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rebels, who did not fail to pay me their compliments.
Revolver bullets flew around my head thick as hail-but not a scratch.
I believe I am not to be killed by a rebel bullet.
Yours truly,
Baxter Springs, October 7--8 P. M.
Captain: Since I wrote you this morning, the body of Major Curtis has been found, near where he was thrown from his horse.
He was shot through the head, and was evidently murdered after he was a prisoner, as were all the rest.
His body, with that of Lieutenant Farr's, will leave here to-night for Fort Scott, on their way to their friends.
Major Henning will accompany them to Iowa and Wisconsin.
Have wooden coffins made by the time they arrive at Fort Scott.
At Leavenworth they can be transferred to metallic coffins.
I also send the bodies of two soldiers of the Third Wisconsin, at the request of their wives, who are here, to be buried at Fort Scott.
Have coffins ordered for them.
Some of my scouts, who have just come in, have trailed the enemy five miles south of Neosho Crossing, on the Fort Gibson road.
There is also a trail leading into the creek below here, which indicates that they have been joined, since leaving here, by another party.
I have sent messengers to the Arkansas River, and, if they get through in safety, our forces will be on the alert and may intercept them.
Our loss yesterday in killed, including this command at this post, will not be short of seventy-five.
There are but five or six wounded. All the wounded and prisoners that fell into their hands were murdered.
The death of Major Curtis will not only be a severe loss to his wife and other relations, but also to the service. 