Scouts in Jackson County  

General:  I have the honor to state that Lieutenant Counch and the troops that went to his assistance have retuned.  Lieutenant Couch reports that he pursued the rebels until 10 o'clock at night of the 16th, and searched all day of the 17th for them.  They scattered during the night of the 16th and could not be found on the 17th.  it is reported by lieutenant Counch that Blunt's band numbers about 50 men, and that it is rumored there us another band under Todd in the vicinity of Round Prairie, Jackson county, number unknown.  some of our men from Lexington, under lieutenant Kessinger, found a camp near Pink Hill, in Jackson County, on the 15th; the campfires were burning, but the rebels could not be found.  The camp discovered by Lieutenant Couch was in Jackson County, about 3 miles west of the La Fayette County line, nearly west of Chapel Hill.  There are no indications of red legs on the western boundary of this sub-district as yet.  James McFerran, Colonel First Cav., Mo. State Militia, Comdg. Regiment (WR XLVI: 85)

General:  I have the honor to enclose herewith a copy of Lieut. Col. B. F. Lazears report in relation to the condition of affairs on the western boundary of la Fayette County.  I have also received a communication from lieutenant Couch, at Chapel Hill, to the effect that small bands of bushwhackers infest the country west of Chapel hill, in Jackson County.  his command fired upon a party of 3 and captured 3 horses a few days since; the men escaped.  

As directed in your favor of the 28th ultimo, I have enjoined upon all my command prompt and energetic action for the protection of the lives and property of the citizens.  I have no information of incursions of Kansas men since Ridgeway's raid, and arrangements have been made that, it is hoped, will prevent such incursions hereafter.  James McFerran Colonel First Cavalry, M S. M., Commanding (WR XLVI: 214)

Operations about Warrensburg  

Major: I have the honor to report that a scout of 19 men, under command of Captain Burris, First Missouri State Militia Cavalry, waylaid a small party of guerrillas, part of Blunt's band, that I reported on the 23d, and mortally wounded 2 of them; the balance escaped into the Sni Hills.  E. B. Brown Brigadier-General Volunteers, Commanding (WR XLVI: 151)

LaFayette County

General: I have the honor to State that your communication, through Captain Steger, has been received in relation to Waverly and major Mullins' command.  Major Mullins is assigned to the duty of scouting the eastern half of la Fayette County, and i have no such intention as that of abandoning the whole, or indeed any part, of the eastern portion of la Fayette.

I thought the troops could scout the country more efficiently under the command of one officer, and in the field, than they could from the stations divided; and to thoroughly scout the brush and rid the country of bushwhackers, i deemed it best to have three companies in the field, except such as were left to guard the post at Lexington.  Captain Burris, with three companies, is assigned the duty of scouting the western half of LaFayette and protecting the towns of Wellington and Chapel hill.  major Mullins had no orders to go into the western portion of la Fayette with the three companies under his command, and i supposed his force in the eastern half of la Fayette would give sufficient protection to Waverly and vicinity.  Since receiving your communication, however, i have ordered 40 men of company a, First Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, to return to Waverly and scout the country in that vicinity until further orders.  James McFerran, Colonel, Commanding, (WR XLVI: 569)

Scout from Lexington  

Colonel: I have the honor to report that at 9 p. m. of the 18th instant, I received the following telegram:

Headquarters Central District Missouri, Warrensburg, March 18, 1864.  Maj. A. W. Mullins:  General Rosecrans telegraphs that there are apprehensions of an outbreak in Jackson County to occur about the 20th, and that recruits from Platte County will join it.  You will move immediately and concentrate in Jackson west of Greenton Valley, leaving guards at the post you now occupy.  I will order part of Captain Eads' company to co-operate with you.  Inform the commanders in eastern part of Jackson County of your movements and act in concert with them.  E. B Brown, Brigadier-General.

In obedience to this order, I marched on the 19th instant, with detachments of companies G and H, to the western part of la Fayette County, immediately west of Greenton Valley, and there joined Captain Burris' command, consisting of detachments of companies C, F, and I, First Cavalry, Missouri State Militia.  On the 20th, with this command we scouted the country west of Bone Hill and north of the Lexington and Independence road.  During the day Captain Burris came upon 2 bushwhackers at their camp, in the midst of an extensive and dense thicket.  The captain fired two shots at one of them at a distance of about 40 yards, but both succeeded in making their escape, leaving behind them 2 horses, 3 overcoats, a lot of blankets, quilts, and a quantity of camp equipage and provisions, which fell into Captain Burris' hands.  Captain Burris thinks his first shot wounded the bushwhacker he fired at, but did not disable him.  On the 21st, Captain Burris with his command scouted the country west and northwest of Pink Hill; I, with detachments of Companies G and H, scouted the Sni Creek country above Pink Hill and to within 6 miles of Lone Jack.  On the 22d, I separated from Captain Burris' command and scouted the east branch of Sni Creek, west of Hopewell, and returned to Lexington at 8 p. m.  I found it was impracticable to encamp beyond the la Fayette County line in Jackson, for want of forage, and consequently encamped in la Fayette, but near the line.  we found quite a number of bushwhackers' old camps, but i saw no indications of there being at present any considerable number of them in that part of the country.  One Beall Jeans, formerly a colonel in the Confederate service, is said to be chief among the bushwhackers in Jackson County.  I was informed by a man named James McFarland, who resides west of Bone Hill, in Jackson County, that jeans has been in that vicinity during the past winter, and that he is recruiting for the rebel army.  Alex. W. Mullins, Major, First Cavalry, Missouri State Militia (WR XLVI: 650)

Greenton Scout

Colonel: I have the honor to report to you that on last Saturday morning, about 6 a. m., I left my company headquarters with what available force I had, numbering 25 (being all I had in camp but a small guard, in accordance with Special Orders, No. 64, dated headquarters Third Sub-District, Warrensburg, Mo., March 18, 1864), and arrived in greenton about 10 a.m., and after remaining at the town a short time we scouted the country generally, and up to 4 p.m., I had not been able to hear anything from Jajor Mullins; after which I moved my command into Texas Prairie, and scouted that most thoroughly, and still could learn nothing of Major Mullins.  

I proceeded west to near the Jackson County line, and camped for the night in 1 1/2 miles of the bridge on the Big Sni, about 7 miles from napoleon, in Jackson county, Mo.  On Sunday morning I scouted the Texas Prairie, and returned to Greenton Valley and made diligent inquiry for the major and could not hear or learn anything of his whereabouts.

I traversed the entire length, or nearly so, of the Greenton Valley, and likewise of Texas Prairie.  i found no friends and no rebels in arms, and i did not know what to do, only to return to camp and await further orders, as i had hunted diligently two days for the officer to whom I was to report for duty and was unable to find him or his command. James D. Eads, Capt. Co. M, First Cavalry, Missouri State Mil.

Colonel: I have the honor to report that I have had out fourteen scouts and one escort to Warrensburg, with wagons for rations, since my last report on the 10th instant.  We have scouted over the north part of Johnson County, Greenton Valley, and Texas Prairie, in La Fayette County, and traveled in the aggregate 3,235 miles making it equal to about 42 miles per day for the whole company.  I find several old camps where bushwhackers have been, and some late camps signs, but all of them are small, not more than from 3 to 7 at any one place.  We judge the number by the way they feed their horses and the signs they make.

I do not think there is any large body of bushwhackers in this part of the country, but I feel very confident that there are several small squads which pass through frequently and perhaps stop a short time in the brush on Black Water.  We have not been close enough to any bushwhackers to fire upon them, nor do we know certainly that the men have seen any since they have seen stationed here.  The country over which we travel is very quiet at this time and the people all appear to be preparing to go to work with a view of raising a crop.  We have been able to procure full rations of corn and hay for our horses up to this time.  James D. Eads, Capt. Co. M, First Cavalry, Missouri State Mil.  (WR XLVI: 683-4)

Scouts in Jackson and Lafayette Counties and skirmishes 

 Sir:  Captain Burris and 47 men started on scout the 20th; wounded Colonel jeans, captured 2 horses and some blankets, broke up one guerrilla camp, all in Jackson County; returned same day; traveled 25 miles.  Captain Burris and 52 started on scout the 21st; returned same day; traveled 35 miles.  march 26, started out two scouts; one, under command of Captain Burris, of 33 men, returned the 27th; traveled 40 miles; one, under command of Sergeant McClanahan, Company C, of 14 men, captured 1 horse, killed 1 horse, captured 4 revolvers, 3 shotguns, and 1 carbine, all in Jackson County; returned 27th; traveled 40 miles.  March 29, started out two scouts.  One of 20 men, under command of Captain Moore, killed 1 guerrilla (supposed to be Bledsoe), captured 1 horse and 2 revolvers in la Fayette County; returned 30th; traveled 50 miles.  One, under command of Captain Jackson, of 27 men, returned the 30th; traveled 50 miles.  aggregate number of miles traveled by the different scouts, 240 miles.  Scouting done on horseback and by dismounting one half the men and sending them through the brush where too thick to ride.  Milton Burris, Capt. Co. I, First Cav., Mo. State Mil. condg. Detach.  (WR XLVI: 651-2)

Deep Water Township 

Affair near Greenton

Major:  I have the honor to report that on the 28th [29th] ultimo Captain Moore, First Missouri State Militia [Cav], with a small scouting party, followed a trail of a small band of bushwhackers for 5 miles on foot; near Greenton came up with and attacked them, killing James H. Waller and wounding one other of the band.  Waller was one of Blunt's men; was present when he attempted to rescue the prisoner, Otho Hinton, at Lexington on the night of the 22d February, and participated in the murder of Mckabee and Sanders at the residence of Arthur G. Young the same night.

This makes the tenth of Blunt's band of 20 that was in la Fayette County about that time that have been killed by scouting parties from colonel McFerran's regiment, the First Missouri State Militia [Cavalry], in six weeks.  The energy with which the troops of this command are scouting the country is unequaled by any that I have heretofore had the honor to command.  The results are small, though important to the country. E, B. Brown, Brigadier-General of Volunteers, Commanding (WR XLVI: 861-2)

Honey Creek

Colonel: Enclosed find reports from companies K and E, which speak for themselves. Lieutenant Goodbrake has just returned.  The excitement at Huntingdale was occasioned by a party from Springfield looking up forage.  he tracked them up, so the alarm was causeless.  Do you not think parties of the kind coming into our district should be required to report? Had the people of Honey Creek been armed, they might have fared badly.  men should not travel about of nights without making themselves known.  These men came in at night, and the first seen of them was the trail.  We are all on foot again.  i will send my muster rolls as soon as all the officers sign the oath.  old Father Marvin is absent, and was elected first lieutenant.

I am very anxious that the Honey Creek company may be armed.  Henry Neill, Major First Cavalry, Missouri State Militia.

Maj. Henry Neill: Sir: Yours of 5th instant was received in due time.  Please to learn that the provost-marshal is on hand.  All perfectly quiet in and about our station.  Ben F. Johnson, Lieutenant, Commanding Station, Hdqrs. Co K, 1st Cav. Regt., Mo. State Militia.  P.S. Paper scarce, major.

Troops stationed at Germantown, Mo., April 6, 1864: Company E, First Missouri State Militia Cavalry: Available force present for duty, enlisted men, 30; commissioned officers, 2; aggregate, 32.  company E, First Missouri State Militia Cavalry: Twenty men, under command Sergt. Henry Hutel, stationed in northwest corner Henry County, Mo; 11 men, enlisted, sent by my order to Warrensburg for rations.  all quiet here.  J. H. Little, Capt., Co. E, First Cav., Mo. State Militia, Comdg. Station.  (WR XLVI: 65-66)

Scouts from Hall's Mill, Mound Prairie

Colonel: I have to report that since my last report, of March 31, the troops at this post have made no scouts, being only a sufficient force for guard and escort duty.  Company G has traveled a distance of 150 miles, or 1 3/4 miles each, on escort duty.  company H has traveled a distance of 160 miles, or about 1 3/4 miles each, on escort duty.  The troops at Mound Prairie Church have done some scouting in that vicintity, but can find no trace of bushwhackers.  The troops at Republican Church killed a man by the name of Fear, said to belong to Gann's band of bushwhackers.  Alex. W. Mullins, Major First Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, Commanding

Colonel: I have the honor to report to you that the men under my command have been on nine scouts within the last ten days, and have traveled in the agrregate 1,440 miles, being equal to 17 30/77 miles' travel to each man.  We find the country all quiet and the people generally at work with all their force preparing for their spring crops.  We have neither seen nor heard of any bushwhackers or other persons in the country in arms against the government, but on the contrary find the people generally well disposed toward the Government and desirous to submit to all military orders.  We have been able to get full rations for our horses.  James D. Eads, Capt. Company M, First Cav., Missouri State Militia (WR XLVI: 120)

Pleasonton takes command

General Orders No. 59.  Hdqrs. Dept. of the Missouri, Saint Louis, Mo., April 14, 1864.  Maj. Gen. Alfred Pleasonton, U. S. Volunteers, having reported at these headquarters for duty, in compliance with instructions from the War Department, he is hereby assigned to duty as second in command of the department, the assignment to date for the 2d instant.  major-General Pleasonton will establish his headquarters in the city of Saint Louis.  By command of Major-General Rosecrans: O. D. Greene, Assistant Adjutant-General (WR XLVI: 154)

Offett's Knob 

Major: I have the honor to report, for the information of the major-general commanding, that at 4 a.m. to-day 1 received information that a party of about 80 rebels crossed Grand River, near Dayton, Cass county, at 3 p.m. yesterday, and were moving toward Rose Hill; at 10 a.m. that they had passed near Holden, and 2.30 p.m. had crossed Black Water river, south of Chapel Hill, and had met Lieutenant Couch, First Missouri State Militia, with 3 soldiers, in a hack, and murdered them when on the way to this place, when about 5 miles this side of Chapel Hill. . .My troops are alive to the necessity of making short work of these fellows, and they will do it if possible.  E. B. Brown Brigadier-General of Volunteers, Commanding.

Skirmishes in Johnson County 

Warrensburg, April 30, 1864.  The first Missouri State Militia skirmished with the guerrillas Thursday afternoon; drove them onto the Second Colorado, who had a warm chase all day yesterday.  We had 1 man killed, 1 wounded.  Several guerrillas fell.  The band is broken and scattered.  E. B. Brown Brigadier-General of volunteers, Commanding

Captain: I have the honor to state that First lieut. James E. Couch, Company C, First Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, and Francis N. Kelly, bugler, and Joseph T. Mason, private, Company C, First Cavalry, Missouri State militia, were killed by Quantrill's guerrillas in Johnson County, Mo., on the 28th ultimo, and Jacob Spake, private in same company, was dangerously wounded.  These guerillas had just arrived from the south, and took Lieutenant Couch and his party by surprise.  The band is supposed to number from 80 to 100 men, well mounted, armed, and equipped, and are reported to be in Federal uniform.  Afterward, detachments of Companies D and M, First Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, attached the guerrillas, and after several sharp skirmishes dispersed them in small parties. . . James McFerran, Colonel First Cav., Missouri State Militia, Comdg. (WR XLVI: 902-3)

May Orders

Col. James McFerran, Warrensburg, Mo.:  Do not have less than three companies of your regiment at Warrensburg; two west of there.  Hold the balance, except the three companies in Henry and Saint Clair counties, in western part of la Fayette County and Lexington, all in position to concentrate rapidly, if necessary.  By order of Brigadier-General Brown; J. H. Steger, Assistant Adjutant-General. (WR XLVI: 35).

Scout from Warrensburg 

General:  I have the honor to state that I have been absent from this station since the morning of the 23d instant; that at about daylight that morning I received information that about 20 guerrillas, at 5 p. m. the day before, 4 miles northeast of Chilhowee, had attacked Solathel Stone, orderly sergeant, and 5 men, one of them Judge King, of Capt. W. H. Thompson's company of citizen guards, and killed Judge King and captured the sergeant and 3 of his men; 1 escaped.  The party were scouting at the time.  The guerrillas got the arms of the captured men.  I also learned by other messengers about the same time that another party of 15 were seen the night before near the line of the railroad east of Holden.  I also received a communication about the same time from lieutenant Hardesty, at Germantown, on Saturday night, 21st instant, that 100 guerrillas had crossed the Osage at Taberville, coming north; Lieutenant Goodbrake, commanding Clinton, indorsed this communication, that he had reliable information that the number was much larger than stated by Lieutenant Hardesty.  I immediately started for Holden with 47 men, and on the way learned from a woman that 30 guerrillas had taken her husband's horse the night before about 6 miles east of Holden and north of the road, and that they went north.  we reached Holden at 12 m., and not being able to hear of any guerrillas south of that point, I sent Captain Wyckoff with 27 men of his company to scout the Black Water timber, and after having done so to return to Warrensburg.  I retained 10 men of company A with me.  Upon inspection of Company M, i found but 12 men for duty at Holden.  I went to Kingsville the same evening, where I found 20 men of same company, which I inspected and returned to Holden.  

Captain Eads informed me that he had sent his two teams to the vicinity of Hopewell, La Fayette County, Mo., for forage under an escort of 20 men, and that they would return next day.  At dark a messenger came to Holden from Captain Taggart with the information that Quantrill with 200 men was about 6 miles south of Holden marching in that direction.  I immediately sent messengers to Kingsville for the men at that place to join me, with the 22 men marched for Hopewell, taking the railroad; transportation and company property with me.  About 8 miles from Holden we were joined by the 20 men from Kingsville and 15 citizen guards of Captain Jones' company.  We reached Hopewell about daylight.  I immediately sent messengers to Captain Burris to join me, which he did at 10 a.m. with about 65 men, and we marched immediately for Holden, where we arrived at about 4 p. m.  Upon communicating again with Captain Taggart we learned that the guerrillas had left his neighborhood the night before and gone north, but was unable to learn their course.  We remained at Holden last night and this morning i sent Captain Burris with his command to scout the country between Lone jack and Chapel Hill, on his return to his camp on Walton's farm, in Texas prairie, and I came to this place.  I learn since arriving here that Captain Wycoff returned to this place on  last evening, finding no trace of guerrillas on Black Water.  As you directed a company to be sent to Kingsville Captain Wyckoff marched for that point last night and is now at that point.  Company M is at Holden.  

The descent of the guerrillas upon Captain Taggart's neighborhood was sudden, and in suck force that he was unable to get his company together, each in small force that he was unable to get his company together, each man saving himself by hiding in the brush.  At Hopewell I sent messengers to Captain Eads' forage train, and they came into Holden immediately after we arrived there.  I cannot say for a certainty how many guerrillas were in the vicinity of Holden, but am satisfied that there were more than 100, from reported counts by different persons.  The instructions forwarded in relation to the scout beginning on the 27th have been sent to Major Mullins and Captain Burris, in the western part of La Fayette County.

In order to complete my monthly inspection it will be necessary to visit Companies B, E, and K in Henry.  I expect to start there in a day or two.  There should be another company of troops here, and I am inclined to bring company E, leaving Companies B and k in the field in the western part of Henry.  I think this company can better be spared than any other from present locations.  a company from some other regiment would be better, as all of my regiment now in the field should be kept there.  James McFerran, Col. First Cav., M. S. M., Comadg. Third Sub-District. (WR XLVL: 945-6)

Operations near Warrensburg

Capt. James H. Steger, Assistant Adjutant-General, Kansas city, Mo.: I have no news from Colonel McFerran.  Major Mullins left here yesterday morning for the Snibar Hills, with all of company H.  bushwhackers, said to be 16, attacked a small squad of company f last evening this side of Wellington and killed 1 man.

Col. James McFerran, Warrensburg Mo:  I have reliable information that a squad of bushwhackers, numbering from 50 to 100 is now in camp 1 1/4 miles a little north of west from Charles Ewing's in la Fayette County.  I have no men to send out.  JNO. Ballinger, Captain, Commanding Post.

Capt. J. Ballinger, Lexington, Mo., Colonel Philips has orders to send strong scouting parties into La Fayette.  communicate with him by messengers.  By order of Brigadier-General Brown.  J. H. Steger, Assistant Adjutant-General.

General Brown, Kansas city, Mo.: The guerrillas on yesterday evening were in the Post Oak country engaged in robbing the citizens.  Can rations be issued to citizens and citizen guards who will take the field against the bush whackers?  James McFerran, Colonel, Commanding.

General E. B. Brown, Kansas City, Mo:  I will send the stage through as soon as I can furnish the escort.  About 100 rebels are 10 miles southwest of this place.  all the men that can be spared have been sent after them.  I need more men here.  I have ordered Company C from Burris' camp.  They will not be here until to-morrow night, and propose to order Colonel Philips to send me 100 men, mounted, armed, equipped, immediately, if they can be spared.  neither the stage nor railroad can go on until this band is broken up and dispersed.  Please answer.  J. McFerran, Colonel Commanding.

Colonel McFerran, Warrensburg, Mo.: lieutenant-colonel Crittenden, with four companies of the Seventh, has been ordered to Warrensburg.  Order one company of the First from Henry County to Warrensburg, and direct the others to fall back on that place should the enemy appear in force.  Keep in view the necessity of rapid concentration.  By order of Brigadier-General Brown: J. H. Steger, Assistant Adjutant-General.  (WR XLVI: 52-3)

Skirmish Near Shanghai  

General:  Captain Moore and company are with Captain Burris at Walton's farm, 7 miles north of Chapel Hill.  four companies of the Seventh have just arrived under Captain Foster; company C of my regiment has also just arrived.  The citizen guards and bushwhackers had a skirmish this evening near Shanghau.  The most of the citizen guards were absent at the time.  The bushwhackers captured the place, and it is reported burned it.  I march to-night to surround their camp with such forces as can be spared from this place.  James McFerran, Colonel Commanding.  First Missouri State Militia Cavalry. (WR XLVI 954)

Colonel: I have the honor, in compliance with General orders, No. 2, from headquarters Third Sub-district, District of Central Missouri, dated June 3, 1864, to submit the following report of services rendered by troops under my command from June 1, 1864, to June 5, 1864, inclusive:

On the 2d day of June, 1864, Corpl. David K. Eads, in command of 15 men of Company G, First Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, went as an escort for telegraph repairer above Wellington.  Fixed the line and returned the same day without having seen any guerrillas.  Traveled 22 miles.  On the 3d day of June, 1864, Lieut. David Groomer, in command of we men of company G, First Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, went as an escort for telegraph repairer on the Sedalia road; also escorted doctor and ambulance for Mr. Hill, a citizen who had been wounded by bushwhackers, near Mrs. Neill's on the night previous.  He fixed the line, had no engagement with guerrillas, returned same day, bringing with him Mr. Hill, who was not seriously wounded, having traveled 21 miles.  On the 4th of June, 1864, Sergt. William A. Kinkade, in command of 20 men of Company g, first Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, went as an escort for telegraph repairer above Wellington.  Fixed the line, saw no guerrillas, returned same day, having traveled 23 miles.  On same day Corporal Elliott, in command of 7 men of Company G, First Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, proceeded on foot to Wellington, where he captured a large flat-boat and proceeded down stream a short distance, where he found a very good skiff, both of which he brought to this post and they are now under the control of military authority, having traveled 20 miles.  This company (G), in addition to the above scouts and escorts, have kept up an active and vigilant guard and city patrol, thereby rendering quiet to the city and protection to the large amount of Government property now in store here.

On the 4th day of June, 1864, the steamer Prairie Rose, William Eads, master, was fired into by guerrillas near Waverly.  The pilot house was struck with navy balls.  The engineers were also fired at, but the bulkheads proved a sufficient protection.  Number of guerrillas not known.  No one hurt.  This morning the steamer Sunshine, M. E. Dill, master, was fired into by guerrillas at Wellington.  Four guerrillas were seen.  Others supposed to be near.  No one hurt.  Several women of ill fame have been banished from this country, and we have completed our labors this evening by capturing the whisky and bar fixtures on the steamer Sunshine and arresting the barkeeper of same boat and confining him in the guard-house for further action.  The liquors will be properly reported.   John Ballinger, Capt. Co. G First Cavalry, Mo State Mil., Comdg. Post (WR XLVI 238).

Scout Big Creek

Sir: In obedience to orders I report the following: June 5, 1864, Sergeant Key and 19 men of company D, on Crawford's Fork of Big Creek, saw some signs but no guerrillas; marched 70 miles and returned to camp on the night of June 6, 1864.  June 6, 1864, Lieutenant Cobb, Company M, and 5 men, on a foraging and scouting expedition in the vicinity of Lone jack, Mo.; saw no signs of guerrillas and marched 25 miles and returned to camp on the same day.  June 7, 1864, Capt. James D. Eads, Company M, and 18 men of his company, on scout to within 3 miles of Pleasant Hill, and 2 miles of Lone Jack, scouting the country on Crowford's and Anderson's Forks of Big Creek; learned there were small bodies of guerrillas, consisting of 3 or 4, straggling in the country; captured a small bay stallion, supposed to belong to guerrillas; and stallion is in possession of Captain Eads, subject to orders from proper authority; marched 35 miles, and returned to camp same day.  June 7, 1864, Lieutenant Triplett and 15 men, on foot, on scout on Brush Creek; scouted down to the mouth; saw some sign of guerrillas, probably been done six or eight days, not more than 5 or 6 in place; returned to camp on the evening of the 8th; marched about 20 miles.  June 6, 1864, Sergeant Combs, Company M, and 14 mounted men, on scout on Crawford's Fork and the brushy region northwest of Kingsville, Mo.; searched the brush completely, found signs of a few scattered guerrillas, and returned to camp on June 8, 1864; marched 50 miles.  June 6, 1864, Sergt. James M Drury and 14 men Company D, on scout south and southwest of Kingsvill, Big Crekk Camp, branch of Panther Creek, Lost Branch, and Crawford's Fork, south of Pacific Railroad line; saw no fresh signs; learned that 10 guerrillas passed down Big Creek on 5th, conveying 2 wounded, said to have been wounded in vicinity of Hopeville, Mo.; returned to camp on the 9thinstant; marched 100 miles.  June 6, 1864, Sergt. James C. Triplett and 14 men of Company D, on scout on north and northwest of Kingsville to Crawford's Fork, north of Pacific Railroad line; saw no signs of guerrillas; found 2 horses running at large in woods, appeared to be pretty well rode down; brought them to camp, where they will  be held subject to proper authority; marched 30 miles.  June 8, 1864, Sergeant George, Company M, and 14 men of said company, on scout to Kingsville, with orders to scout the country south and southwest of Kingsville.  June 9, 1864, Sergt. John B. Pickinpaugh and 14 men of Company D, sent to Kingsville, with orders to scout the country north and northwest of Kingsville. June 9, 1864, Sergeant Minnick and men of Company M, on scout and foraging expedition in vicinity of Lone Jack. Whole number of men for duty in detachment, 128, of which you will notice that from 45 to 75 have been kept on scout since the 5th instant and 12 on guard, besides some small parties not mentioned.  John Wyckoff, Captain Co D, First Cavalry, Missouri State Militia (WR XLVI: 280-1)

Scout from Warrensburg 

Supplementary report of companies F, H, and I, First Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, from the 1st of June till the 10th: On the 1st, Orderly Sergeant Ford and 10 men of company I started to Warrensburg to convey the mail.  They returned the next day; distance traveled, 60 miles.  On the 2d, moved camp from the Walton farm to near Greenton; distance traveled, 9 miles.  On the 3d, a scout of 20 men, under command of Sergeant Rhay, of Company I, started on a foot scout.  they returned the same day; distance traveled, 25 miles.  On the same day, a foot scout of 10 men, under command of Corporal Wills, went out.  They returned the same day; distance traveled, 20 miles.  On the same day, Lieutenant Teel, of Company H, started on a scout with 30 men, mounted.  They returned the same day; distance traveled, 30 miles.  On the same day, 35 men of Companies F, H, and I started to Lexington for commissaries; returned on the 4th; distance traveled, 28 miles. 

On the 4th, moved camp from near Greenton to the Hutchens farm; distance traveled, 6 miles.  On the 5th, Captain Burris, with 40 mounted men, started on scout; returned same day; captured a horse and saddle; distance traveled, 35 miles.  On the same day, Sergeant Shackelford, of Company I, started on a foot scout with 20 men.  he surprised 8 guerrillas at Berry Barton's house, killed 1 and mortally wounded 2 others, who have died since.  He killed 2 horses and captured 3, also 6 saddles and 2 revolvers.  The guerrilla killed had between $700 and $800 in Soutner money about his person.  The scout returned the same day after traveling about 25 miles.

On the 6th, Captain Burris started on scout with 70 men of Companies F, H, and I; captured 5 horses and 2 saddles, also some goods marked "W. H. Mayo, Otterville;" distance traveled, 35 miles.  On the --, Major Neill arrived and took command.  The major ordered me to scout in the neighborhood of napoleon and wellington, and to surprise the two places on the morning of the 9th.  In order to do so, I started at 10 p. m. on the 8th.  I sent Lieutenant Mullins, with Company F, to Wellington, and took Company I and went to Napoleon.  There were no guerrillas in either of the two places.  I returned the 9th; distance traveled, 40 miles.  

Aggregate number of miles traveled by the different scouts, 313.  There is a good deal of sign of guerrillas on Davis' Creek and Honey Fork of Black Water.  They are moving by small squads in all directions.  Milton Burris, Captain, Commanding.

General:  In obedience to instructions I make the following reports of scouts: June 1, 1864, Sergeant Millerons and 20 mounted men of Company D, First Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, sent on a foraging expedition into the neighborhood of Chapel Hill, Mo.; saw considerable signs but no guerrillas; marched about 25 miles.  June 2, 1864, Corporal Overstreet and 14 mounted men of Company D, First Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, on scout; marched 25 miles; found no enemy and returned to camp at Holden, Mo. June 3, 1864, Sergeant Hart and 10 mounted men of Company D, First Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, on scout to Kingsville and the brushy region northwest; found considerable signs of guerillas; marched about 30 miles and returned to Cap Holden, Mo. June 4, 1864.  June 5, 1864, Sergt. David M. Key and 19 mounted men of Company d, of Big Creek; saw some signs but no guerrillas; marched about 70 miles and returned to camp at Holden, Mo., on the night of June 6, 1864.  June 6, Lieutenant Cobb and 5 mounted men of Company M, First cavalry, Missouri State Militia, on a foraging expedition in the vicinity of Lone jack, Mo.; saw no signs of guerrillas; marched 25 miles.  June 6, 1864, Sergeant Combs and 14 mounted men of Company M, First Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, on scout on Crowford's Fork of Big Creek and the brushy region northwest of Kingsville, Mo.; searched the brush; found signs of a few scattered guerrillas, and returned to camp at Holden, Mo., June 8, 1864; marched about 50 miles.

June 6, Sergt. James M. Drury and 14 mounted men of Company d, on scout south and southwest of Kingsville, Mo; saw no fresh signs of guerrillas; learned that 10 had passed down Big Creek on June 5, conveying 2 wounded men, said to have been wounded in the vicinity of Hopewell, Mo.; returned to camp at Holden, Mo., June 9, 1864; marched about 100 miles.  June 6, Sergt. James C. Triplett and 14 mounted men of Company d, First Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, sent to Kingsville, Mo., to protect citizens and workmen of Pacific Railroad line; remained there until being relieved by Sergeant George and detachment of Company M, First Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, June 8; started on scout north and northwest of Kingsville; saw no signs of guerrillas; marched 30 miles and returned to camp at Holden, Mo., June 9, 1864.  

June 7, 1864, Capt. James D. Eads and 18 mounted men of company M, First Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, on scout to within 3 miles of Pleasant Hill, Mo., and 2 miles of Lone Jack, scouting the country on Crowfor's and Anderson's Forks of big creek; learned there were small parties of guerrillas, but saw none; returned to camp at Holden, Mo., same day; marched 25 miles.  June 7, 1864, Lieutenant Triplett, of Company D, First Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, and 15 men on foot, on scout on Brush Creek; scouted down to the mouth of said creek; saw many signs of guerillas, probably passed down six or eight days previous, no more than 5 or 6 in a place; scout returned to camp on the evening of June 8, 1864.  John Wycokoff, Capt., Comandg Detach. First Cavalry, M. S. M.(WR: XLVI 299-302)

Scout and Escort to Independence Road, Columbus Road

Colonel: In compliance with orders from you I have the honor to report that from the 6th day of June, 1864, to the 9th day of June, 1864, inclusive, the following services were performed by men under my command: On the 6th day of June, 1864, Sergt Joseph Dilley, in command of 20 men of company G, First Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, went as an escort for the telegraph repairer on the Independence road.  Saw no guerrillas.  On the 8th day of June, 1864, Sergt. William A. Kinkade, in command of 19 men of Company G, first Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, went as an escort for telegraph repairer beyond Fire Prairie Bottom, on the Independence road.  Fixed the line in working condition, and returned same day, having traveled 50 miles.  Had no engagement with guerrillas.

On the 9th day of June, 1864, Lieutenant Kessinger, in command of 18 men of company G, First Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, started on a scout at 3 a. m. Marched in a southwest direction, and scoured the country on foot and horseback.  Saw some signs of the enemy, and 2 men, who were supposed to be rebel pickets, but had no engagement.  Returned to camp same day, having traveled 25 miles.  On the 9th day of June, 1864, Lieutenant Groomer started on a scout in command of 25 men of Company G, First Cavalry, Missouri State Militia.  He left camp at 3 a. m., and moved, with two days' rations, in the direction of Mrs. Neill's, on the Columbus road.  He is still out.  He had not been heard from.  The remaining few of G Company have been actively engaged for the time above mentioned in protection the Government property now in store here, guarding prisoners, and enforcing obedience to orders among steamboat men, as well as citizens, protecting all who obey the laws of their country.  While these services were being performed the soldiers and officers have behaved admirably.  Not a complaint has been made by any citizen as to bad conduct of one of my men.  John Ballinger, Captain Company G, First Cav., M. S. M., Comdg. Post. (WR XLVI: 298)

Scout  to Knobnoster

Sir: On the night of the 5th of this month I was rdered to march with 40 of my company to Knobnoster, and I started from this place at 1 a.m., June 6, 1864, and arrived at Knobnoster at 4 a. m. of the same day, and found the town in possession of some 40 or 50 citizens, who had gathered up such arms as they could and were posted in houses thorugh the town, and wre under the command of Captain Graham, and he had pickets stationed on all the roads leading to the town.  On finding Captain Graham, I was informed by him that a citizen living some 4 miles east of that place lay in the brush at the side of a road 4 miles east of Knobnoster and saw 90 cavalrymen pass by; they were nearly all dressed in Federal uniform and he took them to be rebels; and, as soon as they had passed, he got on his horse and roade to Knobnoster and reported what he had seen to the citizens of that place.  I staid there with my scout until 8 a. m., June 1864, and then sent half of my men back to this place; and, according to my orders from Colonel McFerran, I staid at Knobnoster until 3 p. m. of same day, when I received an order from Colonel McFerran to leave 20 men at Knobnoster and report in person at these headquarters.  I did so.  From the best information I could gather, the cavalrymen above spoken of were a scout of our own men and I did not apprehend any danger from them.  Distance traveled: While on the above named scout, lieutenant Miller and 36 men marched from Warrensburg, Mo., to Knobnoster, Mo., distance, 11 miles.  Sergt. John E. Grantham and 15 men marched from Knobnoster, Mo., wo Warrensburg, Mo., distance 11 miles.  Total distance traveled going and returneing, by the total number of men, 572 miles.  Average distance traveled by each man, 15 8/9 miles.  Benton Miller, First Lieut., Comdg. Co. A, First Cavalry, M. S. M.  (WR XLVI: 281-2)

Skirmish Near Kingsville 

Sir: In obedience to orders I would submit the following report: You will observe by my report of June 9, 1864, that Sergeant George, company M, who was at that time on a scout to Kingsville and south and southwest of Kingsville, has returned to camp, having marched about 30 miles; made no discoveries.  June 10, 1864, Sergeant Millirons and 20 men of Company D, on scout and foraging expedition to Kingsville and West of that Place, returned to Camp on same day.  having marched about 20 miles.  sergeant Key and 10 men of company D at Kingsville, remained all night and returned to camp on the mooring of June 11, 1864.  Sergeant Triplett and Corporal Parman's scout will be given in detail.  

On the morning of June 11, 1864, in obedience to orders, I ordered Captain Eads, company M, to detail from his command 1 non-commissioned officer and 14 privates of his company for a cout north of Kingsville, who marched at 9 a.m. of said day under the following order:

Hdqrs. Detachment First Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, Holden, Mo., June 11, 1864.  Corporal Parman and 14 men of Company M will proceed to scout the country north of Kingsville and along Crawford Fork, and return to camp at 12 m. of the 12th of June, 1864.  Provide your men with one day's rations.  John Wyckoff, Captain, Commanding Detachment.

The following is the report of Corporal Parman:

Hedqrs. Co. M, First Cav., Mo State Militia, Holden, Mo., June 14, 1864.  Captain: I have the honor to report to you, in pursuance of your request, movements of the men belonging to Company M, which I had on the scout under my command on the 11th and 12th instant: I moved with my command from camp on saturday, the 11th instant, at 9 a. m., and proceeded west on the north side of the railroad, traveling some 15 miles; thence turned in a southeast direction, and marched to a point near the railroad some 3 miles west of Kingsville.  Most of the distance marched on this day was in the brush, and saw but little sign of bushwhackers, finding only one trail, which I followed some distance until we lost it by the parties separating.  We camped for a part of the night near a mrs. Longacre's about one-half mile north of the railroad.  On the morning of the 12th instant I moved with my ment in a northeast direction from where I had camped, and had proceeded but a short distance when i discovered a large body of cavalry in my rear some 50 or 75 yards, and on the discovery of the enemy i formed my men in line and challenged the advancing party, who only increased thier speed, and at this instant I ordered my men to fire on the enemy, which was done in a very few seconds.  by this time my little detachment was entirely surrounded--only a small space toward the brush.  By this time the bullets from the enemy's lines were falling like hail among us, and several of my men were killed.  I remained in front of my line until the enemy had passed me, even some of them between me and my own lines, at whihc time I moved with all possible speed to the left, engaged one of the enemy, firing at him twice, when he turned, and as I was in a felpless condition, my men nearly all killed, i made for camp with all speed possible.  I feel satisfied that the enemy had been informed of my position and strength, as he had me flanked on the right and left before he showed himself in my rear.  The attacking party was not less than 40 strong, and from the best information I have i think the whole command of the enemy did not fall short of 80 men, and probably 100.  The enemy were all dressed in full Federal uniform and had the regular badges worn by our men on their hats and caps; small part of them were wearing Federal overcoats.

I learn that the party was commanded by Colonel Yeager, of the rebel army, assisted by Bill Anderson, who is a captain of a guerrilla band.   Yeager informed the citizens that he asked no quarter and would give none.  I lost in this unfortunate affair 12 of my command only 2 escaping.  The men, after being killed, were stripped of all their outer clothing and everything valuable was taken from their persons, and the enemy scalped 1 man after they had killed and stripped him.  The enemy marched from the north during the night, returned toward the Sni Hills after the engagement.  Joseph V. Parman, Corporal, Company M, First Cavalry, Missouri State Militia.  

Aside from the report of Corporal Parman, I have followed and crossed the trail of the party at a number of points between where the slaughter occurred and the Sni Hills sufficient to enable me to know that it came from the north and returned to the north as soon as it had done its work of crime.  The point of attack is about 8 miles from this camp.  On the arrival of Corporal Parman at Kingsville, at which point I had 11 of my company under Sergeant Triplett, Captain Duncan mounted his horse and came to this place immediately.  We were engaged at inspection of arms when we received the intelligence.  Immediately ordered my company to saddle and mount; in twenty minutes had 50 of my company in saddle and on the march.  Captain Eads had marched on receipt of the news with 20 of company M, who were mounted for a two days' scout at the time of the arrival of Captain Duncan.  I came up with Captain Eads at Kingsville, where I found Sergeant Tripplett and his squad mounted and in line.  He informed me that the enemy came in sight of Kingsville in such force, and the information received from Corporal Parman was such as to make him think best to keep possession of the buildings at that place until he could be assistance from this place.  He joined me and we moved to the place of the massacre, where I found the men that had been killed strewn along for about one-half mile, 5 dead on the ground where they formed their line, the others near the brush and in the brush in front of them, where I am informed they were met by another party that was in ambush and cut them off from the brush.  My opinion is, from the fact of the men being shot in the eyes, that about 4 of the men surrendered and were afterward shot and stripped of everything valuable and Corporal Ireland scalped.

I immediately ordered a sufficient number of carts from section 114 of Pacific Railroad Company to convey the dead to camp, which was the best and only conveyance to be had in a reasonable time.  They were promptly furnished, the dead gathered and sent to Holden, under Lieutenant Cobb, with orders to give them the best burial in his power, which was done.  The dead being gathered, and my scouts called in which I had out to ascertain the course the enemy had taken, in which they had been unsuccessful, I started with 58 enlisted men of my company and 18 of Company M, Captain Eads and lieutenant Triplett, in a southern course about 2 miles; came on a trail of about 80 to 100 men bearing southwest, which I followed about 2 miles and ascertained it to be the trail in which they had come in.  I then turned north and bore around to the east about 5 miles, where we struck the trail going in the direction of Chapel Hill, which soon became [fainter] as when going down, and soon began to scatter and bear west.  The trail we followed struck into the Sni Hills, about 3 miles west of the Widow Hill's where Lewis Spainhowers has lived since early spring.  Here we had a short skirmish with them, in which 1 of them was severely if not mortally wounded, instantly falling from his horse.  They fired rapidly from the brush.  I instantly dismounted 40 men, and deployed them as skirmishers and searched the brush, but they were gone; they had moved in a direction a little north of Lone Jack.  It was now night, but as the men were good we marched on, having been joined by about 40 of the Colorado troops, with whom my pickets had a skirmish; but hearing of their fire, and having a knowledge of their being in the country, and getting in a position where I could see their commander, gave the signal and soon had things all right; no damage done to either party.  We remained together until the moon set.  Being within 3 miles of Pleasant Hill we marched there and remained there until morning, my men having had nothing to eat since the morning before, but were treated very kindly by the soldiers and officers at that place and furnished with breakfast and forage.  June 13, breakfast over, I marched from Peasant Hill north of east, crossing a number of small streams, the most of the way through brush and woods, very thick, 5 miles south of Lone jack.  Started some guerrillas from an old house in the brush; did not get closer than 400 yards; did not see but 2, though there were more in the party; they ran east.  We continued in an easterly direction until we arrived north of the point where the men had been killed on the previous day, turned south, examined the ground and brush with care, and am prepared to give my opinion of the affair at any proper time.  having no rations with us, and none at camp, we returned at 4 p. m. of the 13th of June.  At near 11 o'clock received a dispatch from you to send out a scout; at 12 o'clock 25 of Company D and 25 of company M left this camp under lieutenants Cobb and Triplett; they are still out.  John Wyckoff, Captain, commanding Detachment, First Missouri State Militia Calvary (WR XLVI: 1001-1003)

Patrols out of German Town

Col. James McFerran, First Cavalry, Missouri State Militia: Sir: I have the honor to submit the following supplemental report of my command from June 10, 1864 to June 15, 1864:  One non-commissioned officer and 10 men started on the morning of the 11th with orders to scout the country down the south side of Grand River, as far east as White's Ferry on said river, and return on the north side of the river, scouting the country west as far as the mouth of Muddy Creek.  Said detachment returned on the night of the 14th, traveling 120 miles.  

John T. Goodbrake, captain company B, First Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, sent in charge of 10 men with instructions to search the country northwest of this station for lost stock, mules, and horses belonging to this command, and also to search the country on Muddy Creek for guerrillas, returned on the night of the 14th, traveling about 90 miles.

Sergt. Joseph McClure, of Company K, First Calvary, Missouri State Militia, was sent in charge of 15 men to Osceola, Saint Clair County, Mo., for the purpose of arresting and sending to district headquarters, Warrensburg, Mo., 5 citizens of that county; 25 men on duty escorting forage train.  lieut. B. F. Johnson, Company K, First Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, in command of 44 men guarding the country on the Osage River.

I have a line of picket guards extending from Taberville, Mo., down the north side of the Osage River to within 8 miles of Osceola, Mo.; the patrol guards have been kept constantly on the move for the last five days and have traveled near 30 miles each day, making 150 miles.  I will just remark that I have spared no pains in guarding the Osage country, and have the pleasure of reporting to you the country perfectly quiet.  Henry F. Peery, Capt.Co. K, First Cav., M.S.M., Comdg Station.

Skirmish near Lexington  

Colonel: The detachment of companies E and C came in this evening, and have gone into camp.  You must have given them a little fatherly advice before leaving, as they came in like real soldiers.  I am pleased with them so far.  I will lay the law down to them (that is, their officers) before I move them.  I am determined [to] have more soldierly conduct or a fuss, one.  I arrested a man of Company H this morning for speaking disrespect of you.  I had a great mind to prefer charges against him and send him to Warrensburg, but he apologized so humbly that I lectured him and instructed him as to his duty and prerogatives and released him.  He attempted to excuse himself by saying that he should not be held for punishment for merely repeating what he had heard the officers say.  I made it the occasion to remind the officers of their sworn duty.  This was the occasion for my allusion to an absence of official manliness in our line officers.  I am in a better humor now, and I make this explanation that you may appreciate my temper this morning.  

Colonel, I look to you confidently for assistance in my attempts to hold the regiment to its well-earned character for discipline.  If we can do this I will have an easy task in keeping quiet in my field, for I will then know that to calculate upon; otherwise you appreciate my burden. I very keenly feel my responsible task, and your kind and complimentary caution is received with profound gratefulness.  I trust in God that I may be able to meet the expectations of your self and General Brown.  Write to me often and speak as freely and frankly of my faults and errors as it is your duty to do.  I have often been afraid that I was too much disposed to undervalue the strength of our enemy, but I try to come to a rational conclusion from the best light and evidence before me.  My mind has not changed in regard to the strength of the enemy.  All that is needed to put them to flight is concerted activity and prudence.  No small squads should be allowed to scout unless supported by other movements (the brush is our place), and thus force them to the high grounds and open fields.

I have ambuscades between here and Lexington on foot, with the expectation of bushwhacking stray squads that may attempt to escape from the Snibar Hills to the east.  I will put out more tomorrow.  I feel it my duty to go to Saline and put things to work.  The general is a man of fine judgment, and would give more men if he had them.  Two companies would be very desirable.  I will not stay long.  Will travel day and night until I return.  This notion is, of course, subject to your better judgment.  No word yet from Burris or Meridith, They have 140 men when together.  When Meridith returns I will send messengers to report.  Escort from Lexington report having had a fight today with a party of bushwhackers in Jackson county, near Hambright's.  We had 2 horses wounded on our side and dismounted 3 of the rebels.  The sergeant with 20 men charged and drove 60 of the rebels, put up the line, and came back to town.  your friend and servant, Henry Neill, Major First Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, Comdg.  (WR XLVI: 366-7

Sir: I have the honor to report that a detachment of Companies F and I, of my regiment, numbering 35 men, on the 13th of June, 1864, 12 miles from Lexington, were attacked by 100 guerrillas, and after a hard fight lost 8 men killed of the detachment and 2 wounded, of which the following is a list (omitted).  

The guerrillas fought with valor, discipline, and skill.  The detachment fought with equal valor, discipline, and judgment, and repulsed the enemy in three different charges, but finally, being attacked on both flanks and in rear, they were compelled to retreat before the superior force of the enemy.  James McFerran, Colonel, Commanding the Regiment (WR XLVI: 1007).

Sir: It becomes my painful duty to inform you of a terrible disaster amongst the troops under my command.  I sent yesterday to Lexington for rations for Companies F and I, with escort of 30 men, under command of Sergeant Shackelford, Company I, and on their return today they were attacked at William Whitsit's by about 100 guerrillas.  Sergeant Shackelford dismounted his men and drove them back, and then attempted to move his train, when the guerrillas made a charge and nearly surrounded Shackelford, and cut him off from the brush, and his only chance was retreat.  he lost 8 men killed and one mortally wounded, also lost all the rations, 3 wagons, 15 mules.  The mules were killed.  He lost several horses, the exact number not yet known.  From what I can learn Shackelford had his men in good order and was using great caution.  I have not been able to learn who was in command of the guerrillas.  I am left with only one team and am out of rations.  Milton Burris, Captain Co. I First Cavalry, Mo State Militia, Comdg.  (WR XLVI: 1008).

June dispatches

Col. G. H. Hall Sedalia Mo:  It is reported there is a force of rebels near Freedom, on Davis' Creek, probably on their way to Cooper County.  MajorNeill and Captain Ferguson are moving on there from the west.  Send scout of 50 men to vicinity of boonville, saline county, to cooperate with them.  By order of Brigadier-General Brown:  J. H. Steger Assistant Adjutant-General

Col. J. McFerran, Warrensburg, Mo.: Ballinger and Meredith have gone into the Snibar Hills with 200 men; went north of Greenton in supporting distance, covering Lexington with a small force.  Anderson, guerrilla, with 80 men, is now on Davis' Creek, north of the German settlement.  Send 50 men to the Mounds, on Warrensburg road, by 10 o'clock tomorrow, and I will fight them.  Move the troops in Saline toward Waverly and Salt Pond.  answer.  Henry Neill, Major First Cavalry, Missouri State Militia.

Col. K. McFerran, Warrensburg, Mo.:  I have the honor to report to you that I have made most thorough scouting [of] the Basin Knob and Lone Jack country, without finding any rebels or any signs of any having been in that section of country for three or four days.  I will await here for two hours for orders from you.  Should I receive none, I will move on Black Water, in the direction of Columbus.  detachment of Companies D and m, First Missouri State Militia are now in the Basin Knob country.  R. L. Ferguson, Captain, commanding.

Capt. R. L. Ferguson, Holden, Mo.:  Major Neill telegraphs a considerable force of rebels north of Freedom, on Davis' Creek.  Move to Columbus and cooperate with him.  We have a camp and central point near Mound Prairie Church, on the road between here and Lexington.  I will advise that camp of yours being at Columbus.  E. B. Brown Brigadier-General, Commanding.  (WR XLVI: 415)

Operations and Skirmishes in Lafayette, Saline and Howard Counties 

Major: I have the honor to report, for the information of the major-general commanding, that on the 13th instant captain Meredith, commanding company H, first Cavalry Missouri State Militia, succeeded in overtaking a gang of bushwhackers in the eastern part of Saline county, killed 1 guerrilla and captured 7 horses.  No casualties on our side.  lieutenant-colonel Lazear, first Cavalry Missouri state militia, commanding in the field in Saline, represents that the people of that county fully realize their situation and are determined to rid the county of guerrillas.  On the 15th instant a detachment of company C, Fourth Cavalry Missouri State Militia, under the command of Sergt. I. E. Wood, by moving through the brush dismounted, surprised and charged a gang of six bushwhackers, wounded 2 of the gang and captured 6 horses.  Maj. B. W. Kelly, Fourth Cavalry Missouri State Militia , commanding at Chapel Hill, reports several bands, numbering from six to twelve, having recently made their appearance south and east of that station, and that Quantrill, Todd, and Poole, with their respective bands, are reported to be some twelve or fifteen miles east of that place.  Such measures have been taken as will, i have no doubt, succeed in breaking up and scattering this force, if the report should prove true.  A. Pleasonton, major-General, Comanding, U. S. Army District of Central Missouri.

Major: I have the honor to report, for the information of the Major-general commanding, that on the 20th instant Lieutenant-Colonel Lazear, First Cavalry Missouri state Militia, commanding in the field surprised a gang, numbering from forty to sixty guerrillas, in the vicinity of Dover. Lafayette County, killed 3 guerrillas and captured 4 horses, also a small rebel flag.  Maj. Henry Suess, chief of cavalry, commanding steamer Fanny Ogden, reports that Thornton, Thrailkill, Yeager, Todd, Campbell, and Taylor held a consultation in Greenton Valley, Lafayette county, a week since, and on his return from this meeting Taylor was killed by the militia near Independence.  Major Suess also reports that on the 19th instant a detachment of his command had a skirmish with a band of guerrillas southwest of Wellington, in which they mortally wounded 2 guerrillas, killed 1 horse, and captured one set of horse equipments.  I would further respectfully state that the block house now being built at la Mine bridge is being pushed to completion as rapidly as possible.  A. Pleasonton, Major-General, Commanding.

Major: I have the honor to report, for the information of the major general commanding, that on the 16th instant Capt. Joseph Parke, commanding at Boonville, crossed to the north side of the river with his command, Company F, Fourth Cavalry Missouri State Militia, and scouted the country in the vicinity for two days, during which time he encountered several small bands of guerrillas; wounded 1 guerrilla, and captured 3 horses, 3 double-barreled shotguns, and 3 revolvers.  On the 22d instant a detachment of the First Cavalry Missouri State Militia, under command of lieutenant-Colonel lazear, encountered a small party of guerrillas on Davis' Creek, la Fayette County; shot 3 from their horses, supposed to be mortally wounded, and captured 3 horses.  No casualties on our side in either of the above skirmishes.  A. Pleasonton, Major-General, Commanding.

Major: I have the honor to report, for the information of the major general commanding that on the 22d instant a detachment of the First Cavalry Missouri State Militia, surprised a small band of guerrillas on the Tabo, Lafayette County, severely wounded 1 guerrilla and captured 6 horses.  Lieutenant-Colonel Lazear reports there are but very few guerrillas at present in la Fayette or Saline Counties, and that he has reason to believe that the majority of them have gone south.  The notorious guerrilla Poole, having boasted that he would neither allow the stage nor telegraph to remain in operation on the Lexington and Warrensburg route, colonel Lazear has ordered the arrest of a number of Poole's friends, intending to hold them as hostages for the security of the stage and telegraph line.  A. Pleasonton, Major-General, Commanding.

Captain: I have the honor to report, for the information of the major general commanding, that since my report of the 10th instant I have kept my command continually on the move, scouting the eastern portion of Saline county.  There have been several parties of guerrillas reported, but upon investigation they turned out to be false, or but very small squads of from two to five men.  Captain Meredith, in command of company H, First Cavalry Missouri State Militia, on the 13th struck a trail and followed them to their camp.  There were seven in camp.  he killed 1 and captured 7 horses, and also on the same scout found five horses that Todd had left at the time of his raid on arrow Rock.  The county is at this time very quiet.  occasionally hear of a horse being stolen.  No depredations are being committed upon Union men.  The people seem to fully realize their situation, and say they are determined to rid the county of guerrillas.  i will commence a general move in the morning, and unless some force prevents it I will make a rapid move as far as the western part of la Fayette County, moving as rapidly as i can to thoroughly scout the northern portion of Saline and la Fayette Counties.  It would be well to notify colonel Ford and Major Kelly of this move.  B. F. Lazar, Lieut. Col. First Cav. Missouri State Mil., Comdg. in the Field.

Captain: I have the honor to report, for the information of the major general commanding, that since my report of the 16th instant I have thoroughly scouted Saline county and can report that there are no guerrillas in that county.  We only heard of five, and the citizens report to us that they have left the county, which i think is true; whether permanently or not i can't tell.  I have left Captain Moore, Company F, there to reconnoiter and keep me advised of any appearance of them there.  Making a night march from near Miami night before last, I dropped in upon them (the Guerrillas) in the vicinity of Dover yesterday morning; found quite a number of them in this vicinity, say from forty to sixty.  We had two skirmishes, killing 3 and capturing 4 horses.  lieutenant Miller, Company A, returning from Lexington on the 19th, had a skirmish with a party of nine, capturing 4 horses, and we since learn wounded 2, one said to be mortally.  We saw a party of twenty-two from Dover just at night, who from what i can learn went west up Tabo.  I am having the county from Dover to Waverly thoroughly scouted again today and unless they fall back east I will tomorrow morning scout up Tabo, Davis' Creek, and along the river, moving west, making Greenton Valley by Wednesday next at farthest.  owing to scarcity of feed and water it is a very hard time to scout, having often to go out of our line for feed and water, making delays in our movements.  There are no persons here that we can rely upon for information but Negroes.  I forward a small rebel flag which was captured, or dropped rather, by the guerrilla in one of the skirmishes yesterday.  Our loss so far none, and health of the command generally good, but a great many horses in bad fix.   B. F. Lazar, Lieut. Col. First Cav. Missouri State Mil., Comdg.  (WR LIII: 255-7)

Col. James McFerran, Lexington: Send sufficient force in pursuit of Todd.  Colonel Hall has been informed of the movements.  By order;  J. H. Steger, Assistant Adjutant-General  

Col. James McFerran, Lexington: Captain Foster moved from Pleasant Hill this morning to attack Todd, who is reported south of Independence with a considerable force.  You will at once send a heavy scout to the west, if you have not already done so, to cooperate with major Dale, who will leave Kansas City tomorrow morning for Lexington on the Post Boy.  Report his arrival; also the arrival of Major Suess.   By order: J. H. Steger, Assistant Adjutant-General  (WR LIII: 268)

Capt. J. H. Steger, Assistant Adjutant-General, Warrensburg: Todd's guerrillas disbanded in squads of from fifteen to twenty-five yesterday at Hutchinson's farm.  Thornton was seen three miles above at 12 m. yesterday.  His band will probably attempt to cross between napoleon and Sibley.  Post Boy left at 3 p. m. Major Suess not arrived.  Fanny Ogden should be above.  Cavalry in pursuit.  Jas. McFerran, Colonel, Commanding.

Col. James McFerran, Lexington, Mo.: Use the Fanny Ogden or the first boat that arrives to send troops up the river and prevent Thornton's crossing.  If he does, to watch out for ford, who is in pursuit, and ferry him across.  Keep heavy scouts in the west.  Your scouts must keep together or within supporting distance of each other.  E. B. Brown, Brigadier-General of Volunteers.   (WR LIII: 360).

General Fisk: I have arrived at this place with my command.  The bushwhackers were in Goslinville last night about 200 strong.  My men are so worn out that i am compelled to send them home to rest.  I captured a man named H. M. Herman, who claims to be a scout of General Curtis.  He has a pass from Major Heath, provost marshal, and some suspicious papers.  will you telegraph to major heath and ascertain whether he is all right, and let me know immediately by telegraph.  S. P. Cox, Commanding Scout. (WRLIII: 376)

Col. James McFerran, Lexington:  Send following dispatch by messenger to Lieutenant-Colonel Lazear: Guerrillas were at Miami, Cambridge, and Arrow Rock, on 2d instant.  Another band passed Plains City yesterday, going west.  Guerrillas are very active on north side of the river, and appear to be making toward Crooked River.  By order: J. H. Steger, Assistant Adjutant-General.  (WR LIII: 560)

Skirmishes at Arrow Rock

Captain: Since my report of the 5th instant I have the honor to report, for the information of the major-general commanding, that I scouted the country in the direction of Miami, but learning that a force of 400 guerrillas were in Marshall the county was not thoroughly scouted.  Upon the receipt of the above we marched to Marshall, arriving there the 6th; found that ten guerrillas had visited the place the 5th, burning the courthouse and one other building, plundering some of the inhabitants, and shooting five Negroes in town and four a short distance from town.  if the citizens had remained at home this raid on Marshall would never have been made.  7th, marched to Arrow Rock, scouting the county as well as could be done without dividing the command too much, not knowing what force we would find.  had two skirmishes, one with a party of fifteen, the other twenty, killing 3 and wounding several, who made their escape in the brush.  Killed 2 horses and captured 4, one of them wounded.  Our casualties, none.  One of the parties fired several rounds before scattering, but the other only fired two shots.  8th, scouted the county in the vicinity of arrow Rock thoroughly, but found no guerrillas as they had scattered that morning; a party of twenty camped within eight miles of camp the night of the 7th on the premises of one Marshall Piper, who gave us no notice of the fact, and being a notorious rebel and under bond was shot.  The guerrillas shot a Negro man the 7th, just before we came upon them.  9th, returned to Marshall.

This is certainly the most rebellious county I have been in.  I have arrested several women that I will send in in due time, and have arrested several of the worst rebels that I am holding as hostages for the lives of Union men.  We have searched but very few houses, but what we have, nearly all have goods that are undoubtedly stolen.  You can't pick up a letter about any of their houses but you will find treason in them.  This county needs rough handling, and as the guerrillas have threatened what they will do I have warned and notified their friends that I would hold them responsible for the acts of the guerrillas, and will retaliate for any violence done the Union men either in person or property.  The Union people are very much discouraged, but if I am allowed to carry out the policy I have started out on rebels will not be allowed to stay here if Union men can't.  It is very hard to prove that men willingly feed guerrillas as they all deny it, but they all do so, and when they allow them to feed and camp upon their premises day after day and give no information, but deny that they know anything of them, it is as good evidence of their guilt as I want, and I shall act accordingly.  i have endeavored in this report to give a picture of the situation of affairs in this county, but it has to be seen to be understood.  From the best information I can get I do not believe there are 100 guerrillas in this county, and the removal of 100 families to the South would do more good to quiet this count than to hunt guerrillas one year and leave the families here.  I have not learned the particulars of the burning of Frankfort, but will soon.  B. F. Lazear, lieut. Col. First Cav., Mo. State Mil., Comadg. in the Field (WR LIII: 220)

Captain: Your favor of 8th just came to hand, containing copies of telegrams from citizens of Frankfort and Colonel McFerran, all of which will be attended to.  If this large force of rebels are believed to be north of Chapel Hill, Major Kelly would certainly know something of them, and if the rebels want to make a raid upon boonville it would certainly turn out to our advantage. B. F. Lazear, lieut. Col. First Cav., Missouri State Militia, Comadg. in Field (WR LIII: 637)

Intelligence Concerning Todd

General: I have reliable information that fifty guerrillas camped seven miles north of this place last night.  Captain Todd is in command.  I also learn from the mail carrier that forty guerrillas passed sough of Waverly on their way to Jackson county, Mo.  I hear of other bands prowling around in this county.  I have sent all my available force with Captain Bingham to Boonville for his arms, and I have not enough of mounted men to send in pursuit of them.  Jas B. Moore, Captain Company F, First Cavalry, Missouri State Militia.  (WR LIII: 71)

Near Warrensburg (Detachment). 

Special Orders No. 198.  

Hdqrs. District of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, Mo., September 15, 1864.  I. Col. James McFerran, First Cavalry Missouri State militia, will repair forthwith to Mound Prairie Church, La Fayette County, and assume command of the Second Sub-District and all troops therein.  The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary transportation.  By order of Brigadier-General Brown: J. H. Steger, Assistant Adjutant-General 

Capt. J. H. Steger, Assistant Adjutant-General:  I have the honor to state that I arrived here at 12 m. today.  Staid last night at Camp Brown.  Upon examination I find it wholly impracticable to camp there at present for the want of water for the men.  I will lok out the nearest and best camp to Mound Prairie Church as soon as practicable.  I find the companies from Saline have been ordered here to get their rations and will be here this evening.  I will send them back immediately.  In haste.  James McFerran, Colonel First Cavalry Missouri State Militia, Commanding.    P. S. -- It is reported here that Todd, with from 150 to 200 men, passed this point going east on yesterday. 

Near Lexington 

Captain:  I have the honor to state that Major Mullins moved from Republican Church for Marshall this morning.  Captain Meredith moved with three companies to Sawyer's farm, seven or eight miles south by west from this place.  I expect to join him to-morrow with Captain Burris and his company, and make my headquarters there for the present.  The reason for selecting this point is that during the extreme drought now prevailing here it is the nearest practicable point to procure water to Mound Prairie Church.  I will cause search to be made, and if a nearer [supply] can be had will move to it immediately.  One hundred and thirty guerrillas crossed to the north side of the river on yesterday below Dover, supposed to be under Todd and Pool.  Their course is reported to have been east after crossing, as they were last seen in the vicinity of Hill's landing, south of Carrollton.  James McFerran, Col. First Cav. Missouri State Militia, comdg. Second Sub-District. (WR LIII: 229-30)

Special Orders No. 201.  

Hdqrs. District of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, Mo., September 19, 1864.  

3. Lieut. Col. T. T. Crittenden, Seventh Cavalry Missouri State Militia, will move without unnecessary delay, with two companies of his regiment and camp and garrison equipage, to Lexington, Mo., and assume command of the section of country in the immediate vicinity of that point.  Col. John F. Philips, commanding Seventh Cavalry Missouri State Militia, will order one company of his command to move at once to hazel Hill, Johnson county, Mo., and await further orders.

4. Col. James McFerran, commanding first Cavalry Missouri State Militia, will order four companies of his command (two companies from Lexington and two companies from mound Prairie Church), with camp and garrison equipage, direct to Warrensburg, mo.  The commanding officer will be instructed to report his arrival at these headquarters.  By order of Brigadier-General Brown: J. H. Steger, Assistant Adjutant-General. (WR LIII: 251).

Captain: I have the honor to state that I am encamped at this place with four companies.  it is impracticable to encamp at Mound Prairie Church, or in the immediate vicinity, on account of the scarcity of water for both men and animals.  This is the nearest practicable point to the Warrensburg road that I have been able to find after search.  This is a good camping ground and point to operate from, being within reach of Tabo, the Warrensburg road, four miles distant, the heads of Davis' and Blackwater Creeks, and Greenton, Balley, Wellington, and vicinity--all guerrilla localities.  Our scouts have not been able to find any guerrillas since I have joined the command.  My impression is that the most of them have left this part of the country and crossed to the north side of the river.  There is no doubt that at least 130 guerrillas crossed to the north side on last Friday, below Dover three or four miles, and on Sunday attracted thirty militia in Ray County, on Crooked River, and killed at least six of them, perhaps more.  i have not heard from them since.  so far as I am advised or believe, there has been no violence or outrage upon the persons or property of citizens since I have joined the command.  James McFerran, Colonel First Cavalry Missouri State Militia, Commanding. (WR LIII: 272)

Maj. General Alfred Pleasonton. Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York:  Come back as soon as possible.  There will be a heavy invasion.  You will command the cavalry.  W. S. Rosecrans, Major-General. (WR LIII: 302)

Near Longwood  

Blackwater  (1st Battalion). 

Battle of Westport October 23

Bloody Bill Anderson killed Oct. 26 in Albany, Mo.

Prince's Shoals, Osage River, Cole County, 

Sir:  I have the honor to report that on the 1st instant, in obedience to orders from Col. James McFarland, i reported to Col. John f. Philips, Seventh Cavalry Missouri State Militia, with companies D, F, H, I, and L, first Cavalry Missouri State militia, for orders.  This battalion, with other forces, all under command of Colonel Philips, moved to the Osage River on the evening of the 1st instant and encamped near Bolton's Ford.  From that time until 6th instant the command was constantly engaged in reconnoitering and scouting the country along and south of the Osage to ascertain the whereabouts of the rebel forces under Price and to resist as far as possible his advance.  On the 6th instant while marching down the Osage on the north side it became apparent from the heaving firing of artillery that the rebel forces had attacked the guard posted at the ford below Castle Rock and that they were attempting to effect a crossing at that point; information was very soon received that some of their forces had already crossed the river.  I was ordered by Colonel Philips to move forward with my command and vigorously attack the enemy and if possible regain possession of the ford.  I had advanced about half a mile in the direction of the ford at which the rebel forces were crossing when my advance encountered a force of the enemy.  My whole force, except Company H, which was held in reserve, was ordered forward, dismounted for action.  company I had been previously detached.  Just before this I had been re enforced by Lieutenant Houts, Seventh Cavalry Missouri State Militia, in command of a detachment of some ten or twelve of said regiment which had been thrown out on the road as picket.  I pressed on and drove the enemy for some distance after driving his advance out of a strong position in a deep ravine and occupied the same with my command.  I sent word to Colonel Philips advising him of the situation; that the enemy seemed to be bringing up a large force and was also swinging around to flank us, and consequently asked for immediate support.  I maintained this position from fifteen to twenty-five minutes, a brisk skirmish being kept up all the while, when the enemy moved up in overwhelming numbers, attacking in front and on both flanks.  No support having arrived and being unable to resist the attack my command was compelled to fall back.

My casualties in this engagement are as follows: Private Wright J. Hill, company D, killed; Private Samuel Howard, Company D, mortally wounded; Sergt,. James C. Triplett, Company D, slightly wounded; Private Warren Mitchell, Company D, severely wounded in head; Private George Tyler, Company H, killed; Private John Harvey,Company H, wounded in hip, mortally; Private Jacob Evans, company H, wounded in face, mortally; Private William Collier, Company H, wounded in bowels, mortally.  Lieutenant Houts, Seventh Cavalry Missouri State Militia, was severely woulded in face while bravely resisting the enemy's advance.  Captain Meredith did all that a brave man and true soldier could do to save the command when retreat became inevitable.  Captain Moore is entitled to equal commendation for his conduct throughout the engagement.  i do not know what  punishment was inflicted upon the enemy, but some of their wounded that subsequently fell into the hands of our forces admitted it to have been severe, greater than ours. Alex. W. Mullins, Major First Cavalry Missouri State Militia.

Price's Missouri Expedition, Battle of Westport

Itinerary of the district of Central Missouri commanded by Brig. Gen. Egbert B Brown (From monthly return)

October 6.--The enemy, variously estimated at from 12,000 to 20,000 strong, under command of Maj. Gen Sterling Price, entered the eastern portion of the district about twenty-five miles south and east of Jefferson City, the headquarters of the district having been temporarily transferred to that point in order to operate more effectually against the enemy (sho was known to have entered the southeast portion of the State some days previous), and on the evening of the 6th instant the Seventh Missouri State Militia Cavalry engaged the enemy's advance at the crossing of the Osage River at Price's Shols.  In this engagement Second Lieut. George W. houts, Seventh Missouri State Militia Cavalry, was severely wounded in the face.

October 7.--The enemy advanced on Jefferson City, driving our forces before them, and approaching within full view of the line of the rifle pits and earth works that had been hastily thrown up for its defense.  After a skirmish of an hour and three-quarters, evidently for the purpose of ascertaining our strength and position, and during which we succeeded in dismounting one of the enemy's guns, the enemy moved west and abandoned the attack.

October 8.--Major General Pleasonton arrived at Jefferson City, and on assuming command at once started the entire mounted force (about 3,500 men) in pursuit of the enemy, who was now moving leisurely toward Boonville, occupying that place from the 9th to the 11th instant.  The enemy moved toward Lexington; thence toward independence, at which place they were overtaken by Major-General Pleasonton on the 22d and driven from the town.  On the following day they were hotly engaged and routed on the Big Blue Westport (seven miles south and east of Kansas City), and at once moved south along the border of the district until overtaken on the 25th instant at Mine Creek, near Fork Scott, where they again made a stand, and after a spirited engagement were routed with a loss of over 100 in killed and wound, 10 pieces of artillery, and about 1,500 prisoners.  Among the latter were Major General Marmaduke and Brigadier General Cabell and a number of colonels and other officers of a lesser rank.

The following comprises the officers of this command killed and wounded: Lieuts. John d. Mullins, Allen W. Christian, James L. combs, Columbus Dale, Walter B. Hamilton, James H. Bryson, Frank Barkley and Capts. William D. Blair and Abram B. Vansickler (WR LIII: 357-8)

General: I have the honor to report that pursuant to your orders I marched with my command of five companies, on the 25th day of September last, from camp on the Sni, eight miles southwest of Lexington, leaving Company M at that place, and arrived at Sedalia on the 26th, where I was joined by major Mullins' battalion and Company k, and remained until the 29th and marched for Jefferson City, arriving there on the 1st day of October, when I was joined by company B and remained until the 2d, and then marched to mike Clark's Ford, on the Osage, with 200 men to guard that and other fords against the advance of Price's army.  No enemy appearing I was ordered back to Jefferson City on the 5th, and at 5 a.m. on the 7th took position with my regiment in the rifle-pits on the extreme left of the defenses of the city and remained there during their during the fight and until Price's army had passed.  On the 8th I joined other troops in the rear of Price's army, and on the evening of the 9th was present at the fight with his rear guard at California.  On the 10th marched by way of Tipton and camped ten miles south of Boonville.  On the 11th, by order of General Sanborn, I was sent with my regiment to reconnoiter the Boonville and Georgetown road to ascertain whether the enemy had moved west from Boonville or not.  Found the road strongly picketed by the enemy and drove the pickets in; shortly afterward two squadrons, under the command of Major Mullins, charged a party of the enemy numbering about 100 who were marching on the road toward Boonville, and dispersed them.  No casualties on our side; loss on the enemy not ascertained.  After an examination of the road, and exhausting all sources of information, I became fully satisfied that no portion of the rebel army had moved west, and immediately sent a dispatch to General Sanborn to that effect and returned the same night to General Sanborn's camp, having traveled about twenty miles and completed the reconnaissance as directed.  On the 12th marched to California after subsistence, and on the 13th returned to the Georgetown road and encamped about fifteen miles southwest of Boonville, Price's army in the meantime having moved to Saline county.  On the 14th the command marched by way of Georgetown and encamped about eighteen miles west of Sedalia on the Lexington road.  On the 15th marched to the vicinity of Cook's Store, in La Fayette County, and camped.  On the 16th I was ordered by General Sanborn, with my regiment, to reconnoiter in the direction of Waverly, and if necessary visit that place to ascertain the position and movements of the enemy.  I marched my regiment to the vicinity of Waverly and obtained the desired information.  The sun was setting when we turned toward camp, twenty miles distant.  Price's army, 20,000 strong, lay in and below Waverly.  What seemed to be a large cloud of dust to the east and passing our rear admonished us that the enemy was making an effort to cut off our return.  the darkness of the night favored us, and by taking a more westerly route than we had traveled in the day we escaped this force and also that commanded by Jeff. Thompson, who, returning from Sedalia laden with spoil, placed his men, 2000 strong, in ambush on the road we had passed over in the morning to intercept our return.  

On the 17th marched to Fisher's Creek, in Pettis County, and camped and remained there until the 19th, when we marched to Boonville, in Saline county.  Here you assumed command of the First Brigade, of which my regiment formed a part, which from the time of leaving Jefferson city had, by order of General Sanborn, been under the command of Col. John F. Philips, Seventh Cavalry Missouri State militia.  On the 20th we marched to Lewis' plantation, in La Fayette County.  On the 21st marched to the Sni, eight miles southwest of Lexington.  On the 22d marched to Independence, arriving there in the afternoon; I was immediately ordered to the front with my regiment at a gallop and to advance upon the enemy on the Kansas City road.  after moving about half a mile from the town my advance was fired upon; my regiment was then dismounted, and all, except one company held in reserve, advanced against the enemy.  It soon became apparent that the enemy in large force was posted in the timber that skirts the southwest portion of the town and held the fences and hedge in front of his position, and were attempting to flank my regiment on the right and left.  This made it necessary to extend my lines to near three quarters of a mile in length.  I now discovered that the enemy was increasing his forces and that my regiment was in imminent danger of being overpowered and cut to pieces.  I immediately sent messengers to you with the information, and about this time I sent forward the company held in reserve to support the left in peril.  After considerable delay, for which you were not responsible, I sent other messengers to you, and still others, in relation to our condition.  After near one hour the Fourth Missouri State Militia appeared upon the ground, and shortly afterward a battalion of the Seventh Missouri State Militia, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Crittenden, who assisted by Neill's battalion, gallantly charged the enemy and drove him from his positions.  As these respective commands arrived I sent them to the left, just in time to prevent disaster, and where up to this moment my gallant men, under the command of the heroic Neill, had maintained the protracted and unequal contest, while Mullins and Burris with their brave battalions held the overpowering force at bay on the right and in the center.  In the meantime the enemy placed several pieces of artillery in position and were shelling my men furiously over the entire field.  Shortly afterwards you arrived with two pieces of artillery and opened upon the enemy, and about the same time the remainder of the Seventh Missouri State Militia, under the command of Colonel Philips, also arrived and supported the artillery.  During all this time the town of Independence was occupied in force by Federal soldiers, well supplied with artillery, and yet for near one hour my regiment with forlorn hope battled against fearful odds, perhaps ten times their numbers.

The fight continued until sunset, when the enemy retreated toward the Blue, pursued by my regiment, assisting the advance of Colonel Winslow's brigade, and continued to press his rear in the darkness of the night, encountering at short intervals heavy volleys of musketry from the almost, concealed enemy, who slowly and stubbornly retreated.  My men having traveled forty miles, and been engaged with the enemy since about 3 p. m., withdrew from the contest, and pursuant to orders remounted and moved forward with the brigade.  The column continued to advance, Colonel Winslow's brigade being in the front; a few volleys more and the column halted at about 10 p. m., the conflict ending for the night.  My men lay upon the road during the remainder of the night, holding their horses, both having been without food since the night previous, and orders were received to move, I was relieved of the command of my regiment by orders of Major General Pleasonton, without any cause being given.  It is but justice in this connection to say that the regiment during the campaign, while under my command, nobly did its duty, and at the battle of Independence behaved with distinguished gallantry.

The casualties in the campaign, while under my command, are as follows: In action October 6, 1864, on the Osage, below Jefferson City, Private Wright J. Hill, Company D, killed; Private Samuel Howard, Company D, mortally wounded; Sergt. James C. Triplett, company D, slightly wounded; Private Warren Mitchell, Company D, severely wounded; Private George Tyler, Company H, killed; Private John Harvey, company H mortally wounded; Private Jacob Evans, Company H, mortally wounded; private William Collier, Company H, mortally wounded.  In action on the move west of Jefferson City, October 8, 1864, Sergt. William L. Powell, Company A, slightly wounded.  At Sedalia, Mo., October 15, 1864, George Sparks, private, Company d, killed.  At Georgetown, Mo., October 14, 1864, Lieutenant Triplett, Company D, was severely wounded by pistol shot, accidentally.  In action at Independence, October 22, 1864, First Lieut. John D. Mullins, Company A, severely wounded; Private William H. Royston, Company a, severely wounded; Private Richard Owings, Company G, severely wounded; Corpl. James C. Wood, Company K, slightly wounded.

In relation to the action on the Osage, below Jefferson City, October 6, 1864, you are respectfully referred to Major Mullins' official report, a copy of which is forwarded herewith, marked A.  

The loss sustained by the enemy in the several engagements is not known, but must have been severe.  At Independence Colonel Young was mortally wounded and Captain Davidson severely wounded, both of the C. S. Army, fell into our hands as prisoners of war.

James McFerran, Colonel First Cavalry Missouri State Militia

Mine Creek, Little Osage River, Mafias Des Cygnes, Engagement at the Marmiton River or Battle of Chariot 

Captain: I have the honor to report for the information of the colonel commanding First Brigade, Cavalry Division, that by verbal orders of Major General Pleasonton, commanding, on the morning of the 23d of October, 1864, I assumed command of the First Cavalry Missouri State Militia, near Big Blue.  I moved forward across Big Blue and with the balance of the brigade was engaged with the enemy during the whole of the action of that day. Westport

Our casualties were as follows: (omitted) Total--killed 3; wounded, 9.  After a rapid march from Big Blue to the Marais des Cygnes, Mine Creek and immediately after crossing said stream, my regiment, being in the advance of the brigade, was ordered to move forward rapidly to engage the enemy; after moving from three to four miles across the prairie at a trot and a gallop, my skirmishers reported the enemy formed in line of battle in my front and extending far to my left and some distance to my right.  I moved up my line to supporting distance of my skirmishers' line and halted to await the balance of the brigade, which was moving up in columns on my right.  Seeing that I was outflanked on my left, I sent a messenger to General Pleasonton to acquaint [him] of the facts.  He sent an order in return that he would send assistance immediately.  About this time I saw the promised assistance coming up on my left this moment my skirmish line was ordered to open fire, which drove the enemy's skirmish line, and the enemy opened on my command with two pieces of artillery posted opposite my left.  In a very few minutes the force on my left came up at a charge, and as soon as their lines, or as I think two columns of squadrons, was in line with me, I ordered the charge and advanced under a heavy fire of artillery and small arms to within 200 to 300 yards, when I saw the force on my left begin to falter and fall back.  I ordered my command to halt and commence firing.  After a sharp action of some minutes the enemy began to give way on their extreme left; at the same time a move from their right, which i supposed was to support their left, but in a moment I noticed one of their battle flags, which was immediately in my front, begin to move to the rear.  I ordered my command to get ready to move forward, the most of them being dismounted on account of being armed with long guns.  In the meantime the Fourth and Seventh Regiments Cavalry Missouri State Militia, on my right, were pressing down on the enemy, and in advance of my line; the force on my left had rallied and were bearing down on the left.  a general change was made, resulting in the capture of a number of guns, a large lot of horses and prisoners.  I could not designate any particular capture made by my command, as I ordered them to let all prisoners, horses, &c. pass to the rear, and we moved forward rapidly until portions of my command, the Seventh Cavalry Missouri State Militia, and some Iowa troops, were far in the advance, when we were ordered to halt by, I think, an aide of General Curtis.  Thus ended the battle of Little Osage or Mine Creek.  

Our casualties were as follows: (omitted) Total--wounded, 27; missing, 1.  Loss in horses in engagement in 23d and 25th, 21 killed and 55 wounded, and equipments lost.

Escort prisoners from Fort Scott to Warrensburg, Mo., 

Marched to Fort Scott, remained there until 28th, when I was ordered to Warrensburg, Mo., as guard to captured artillery and prisoners of war, where we arrived in the vicinity of 1st of November; 2d turned over prisoners and moved into Warrensburg and reported to the commanding officer of the post by order of Major General Rosecrans. B. F. Lazear, Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding Regiment, First Missouri State Militia Cavalry. (All of the above WR LIII:  357-363)

Lieutenant: I have the honor to submit the following report of medical department, together with a list of killed and wounded, Cavalry Division, Major-General Pleasonton's command, during the late campaign through Missouri:

On account of the length and rapidity of the march and the extent of country that the engagement extended over it was with great difficulty that the wounded could be collected or the dead buried; in fact, at no time, to my knowledge, was a proper burying party detailed, so that I was obliged to use hospital attendants and stragglers for that purpose, and with the aid of citizens i hope that most, if not all, of our killed were interred.  Six field hospitals were formed at houses as near as possible to the fields of action, and surgeons left in charge, with proper attendants and ambulances to collect all not attended to immediately after each engagement.  From the field hospitals the wounded, with attendants, were sent to the general hospitals at Independence, Kansas City, Mound City, and Fort Scott, the medical director of General Curtis' command taking charge of them. (WR:LIII340)

The casualties of the 1st Calvary for the end of October were 3 enlisted men killed and 2 officers and 35 enlisted men wounded. (WR LIII:344)

Richmond, Mo

Captain: I have information of a reliable character that the Federal forces at Carrollton, Mo., surrendered to a Confederate force on yesterday after fighting several hours.  I am not advised of the terms of capitulation.  we are informed that the confederate forces intend moving upon this place to-day or tomorrow at farthest.  we have about 300 enrolled Missouri Militia here under command of major Grimes, of the Fifty-first Regiment enrolled Missouri militia, and eighty men belonging to the First Cavalry Missouri State Militia, under my immediate command.  if the Confederates come we shall give them best fight we have, and shall retreat before them in preference to being captured.  My reason for reporting to you is that all communication is cut off between myself and my regiment.  James D. Eads, Company M, First Cavalry Missouri State Militia, Commanding. (WR  LIII: 45)

Report of Maj. Gen. Alfred Pleasonton, U. S. Army, commanding Provisional Cavalry Division.  Headquarters Cavalry Division, Warrensburg

Colonel: I desire to submit a preliminary report of the operations of this division from the time of its first contact with General price's army, after my assuming command, until its arrival at Fort Scott.  as soon as subordinate reports are received, I will then submit a more detailed statement.

On the 22d of October my advance came up with the enemy's rear guard at the Little Blue.  the bridge was destroyed over that stream, but by means of a temporary bridge, hastily constructed, and a ford about half a mile below, the command was soon crossed.  McNeil's brigade had the advance, and soon engaged the enemy, followed by Sanborn's brigade, and this force soon pressed them back upon Independence, and beyond that town, where by a vigorous charge of Catherwood's regiment (Thirteenth Missouri Cavalry) two guns were captured from the enemy.  The pursuit was continued, and Brow's and Winslow's brigades coming up they were thrown to the front.  The enemy seemed to be in haste, so I determined to push them all night, and for this purpose Winslow's brigade was dismounted and thrown forward in a number of successful charges, which resulted in driving the enemy some six miles to the Big Blue River during the night; and I take this occasion to say that Colonel Winslow not only handled his brigade in splendid style, but his troops showed themselves equal to any service they were called on to perform.  This brigade being very much worn down by this night's fighting, Brig. Gen. E. B. Brown was ordered to move his brigade forward and attack the enemy at daylight and keep pushing him vigorously, as he would be well supported.  Not finding any attack being made I went to the front. i found Brown's brigade on the road so disordered as to be in no condition for fighting, and General Brown himself had made no preparations to carry out my order.  I immediately arrested him, and also Colonel McFerran, of the First Missouri State Militia, whose regiment was straggling all over the country, and he was neglecting to prevent it, and placed Colonel Philips, of the Seventh Missouri State Militia, in command of Brown's brigade.  The night previous, at Independence, i had ordered General McNeil to proceed with his brigade from that point to Little Santa Fe, and to reach that latter point by daylight.  General McNeil failed to obey this order, but came up to the Big Blue, some five or six miles above the point at which the rest of the division was fighting, about 12m on the 23d, and instead of vigorously attacking the enemy's wagon train, which was directly inform of him with but little escort, he contented himself with some skirmishing and cannonading, and the train escaped.  The rebel General Marmaduke stated after he was captured that had McNeil attacked at this time they would have lost the whole train.  I trust that this conduct on the part of general McNeil will meet the marked disapprobation of the major-general commanding, as it has mine.  finding that General Brown had not attacked the enemy on the morning of the 23d of October at the Big blue, I immediately ordered Winslow's and Philips' brigades into action, with Sanborn supporting, and after a very obstinate battle the enemy were driven from their position to the prairie on the Harrisonville road beyond the Big Blue.  It was then about 1 o'clock in the day, and the enemy, in very heavy force, were fighting the Kansas forces at Westport, under General Curtis.  My appearance on the prairie caused them to retreat from before Curtis on the fort Scott road, and in passing they formed to attack my position.  A brigade of their cavalry charged the right of Sanborn's brigade and shook it considerably, but I ordered up six pieces of artillery, and by means of double-shotted canister soon caused them to halt and finally beat a hasty retreat.  Soon after this Generals Blunt and Curtis overtook me in pursuit, and it was agreed that my forces should take the right of the Fort Scott road, while theirs took the left.  This was done, and headquarters were made at little Santa Fe that night.  The next morning, by agreement, General Curtis' command took the advance, and mine followed, until we had marched to West Point, where, finding the enemy were at the Trading Post, on the Osage river, General Curtis requested me to move to front with my troops.  i did so and attacked the enemy at daybreak on the morning of the 25th of October, shelling his camp.  He left in great haste, dropping trees in the road to bar our progress, and fighting a running contest to the Osage river, where his main force was posted, awaiting us.  The rapidity of the march was such that but two brigades, Winslow's (then commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Benteen) and Philips' brigades, with a small part of Sanborn's, had reached the front, but knowing the importance of time to the enemy I did not hesitate to attack at once, and after a brilliant charge by both brigades the enemy was routed.  Eight guns were captured.  Major-General Marmaduke and Brigadier-General Cabell surrendered with about 1,000 prisoners, and the enemy began to burn a large number of wagons in his train.  The road for the next fifteen miles was strewn with muskets and arms of all kinds.  late in the evening I again came up with the enemy, just opposite Fort Scott, on an extensive prairie, but my horses were too much exhausted to go into action, and I was compelled to go to the fort for forage.  That night Generals Curtis and Blunt also passed at Fort Scott, and the next morning, 26th of October, i received a communication from General Curtis, of which the enclosed is a copy.  My command was too much exhausted to move immediately after the enemy, but I ordered it forward, and only countermanded their instructions after receiving the major-general's dispatch from Warrensburg, directing the different brigades to return to their respective districts.  I also enclose a dispatch from General Curtis showing he had given directions for the prisoners taken by my command at the Osage to proceed to Fort Leavenworth.  This, also I did not regard after receiving the general's instructions.  I left Fort Scott with the prisoners, captured artillery, and several hundred head of captured stock, sheep, and cattle, on the 28th of October, and arrived at Warrensburg on the 31st.

The losses of the command in killed and wounded will not exceed 450, while that of the enemy was much greater.  All their dead and wounded fell into our hands.

I desire to commend to the favorable consideration of the major-general commanding the following brigade commanders: Brigadier-General Sanborn, Colonel Philips, Seventh Missouri State Militia; Colonel Winslow, and Lieutenant-Colonel Benteen.  Colonel Cole, chief of artillery of the Department of the Missouri, and my chief of staff, rendered most important and efficient service, which is also submitted to favorable notice.  

A great many horses were abandoned by the enemy.  Some of them were taken by the troops in exchange for their exhausted animals to continue the pursuit, but the greater number were taken by the people of the country and from Kansas.  At least 2,000 stand of arms were captured by my command but before they were secured by me they were taken from the field, many by persons from Kansas who visited the field of battle for plunder.  

I would state that from the demoralized state of the enemy as well as the exhausted condition of the horses of my command, I recommended to Major-General Rosecrans the propriety of directing Sanborn's and McNeil's brigades to follow up the enemy beyond the limits of the Sate of Missouri and then return to their respective districts at Rolla and Springfield, while Phillips' and Winslow's brigades could be withdrawn from the pursuit; and upon the approval of this suggestion it was carried out.  I would also further state that all of the conflicts that took place with price's army were in the limits of the State of Missouri.  A. Pleasonton, Major-General, Commanding.  (WR: LIII: 336-339)

Scout to Snibar Hills

Maj. A. W. Mullins:  Commanding Pleasant Hill:  Large parties of guerrillas reported to be crossing the Missouri River into la Fayette county.  Look out for them toward Snibar Hills.  Keep me posted.  Jno. F. Philips colonel, Commanding.

Col. A. W. Mullins. Pleasant Hill:  Major Neill, with detachments of the first and Seventh Missouri State Militia, will move from this post this afternoon toward Wellington, thence west along the river to Sibley, and thence south into the Sni Hill country.  You will move toward morning, 13th instant, with the available force of your battalion (leaving the Third Missouri State Militia at Pleasant Hill), via Lone jack, to Stony Point, and cooperate with Major Neill in his effort to drive out the bands of guerrillas said to be infesting the Sni Hills.  J. H. Steger, Assistant Adjutant-General (WR LIII: 534)

Texas Prairie Skirmish

Col. John F. Philips, Warrensburg: Just in from the scout.  Sixty-four guerrillas and stragglers from Price's army, under one Captain shepherd, left Texas Prairie, Greenton Valley, and the Snibar Hills Sunday, going south. I chased some of them Sunday evening on Texas prairie.  They halted and fled on big Creek Sunday night and then pushed on south.  I think there are but few behind in La Feyette.  Saw Captain Peery this morning at Kingsville.  A. W. Mullins, Major, (WR LIII: 578)