arms, kneeled down, and met death with a dauntlessness worthy a better cause. The wounded man, who calls himself Jones, and who had received a number of buckshot in his body, I have sent to Clinton to be operated upon by Surgeon Hart. I think he will die. He is one of the most desperate men I have ever seen. He positively refuses to give any information; scowls on those who come near him. He ought to have been executed at once, but humanity revolts at the thought of executing any one so horribly mutilated as he is at present; but, if not ordered to the contrary, I shall execute him if he recovers.

All praise is due Mr. Archibald Colson, Mr. Hibler, and others, who fought the desperadoes until Sergeant Barkley's detachment arrived, and his success was attributed to the gallant conduct of Mr. Colson, who shot down the man Jones, who, being so severely wounded, impeded the flight of his comrades, thus enabling Sergeant Barkley to overtake and capture them. Sergeant Barkley deserves

the highest praise for the gallant manner in which he conducted the affair. Such men are justly entitled to the highest credit, and should be promoted for gallantry. This achievement is one among the many acts of skill and bravery exhibited by Sergeant Barkley since he has been a member of my company. I would respectfully suggest that as testimonials of their bravery Sergeant Barkley and Mr. Colson receive each a revolver from those captured from Gann and party. The highest praise is due the loyal citizens of Deepwater Township for their assistance in ferreting out these lawless bands. Mr. Short, who reported on the marauders on the 26th instant, deserves great credit. The trial of Gann and Herold was informal, but was resorted to to obtain the facts in the case. Please find the evidence inclosed.* I have the honor to remain, yours, respectfully, J. H. LITTLE, Captain Company E, First Cavalry, Missouri State Militia. Colonel McFERRAN,

First Cavalry, Missouri State Militia.

MARCH 27-31, 1864.-Scout from Little Rock to Benton, Ark. Report of Capt. E. H. Vance, Fourth Arkansas Cavalry (Union). LITTLE ROCK, ARK., March 31, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to your orders, I left Little Rock at 3 o'clock on Sunday morning; took the lefthand road 4 miles west of this place, and then took the right about 8 miles, and took breakfast at Mr. Lewis' house, some 12 miles from Little Rock. We then went in by Brown's tannery; half mile west of the latter place we came in sight of two bushwhackers. advance guard made an effort to overhaul them, but failed to get them. One of them was run so close that he dropped his gun, which our boys got. We then went to George Elrod's place, and from there to Benton, at which place we arrived at 1.30 o'clock on Sunday evening. We here learned that Captain Bunner had a brush with some guerrillas. We stopped at Benton for the night. On Monday morning we traveled down on the east side of the Saline River to Steele's Mill, where our advance came in sight of some guerrillas, 200 yards distant. They endeavored to overtake them, but again failed. We then continued down the river for 15 miles, and then turned east and stopped for the night at Alexander Nall's place, a rebel lieutenant. Our picket fired at some one approaching our camp in the night. Two rebels were seen and chased by our boys in the morning.

On my way down I learned from William B. Young and William Sterinan that there was a set of rebel guerrillas stealing cotton in the neighborhood, who were pressing wagons and hauling stolen cotton to Benton, and getting it hauled from there to Little Rock. They pressed Mr. Sweeden's son and Joseph Pretter and Mrs. Finley's team to haul cotton from William Swappord's to Samuel Steele's house, where two bales remain. Mr. Young states that Mr. Sweeden's son informed Young that the cotton was taken from William Swappord, a citizen of Saline County, being 18 miles below Benton, and hauled it to Mrs. Sarah Miller's; this was on the 18th of March. On

*Not found.

the 20th, two days after, Mrs. Olivia McAdo, Mrs. Sue Thompson, Mrs. Jane Elrod, and Miss Bethena Wiley came to Mrs. Miller's and took two bales off, and Mrs. McAdo and Miss Bethena Wiley came to Little Rock with one bale of the cotton; the balance was thrown off in the woods or concealed. On Sunday last Mrs. McAdo, Mrs. Sue Thompson, Miss Bethena Wiley, Miss Fanny Lee, and Mrs. Thomas Glidewell came in with the remainder of the cotton. On learning that these ladies would probably be back on Tuesday night, and thinking that probably the guerrillas would be there to get the news, &c., I returned to Benton and arrested three of the ladies engaged in hauling the cotton, and I was not mistaken; the bushwhackers made a desperate rally to get the captured wagon and their fair friends, but they failed to get either. The goods are now in my possession, and subject to your order. From Benton we returned to Little Rock. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

E. H. VANCE,

Captain, Fourth Arkansas Cavalry, Comdg. Scout.

Brig. Gen. N. KIMBALL.

MARCH 29-APRIL 1, 1864.-Scouts from Bellefonte, Ark. Report of Maj. James A. Melton, Second Arkansas Cavalry (Union). HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARKANSAS CAVALRY, In the Field, April 1, 1864.

GENERAL: I have the honor to report the return to this encampment of Captain O'Brien, of my command, sent on a reconnaissance day before yesterday, with 50 men, as per information sent to you in my communication of that date. Captain O'Brien went down as far as Burrowsville, by Old Lebanon, and crossing Buffalo at the mouth of Central Big Creek, passed on this side of the river and arrived this evening, having on the way reported the result of his reconnaissance to Major Murphy, at Yellville. Captain O'Brien reports the enemy divided, Relliford, with 300 men, at Sylamore; McRae's old command at Richwoods, 500; Love, Sissell, and Cordwell around Old Lebanon with 75 men, poorly armed. Of these 4 were killed by Captain O'Brien's command. I have also to report two scouts, both under Sergeant Tramel, of G Company, of this regiment. First, on the 29th, the sergeant had with him 6 men and ran into a camp of 15 bushwhackers; 4 of these latter were killed, the balance flew. Second, the same sergeant reported to-day from another scout, wherein out of a party of 10 guerrillas he met, 8 were killed, 1 wounded, the other escaped. Tramel had with him 20 men. He captured 3 and killed 2 of the enemy's horses. The arms he captured he gave them on the spot to Union men who were then under his protection. The detachment of this regiment sent to Batesville is now within striking distance, and will report to-morrow. I will await your decision upon this report before I attempt any movement. I feel confident that I can hold the country against all the forces the rebels can muster below here with my six complete companies.

I am, general, &c.,

JAMES A. MELTON,

Major, Commanding Second Arkansas Cavalry.

Brig. Gen. J. B. SANBORN,

Comdg. District of Southwest Missouri.

MARCH 29 and APRIL 4-5, 1864.-Skirmishes at Roseville, Ark.

Reports of Col. William R. Judson, Sixth Kansas Cavalry, commanding District of the Frontier.

FORT SMITH, ARK., April 4, 1864. GENERAL: On the 29th ultimo a party of rebels attacked our forces at Roseville, 45 miles from here. We drove them from the town, not, however, before they had succeeded in burning 133 bales of Government cotton. Another attack was made on the town this morning by a force estimated at between 400 and 500. We lost 2 killed and 8 wounded. The rebels lost 6 killed and 20 wounded. My force at Roseville amounts to about 120 men. I have sent 25 men, all the cavalry with which I can re-enforce them. I will be able to hold the post of Roseville. Additional troops, in my opinion, are necessary to hold this country immediately. W..R. JUDSON,

Colonel, Commanding District of the Frontier.

Brigadier-General KIMBALL,

Little Rock.

HDQRS. DIST. OF THE FRONTIER, DEPT. OF ARKANSAS,

Fort Smith, Ark., April 7, 1864.

GENERAL: There appears to be a movement north. Two hundred Missourians crossed the river 20 miles below here yesterday. At Roseville, 45 miles below, are 300 bales Government cotton. I have some troops protecting it. Guerrillas attacking them daily; have lost 4 men killed and 8 wounded. Enemy's loss 8 killed, 15 wounded. They destroyed 130 bales cotton and 2 gins. I have pressed all citizen teams, and sent all Government teams to move cotton to this place. Your teams shall return without fail; have to go to same place for forage. I shall be obliged to send an additional escort with train. Cannot you spare some troops from your district? W. R. JUDSON, Colonel, Commanding District.

General SANBORN,

Springfield, Mo.

FORT SMITH, April 10, 1864.

GENERAL: Last Sunday 800 rebels, under Colonel Battle, of Gano's division, Texas and Missouri troops, came within 15 miles of Roseville, and divided into two parties. One of 400 attacked Roseville on Monday, where troops were guarding cotton. Loss, 4 men killed and 10 wounded. Rebel loss, 10 killed and 15 wounded; 1 major and 1 lieutenant among the number. Will hold the place. At Clarksville, for the last month, there has been skirmishing. Our loss, 5 killed and 8 wounded. Four hundred rebels, 15 miles from Clarksville, yesterday ordered troops to barricade the roads, take possession of the houses, make loopholes for musketry, and hold the place at all hazards. Have pressed teams to move Government cotton from Roseville to this place. Will use my cavalry with citizen rangers,

and drive the enemy from the country. Have mounted some guns on the fortifications, and have no fears of this place. You will see that re-enforcements are necessary to reoccupy the country south of here, and have appointed a quartermaster, and authorized him to purchase horses and mules. I want your concurrence. I can make out two good teams on Monday. Don't allow General Blunt's commissary, of Kansas Department, to control, as his quartermaster does, or we will be starved out. Have not a team to procure fuel. Colonel Lynde is on the way, at Fort Scott, Kans. This having the garrison used by the Kansas Department is simply a nuisance. Send re-enforcements if you possibly can.

W. R. JUDSON,

Comdg. Frontier District of Arkansas.

General KIMBALL.

HDQRS. DIST. OF THE FRONTIER, DEPT. OF ARKANSAS,

Fort Smith, Ark., April 15, 1864.

SIR: The cotton will soon be out of the way. Your teams will be sent up. I am hard pressed for transportation. The guerrillas and bushwhackers thick. Have not sufficient force to punish them. Expect Colonel Lynde with his regiment. Have you heard anything from him? After the Roseville fight I sent Surgeon Fairchild, with an escort of 25 men, to that point. They were attacked by 200 men. Loss, wounded and prisoners, 12 men and the surgeon; were brutally murdered, stripped, and bodies mutilated. In what direction is your force moving? I will do with pleasure all I can for the doctor.

No. 1.-Brig. Gen. Egbert B. Brown, U. S. Army, commanding District of Central Missouri.

No. 2.-Capt. James B. Moore, First Missouri State Militia Cavalry.

No. 1.

Report of Brig. Gen. Egbert B. Brown, U. S. Army, commanding District of Central Missouri.

HEADQUARTERS CENTRAL DISTRICT OF MISSOURI,

Warrensburg, April 3, 1864.

MAJOR: I have the honor to report that on the 28th [29th] ultimo Captain Moore, First Missouri State Militia, with a small scouting party, followed a trail of a small band of bushwhackers for 5 miles on