Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 5.
Frank Moore, Ed.

[578] miles distant. He obstructed our progress by tearing the plank from bridges, etc. On nearing the river at sunset we .saw their pickets and other signs that the whole body had not crossed. Our advance, commanded by Capt. Turley, felt their way cautiously through the thickly-timbered bottom, and on reaching the ferry landing, were greeted by a volley of rifle-balls and buckshot from the opposite bank, which was received and returned in a gallant manner, firing three rounds, one of which was directed at a boat-load of men in the act of crossing, all but one of whom jumped overboard, making their way to the bottom or to the other shore. At this time the guns were in position, and opened with canister and shell. Eight rounds were fired, when, as it was no longer answered, the firing was stopped. Although the enemy fired three hundred or more shots at us in easy range, but two men on our side were hit by his shot, and those not hard enough to break the skin. It was different with them — losing one hundred in killed and wounded, two hundred prisoners, six (all) wagons, about one hundred horses and saddles, one hundred and fifty guns, all his ammunition, provisions, etc. Many of his men succeeded in making their escape, leaving boots, hats, etc. On crossing the river near one hundred guns were found. On the ground that he had occupied when firing, it would seem that when the artillery opened on them they dropped every thing and run. In some instances these guns were found loaded, and even capped and cocked. The pursuit was continued by Major Hunt, with Merrill's Horse, Capt. Turley's company, and company D, Ninth Missouri State militia, to Utica, twenty-six miles further, when it was found that a large force of militia, men were on the trail ahead of him, returned to Compton Ferry. Col. Guitar remained at the ferry, collected the captured property, and then went to Leclede, on the H. and St. J. R. R., for provisions, of which the command was short. On his return he again encountered Poindexter, who had made a turn, arid seemed to be making for the point from which he started; had a running fight with him for several miles, killing five of his men and taking a number of prisoners, horses, etc., having one man of his command shot through the thigh, which was the only wound received on our side during the three days. Our whole command got together at Keitsville, and, from information received, believed Poindexter had disbanded the remnant of his force. We returned to Glasgow, having been absent ten days. H.