Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 6.
Frank Moore, Ed.

General: I have the honor to report that, on the second instant, and four days subsequent to the battle of Cane Hill, or Boston Mountain, of November twenty-eighth, I obtained reliable information that the entire force of infantry and artillery of Gen. Hindman's army had crossed the Arkansas River, and joined Gen. Marmaduke at Lee's Creek, fifteen miles north of Van Buren, to which point the latter had retreated after the battle of the twenty-eighth ultimo. I further learned that the united forces under Gen. Hindman's command numbered between twenty-five and thirty thousand men, and that he designed advancing upon me in case I did not attack him south of the mountains. Determined to hold my position at Cane Hill, unless driven from it by a superior force, I immediately telegraphed to the Second and Third divisions to come to my support by forced marches.

I may here mention that I had had no knowledge of the whereabouts of these two divisions, except from rumor, and had not been apprised of their movements or locality for a period of over two weeks. My telegraphic despatches reached Gen. Herron, commanding the Second and Third divisions, on the third, who promptly responded to my order, keeping me advised, by telegraph from Elkhorn, of his progress. The Second and Third brigades of the First division, with my headquarters, were at Cane Hill; the First brigade at Rhea's Mills, eight miles north, where a large supply-train, just arrived from Fort Scott, was halted.

My pickets were advanced six miles beyond Cane Hill, on the road leading to Van Buren, and a strong outpost of the Kansas Second established where that road intersects the Cove Creek road, running from Fayetteville to Van Buren, and which road passes about six miles east of Cane Hill. On the morning of the fifth instant, this outpost was attacked by a large force of rebel cavalry, but they were repulsed and driven back some six miles through the mountains. Expecting that the same demonstration would be repeated on the next morning, I directed Col. Cloud, commanding the Third brigade, to strengthen this post by the addition of one hundred cavalry and two howitzers, to be at the outpost at daybreak. In consequence of this order not being promptly carried out, and the support not arriving at the time directed, the pickets, on being attacked about daylight by a superior force, were compelled to retire some three miles, when support having reached them, they held the ground during the day, with continued skirmishing, in which several of my men were wounded and a number of the enemy killed.

The enemy now got possession of Cove Creek and Fayetteville road, and I learned about eight o'clock P. M. that a force of about ten thousand had advanced beyond the junction of Cove Creek road with the Crane Hill and Van Buren road, and were massed upon the mountain in front of my outpost, while the remainder of the rebel army were below the junction of the roads just named, about three miles in rear of their advance.

The Third brigade, under Colonel Cloud, was ordered to bivouac for the night on their arms, upon the ground south of the town, that I had selected to make a stand upon, in case I was attacked in front.

It was now evident that a general engagement must take place next day, and my apprehensions were, that with their superior numbers, they would make a feint in front, while with their main force they would make a flank movement on my left, by the Cove Creek road, to intercept Gen. Herron, before he could reach me from Fayetteville, which point he was expected to reach by daylight on the morning of the seventh.

At about ten P. M. the Sixth, Col. Wickersham, with about one thousand six hundred cavalry, of the Second Wisconsin, First Iowa, Tenth Illinois, and Eighth Missouri regiments, who, at my request, had been sent forward by General Herron, arrived at Cane Hill. I had, as I have before remarked, considerable apprehensions that a flank movement would be attempted on my left during the night. I therefore determined to send a cavalry force across on a road called the hog-eye road, running from the north part of Cane Hill east to the telegraph road, and crossing the Cove [61] Creek and Fayetteville road about four miles north of the junction of the latter with that running from Cane Hill to Van Buren, already referred to, and from which my outpost had been driven in the morning.

At daylight on Sunday morning I had the transportation of the Second and Third brigade of the First division hitched up, ready to move to Rhea's Mills, should circumstances render it necessary; and the Second brigade was ordered to the front, south of town, where the Third brigade had bivouacked during the night, the First brigade and Col. Wickersham's brigade of cavalry being stationed about a mile and a half in the rear, on the north side of the town, where the hog-eye road intersects that between Cane Hill and Fayetteville, and where it was possible the enemy might attempt to come in upon my rear.

About five o'clock, with my staff, I proceeded to the front. On arriving there I learned the enemy were still in considerable force upon the mountain; and so soon as it became sufficiently light they threw several shots from their artillery at my advance outpost, which was replied to by two of my twelve-pound mountain howitzers, without any damage to either party. I directed Col. Cloud to withdraw his troops on the outposts, with a view of drawing them out and ascertaining their force and design. Upon my advance falling back, the rebels came forward a short distance and formed in line of battle, their right resting on the mountain, their left extending down the valley, and presenting a front of half a mile. It now became evident that their demonstration in front was only a feint, and that their main force had gone by the Cove Creek road, for the purpose of intercepting communication between Gen. Herron and myself; and, notwithstanding that I had received no intelligence from Col. Richardson--upon whom I had relied to watch this movement — I determined to act accordingly. I immediately ordered the transportation to Rhea's Mills, by a road leading directly north over the mountain, guarded by the Third Indiana regiment, Col. Phillips, keeping the bottom road on the right, leading to the same point, and also the Fayetteville road, open for the movement of troops.

I ordered Col. Wickersham, with his cavalry, to move rapidly in the direction of Fayetteville, and form a junction with Gen. Herron. He was followed by Gen. Salomon's brigade, and the Second and Third brigades were withdrawn from the front, and directed to move rapidly on the Fayetteville road.

As soon as I determined on this disposition of the forces under me, I sent two messenger parties with despatches to Gen. Herron, apprising him of my movements, and, what I believed to be those of the enemy, and urged him to press forward as rapidly as possible, that we might form a junction of our forces before Hindman could get between us, and also directing him to send his trains to Rhea's Mills. Neither of these despatches reached him, the messenger being cut off by Marmaduke's advance. . . . .

On learning that Hindman's forces had passed north, I ordered Col. Judson, with his regiment (cavalry) and two twelve-pound mountain howitzers, to proceed rapidly on the same road by which I had sent Col. Richardson the previous night, and to attack and harass them in the rear, which order he executed with promptness and gallantry, attacking them in the rear with his howitzers, and following them two or three miles, until they made a stand in such force as to compel him to withdraw his command.

Moving with my staff in advance of the First division, on reaching a point some three miles north of Cane Hill, where a road to the left leads to Rhea's Mills, I learned that Col. Wickersham, who was in the advance with the cavalry, and had been instructed to proceed directly on the Fayetteville road, and furnished with a guide, instead of doing so, had taken the left-hand road to the mills. Not deeming it prudent, under all the circumstances, to separate my command, I was compelled to follow the same road in order to get my forces concentrated. On coining up with Col. Wickersham, I ordered him to proceed in the direction of Fayetteville with all of his cavalry, and endeavor to open communication with Gen. Herron. I also set forward Major Calkins, with the Third Wisconsin cavalry, for the same purpose.

But a few minutes elapsed after Colonel Wickersham had started with his command, when I heard the discharge of artillery in a north-east direction, and immediately moved rapidly with the Second and Third brigades in the direction of the firing, leaving the First brigade (Gen. Salomon's) to guard the trains at Rhea's Mills. It was now between twelve and one o'clock. The distance to where the firing was heard was about five miles, by an obscure road leading through a valley with strips of brush and prairie alternating across it. The firing between General Herron's command and the rebel forces was confined to the artillery, which, as I approached the field, became more rapid. At forty-five minutes past one o'clock I came upon the field, in advance of the First division, when a hasty reconnaissance discovered the enemy in superior force, strongly posted upon elevated ground behind timber, with the Fayetteville road, on which he had advanced, running through it north-east and south-west. On the north, and in front of the enemy's lines, was an open valley, divided into large fields, a portion of them cultivated in corn. At the east end of this valley Gen. Herron, with the Second and Third divisions, was engaged with the enemy, having met their advance early in the day and driven them back to that position. For the details of the engagement between the rebels and the Second and Third divisions, under Gen. Herron, up to the time when I came upon the field, I refer you to the report of that gallant officer.

The road on which my column was advancing entered the valley at its western extremity and in front of the left wing of the enemy. They had no intimation of my approach on that road until a large force of their infantry, which, for the purpose [62] of flanking General Herron's division, and overwhelming it by superior number, had been massed upon their left, was suddenly confronted by the troops of the First division, when the engagement soon became general along their entire line.

At about two o'clock, the fire from the artillery of the First division was commenced by Rabb's battery, which opened a cross-fire upon two rebel batteries and a heavy body of infantry, that was fronting and engaged with Gen. Herron's division. A few moments later, and Tenny's battery of Parrott guns came into position on the right, and Hopkins's battery on the left of Captain Rabb's. The fire of all three of these batteries was first directed to the enemy's right, where two batteries of the rebels and a heavy body of their infantry were engaged with the Second and Third divisions. Shell and case-shot from these eighteen pieces were hurled upon the enemy's right with terrible effect.

The rebel artillery and infantry being driven from this position under cover of the woods, the three batteries above named ceased firing, when the infantry of the Second and Third divisions advanced upon the enemy's right, and the fire of musketry was opened on both sides with great vigor. The Twentieth Wisconsin and Nineteenth Iowa gallantly charged the rebel batteries and drove the enemy from their guns, but were unable to hold them in consequence of being over-whelmed by a superior force. The Twenty-sixth Indiana and Thirty-seventh Illinois subsequently charged the same batteries with the same result.

Observing that the enemy had now thrown a large force upon my centre and right, I directed the infantry of the First division to enter the woods and engage them, which order was executed with promptness, Colonel Weer leading the Tenth and Thirteenth Kansas regiments of his brigade upon the right, a portion of the Kansas Second, (dismounted,) under command of Capt. S. J. Crawford; the right wing of the Kansas Eleventh, under Col. Ewing, and the First Indian, under Col. Wattles, upon the left, the Twentieth Iowa regiment advancing upon the left of the Indians; the left wing of the Kansas Eleventh, under Lieut.-Col. Moonlight, supporting Rabb's and Hopkins's batteries. The First Iowa, Tenth Illinois, Eighth Missouri, and the first battalion of the Second Wisconsin cavalry, under Colonel Wickersham, and the Third Wisconsin cavalry, under Major Calkins, were directed to proceed on my extreme right, to watch any flank movement of the enemy that might be attempted in that direction, and also to guard the road leading to Rhea's Mills, and prevent communication being cut off with the First brigade, Gen. Salomon's.

The contest by this time (about three o'clock P. M.) had become vigorous and determined. The entire infantry of three divisions, and also a portion of the Kansas Second, (dismounted,) were engaged in the woods with the rebel infantry, three times their number. The rattling of musketry, uninterrupted for fully three hours, was terrific. The contending armies swayed to and fro, each alternately advancing and retiring. Some rebel sharp-shooters firing from the windows of a house, situated in the edge of the woods and a little to my left, were evidently directing their compliments specially to myself and staff. I directed Captain Rabb to open upon it with shell, and in a few moments the house was in flames.

While the infantry was vigorously contesting every inch of ground, I directed Lieut. Stover, with two twelve-pound mountain howitzers to advance into the woods, which he promptly did, taking position on a little knoll on the right of the Eleventh Kansas, and directing his guns across a small field where a heavy force of rebels were massed. He poured into them his canister and shell, until his ammunition was exhausted and his horses shot down, being compelled to bring away his guns by hand.

I then directed Lieut. Tenny to advance his battery to the edge of the woods, on the left of the Kansas Eleventh, taking position about two hundred yards in front of the rebel ranks. From his six ten-pound Parrott guns he opened on them with terrible effect, driving them back with great slaughter.

Learning that a heavy force was massing on my right, with a view of turning my flank, I immediately withdrew Tenny's battery, and proceeded with it to an open field on the right, at the same time directing the infantry to withdraw from the woods, in order to draw the enemy from under cover and within range of my artillery. On reaching the open field on their right, just alluded to, I discovered the entire division of Gen. Frost advanced to the edge of the timber, and about two hundred yards distant. They opened on us a fierce fire from Enfield rifles, and were in the act of throwing down the fence to make an assault on the battery, which had no support except my own staff and body-guard; but Lieut. Tenny, with commendable promptness, wheeled his guns into position, when their destructive tire of canister and shell soon sent the rebel hordes back under cover of the woods. At the same time, a fire from the two mountain howitzers attached to the Third Wisconsin cavalry, was directed upon them further on my right, with good effect. It was here that the rebel General Stein fell. A few minutes after this last repulse of the enemy by Lieut. Tenny, a rebel battery of ten guns, supported by a heavy body of infantry, opened from their extreme left, when bringing his guns to bear in that direction, he in less than ten minutes silenced their battery, dismounting two of their guns and driving them from their position with severe loss.

While this attempt was being made to charge my artillery on the right, the same demonstration was made upon Rabb's and Hopkins's batteries; the enemy following up my infantry as they retired from the woods, and with a shout rushed out from under cover of the trees, when the two batteries, supported by the infantry of the Eleventh regiment, belched forth a perfect storm of canister, producing immense slaughter [63] in their ranks, and compelling them again to retire.

As darkness approached, the fire, which from both artillery and musketry had been terrific and uninterrupted for over three hours, gradually ceased along the whole line, and my command bivouacked upon their arms ready to renew the conflict at early dawn. I could not tell with any certainty the extent of the damage done the enemy, but knowing that they had a force greatly superior to mine in numbers, I felt assured that they would give us battle again in the morning, and made arrangements accordingly. My wounded were all cared for during the night; the transportation and supply-trains of the whole army sent to Fayetteville, and Gen. Salomon's brigade, which had been left at Rhea's Mills, ordered to the field; ammunition was brought up and distributed, some refreshments obtained for the men, and every thing was in readiness to renew the battle at the first dawn of day. But daylight revealed the fact that the enemy had availed themselves of the night to retreat across the Boston Mountains. Their transportation had been left south of the mountains, and their retreat thereby made unincumbered and stealthy. I am assured by my own men who were prisoners with them, as well as by deserters from their ranks, that they tore up the blankets of their men to muffle the wheels of their artillery.

Just before daylight I received a note from Gen. Hindman under a flag of truce, requesting a personal interview to make provision for caring for his dead and wounded. On meeting him I soon became satisfied that there was no other force there, except his staff and escort, and a party left to take care of the wounded; and that his force had commenced retreating early the previous night.

On looking over the battle-field in the morning, it soon became evident that the enemy had been most roughly handled, and that our artillery had made fearful slaughter in their ranks. Though many had been already carried away, their dead lay strewn over its whole extent.

The entire Federal loss is, killed, one hundred and sixty-seven; wounded, seven hundred and ninety-eight; missing, one hundred and eighty-three; total, one thousand one hundred and forty-eight. Of the missing, the greater portion were taken prisoners, and have been since exchanged. The enemy's loss in killed and wounded cannot fall short of three thousand; and will probably much exceed that number, as many of them not severely wounded were taken to Van Buren. Their loss in killed upon the ground will reach one thousand, the greater number of whom have been buried by my command.

Many instances of individual gallantry and daring occurred during the day, for an account of which I refer you to the reports of regimental, brigade, and division commanders. As the immediate commander of the First division, I deem it but justice to say of Col. William Weer, commanding the Second brigade, that he behaved throughout with great gallantry, leading his men into the thickest of the fight. The same is true of Col. Bowen and Major H. H. Williams, commanding regiments in the same brigade. Capt. S. J. Crawford, of the Second Kansas, who commanded a battalion of that regiment that fought on foot, displayed great gallantry; as did also the lamented Capt. A. P. Russell, who fell mortally wounded. Col. Thomas Ewing, Lieut.-Col. Moonlight, and Major Plumb, of the Eleventh Kansas, gave evidence of their high qualities as gallant officers. To Capts. Rabb and Hopkins, and Lieuts. Tenny and Stover, who served their artillery with such terrible and destructive effect upon the enemy's ranks, too much praise cannot be awarded. All did their duty well and nobly. Men of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana mingled their blood upon the same field, and for the same worthy cause. For their deeds of valor upon the field of Prairie Grove, their native States may well be proud of them.

I cannot close this report without availing myself of the occasion to express my thanks to Brig.-Gen. F. J. Herron for the promptness with which he responded to my order to reinforce me, as also for the gallantry displayed by him upon the field. His conduct is worthy of emulation and deserving of the highest praise.

To the members of my staff, Major V. P. Van Antwerp, Inspector General; Capt. Oliver Barber, Chief Commissary; Capt. Lyman Scott, Jr., Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, and Lieuts. J. F. till, H. G. Loring, G. M. Waugh, D. Whittaker, and C. II. Haynes, aids-de-camp, who we're in the saddle and with me constantly from before daylight in the morning until the close of the action after dark, I am indebted for efficient and valuable services on the field. Made a special target by the rebel troops, in obedience to the notorious “address” of their Commanding General, Hindman — issued on the eve of the battle, and a printed copy of which, over his signature, each of them carried on his person — to “shoot down” my mounted officers, they were saluted wherever they rode by a perfect storm of balls from the enemy's guns.

I have the honor to be, General, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

General: In reviewing the operations of the seventh instant, I must necessarily commence my report a few days previous to that date. On the morning of December third, I was encamped, with the Second and Third divisions of the army of the frontier, at Wilson's Creek, Mo., and there received your despatch announcing the advance of the rebel force under Gen. Hindman, and ordering me to move forward with my command to your support at Cane Hill, Arkansas. Within three hours after the receipt of your despatch, the Second division was in motion, the Third [64] soon following. Reaching Elkhorn on the evening of the fifth instant, I there received your order to send forward all my cavalry to you, and in obedience thereto I ordered forward Col. Wickersham, with the Tenth Illinois cavalry, First Iowa, Eighth Missouri, and first battalion Second Wisconsin cavalry, all of whom reached you safely.

On Sunday morning, the seventh instant, at four o'clock, I arrived at Fayetteville, having marched all night, and was pushing rapidly forward, expecting to join you by ten o'clock of same day, when six miles south of Fayetteville, my advance, consisting of two companies of First Missouri cavalry, under Major J. M. Hubbard, discovered a body of cavalry falling back on the road in great disorder. It proved to be the First Arkansas and Seventh Missouri cavalry, that were moving forward to join you and had been attacked by a large body of rebel cavalry under Gen. Marmaduke, near Illinois Creek, ten miles from Cane Hill. After some effort, the retreating cavalry were checked and re-formed; but in holding the rebel advance the First battalion First Missouri cavalry were severely handled, and Major Hubbard taken prisoner. Here the rebels formed in line of battle, but on opening fire upon them with a section of battery E, First Missouri artillery, they were soon put to flight and driven back four miles to Illinois Creek. Here I discovered the enemy in position directly in front, on each side of the road, occupying a high ridge, about three quarters of a mile from the ford of the creek, covered with timber and thick underbrush.

Wishing to feel the position of the enemy, I ordered the Ninety-fourth Illinois infantry, with a section of battery E, First Missouri light artillery, across the creek, and opened fire upon them. Their batteries were in good position, commanding the ford of the creek, and having excellent range, compelled my advance to fall back. It being impossible to move my command across the ford, under their fire, I then ordered Colonel Halston, commanding Second division, to cut a road through the timber and move Captain Murphy's battery (F, First Missouri artillery) to a point on the south side of the creek, and half a mile from the regular ford, my intention being to draw the fire of the enemy to enable my infantry to cross the creek at the ford. The movement was entirely successful, the battery dividing, getting into position, and opening fire on the enemy before they discovered the movement. Under cover of its fire, I ordered forward the batteries of Capt. Backof, Lieut. Foust, and Lieut. Boeries, supported by the Nineteenth Iowa, Twentieth Wisconsin, and Ninety-fourth Illinois infantry.

So rapidly was the order obeyed that the whole eighteen pieces were at work before the enemy could obtain our range. The fire was rapidly replied to by the rebel batteries, which had every advantage in position ; but so accurate was the firing that in one hour nearly all their batteries were silenced. During this time I had formed the infantry, the Second division, Col. Houston commanding, occupying the right, and the Third division, under my immediate command, the left of my position. It required but a short time to satisfy myself that the rebels were present in largely superior force, and I immediately determined to give them the best fight I could until you could come up with additional forces. The enemy making a movement of their infantry toward my left, I ordered forward the Second brigade of Third division, under Col. W. W. Orme, to the base of the ridge occupied by them; and while their attention was attracted by the fire of the Second brigade, I moved up the First brigade, under command of Lieut.-Col. Bertram. The batteries advanced across the open field, with the infantry, pouring in a terrible fire of grape and canister.

When within one hundred yards of the ridge, the Twentieth Wisconsin and Nineteenth Iowa infantry were ordered to charge a battery placed near a farm-house on the edge of the hill. The charge was made in gallant style, the enemy driven back, and the battery taken, but the ground could not be held; regiment after regiment of infantry was hurled upon them, and they were compelled to fall back. This was followed by a charge of the rebels en masse upon the batteries of Capts. Foust and Backof and Lieut. Boeries. Never was there more real pluck and courage displayed, and more downright hard fighting done, than at this moment by tile above-named batteries. Advancing to within one hundred yards of the guns, the rebels received a fire that could not be withstood, and retreated in disorder — receiving, as they ran, a terrible fire, causing great slaughter among them. For the management of his battery, and the soldier-like qualities displayed by Capt. Foust, company E, First Missouri light artillery, at this time especially, he deserves very great credit.

Col. Houston was then instructed to move one of his brigades from the right to the support of the centre. Arriving at the point, and discovering the rebel infantry again moving down the hill, Col. Houston ordered the Twenty-sixth Indiana and Thirty-seventh Illinois regiments to charge them, which they did, Colonel Houston leading in person. It was a repetition of the first charge. The same battery captured, the enemy again driven back, and we in turn compelled to abandon don the position by force of numbers. About this time, half-past 2 o'clock P. M., a battery opened some distance from my right, which I soon discovered to be from your division. With the knowledge that you had really arrived, a new spirit was infused into my command, now almost worn out by the severe work, and they went at it again with increased vigor. When your column moved up, the Second brigade of Second division, Colonel Wm. McE. Dye, commanding, also advanced on your left, having a severe fight in the timber, and driving the enemy from the hill-side. From this hour until dark the firing was steady and terrific, the batteries of the First division firing the last round.

My command slept on their arms nearly one [65] thousand yards in advance of their position occupied in the morning, and ready to renew the fight at daybreak. The arrangements for the attack on the eighth, the flight of the enemy during the night, the trickery of the rebel Generals Hindman and Marmaduke, are all known to you. Night alone saved them from capture. I have as captures four caissons complete, and filled with ammunition, a number of sets of artillery harness, caisson-wheels, and about three hundred stand of arms. I regret to state that my loss was very severe. Lieut.-Col. McFarland, who led the Nineteenth Iowa in the first charge, a true and gallant soldier, “sleeps his last sleep.” Lieut.-Col. Black, Thirty-seventh Illinois, Major Thompson, Twentieth Iowa, and a large number of line-officers are wounded. Major Burdett, of the Seventh Missouri cavalry, a brave and noble soldier, was killed in the early part of the battle. My troops all did well, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Missouri, side by side, fired by the truest test, their loyalty and love of country. Colonel Houston, commanding Second division, was always in the front, and did valuable service.

Cols. Orme, Clarke, McE. Dye, and Bertram, commanding brigades, were with their commands in the thickest of the fight, and performed their duties well. I must especially mention the working of Murphy's, Foust's, Backof's, and Boeries's batteries. The former fired his guns with the precision of a sharp-shooter, while the others worked their pieces gallantly in the midst of a terrible infantry fire. My cavalry, the First Iowa, Eighth Missouri, Tenth Illinois, and Second Wisconsin, having been with you during the day, I know but little of the parts taken by them. They have on other fields proved themselves worthy of the name of American soldiers, and I have no doubt sustained it while with you. Major Hubbard and his command, the fighting battalion of the First Missouri cavalry, gallantly held in check the rebel advance in the early part of the day, and on this occasion officers and men have added to their already high reputation.

To Capt. Wm. Hyde Clark, my Assistant Adjutant-General, who had for three days been carried sick in an ambulance, but mounted that morning to be with me during the battle, I am much indebted for services on the field, and also to Captain Littleton, C. S., Captain Brewster, Lieutenants Pettit, Thomas, and Douglass, of my staff, for their conduct and assistance throughout the battle. There were many instances of individual courage and bravery that I should like to mention, but will have to refer you to the reports of brigade commanders. Of Lieut.-Col. Black, Thirty-seventh Illinois infantry, I must say that a braver man never went upon the battle-field, and he has, on this occasion, added to the laurels won at Pea Ridge. In conclusion, General, let me say for the Second and Third divisions, that they had marched one hundred and ten miles in three days to join you; that they came upon the field weak in numbers on account of the severity of the march Of my command I have lost:

Officers — killed,	9
Officers — wounded,	31
Officers — missing,	8
Enlisted men — killed,	137
Enlisted men — wounded,	600
Enlisted men — missing,	168
Total,	953

Inclosed please find certified copies of reports of brigade and regimental commanders.

I am very truly, your obedient servant,

The General Commanding takes this occasion to express his heartfelt thanks to the officers and soldiers of his command for their gallantry at the battle of Prairie Grove, on Sunday, the seventh instant, which crowned the army of the frontier with complete success and a brilliant victory.

When it is considered that the enemy we engaged outnumbered us three to one; that they were inspired by the confidence of success, and stimulated by the most urgent appeals to their passions and prejudices; that they possessed the advantage of being in their own country, and familiar with every road, hill, and mountain-pass; that they possessed every advantage in position, which was of their own choosing, you have every reason to be proud of having participated upon that bloody field. No battle during the present war has been more determined and bloody, and never was there a field upon which, considering the number of troops engaged and the time occupied, the slaughter was as great.

The results of your victory cannot be over-estimated. The stake was an important one. With your defeat, Western Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, and the Indian country would have been the prey of the rebel army. Your victory has virtually ended the war north of the Arkansas River. For these results, you are entitled to the plaudits of a grateful country. To the Second and Third divisions, for the promptness with which they responded to my request to reenforce me, and the unparalleled marching done by them to reach me before support would be too late, as well as for the gallantry displayed by them upon the field upon that memorable day, the highest praise is justly due.

Although we have cause to rejoice over our victory, yet we cannot but feel saddened at the loss of our brave comrades who have fallen by our side, and to condole with those to whose homes grief has been brought by the loss in battle of those friends that were dear; but while we drop a tear of sympathy over their graves, we cannot forget that their death was a noble sacrifice to sustain their country's flag, and that they died such a death as every true soldier and patriot would choose to die. Your noble conduct upon [66] the field of Prairie Grove, as also upon other occasions, gives evidence of your invincibility, and assures me that whatever emergency may arise, you will be equal to the task.

fellow-soldiers: It is with pride and pleasure that I am enabled to congratulate you on the victory so recently achieved over the enemy. Meeting their combined forces, vastly your superiors in numbers, armed and equipped in the most efficient manner, contrary to what we have been led to believe, marshaled by their ablest generals, posted in a strong position of their own selection, prepared and ready to attack us, entertaining toward us feelings of hatred and fiendish passion, evoked by infamous lies which even rebel generals should have disdained to utter, you, fellow-soldiers, after a forced march of over one hundred miles in less than three days, weary, exhausted, and almost famishing, animated only by that feeling of patriotism that induced you to give up the pleasures and comforts of home to undergo the dangers and hardships of the field, did most gallantly meet, fight and repulse the enemy. Your fellow-soldiers elsewhere, your friends and relatives at home, your fellow-citizens and your country, as they learn of the splendid service of the artillerymen, of the determined, daring and brilliant charges of the infantry, will render you that praise and honor which is justly your due. Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Missouri, your native States, are proud of their noble sons. I, who witnessed your gallant daring in every encounter, in behalf of your country and myself, tender you grateful thanks for the services you have rendered. Whilst we drop a tear, therefore, for those who have fallen, and sympathize with those who are yet suffering, let us not forget to render thanks to the beneficent Giver of all blessings for the success that has thus far attested the truth and right of our glorious cause.

Further details are received from Gens. Blunt and Herron, from the battle ground, Prairie-Grove, near Fayetteville, Arkansas:

Our loss in killed and wounded is now estimated at one thousand, and that of the enemy at over two thousand.

The rebels left many of their dead and most of their wounded for us to care for.

Extensive hospitals will be improvised in Fayetteville.

Persons returned from the battle-field represent that the enemy are twenty-eight thousand strong.

Their artillery was much crippled. We took four caissons filled with ammunition, and a large number of small arms.

General Blunt moves forward to-day on Cane Hill.

General Herron remains at Prairie Grove burying the dead and taking care of the wounded.

The enemy muffled their wheels and moved off in the night, continuing their retreat to Van Buren, and probably crossing the Arkansas River.

Col. McFarland, of the Nineteenth Iowa regiment, is killed.

Col. Black of the Thirty-seventh Illinois, and Major Thomas of the Twentieth Iowa regiment, and a large number of subalteran officers, are wounded.

It was a hard-fought battle, and a complete victory.

Colonel: Having just received the reports of the subordinate commanders, I hasten to submit to the General Commanding an account of the part taken by this brigade in the battle of Prairie Grove, Washington County, Arkansas, on Sunday December seventh, 1862.

The Third Indian regiment (Cherokee) had previous to the action been ordered to protect the train some miles distant, so that we went into the engagement as follows:

Tenth Kansas regiment, Major H. H. Williams, commanding three hundred and eighty-seven men--company I being absent on detached service.

First Kansas battery, Lieut. Marcus D. Tenny, commanding, ninety-five men.

Third Indian Regiment, Adjutant Gallagher commanding, forty-four men.

Thirteenth Kansas regiment, Colonel Thomas M. Bowen, commanding, three hundred and seventy-five men.

Total number of men engaged, nine hundred and two.

We entered the field upon the enemy's left, General Herron being then engaged some distance in our front; and immediately received an order to hurry forward to his assistance. The battery was placed in advance, the infantry marching by the right flank in its rear. The hurrying forward had just commenced, the head of the battery having entered an orchard, when a shower of bullets was sent at it from an adjoining thicket on the right. Fearing for its safety, and surprised at this unexpected reception so far distant from where General Herron was engaged, the Tenth Kansas was hurried into the thicket to clear it. They had hardly entered before they were subjected to a terrific fire, but fortunately with little loss. The battery moved forward into a meadow out of reach of small arms, while the Tenth Kansas continued moving and driving the enemy, but [67] were soon again involved in a severe contest. Thereupon the Thirteenth Kansas and the fragment of the Third Indian were moved forward into the timber to the assistance of the Tenth. A line of battle was formed under the brow of a gentle declivity. Some detachments from the Second Kansas (cavalry, dismounted) and the right wing of the Eleventh Kansas regiment came to our help during the fight, and a continuous firing, with but slight intermissions, was kept up until dark. The line was as follows:

The Indians upon the right, under Lieutenant Gallaher, as skirmishers, next to the left, the Tenth Kansas, under Major Williams, next a detachment of Second Kansas under Lieut.-Colonel Bassett; next, the Thirteenth Kansas, under Col. Bowen; next, the right wing of the Eleventh Kansas, under Colonel Ewing, and next, and last, upon the left, a small detachment of the Second Kansas, under Captain Crawford.

The firing was general, and very rapid, with occasional lulls, during which we several times attempted to pass the brow of the hill and engage the enemy in close quarters. We were as often repulsed by the rain of bullets. At one time, two mountain howitzers, under Lieut. E. S. Stover, Second Kansas, came to our assistance, and did splendid execution. About dark, and while making a final attempt to pass over the brow of the hill, the enemy arose in the timber with loud yells, surrounding us on all sides, and charged. The air was thick with bullets, and nothing saved us from annihilation but the protection afforded by the brow of the hill. They must have been heavily reinforced, and so overpowering were their numbers that we were compelled to yield before the charge and fall back. At this time (about dark) Rabb's battery on our left, and Lieut. Tenny with the First Kansas battery on our right, saved us from destruction. Their firing was so rapid and well directed that the enemy was compelled to fall back, and we marched from the field in good order. We were engaged from three o'clock P. M. till dark. Our whole line of battle could not have numbered over twelve hundred, and with this force we engaged, as we afterward learned, General Frost's whole division, two Arkansas regiments, etc., and with the aid of the batteries above named, his final reenforcements. Our safety, even at the commencement of the action, must be attributed to the fact that our weakness was concealed from the enemy by our position, and that many of their men were unwilling conscripts. The desperate charges made by him at night by so large a force, was evidently intended to cover his retreat. The damage done the enemy far exceeded our losses.

As this was the first time most of the men were under fire, great credit is due them for the pertinacity with which they clung to their position, and rallied when broken. There were some disgraceful exceptions, but it is to be hoped that upon a fresh field they will show themselves worthy soldiers.

I desire to express my grateful acknowledgments to Col. Ewing, of the Eleventh Kansas, Lieut.-Col. Bassett and Capt. Crawford, of the Second Kansas, and Lieut. Stover, commanding the two howitzers, Capt. Rabb, commanding battery, their officers and men, for their valuable assistance, courage, and zeal. Due credit will doubtless be given them in reports from their proper commanders.

I cannot be too earnest in my commendations of Col. Bowen, commanding Thirteenth Kansas, Major Williams, commanding Tenth Kansas, and Lieut. Tenny, commanding First Kansas battery, all of my own brigade. Their daring skill and active endeavors in the rallying and management of their men, amid storms of bullets, deserve not only honorable mention, but a place upon the record of those who merit promotion. Though not immediately under my personal supervision, I am credibly informed that Adjutant Gallaher, and his handful of Cherokees, (lid noble service in protecting the right flank of the Tenth, under Capt. Quigg. The accompanying reports from regimental commanders, will give the names of those receiving at their hands special mention. The conduct of Lieut. Tenny and his battery, was under the immediate eye of the General Commanding. Their destructive and rapid fire has even extorted high encomiums from the enemy. I desire to call officially the attention of the General to the condition of this battery, and would respectfully state that it is due to the valor, skill, and patient labor of Lieut. Tenny, that the proper steps be taken to place him as its captain, he having for a long time been discharging the functions of that office, and that the meritorious officers under him be promoted.

To my adjutant, Lieut. J. K. Hudson, of the Tenth Kansas, I cannot award too high praise. He was my only aid, and was everywhere at duty's call, carrying orders, cheering and rallying the men. His worthy qualities in camp, as well as upon the field, entitle him to promotion.

I trust that the merits of several non-commissioned officers and privates, will not hereafter be overlooked in granting commissions.

Below I append a list of casualties.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

General: I have the honor to report that on the seventh instant, after being ordered by you to place that portion of the First brigade under my charge into position, the order was promptly executed by battery L, First Missouri light artillery, supported by the Twentieth regiment Wisconsin volunteers advancing across the creek. After playing the battery for about thirty minutes, doing good execution, I observed the enemy's tire to slacken. I then ordered the Twentieth Wisconsin to move cautiously forward. They moved across the field about five hundred yards, when I ordered them to lie down under cover. Receiving information that a heavy force [68] was threatening my left flank, I immediately changed front to the left, the Nineteenth Iowa and Ninety-fourth Illinois following up the movement brought up in echelon, the Twentieth Wisconsin leading on the right. After the execution of the movement, I observed a battery of the enemy supported by infantry, trying to get into position in my front. I immediately ordered the Twentieth Wisconsin to charge on the battery, which was done in gallant style, Major Starr leading. After taking the battery, the regiment advanced under a heavy fire to the brow of the hill, when they met a heavy force of the enemy's infantry, some four or five regiments, advancing, which opened a terrific fire on the Twentieth Wisconsin, and obliged them to fall back, which they did in good order, destroying what they could (while falling back) of the battery taken before; the Twentieth fell back in good style across an open field to a fence, where they reformed and remained until the firing ceased for the day. The officers and men behaved nobly, and stood the fire like veterans. I regret that the loss of the Twentieth Wisconsin is heavy. As far as I have been able to ascertain, it amounts to forty-nine killed, one hundred and forty-eight wounded, and eight missing.

In conclusion, I cannot help but bring to your notice the gallant behavior of Major Starr, in immediate command of the Twentieth Wisconsin, as also Adjt. Morris, of the Twentieth, for the cool and prompt manner in which he executed my orders. Capt. Backhof, of the battery, behaved nobly, and his battery did good execution, although exposed for a time to a heavy fire of the enemy's infantry. Its loss of the killed and wounded will be forwarded as soon as it can be made out.

I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

sir: I have the honor of reporting to you the part that the Nineteenth regiment took in the late battle of the seventh instant.

The Nineteenth regiment, five hundred strong, was ordered into line of battle at twelve o'clock M., Lieut.-Col. McFarland commanding. By order of Col. Orme three companies were detached and deployed as skirmishers. The companies were A, B, and C, and owing to the circumstances Lieut. Root, the acting adjutant of the regiment, was ordered to take command, which was done, the skirmishers advancing under a heavy fire to a corn-field on the right of Co. E, First Missouri regiment artillery, and were ordered to hold it at all hazards, which was done until ordered to fall back and form in line of battle. The regiment was then ordered to advance to the left of the white house on the hill to support the Twentieth Wisconsin, which was hotly engaged. The Nineteenth, led by Lieut.-Colonel McFarland, advanced up the hill steady and across the orchard back of the house where the Twentieth Wisconsin gave way — the Nineteenth still advancing to the fences adjoining the woods when the enemy who lay concealed arose to their feet, three regiments deep, pouring a destructive fire on us from three sides, which caused the regiment to waver and fall back to the battery on the left of the road leading up the hill. Lieut.-Col. McFarland here fell shot through the body. I then took command and rallied what was left of the regiment, as the regiment met with a severe loss in the charge. I then left the men that I had rallied in charge of Capt. Roderick, of Co. K, and went to rally some scattered troops, when Col. Orme rode up and ordered Capt. Roderick to fall in and rally with the Ninety-fourth Illinois, which he did, led by Col. Orme in person, driving the enemy back with great slaughter and held their position until ordered to fall back and re-form. In the retreat of the Twentieth Wisconsin the color-bearer was shot, letting fall the colors, when the enemy made a desperate effort to get it, but a portion of the Nineteenth rallied, and getting possession of it, carried it off the field with them.

In making out this report it is with pleasure I can say the officers and men behaved nobly and fought desperately, as if the fate of the battle depended on them alone. I will mention especially Capt. Roderick, of Co. K, whom I left in charge of some scattered troops, also Capt. Richmond, of Co. H, and Capt. Taylor, of Co. G; also Lieut. Brooks, of Co. I, who brought the colors off the field, and in doing so was badly wounded. Others are equally meritorious, but are too numerous to mention at present.

The report of the detachment of skirmishers I give to you as received.

On the morning of the eighth I was ordered into line at six o'clock, and advanced across the creek and formed in line of battle, and advanced up through the timber on the left of the Twentieth Wisconsin. I was then ordered to occupy tho [69] fence east of the house, which I did, crossing part of the ground that was fought over. the day before. I occupied the position until ordered to fall back, so as to let both sides have a chance to collect their dead. I selected an advantageous piece of ground, and occupied it until ordered into camp.

Below is a list of the killed, wounded, and missing of the Nineteenth regiment:

killed.
Commissioned officers,	3
Enlisted men,	42
wounded.
Commissioned officers,	5
Enlisted men,	140
Missing,	8
Total aggregate,	198

I remain your obedient servant,

Ere now you will, no doubt, have received and published brief telegraphic despatches furnishing some inklings of the desperate battle fought near here three days ago (on Sunday, December seventh) which resulted in another decisive victory for the Federal arms! As not less than thirty-five thousand men and seventy pieces of cannon were engaged in this hard-fought battle, which commenced early in the day, and was terminated only by the coming on of night — a more full account of it will probably be looked for by your readers. It is confidently believed that, in the important results to flow from it to the Union cause, if not in the obstinacy and desperation of the conflict on the part of the reb<*> army, and the gallant and successful daring of the Union forces in driving it back, the battle of Prairie Grove will take no secondary rank, as compared with that of either Wilson's Creek or Pea Ridge; in fact, that history will record it as the battle, thus far, in the war of the rebellion, west and north of the Mississippi and Arkansas Rivers, in its effects upon that whole section of the Union. Close upon the heels of the battles of Wilson's Creek and Pea Ridge, the Federal armies fell back from the fields of those actions. Now, the army of the frontier, under the command of General Blunt, holds its position further south than any other has penetrated the enemy's country in this region, and is expected to advance upon the foe with as little delay as may be practicable.

The brilliant victory of Cane Hill, by which, as you are aware, Gen. Blunt's command drove Marmaduke's forces from that strong position and across the Boston Mountains, occurred on the twenty-eighth of November. From that day the Second and Third brigades of the Kansas division occupied Cane Hill, eighteen miles south-west of Fayetteville, the First brigade (Gen. Salomon's) being left eight miles back north (at this point) to protect the large subsistence trains that had recently come in from Fort Scott. For a few days immediately following the Cane lill victory, it was perhaps as “quiet” there as the telegraphic despatches have been in the habit of reporting it, usually, “along the Potomac,” during some eighteen months past. [71]

But it was a quiet to be of very brief duration here. On the second of December Gen. Blunt received information of a character to leave no doubt upon the subject that the united rebel forces in Western Arkansas, at least twenty-five thousand strong, under the command of Hindman, a Major-General in their service — with Marmaduke, Parsons, Roane, Frost, Shoup, Fagan, and others as brigadiers — were preparing to march upon him from a point midway between Van Buren and Cane Hill, and that they might be looked for at any day; the distance from their position to the latter point being not to exceed twenty miles. Determining at once to hold Cane Hill, unless driven from it by an overwhelming force, General Blunt immediately sent despatches for the Second and Third divisions of the army of the frontier--which he had been advised by Gen. Schofield were placed at his command — to march with the least possible delay for Cane Hill. Those two divisions were in the neighborhood of Springfield, Mo., from one hundred and thirty to one hundred and forty miles away. Gen. Totten, commanding one of them, was absent in St. Louis; as was also Gen. Schofield, the latter sick. The command of both divisions fell thereby on Gen. Herron, who, with a true soldier's promptitude that does him honor, made his arrangements to march at once, and join the First (Kansas) division at Cane Hill. At noon on Wednesday, the third, he commenced his long march, one that must, necessarily, even if the weather and roads remained good, occupy several days, (perhaps a week, if it rained) to perform; but he had assured Gen. Blunt that he should lose no time on the road, and that he would keep him advised, from day to day, of his progress. He nobly kept his word.

Some time during the night between the fourth and fifth, word came to Gen. Blunt that the enemy — still some dozen or fifteen miles off — were approaching Cane Hill by the mountain road, over which, less than a week before, Marmaduke had been driven from it. A small force was sent some miles into the mountains to hold them in check. Early the next morning the entire command took position upon the strong points in the southern part of the town, which control the approach into it from the south. Waiting there several hours, no enemy came. On the morning of December sixth the same ceremony was gone through, with a similar result. Again on the seventh it was repeated, news having come that the enemy was actually on the march, and their advance but a few miles off. All this time detachments had been sent out, of course, some miles to the east and south-east to watch the Cove Creek, Van Buren and other roads leading toward Fayetteville, and see that the enemy did not pass up on one of them, During the night, between the sixth and seventh, some two thousand of Herron's cavalry reached Cane Hill, with intelligence that he himself had arrived in the neighborhood of Fayetteville — only some twenty miles off — with the remainder of his command. While, on the seventh, between nine and ten o'clock, still occupying Cane Hill with the Second and Third brigades of the Kansas division, word came to Gen. Blunt from the officer in command of a detachment sent to watch one of the roads to the east of the town, that the enemy, ten thousand strong, had managed somehow to slip by him — and were on their way north I How such a thing could have occurred with any thing like due precaution and vigilance on the part of the officer referred to, is something very extraordinary; yet, happen it did. Possibly some explanation, with at least a show of reason in it, may be offered in regard to this matter; and for the present therefore, I forbear further comment upon it; but it would seem to have been a piece of neglect which, in a time of war, and in the heart of an enemy's country, when a single mismovement may be productive of disastrous results, as to be almost unpardonable.

Of course the receipt of the intelligence just referred to, produced a prompt change in the proceedings of the day. The Second and Third brigades of the First division at once faced north, and proceeded by a rapid march in pursuit of the rebel force.

Under this new state of affairs, two things were to be considered. The enemy might move first upon Rhea's Mills--eight miles off, and a little to the west of north from Cane Hill — for the purpose of destroying the large train there, of some three or four hundred wagons; or he might proceed directly up the Fayetteville road — on which Herron was undoubtedly approaching in a southwesterly direction, and not very far off — with the view of crushing or crippling his command first, and then turning upon the First division. Such turned out to have been his plan.

Gen. Blunt determined to make sure the safety of the train — to do which would increase the march but a few miles — and then move rapidly to the right, to Herron's relief, if necessary. Rhea's Mills is at the eastern extremity of a beautiful, undulating and cultivated prairie — dotted by fine farms and patches of woods, of about eight miles long from east to west, by an average width of perhaps two miles. Near the eastern extremity of this valley Gen. Herron came out, on the mountain road, from Fayetteville in his march to Cane Hill; and it was in that neighborhood that he met the advance of Hindman's forces early in the day. Between eleven and twelve o'clock the engagement between them became serious — to last until nightfall.

At about one o'clock, and soon after reaching Rhea's Mills, General Blunt became aware that a battle was going on, and starting immediately with his command for the scene of action, obtained the first knowledge of the enemy's extreme left being immediately in his front, at about two o'clock. They occupied the woods on the south side of the prairie, from the house of one Branch on the west, to the Prairie Grove church on the east, a distance of some three miles, and had received since the commencement of the fight with Herron, large accessions to their forces, thus numbering with those before on the ground, not less than twenty-five thousand men. Of cannon, they [72] had twenty or more pieces, as was subsequently ascertained; and their infantry were well armed — all of as well as our own — with Enfield rifles and muskets. There has been heretofore, unquestionably, much misapprehension upon the subject of the arming of the rebel forces. The great body of Hindman's army has been furnished, from some source or other, with arms of an excellent quality. About that there can be no further doubt.

On arriving upon the field, Gen. Blunt at once placed his batteries in the most available positions in the prairie — considerably depressed, however, below the woods occupied by the enemy — and the action soon became general along the whole line. The booming from some seventy pieces of cannon, at the same time, was indeed a “thunder of artillery” that was most sublime.

Never was there a more charming day for such a scene. The sun shone out brightly, and the air was as warm as in early summer. The morning had been lovely beyond belief for so late a day in the season as the seventh of December; but such is the character of the climate of this region. For ten days past, while the nights have been cold, every day here has been all that the most fastidious could desire.

But to return to the battle — it was not one confined solely to the artillery, by any means, though that arm played a prominent part in it, and did, perhaps, most damage to the enemy. His infantry force was more than double, if not treble ours, yet the latter met them face to face, for hour after hour, in a most desperate conflict, during all of which time the discharge of musketry was one incessant roar. On the morning after the battle. in quite a small orchard by the side of a house, over forty of our dead were counted, while close at hand, in a corner of the lot, some sixty of the enemy lay gathered up in a rail-pen, and all around the orchard, as far as the eye could reach, dead bodies might be seen. The woods, indeed, were strewn with them for a distance of two and a half or three miles one way, by perhaps one and a half the other. The trees themselves are torn and scarred, by both cannon and musket-balls, within those limits, to a far greater extent than they were at Pea Ridge. Such is the statement of Gen. Herron himself; and it was at Pea Ridge, as will be remembered, that, wounded and taken a prisoner, he won the laurels that made him a brigadier. A most gallant soldier, and a true gentleman, he is worthy of every honor.

Allusion is made above to the many dead found in and around a small orchard in Herron's front. It was there that the Twentieth Wisconsin regiment, having charged into the woods, encountered the enemy, and fought them hand to hand. Beside this regiment, Herron had with him four others that participated actively in the battle, and all, I believe, suffered severely, to wit, the Nineteenth and Twentieth Iowa, the Twenty-sixth Indiana, and the Thirty-seventh Illinois. Of the Twentieth Wisconsin, forty-nine, I learn, were killed, and of the Nineteenth Iowa, one hundred and ninety-seven killed and wounded. What the casualties may have been in the other regiments named, I am not informed. The reports soon to be made will give the facts. Among the killed in Gen. Herron's command is Lieut.-Col. McFarland, of the Nineteenth Iowa, and Major Bredett, of the Seventh Missouri; and among the badly wounded, Col. Black, of the Thirty-seventh Illinois, Major Thompson, of the Twentieth Iowa, and Lieut. De la Hunt, of the Twenty-sixth Indiana. Some thirty of the line-officers of that division are said to have been wounded.

Coming upon the field later in the day, the casualties in the right wing or First division of the army, are, perhaps, less than in the other — but still very numerous. Three only of the infantry regiments, the Tenth, Eleventh, and Thirteenth Kansas, and one of cavalry (dismounted and acting as infantry) the Second Kansas, of the First division, were involved in the conflict upon the field of battle proper; and all fought with the most determined bravery until night came on, though their comrades were constantly falling around them. Of the Tenth Kansas, which went into the action less than three hundred and fifty strong — several of its companies being absent on other duties--seven, I learn, are killed, sixty-six wounded, and eleven missing. The gallant Major Williams, who commanded this regiment, had his horse shot under him.

The chivalric Capt. A. P. Russell, of the Second Kansas--who had passed through a dozen hard fights before — received a very bad wound in the breast, of which he has since died. The Eleventh and Thirteenth Kansas both have long lists of casualties, though what they are precisely I have not learned. I hear the conduct of Colonel Ewing and Lieut.-Col. Moonlight, of the former, and Col. Bowen, of the latter, spoken of in high terms for their gallantry in the engagement.

All four of the Kansas regiments above named, under the head of their brigade commanders, Colonels Weer and Cloud--both soldiers of the true stamp — penetrated the woods where the enemy lay concealed, and fought them there for two hours or more, upon the ground of their own choosing. Against those four regiments, as has since been satisfactorily ascertained from some of their own wounded, were arrayed three brigades of the enemy. When our men entered the woods they rose, apparently by myriads, from every hollow and ravine, but only to be met by the most obstinate resistance. The musketry fire there, as already stated, was a continuous roar, for at least two hours, like the rattling of thunder in a terrible storm — the bellowing of the cannon, even, being drowned by it, to those who were nearer to the former than the latter.

In regard to the conduct of the commanding officer of the Federal army in this hard-fought battle, (Gen. Blunt,) it need hardly be said, of course, that he was, where he always is, in the very thickest of the fight, when his presence is at all needed. His first act, as previously stated, on reaching the field, was to place his artillery, passing a long distance in front of the enemy, nearly up to Herron's command, to do so at the [73] most suitable points, as well as to communicate with that officer. There Rabb's and Tenny's and Hopkins's batteries — the latter captured at Old Fort Wayne--soon opened a terrible and destructive fire upon the foe, and drove him back into the woods at every point where he had come out from beneath its cover. Some of the little howitzers, too, soon joined in the chorus of the cannon, and the enemy danced to it in a most lively manner — back from the front! When, subsequently, our infantry were about entering the woods, Gen. Blunt with his staff rode up to the crest of the hill, near the house of one Morton, to observe as far as was practicable what was going on, and to direct any movement that might be necessary. Two of the Kansas regiments were lying flat upon their stomachs, just within the edge of the wood, at the hill-top, prepared to give the enemy a hot reception so soon as they should come within reach. Just then their fire came rattling over the prostrate men, as if delivered, apparently, for the special benefit of Gen. Blunt and staff; and such undoubtedly was the fact! Nobody was hit; but the sharp cutting of the twigs overhead, and barking of the trees close at hand, makes the escape seem miraculous.

Major-General Hindman, it appears, had been issuing lately another of his characteristic orders or addresses to his troops, telling them how to shoot, and whom they must shoot. You have published already one of Hindman's “orders,” upon the subject of “picking off pickets,” killing off “pilots on steamboats,” etc. That was an atrocious document; but his “Address to the troops,” issued on December fourth, only three days before the late battle of Prairie Grove, when he was crossing the mountains to attack us, I think it excels it in infamy! Who ever before heard of the commander of an army, among civilized nations, instructing his men, in a public address, to single out mounted officers in the ranks of his foe, and deliberately shoot them down? Oh! shame upon such chivalry; yet this is the conduct of which Hindman has proven himself capable.

Let nobody doubt the genuineness of the “address.” It is just what it purports to be; and, together with his “order,” should be preserved to immortalize their author, “Major-General Hindman!”

The case mentioned above is not the only one in which Gen. Blunt and staff received the very special attention of Hindman's trained “sharpshooters” on the field of Prairie Grove. Late in the day the enemy, having gradually worked his way over to the extreme left, (our right,) near Branch's house, it became necessary to put Tenny's battery, with some of the howitzers, in a new position to dislodge him. They had come up to the edge of the timber, and were pouring a terrible cross-fire into some of our people, who were holding their ground near Morton's house. Gen. Blunt went in person with his staff to help to get Tenny's battery properly at work. Hardly had it opened ere the enemy's fire was brought to bear on it — not musketry merely, but ten artillery guns, as was learned the next day from some of themselves. Tenny's six “Parrotts,” however, helped by the two troublesome howitzers, soon shut them up for a time; but as Gen. Blunt and staff rode away from under the dense smoke, and over the field, a perfect shower of long-range “Minies” followed them as they went, with an incessant whiz and whirr, indicating very clearly that those from whom they came were bent on something more than a purpose to fire a mere idle shot. It was in that part of the field, by the way, that the enemy's heaviest musketry fire occurred during the day. Renewed by them just at dark — by way perhaps of a last parting salute — the blaze from their guns, for several hundred yards along the woods, was more like some “fireworks” I have witnessed than like musketry fire; or, to use a homely but appropriate phrase to describe it, it was “a perfect blaze!”

It was there that, as Gen. Marmaduke informed the writer, the rebel Col. Stein fell, with a ball from the gun of some of “ours” through his brain.

Night and darkness finally closed the battle, each party retaining the ground they had occupied at its commencement; the rebels to hide under cover of the woods and in the hollows and ravines; we to “bivouac upon our arms,” as Blunt expressed it, on the open prairie, and to await the dawn of day to renew the attack. But when the dawn came the enemy had gone, at least the most of them. Early in the morning, Hindman sent, under a flag of truce, a message desiring an interview with Gen. Blunt. The request was granted, and the interview took place at nine or ten o'clock, occupying an hour and a half. Present at it were, with Gen. Hindman, his Adjutant-General, Col. Newton, and General Marmaduke. Accompanying Gen. Blunt were the Inspector General of his division, Major Van Antwerp and Gen. Herron.

What transpired at this interview I am not prepared to state. It is said, however, that Hindman, in true diplomatic style, and with the skill and plausibility of a Talleyrand — he is a man of no little polish as well as ability — presented to General Blunt, “for his consideration,” several “points,” in due order, relative to the treatment of the sick and wounded, to an exchange of prisoners, the employment in the army of Indians, negroes — admitting that the former had been first used by the rebels themselves, but with an air of mock chivalry, deprecating the practice by either party; and, finally, wound up with an earnest effort to justify the raising, by himself, of his bands of bushwhacking assassins, whom he plead to have recognized and treated as soldiers in his service — a part of his regular force!

Those who were present say that, upon every point where there was any non-concurrence of opinion, Gen. Blunt met the artful and wily diplomatist with a directness of speech and a presentation of his own common-sense views in so practical a manner as to balk him at every turn. [74] Especially in regard to his thugs or bushwhackers, the prompt and emphatic, yet courteous response of Gen. Blunt, put a sudden estoppel upon any further intercession or attempt at justification upon that subject. He (Hindman) was given plainly to understand that if any of the class of assassins referred to were caught, and their acts proven upon them, they would be shot down upon the spot or hung up like dogs!

Ambitious, unprincipled, and vindictive as he is, it is not to be questioned that Hindman is a man of a high order of ability and of great resources. Not all of his half a dozen or more brigadiers united — though Marmaduke and Roane, and Parsons and Frost are of the number (and were here in the battle)--could have gotten together, and kept together, an army of men such as he has, and supplied them with arms. In the writer's opinion, he (Hindman) is, in every quality that goes to constitute either the able soldier or statesman, the superior of Sterling Price, whom he knew well in years gone by. But, in Gen. Blunt, Hindman met a man of the sort he did not expect to meet — clear-headed, as well as decided, and not to be turned away from his purpose by any of the diplomatic arts of which he is the master.

Yet one thing the trickster did accomplish by means partially of the interview obtained through the flag of truce; but it was by so unsoldierly and dishonorable a proceeding as forever to attach a stigma to his name. The whole thing, embracing the interview above described, was planned by Hindman, there can be no doubt, to enable him to withdraw the remnant of his used — up forces from the field of their defeat. He had commenced to do this during the night before, and to enable them to crawl stealthily away, had caused the blankets of his men to be torn up to be used as mufflers on the wheels of his artillery! When, therefore, the interview with Gen. Blunt took place, the most of Hindman's army were miles off toward the south, picking their way under cover of the woods; but he wanted some more time for the remainder of it to follow, and to secure the safety of his own precious person. Hence the flag of truce and the armistice, of so many hours, under the pretext of caring for the killed and wounded! It was the old trick over again, played by Marmaduke at the end of the rout from Cane Hill — when pushed to the wall and about to be crushed, he wanted to save his cannon! He, too, sent a flag of truce to care for the killed and wounded. And this, I suppose, is chivalry! But one good comes of this proceeding. The flag of truce game is about “played out.” For the future they will be respected only after having been clearly ascertained to be used for some legitimate object. For some time past, spies and scouting-parties (in fact) have come into our camp, and scoured the country around them, under these rebel flags of truce, with no other object in view.

Mention has been made above of the character of the arms used by the rebel soldiers — especially their infantry — in the late battle, as being fully equal to our own. It may be truly added that they were used with a desperation and an apparent bravery worthy of a better cause. They fought through the day like devils incarnate, and as if resolved on victory or death. Although our superior artillery played upon them at every exposed point, and shelled the woods, doing the most terrible execution, as the next day's examination clearly proved, and our infantry pushed into the woods, firing volley after volley, in rapid succession as they went, the rebels held their ground with wonderful tenacity until night came on. Their killed and wounded cannot be less than from two thousand five hundred to three thousand; while our own, probably, will reach one thousand.

On the field of Prairie Grove the enemy were making the last desperate struggle to “get back into Missouri or perish in the effort,” of which we have heard so much. Staking all upon a cast of the die, they have lost!

Said Hindman, in the “Address to his troops,” three days before the battle: “our country will be ruined if we fail.” They did fail, and have ingloriously fled — back over the mountains from whence they came!

Death has reaped a terrible harvest to-day. The “battle of Prairie Grove” will long be remembered by the people of the West, and it will fill a conspicuous place in the future history of this cruel and unholy war.

Since the battle of “Cane Hill” the forces of General Blunt have been occupying a radius of country of some sixteen miles, comprising Dutch Town Mills, Boonsboro, or Cane Hill, and Rhea's Mills, the great wheat and corn district of Arkansas. General Salamon's brigade occupied Rhea's Mills; the other two brigades, Dutch Town and Boonsboro.

On the morning of the fifth, (Gen. Blunt learned that the enemy were making preparations to cross Boston Mountains, and attack us at Boonsboro. During the day the enemy advanced his pickets, driving ours over the mountains. Both armies then commenced strengthening their pickets. During the night severe skirmishing was going on in the mountains, our pickets slowly retiring toward Boonsboro, and the enemy approaching within two miles of our main lines. During Saturday, the sixth, the enemy continued to hold his position at the foot and upon the north side of Boston Mountains, upon the same ground where we had fought and whipped them on the twenty-ninth ultimo.

We had learned positively that Hindman had reenforced Marmaduke with about twenty thousand men and fourteen pieces of artillery. This was evidence conclusive that the enemy was planning to overwhelm our small force, knowing that they would have nothing but the division of Blunt to oppose them. But General Blunt, upon the first intimation of Hindman's reenforcement, ordered [75] the command of General Schofield forward upon forced marches. At ten o'clock on the morning of the seventh, (Sunday,) we discovered that Hindman had essayed to trap us. His demonstration upon our front was only to cover his flank movement upon our left with his entire army of twenty-five or thirty thousand men, and before we had discovered his intention, his whole force was far on its way toward Rhea's Mills, where he intended to fall in our rear and “gobble us up.” Let us see how he succeeded.

Immediately our two brigades were “about-faced” and ordered to Rhea's Mills on a double-quick, a distance of ten miles, our trains taking a road parallel and a little west of us. Now commenced the strife. Hindman had fully four miles the start with the front of his column, his men enthusiastic with the prospect of gaining our rear and cutting off our trains of over two hundred wagons and a fresh supply of commissary stores. This army was upon what is called the “Wire road,” leading from Fayetteville to Van Buren; while General Herron, of Schofield's division, was on the same road, making a forced march to reenforce Blunt at Cane Hill or Boonsboro. About three miles, a little south of east of Rhea s Mills, Gen. Herron and Hindman ran together, similar to two locomotives, both rather thunder-struck at this unexpected meeting. Now the fun commenced. The men were speedily formed, the guns unlimbered, and the “war-dogs” let loose. Blunt's division heard the first roar of the cannon, and were west upon the flank about three miles. The booming of every gun seemed to add strength and speed to man and beast. Leaving the main road, we took a straight shoot over fences, ditches, through fields of chapparal and thorn-brush, until we came to the enemy's lines upon their left flank. Here they were just making a movement to flank Herron with a force of over seven thousand infantry. Herron's forces fought like tigers, but the enemy were overwhelming them with numbers, and they already began to falter. Instantly our (Blunt's) guns were unlimbered, and two full batteries belched forth shell and shot into the enemy's left. This was sweet music to the ears of General Herron and his brave boys. The roar of our first guns had hardly died away, when a thrilling cheer went up from Herron's whole division that drowned for a moment the din of battle. Cheer upon cheer was sent up from their lines, as our booming cannon told them that Blunt had come to the rescue! Our lines were speedily formed, and in less than half an hour the whole line, from Herron's left to Blunt's right, was engaged. It was now about two o'clock, and one of the most lovely days that ever beamed on a Western climate.

The enemy fought with desperation. They were covered through the entire length of their lines with a small growth of timber and upon the height of land; while our entire forces were upon the open, level ground fronting the timber. This gave them a very great advantage. Again and again our infantry would charge into the woods from the open fields and drive them back, and in turn they would charge our men and drive them again to the edge of the opening. Thus the battle wavered until darkness began to set in, when our troops were ordered to withdraw from the woods to the open fields, in good order. The batteries were all set for this movement. The enemy supposed us retreating, as our cannon were still, and they came charging to the very open fields, with hideous cheers. The whole skirt of the woods was filled with them. Our fifty cannon poured a volley of grape and canister into their lines that struck them dumb. Our guns were not sixty yards from them. They rallied and attempted to charge the batteries, many of them almost reaching the mouths of the cannon; but another volley of canister sent them howling to the wilderness, and closed their fire. A few rounds more of shell into the bush and the battle was ended. Darkness was upon us. A few hearty cheers went up for the Stars and Stripes, and all was hushed but the groans of the wounded and dying. The field was ours. A noble victory had been won, and Hindman had been outgeneraled.

I cannot give you the thousand incidents of personal bravery that occurred through the day. It is sufficient to say that all our troops did nobly. None but those fighting under our glorious flag could have fought so bravely.

Flags of truce were sent from both lines to pick up the wounded. The whole night was occupied in this work. The wounded were scattered through the brush and woods, and the darkness made the work slow and tedious.

Our loss will reach over one thousand men that of the enemy will easily double ours. Hindman has fled with his great army over the mountains again, and will not, probably, make a stand until he reaches the Arkansas River.

Generals Blunt and Hindman had an interview the next morning after the battle, at the solicitation of the latter. The subject matter of the interview was unimportant, further than an arrangement for the exchange of prisoners, and the acknowledgment of Hindman that he was whipped severely. The prisoners taken say that our artillery slaughtered them terribly. Nearly all express a wish to see the war ended, and the wounded seem to rejoice that their wounds will let them out of the rebel service.

On this beautiful morning, as I write, the sun shines out clearly and brightly, and the hum and bustle in our camp is as plain and cheerful as though battle smoke had not hung like a pall over this valley three days ago; and none, to look around, would suppose that in that time many of our brave men had been made martyrs by death or heroes by wounds. But the smoke has floated away on the winds which now serve to purify the air. The bodies of the dead are mostly gathered home, and over their last resting-place the volleys have been fired, and the wounded whose groans of agony filled and frighted the night of the seventh of December have been carried to the hospitals to be cared for in the best way possible under the circumstances.

The excitement of the day has passed, also, and we can now sit down and write coolly of the incidents of a day which has given this little spot a place in history, and given another step forward in the effort for the maintenance of our Government to the armies which have sprung up as if by magic and rallied to the flag of the Union.

An actor in a battle has not perhaps the best opportunity of describing all the moves in the grand but terrible scene going on, but he can at least give accurately a description of that part which he acted. And so though I shall strive to do all justice, you will expect me to refer more particularly to the part of my own regiment and those immediately connected with us in the proper place. The Second and Third divisions of the army of the frontier, under Gen. Herron, on the morning of the fourth of December, were camped, the Third on Flat Creek, twenty-nine miles south-west of Springfield, Mo., and the Second some six miles nearer the same place. :)n that morning we started at three o'clock, on the march for (Gen. Blunt, who lay at Cane Hill, threatened by an overwhelming force of the rebels. On that day the Second division marched twenty miles, and on the fifth they marched twenty-three miles; on the sixth marched twenty-six miles, and starting at midnight of the sixth, marched on the seventh to our present position, a distance of thirty miles, arriving about half-past 1 o'clock P. M. On the last ten miles of our march we had been cheered by the music of cannon, from which we knew that the Third division in advance of us were engaging the enemy. Already the news of the rout of our cavalry and capture of eighteen or twenty of their wagons had reached us, and from this we knew that a powerful and determined enemy was before us, and that Gen. Blunt needed our assistance, which had arrived just in time. Arriving on the field, we immediately formed line of battle, and the battle opened as all modern battles do, with the thundering of artillery, and just here, while our artillery is at work and doing splendid work too, as we lay in line supporting it, let me describe the position the enemy had chosen on which to meet us. Instead of Prairie Grove, this should be called Grove Prairie, for it is a beautiful open valley lying between these hills, which forms Arkansas, running east to west some five miles long and one mile wide, bordered on either side by a range of heavily wooded hills and watered by Illinois Creek. On the range of hills on the south side, rising abruptly in some places, and in all places rapidly, till some thirty to fifty feet high, and then sloping gradually back for one and a half miles, the rebels had planted their batteries and formed their line of battle. Across this valley, then, we witnessed an artillery duel, proving as at Pea Ridge, and all Western battles, the superiority of our guns and practice. This could not last long, however, for the rebel batteries were [78] soon silenced or driven from the field, and as our regiment on the extreme right moved forward to a new position, supporting Murphy's battery, (First Missouri light artillery,) we saw a line of infantry moving from our left on the enemy's right, driving the skirmishers home, moving steadily and gallantly forward to the foot of the hill, and carrying their banners proudly up and over its crest, till they were lost to our view in the woods. But soon we heard the roll of musketry, an instant scattering, and then concentrating deadly, deafening, and we knew that the Twentieth Wisconsin and Nineteenth Iowa were having terrible work. How our boys chafed at being compelled to listen without aiding! But we knew our turn was coming — had already come, for the order was given to move, and with a feeling of positive relief the banner of the Thirty-seventh was borne forward. As we moved on our eyes were on the hill, and soon we saw our men giving way--one, and then another, then a handful; then those regiments which had gone so proudly up were hurled down the hill, broken and shattered in pieces. From the right of our line the Thirty-seventh Illinois and Twenty-sixth Indiana were moved to the extreme left and faced to the same hill where the Nineteenth Iowa and Twentieth Wisconsin had a moment before been driven. Steadily, rapidly, and unbroken those two veteran regiments, the Thirty-seventh on the right and the Twenty-sixth on the left, moved across the open ground to the foot of the hill, lay down under cover of the fence, and threw forward skirmishers to discover and unmask the enemy's position by drawing their fire. The regiments below were not kept long in waiting, and the Twenty-sixth on the enemy's flank and the Thirty seventh in the enemy's front, moved up that hill in the face of a most terrific fire to support their skirmishers.

The Thirty-seventh at the ,bloody battle of Pea Ridge had looked the wolf in the face — had contested the ground inch by inch with McCulloch's division, but never had we been welcomed to the sight of such an overwhelming force of rebels, nor shrouded in so terrible a cloud of bullets as greeted us on gaining the summit of the hill. Forward we rushed, however, to the cover of a fence in front, and thence we paid our compliments to the rebel line, which rose like a wall before us, and not more than eighty yards distant. Yet cool as we were, thus engaged, our commanding officer, Lieut.-Col. Black, than whom there is no braver Man or more skilful officer in this army, discovering that the Twenty-sixth Indiana had been driven back under the fire, leaving our left unsupported, and that the rebels were planting a battery on our right, which would sweep our entire line, gave the order to retreat, an order necessary but reluctantly obeyed. To retreat in the face of such a fire is not an easy or a bloodless task. Down the hill we went, however, across the meadow at its foot, and into the cornfield, where our regiment halted at the first order, and formed rapidly, with our left resting on a battery.

We had fallen back some four hundred and fifty yards and there awaited orders. Meantime, the Twenty-sixth Indiana had formed under cover of a fence, and were already at work again. But in a moment their line was broken, and their forces scattered like chaff before the wind, while the rebels followed like a pack of wolves in the open meadow below. They did not think what a welcome they were to receive, or they surely would have been more cautious. The battery on our left limbered up and passed off five hundred yards to the rear. The Twenty-sixth swept by us to form in our rear, and then our fire was unmasked and we resumed our harvest of death. Five hundred yards is an easy range for our rifles. For the first time in our lives the enemy stood in an open field within that distance, and we profited by the occasion. Rising up we poured a volley into their flank. How their ranks went like ripe and heavy grain before the mower's scythe. They had not calculated on such a reception as this, and stopped as if amazed. But they did not hesitate long ; another volley, another swing of tile great scythe of death, ;and they broke and fled into the woods, nor did they stop until the brow of the hill was passed and they were so hidden from our view. Just then the Twenty-sixth formed on our left and so the fighting on that part of tile field closed We had not driven them from the hill, but we held the plain, even in reach of their guns, unmolested.

Our cannonading was resumed, and one of our batteries engaged a rebel battery, which had been brought on the field, while their shot flew over our heads as we rested on the ground. It was a wild and beautiful music to us, filled with a consciousness that we could overpower them in this line so easily. But while we listened, another voice of battle rose on our extreme right. Musketry was heard again, and we knew that General Blunt had arrived with his reenforcements from Cane Hill. It was good news to us, wearied with marching and fighting, and we listened to the ebb and flow of the tide of battle — and so it continued until night and silence shrouded the battle field; silence as to hostile noises, but not silence, for the voices of the wounded, from every direction, were heard pleading for help or full of despairing agony. The after part of a battle is always the most fearful. But we did not listen long, for sleep, the sleep of the weary, of forgetfulness, came on us like an angel of mercy. That night a flag of truce, with Gen. Marmaduke, entered our camps and these flags kept passing to and fro until ten o'clock A. M., when Gen. Hindman having secured an armistice until five o'clock P. M., acknowledged himself whipped, and surrendered the field. Then began the work of burying the dead and collecting arms. Of these quite a large number were secured. In this battle the rebels had from twenty to twenty-five thousand men, while we had not more than eight thousand men engaged. In infantry they outnumbered us more than two to one, and fought us when we had marched one hundred and five miles in three [79] and a half days. It was terrible odds, but we whipped them, as their generals acknowledged. When has our Western army ever been beaten? The loss of our regiment, in killed, wounded and missing, (including five prisoners,) will reach eighty to ninety. Our total loss killed, wounded and prisoners, will not fall much, if any, short of one thousand two hundred. The rebels acknowledge a loss of wounded equal to ours, and of killed of three to two. We estimate their total loss at near two thousand.

While we were yet on the hill our Lieutenant-Colonel was wounded, and after rallying the regiment in the field, was compelled to leave us. But the Colonel commanding the brigade which we charged sent word to him that his men fought nobly. So much for what the rebels think and say of the Thirty-seventh Illinois. Gen. Herron said we did the best fighting of any regiment on the field. All did most nobly. The rebels lost General Stein and several Colonels, etc., killed. Our regiment captured one standard of rebel colors, and brought off the standard of the Twentieth Wisconsin, left on the field.

Thus have we fought and conquered.