Expedition against Pine Bluf — report of General Marmaduke.
Colonel,--I have just returned from Pine Bluff, which I attacked yes-terday about 8 A. M. The post was garrisoned by two cavalry regiments, (5th Kansas and 1st Indiana,)--effective force about six hundred men and seven pieces of artillery.
I occupied the whole town except the court-house yard, which was fortified by heavy and effective breastworks of cotton bales.
The Federals could only be captured by storming the works, which would have cost me the loss of at least five hundred men. I did not think it would pay.
I have captured about two hundred and fifty mules and horses, about three hundred negroes (men, women and children). The women and children I could not bring away.
Some four hundred blankets and quilts, and destroyed (burning) a considerable amount of quartermaster, commissary and ordnance stores; also about six hundred or one thousand bales of cotton, which had been brought to Pine Bluff for sale.
My loss is about forty men killed and wounded.
Federal loss I don't know — don't think it as large.
My troops behaved well — the Federals fought like devils.
No news — no sign of their moving southward nor eastward.
Very respectfully,
[Signed]
J. S. Marmaduke, Brig.-Gen'l Commanding. To Lt.-Col. J. F. Belton, A. A. G., Department of Arkansas.
