Sue,
Here are some items on "Rock."

All dates are for 1862

Snead Papers-National Archives [Thos Snead aag, chief of staff]

7/16/62 HQs Army of the West-Snead to Gen Little-You will please state how many mounted men will be necessary to supply your division w/couriers, etc.
7/16/62Response-- When Capt Champion’s squad is recruited to a Company as I understand will be done by transfers from Green’s Bgde, it will be sufficient.

8/2/62 Tupelo, Army of the West HQs, Price to Jordan-I have the honor to forward to you the enclosed reports made by acting Gen Armstrong of two very successful engagements which he has had with the enemy in the vicinity of Courtland, Ala. I regret that the smallness of my cavalry force and the consequent necessity of concentrating it all here have compelled me to order Armstrong to return with his command to this point. I beg leave to commend him to the favorable notice of the general cdg the dept and of the President.

7/25 With portions of the squadrons and Co’s of Webb, Barteau, McCulloch, Hill, Sanders, Roddey, and Newsom Armstrong attacked the enemy at Courtland and won a brilliant victory, taking 133 prisoners and gaining possession of the fertile Tenn valley from Decatur to Tuscumbia. His continued successes brought him the warm congratulations of Gen Bragg.

7/26 Cav Bgde HQs, Moulton, Ala, Armstong to Snead-I have the honor to report that I reached here on the evening of the 24th. After conferring with Capt Roddey, from whom I gained all the valuable information I could desire, I determined to move early on the morning of the 25th to Courtland, 16 miles north of this, on the line of the Memphis and Charleston R R, and take the place, it being the center of guards and patrols for the portion of the road between Tuscumbia and Decatur. Sending Lt Col D. C. Kelley with 140 of Forrest's cavalry to a point 7 miles west and two Partisan companies that are in the neighborhood 12 miles east of Courtland, to destroy and ambush the road from both directions, I moved from here with about 550 men, including the independent companies under Capt Roddey, at 1 a. m. on the morning of the 25th instant. Having arrived near Courtland, avoiding all roads as much as possible, I sent two companies under Capt Roddey and a detachment of 60 men, with long-range guns, selected from the several battalions, under Capt Champion, to advance upon the flank. I succeeded, through corn fields and by-paths, in getting within 500 yards of the enemy's camp, when I charged them with the main body of cavalry, the two commands of Capt’s Roddey and Champion moving promptly to the positions previously assigned them. The enemy's infantry fell back under cover of the railroad and fired a volley, but I soon crossed the railroad and charged down it on the north side, which drove them from the trestle work and forced them to take shelter under the bank of a creek, where it was impossible to get at them on horseback. I immediately pushed around some dismounted men to charge them on foot. Seeing this they ceased firing, threw down their arms, and surrendered. In getting to this infantry command I had to charge through the cavalry encampment, dispersed their cavalry, taking the commander and many others prisoners, captured 2 wagons and teams, 500 bushels sacked corn, many horses and equipments, a large number of arms, all the camp and garrison equipage of four companies, and six days' supplies; destroyed the telegraph line, three pieces of trestle work and a bridge, burned a depot, and took 133 prisoners (8 commissioned officers).
My loss was 3 killed and 5 wounded; the enemy same number killed and 6 wounded. From the statements of the officers I am satisfied that not more than 12 of the command made their escape.
My command was composed of portions of Webb's La Squadron, Barteau's Independent Bn, McCulloch's Missouri Bn, Captains Hill's, Sanders', Roddey's, and Newsom's Co’s. The officers and men behaved with coolness and gallantry, and I can proudly say gave entire satisfaction to myself, and gave evidence of what our cavalry can do if they are used with energy and boldness.
…
I would respectfully request that the balance of my brigade be sent to me, as I am satisfied that with it I can hold the valley of the Tennessee from Decatur to Tuscumbia, and prevent any communication by railroad or telegraph. This country is peculiarly adapted for cavalry service of this kind. Forage in abundance can be procured; subsistence, except sugar, coffee, and salt, can be purchased.

7/26 Cav Bgde HQs, Moulton, Ala, Armstong to Snead -I send, under Major Smith (McCulloch's bn), 8 Federal officers taken at Courtland on the 25th. The nco’s and privates I have paroled, numbering 125. I could not feed them and had not the men to spare to guard them to headquarters of department. I brought them this place last night and will send them into Tuscumbia tomorrow. Gen Thomas' division has crossed at Florence and ordered to Huntsville. Buell was at the latter place a few days ago. Rosecrans' division is now or will be tonight at Tuscumbia. The railroad has been destroyed by my command, and I am fully under the impression that there are today no troops between Tuscumbia and Decatur. With the remainder of my brigade I can stop all communication on this side of the river between the two points. I can easily forage my command, and can also procure subsistence, excepting sugar, coffee, and salt. Corn meal and beef I can get in abundance. I hope the general will send every available man of my brigade immediately forward via Russellville and Mount Hope. After leaving Fulton forage sufficient can be obtained along the whole route. Major Smith would be a suitable officer to bring them up. I would request that your order my brigade commissary and quartermaster to procure funds and join me. The horses sent to Aberdeen might remain a few weeks longer. Instruct the officer who may bring the command to me to push up to Russellville rapidly and
then to report his arrival to me, as I will have need of a force in that direction.
P. S.-Since writing the above I learn that a very large force moved up the railroad to-day toward Courtland from Tuscumbia.

7/31 Tupelo, District of the Tenn, Snead to Col Adams cdg Post of Columbus-Maj Smith will deliver to you 8 Federal officers taken by Gen Armstrong on 7/25 at Courtland, Ala. Keep them there or at some suitable post designated by you.

Samuel A. Agnew Diary, 1851-1902.
Object Folder 8: Volume 7a: 5 April 1862-23 September 1863: Scan 206 Preferred Citation[Identification of item], in the Samuel A. Agnew Diary, #923, Southern Historical Collection, The Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
9/5 Armstrong has taken Boliver-Capt Champion killed in the process

Compiled Service Record
Capt John Rock Champion, Co K 2nd Missouri Cavalry
Killed at Middleburg, Tn, Aug 30, 1862-shot in forehead gallantly leading his men. Capt Champion and his gallant little band was warmly complimented at Elk Horn, Ark.
Killed in battle of Boliver, Tn
Marked “Snead Papers”-report of Capt Champion August 12, 1862-On outpost near Guntown
Gives number, type and condition of weapons, and camp equipage and numbers of officers and men
Discipline-good
Drill-irregular

http://hardemancountytn.com/visitors-guide/county-attractions/civil-war-battlefields.php
The Battle of Middleburg
The Battle of Middleburg occurred on August 30, 1862 when Confederate General Frank C. Armstrong rode north from Holly Springs, Mississippi, to raid Federal supply lines in West Tennessee. Armstrong engaged a Union brigade commanded by Colonel Mortimer Leggett, and following a day-long battle featuring one of the few saber engagements between Union and Confederate cavalry forces, the Union troops retreated. The Confederates continued their foray northward until two days later when they were halted at the Battle of Britton Lane. The only marker denoting the battle site is on Tennessee Highway 18, south of Bolivar.

The Seventh Tennessee Cavalry by J P Young
…five miles from Bolivar, on the Van Buren road, the command encountered the enemy on the morning of Aug 30, and a sharp fight ensued.
The enemy under Col M D Leggett, consisted of the 20th & 78th Ohio Infantry, four companies of 2nd Ill, and two companies of the 11th Ill Cavalry…
Col McCulloch of the 2nd Missouri led a fierce charge on the enemy in front of Middleburg, driving them back, and killing Lieut. Col Hogg of the 2nd Illinois, but lost the famous Capt J R Champion in the charge

http://www.pantagraph.com/special-sections/news/history-and-events/bloomington-civil-war-hero-hogg-was-larger-than-life/article_2df0cb1a-f3e8-11e1-85ee-001a4bcf887a.html
On Aug. 30, 1862, Lt. Col. Hogg and part of the 2nd Illinois Cavalry arrived in Bolivar, Tenn., located about 70 miles east of Memphis. It was there that Hogg and a mix of Union cavalry and infantry ran into the advance of a large Confederate force. Hogg refused to retreat, instead calling his men forward with a shout of “give them cold steel boys.” According to the adjutant general’s report, the 29-year-old lieutenant colonel was hit nine times by rebel fire. Others killed in the charge included Sgt. William Ross of LeRoy.

http://www.nytimes.com/1862/09/26/news/war-southwest-official-reports-skirmishing-along-mississippi-central-railroad.html?pagewanted=all
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF JACKSON,
JACKSON, Sept, 7, 1862.
Col, Jno. A, Rawlins, A.A.Q.:
I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of troops under my command during the 30th and 31st days of August, and the 1st day of September, instant.
On the morning of the 31st of August, I received a dispatch from Col. M.M. CROCKER, commanding at Bolivar, that that post was threatened by a large force advancing from the South, and subsequently that Col. LEGGETT had been sent out to make an attack on the advancing columns; of the enemy, that a skirmish had taken place with a force supposed to be about four thousand strong, and that reinforcements had been asked for and sent forward. Feeling that an attack was being made on Bolivar, I took the first train to that place. On arriving, I ascertained that a severe-skirmish had taken place four miles south of Bolivar, between the forces under Col. LEGGETT, consisting of the Twentieth and Seventy-eighth Regiments of Ohio Volunteers, four companies of the Second Illinois Cavalry, under Lieut.-Col. HOGG, two companies of the Eleventh Illinois Cavalry, under Maj. POTERBOUGH; and one section of artillery, and the whole rebel force. After a skirmish of about seven hours by our infantry, our artillery was brought to bear upon the enemy; this, followed by a gallant charge of our cavalry, under Lieut.-Col. HOGG, drove the enemy from the field. In this charge, Col. HOGG felt, white engaged in a hand-to-hand fight with Col. MCCOLLOGH, by a shot fired by one of MCCOLLOGH's men.
Night coming on, our forces fell back to within supporting distance of the balance of the division, formed a line and awaited a renewal of the attack; but in the morning, the enemy was now here in sight, but I heard that his men force had moved to our right, and had gone north.
Fearing an attack on Jackson in force, the place being but weakly garrisoned, without fortifications, I directed that Col. DENNIS, stationed at Estinaula with the Twentieth and Thirtieth, two compares of cavalry, under Capt. [???], and one section of artillery, return at once to Jackson, for which place. I took the first train. Within an hour of my return, I am informed the telegraph wires ware cut and railroad bridges fired between here and Bolivar, and that four companies of the Forty-fifth Illinois Volunteers of Medon, under Capt. PALMER, were attacked by superior numbers.
Six companies of the Seventh Missouri Volunteers under Major OLIVAR, were at once sent forward to reinforce Medon. Orders were also dispatched to Col. DENNIS, who was moving toward this place, to change board direction toward Medon, attack the enemy in the rear, and if possible, cut them to pieces and capture them.
Major OLIVAR, with his six companies of the Seventh Missouri, moved at once to Medon by railroad and attacked the enemy vigorously and drove them from the field. The enemy had previously taken prisoners come forty of our pickets, along the line of the railroad, but bring driven from Medon and the line of the railroad, and closely pursued, he retired on the road leading to Denmark.
When about six miles from Denmark, on the following morning, the enemy, advance was met by the advanced forces of Col. DENNIS' command, 800 strong. Both parties prepared for action. Col. DENNIS, selecting strong position for residing a cavalry charge, awaited the attack. The forces of the enemy numbered some six thousand. The engagement resulted an a victory to our arms, the most brilliant of the war. The enemy left lid on the the held-dead; wounded, not known how man. Our less is five killed, and fifty-one wounded. After the engagement, the enemy retired [???], toward La Grange.
For particulars in regard to the above engagements, and for lists of killed and wounded, I beg leave to refer you to the reports of Col. CROCKER, Thirteenth Iowa Volunteers, and Col. LAWLESS, Eighteenth Illinois Volunteers, inclosed herewith.
In cotton of this engagement the skill and gallantry of the officers, and the cool, determined courage of their men, deserve the highest commendation.
Your obedient servant,
LEONARD T. ROSS,
Brig.-Gen. Commanding District.

THE PATRIOTISM OF ILLINOIS By T.M. EDDY, D.D.,
At the battle of Merriwether's Ferry, in August, 1862, Lieuts. Terry and Goodheart, of Co. C, were killed, and at the battle of Middleburg, on the 29th of August, Lieut.-Col. Hogg and Lieuts. Shannon and Lieb, of Co. F, met the same sad fate. To Lieut. Col. Hogg was due to a very large extent the credit for the discipline and efficiency of the regiment, and in his death it suffered an irreparable loss.

http://civilwar.illinoisgenweb.org/history/c02cav.html
...About noon, August 30, arrived at Bolivar and without stopping for dinner went to the front to meet General Armstrong who was marching on the place with 2,000 cavalry. The Colonel formed his little band of 130 men in an open field and awaited the onset. Soon the laden storm burst upon this devoted band. They returned volley after volley from their Sharpe's carbines, but the enemy, confident in their overwhelming numbers, pressed steadily on. The two companies of infantry skirmishers on the left were captured, which left the way open to the flank and rear. The Colonel ordered a sabre charge and this handful of men actually cut through the rebel horde, but in doing so Colonel Hogg fell pierced by seven bullets. Lieutenants Shannon and Leib also fell, the latter lived about a month. A number of privates were killed, several wounded and captured. Captain Musser withdrew the remaining force and supported two pieces of artillery that were coming to the front. The infantry under Colonel Legate also came up and the further advance of the enemy was checked.

http://www.nytimes.com/1862/09/07/news/the-fight-near-bolivar.html
THE FIGHT NEAR BOLIVAR.
Published: September 7, 1862
Correspondence of the Chicago Times.
CAIRO, Sunday, Aug. 31.
The affair at Bolivar creates considerable sensation. It appears that the rebels first made their appearance in the vicinity of Bolivar on Friday afternoon. They debarked from the cars a few miles below Bolivar, and then moved off to the west, taking up a position on a little stream tributary to the Hatchie, about four miles west of Bolivar.
On Saturday noon Lieut.-Col. HOGG was sent out to reconnoiter their position, and feel of them to ascertain their strength. He had the Second Illinois Cavalry, a battery of light artillery, and three or four regiments of infantry under his command.
The enemy was discovered drawn up in line of battle in an open field, through which a narrow lane ran. The Federal artillery was planted, unobserved, at the head of this lane, supported by the entire [???] of infantry. Col. HOGG men ordered a charge by the entire body of cavalry, leading it in person. The charge was splendidly made, the whole force riding irresistibly through the rebel lines, cutting right and left with their sabres, and causing for the moment the utmost consternation among the rebels. Wheeling, the cavalry charged back with the same impetuosity, causing a heavy loss to the rebels. Unfortunately, in this last charge Col. HOGG's horse was shot under him and fell, the Colonel becoming entangled in his trappings. After a moment he was seen to extricate himself and rise, but almost immediately fell again and was left for dead. Two captains of the same regiment also fell in the return charge.
The cavalry then wheeled into the lane, and returned to the main body of the Federals, closely pursued by the rebels.

http://adamscountyilgenweb.net/military/2ndl.htm
On August 30th seven of the companies from Jackson arrived at Bolivar, Tenn., about 8 o'clock A. M., and as soon as possible Lieutenant Colonel Hogg with about 130 men was ordered to report to Colonel Leggett about 6 miles south of Bolivar, where with a small force of infantry they met the advance of General Armstrong's command which was 6,000 or more cavalry. After a sharp skirmish the Second Missouri commanded by Colonel McCulloch was preparing to charge Colonel Hogg's small force. Colonel Leggett said to Colonel Hogg, "If you have any doubts about holding your position you had better face back and not receive their charge." He promptly replied "Colonel Leggett for God's sake don't order me back." I replied "meet them with a charge, Colonel, and may heaven bless you." He immediately ordered his men to draw their sabers and after giving the command "forward" he exclaimed "give them cold steel boys" and darting ahead of his men he fell pierced by nine bullets. First Lieutenant N. T. Shannon was also killed and Second Lieutenant L. H. List mortally wounded. Wm. Ross, Chester Eascarton and Martin W. Watson were killed, all of Company F. 18 were wounded, most of whom belonged to the Second Illinois Cavalry. The enemy's loss was heavy, but we could not ascertain the number.
http://files.usgwarchives.net/ms/noxubee/military/civilwar/other/u1stmscav18gmt.txt
As we, advanced by way of Grand Junction, we encountered a Federal force near Middleburg on August 20th.
Here the Second Illinois Cavalry under Colonel Hogg made a gallant charge upon the Second Missouri under Colonel McCullough. Colonels Hogg and McCullough met with drawn sabres and fought desperately till Tom Turner, a young Missourian, by a well-aimed shot killed Colonel Hogg and, in all probability, thus saved the
life of his own colonel. Captain Champion and some other Missourians were killed, as well as some Federals.

http://www.angelfire.com/oh5/1stohio/History.html
On July 25, 1862, almost 2 full companies, [1st Ohio Cavalry] K and E companies, were taken prisoner at Courtland, Alabama by Colonel Roddy’s regiment of Confederate cavalry. All were exchanged within months.

http://books.google.com/books?id=_UQ-AAAAYAAJ&pg=PA346&lpg=PA346&dq=1st+Ohio+cavalry+at+courtland,+ala&source=bl&ots=o0e7UhLcU-&sig=jHGCvTg41p0i1GsCm2ok0Svt1CM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=12jsUPGQCYOp2QXOw4GYCQ&ved=0CFYQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=1st%20Ohio%20cavalry%20at%20courtland%2C%20ala&f=false
Four years in the saddle: History of the First Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Cavalry
…On the twenty-third day of July, B. F. Lucas, of Company K, was carrying a dispatch from Town Creek to Courtland, distant about five miles, and when about midway between the two posts, at a point where the woods were thick on either side of the road, he ran into an ambush of rebel cavalry waiting to capture a wagon train loaded with supplies going from Courtland to Town Creek.
The rebels were mounted and concealed in the woods on both sides of the road, and when Lucas rode in between the lines the rebels rose up out of the brush and ordered him to halt. Lucas was mounted on a very fine spirited bay horse, and he was a brave and rather reckless soldier, and instead of halting, he stuck the spurs into his horse, laid down on one side of his flying steed, and made an effort to run the gauntlet of the gleaming gun barrels.
As the rebel cavalry was there for the purpose of capturing the wagon train, they did not wish to fire, and Lucas had almost reached the end of the line, when the order was given to fire, a score of muskets were leveled at him, and he was pierced with six balls and instantly killed, and his horse was riddled with musket balls.
The particulars were learned from a trooper who was riding a short distance in advance of Lucas, who surrendered, was paroled, and came into the lines the next day.
The guard with the wagon train heard the firing and halted, thus saving the wagons and supplies from being captured, as the rebels, knowing that the troops at both posts would soon be aroused, beat a hasty retreat. Lucas was buried with military honors at Courtland, just within bounds of the camp, on the evening of the twenty-third.
Courtland was a beautiful town, situated about midway between Tuscumbia and Decatur, Ala., about twenty-five miles from each, on the Memphis and Charleston railroad. It was a lazy little town of fifteen hundred to two thousand inhabitants, noted for the beautiful shade trees that lined the streets, and pretty Southern girls who would insist on making mashes on must continue true and loyal to the "Girl they left behind them" among the hills and valleys of the bonny Buckeye state. We had been stationed here from about the first of July, our camp being in a beautiful grove, along a creek, distant about one half mile from town, and the camp was supplied with water from several fine springs within a stone's throw from headquarters. The duty of the detachment was guarding the railroad bridges and pickets were thrown out on all of the roads, about a mile from camp, to guard against a surprise from the enemy's cavalry who were making frequent dashes against these small detachments.
Compared with the campaign of the siege of Corinth during the months of April and May this was considered a soft snap, as rations were of the best and duty light. Our camp was on the plantation of an old fellow by the name of Bynam, who professed to be intensely loyal to the old flag, and his cornfields along one side of our camp, just in good roasting ears, were carefully guarded, and a soldier that even plucked one ear had the guard-house staring him in the face, and visions of extra duty — policing the quarters with a pine-brush broom. This was in the early days of the war, before the emancipation proclamation and before any property had been confiscated, but we got bravely over such fastidious ideas before another year rolled around, and learned, as Sherman said, "that war was cruelty and we could not refine it," and required as well the destruction of the sinews of war as the destruction of life.
On the morning of July 25, after guard mount, the weather being very warm, the men were scattered over the camp taking it quiet and easy and many of them sitting in the shade in front of their tents, or on the piles of forage sacks, having a game of old sledge or poker with a 10 cent ante, while others were writing letters to the dear ones at home, or to their best girls, which was more often the case, little dreaming that the enemy, in large force, was rapidly marching and preparing to pounce down upon our little handful of men like a hurricane.
Lieutenant James Cutler, being a physician, had charge of the sick at the post, and had established a temporary hospital over in the town in a brick church, and he was making his usual morning visit to the sick, and I being next in rank, had command of the company. Just as I had settled down on my cot for a little rest, as I was sick with malaria and camp fever, Captain Eggleston, commanding Company E, came running to my tent in his shirt sleeves and bare head, and shouted to me that the rebels were advancing upon our camp. I called to the bugler to sound "boots and saddles" and ran down through the quarters, directing the men to saddle their horses and mount as rapidly as possible.
Looking across the camp and toward old Bynam's house, I saw a cloud of dust raising and in five minutes' time the advance of the rebel column came down the road within three hundred yards of our camp and gave the rebel yell that would have raised the hair on the head of a Comanche Indian.
The command that attacked us was General Armstrong's brigade of cavalry, consisting of about 1700 men, and including Colonel Roddy's regiment, that had been recruited in Northern Alabama, in and around Courtland, Tuscumbia and Decatur.
General Armstrong was an officer of the old army and a fine-looking soldier, and became quite a cavalry leader during the war.
The rebel commander attacked our camp on three sides simultaneously, and he had been piloted through woods and mountains on by-roads by citizens of the vicinity, who knew every cow-path in the country and knew the position of every picket, as they passed in and out of the camp at will. They had reached a position near our camp before daybreak, and when the picket guard was relieved in the morning they were in plain view of the rebel advance, concealed in the woods and ravines, and passed two or three of the picket posts unobserved, cut the pickets off from camp, but I think all of these pickets made their escape after the camp was attacked, and they found themselves cut off from the command.
The total number of men in our command in the two companies of infantry and the two companies of cavalry was about one hundred and sixty, and when they took position behind the railroad embankment, they made it lively for the rebel brigade for a short time, and in the fight the rebels lost seventeen killed and twenty-seven wounded; but the rebels closed in on three sides and it seemed useless and hopeless to prolong the fight, and Captain Davidson, of the Tenth Kentucky Infantry, the senior officer, raised the white flag and surrendered.
When this was done our cavalry charged out through the lines and all escaped but twenty-five, Captain B. B. Eggleston and Lieutenant Alkire, of Company E, and Lieutenant Cutler, of Company K, First O. V. C., were taken prisoners. The total number of prisoners taken was one hundred and thirty-four, including the writer, with all the wagons, mule teams and camp equipage. The prisoners were put under a regular guard commanded by Major Smith, of Missouri, Provost Marshall, who proved to be a good soldier and gentleman as well, as he protected the prisoners from insult, and we were soon traveling southward on the road to Tupalo, Miss., General Bragg's headquarters. The first day we marched to Moulton, Ala., about twenty miles distant. Here the commissioned officers were separated from the enlisted men and went on south in ambulances and wagons, while the enlisted men had to "hoof it," much to the disgust of the prisoners who were cavalrymen. As the rebels had no stockades or prisons in that part of the south that were safe, and nothing for us to eat excepting green corn, and that without salt, they became alarmed for fear we would escape, and we were soon paroled.
The prisoners were sent to parole camp and were not exchanged until February, 1863, about six months after being captured.

http://books.google.com/books?id=XCyHrHqV4G0C&pg=PA38&lpg=PA38&dq=1st+Ohio+cavalry+at+courtland,+ala&source=bl&ots=DLcdrNNE-p&sig=f4F_htl8zdiHhuPZHySR10IFxII&hl=en&sa=X&ei=12jsUPGQCYOp2QXOw4GYCQ&ved=0CF0Q6AEwBw#v=onepage&q=1st%20Ohio%20cavalry%20at%20courtland%2C%20ala&f=false
The 10th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry in the Civil War: A History and Roster
By Dennis W. Belcher

Men taken prisoner at Courtland
Co A
Capt Henry Davidson
1st Lt James Reynolds

Co H
Capt Buford Pendleton
1st Lt Henry Barry
2nd Lt Wm Shively

http://books.google.com/books?pg=PA322&lpg=PA322&dq=1st+Ohio+cavalry+at+courtland,+ala&sig=YCx4hNqYPXVGpfxmvFxhS847GFE&ei=12jsUPGQCYOp2QXOw4GYCQ&id=0HkVAQAAMAAJ&ots=8raCHlNbzi&output=text
Courtland, Ala., July 25, 1862. Two companies of 10th Kentucky, and detachment of First Ohio Cavalry. Companies A and H of the l0th Ky. and a part of Capt. Eggleston's company of Ohio cavalry constituted the guard at the railroad bridge near Courtland. About 8 a. m. it was attacked by a strong force of Confederate cavalry and after a resistance of about half an hour was obliged to surrender. The loss of the surrendered party was 1 killed and 3 wounded. Capt. Henry G. Davidson commanded the Federal guard.

"Memoirs: historical and personal; including the campaigns of the First Missouri Confederate Brigade"
BY EPHRAIM ANDERSON.

…it has been previously stated that Captain Champion commanded a company in this regiment. Near where it was posted a wealthy family dwelt, one member of which was a young and beautiful girl of nineteen, the only child of her parents.

The cavalry of the enemy had frequently visited this family and appropriated nearly everything upon the plantation; and upon one occasion a Federal colonel had insulted the young lady in a manner so gross that she caused it to be circulated among our cavalry that she would give her hand and fortune to any officer or private who would bring to her satisfactory proof that he had killed this colonel; the name of the Federal officer was given, and of his regiment, which was still in the country and marauded in that vicinity.

The affair created considerable excitement in the Missouri regiment, which was anxious to come in contact with the doomed colonel and his command : an opportunity soon offered, and the two regiments faced each other in a hot and furious engagement, during which Captain Champion, in a hand to hand conflict, killed the Federal colonel, whose command immediately retreated.

The young lady was properly informed of the fate of her enemy and the name of her avenger: she promptly returned a note expressive of her obligation, and declared her readiness to fulfill the pledge she had given. After a brief correspondence, the captain waited upon the youthful beauty, and was as much struck by her charms, grace and fascination, as he had been by the romantic incidents of her history. His visits were continued; but before the engagement was consummated, the gallant Champion was killed — shot through the head in a severe cavalry skirmish, and thus was terminated this interesting and tragic little drama.

Guide to Missouri Confederate Units, 1861-1865
James E. McGhee

Champion’s Company “Frost’s Escort”

COMMANDER: Captain John R. “Rock” Champion

John R. Champion recruited this company as the bodyguard for Brigadier General Daniel M. Frost, commanding officer of the 9th Division, Missouri State Guard, at Memphis, Tennessee, in late December, 1861. Containing many St. Louis residents, the company likely mustered into state service on January 7, 1862, at Jacksonport, Arkansas, where Frost organized the few troops that had reported for duty from his military district. Champion’s company departed Jacksonport with Frost’s command in late January to join the main Missouri army under Major General Sterling Price at Springfield. Arriving at Springfield on February 11, the company retreated with the army into Arkansas the day following. The small unit, numbering only 25 troopers, participated in the battle at Pea Ridge, Arkansas, on March 7-8. It made a saber charge on the flank of the enemy during the engagement that stampeded a force intent on seizing Captain Henry Guibor’s battery. The company wounded 8 Federals and captured an enemy flag with the loss of 2 wounded. Following the Pea Ridge battle, Champion’s company accompanied the Army of the West to Memphis, Tennessee, in mid-April. On April 26, the company, enlarged by recruits, mustered into Confederate service as Company H, 4th Cavalry Battalion (McCulloch’s), subsequently the 2nd Cavalry Regiment. See entry for the 2nd Cavalry Regiment for the further service of this company.

2nd Regiment (McCulloch’s) (Formerly the 4th Battalion)

COLONEL: Robert McCulloch
…
Company H (1st): (St. Louis) John R. Champion, killed August 30, 1862 (Disbanded September 1, 1862)
…

On July 25, as an element of acting Brigadier General Frank C. Armstrong’s brigade, the 4th Battalion participated in an attack on the Federal garrison at Courtland, Alabama, which resulted in the capture of 133 prisoners and destruction of a depot and bridge.

OFFICIAL RECORDS: Series 1, vol 16, Part 1 (Morgan's First Kentucky Raid, Perryville Campaign)
Report of Captain James H. Boyl, Tenth Indiana Infantry.
CAMP, NEAR DECHERD, TENN., August 9, 1862.
SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 25th ultimo I learned by the conductor of the train running from Decatur to Tuscumbia, Ala., and which had left the former place that morning, that the Federal forces at Courtland, commanded by Captain [Henry G.] Davidson, Tenth Kentucky Volunteers, had been attacked by a superior force of the enemy and his entire command captured- the two companies of infantry and a large portion of the First Ohio Cavalry, Captain Eggleston, being prisoners…

Report of Colonel John M. Harlan, Tenth Kentucky Infantry.

HEADQUARTERS TENTH KENTUCKY REGIMENT, Winchester, Tenn., August 8, 1862.
SIR: I seize the earliest moment since my regiment joined the brigade from detached service at Eastport, Miss., to advise you officially of the capture by the Confederate forces, on July 25, of Companies A and H, of this regiment, stationed at Courtland, Ala., together with such facts connected with their capture as I have been able to gather.
In the outset allow me to state that within a few days after the arrival of our division at Tuscumbia I was ordered to send one company to Courtland, Ala., 23 miles east of Tuscumbia. Company A, Captain Henry G. Davidson, was detailed for that service. Shortly thereafter, in compliance with orders from division headquarters, I sent Company H, Captain B. R. Pendleton, to re-enforce Captain Davidson, the two companies being placed by me under the command of the latter, who was the senior captain. A small force of cavalry from the First Ohio was stationed at the same point.
On the same day that Captain Pendleton left for Courtland the remainder of my regiment left for Eastport, Miss., where it continued on detached service until the 24th ultimo, when it left Eastport to rejoin the brigade.
The first reliable information received by me in regard to the affair at Courtland was when en route from Florence, Ala., to Pulaski, Tenn., when most of the men from Companies A and H joined the regiment. Being separated from my brigade and division commanders, I deemed it my duty to telegraph to Major-General Buell the substance of that information. At that time I also received a brief communication from Captain Davidson, which was written from Moulton, Ala., while a prisoner in the hands of the rebels. It was written, as I learn from my men, hurriedly, a few moments before they separated from him.
He writes that on the morning of July 25, about 8 o'clock, he was attacked by a large force of Confederate cavalry, under Brigadier-General Armstrong, believed to number 800. Seeing the enemy coming, he formed Companies A and H in line behind the railroad embankment and near the bridge, intending to give the enemy battle, and determined to guard that which he was sent there to do as long as he could possibly do so.
The position which he selected was so advantageous for defense against a force coming from an opposite direction that the presence of his men behind the embankment was not observed by the enemy until they came quite close to him. He fired two volleys into their ranks as they charged which killed and wounded a number of the rebels, and also killed the horse of the rebel general. Seeing the enemy, with their greatly superior force, was flanking him and getting into his rear, Captain Davidson passed with his command by the left flank across the creek, running the bridge, and took position in some gullies. About this time he observed a considerable force of cavalry coming from the direction of Courtland, and what appeared to be infantry (but which proved to be cavalry dismounted) in a corn field supporting the cavalry. Captain Davidson ordered bayonets to be fixed, intending to charge through them, get into the corn field, and from there into the woods nearby, but finding himself surrounded, with no possible chance of escape, he surrendered his command.
He writes that his men behaved splendidly, obeying every command with promptitude and alacrity and fighting gallantly until the last moment. He says further that Captain Pendleton, Company H, Lieutenant Reynolds, Company A, and Lieutenants Barry and Shively, Company H, are worthy of all praise for the brave and gallant manner in which they managed their troops.
The loss on our side was as follows: William Farmer, Company H, killed; James Rogers, Company A, wounded severely in thigh; Mattis Cortes, Company A, wounded slightly in arm and cheek, and James Cable, Company A, in left arm.
Captain Davidson writes that the loss of the enemy greatly exceeded his. From my men I learn that the rebel loss was 11 killed and more than 20 wounded. The enemy took both officers and enlisted men to Moulton, Ala., at which place the latter were paroled and the former retained and sent to Tupelo, Miss.
I herewith inclose a complete list of the enlisted men who were taken prisoners and paroled (with the exception of James Rogers, who was too badly wounded to travel and was left with the rebels at Moulton). The paroled men were forwarded to Nashville, Tenn., with orders to report to Major W. H. Sidell, assistant adjutant-general, and from that place, I learn, were forwarded to Camp Chase, Ohio.
Justice to Captain Davidson requires that I should say that the unvarying testimony of all the men of Companies A and H is that he acted as became a brave and dauntless soldier under the trying circumstances surrounding him. The admirable manner in which he disciplined his company and his high character afford every assurance that he performed his whole duty. I feel sure that he did all that he could do with the small force at his command. The infantry numbered about 97 effective men. The cavalry force stationed there did not exceed, as I learn, 35 to 40 men, composing parts of two companies, under command distinct from Captain Davidson. They performed the picket duty for the station. Their operations upon the occasion alluded to will doubtless be detailed by others.
The enemy captured the entire camp equipage of Companies A and H, including 2 company wagons, 12 mules, and a small quantity of forage and provisions.
In conclusion, I beg that you will take such steps as will effect a speedy exchange of such of the officers and men of Companies A and H as were taken prisoners. They deserve to be returned to the service of the United States.
I should have stated that the rebel commander and his men were so enraged at Captain Davidson and his command because of the resistance made by them, attended by the killing and wounding of some of their number, that he (General Armstrong) and they threatened to kill them all. General Armstrong denounced Captain Davidson because he did not surrender, without fighting, to such a superior force. This is stated because it was rumored that my companies surrendered without fighting or firing a gun.

OFFICIAL RECORDS: Series 1, vol 17, Part 1 (Corinth)
Report of Major General Sterling Price, C. S. Army, commanding Army of the West, including operations since July 25.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE WEST,
Baldwyn, Miss., September 26, 1862.

…I at the same time sent out a cavalry expedition under Actg. Brigadier General Frank C. Armstrong. This gallant young cavalry officer had already distinguished himself and done the country some service at Courtland, as I have already informed the commanding general. He now left Baldwyn at the head of about 1,600 men. Having been re-enforced at Holly Springs by about 1,100 cavalry, under command of Colonel Jackson, of General Van Dorn's army, he pushed boldly forward toward Bolivar, met a largely superior force in front of that town, and drove them back with heavy loss, killing and wounding a large number and capturing 73 prisoners. Having accomplished this he did not delay, but pushed northward, crossed the Hatchie River, passed between Jackson and Bolivar-at each of which places there were heavy bodies of the enemy-and took and held possession of the railroad for more than thirty hours, during which time he destroyed all the bridges and a mile of trestle work. Returning, he encountered the enemy in force near Denmark, attacked and routed them, killing and wounding about 75 of them, capturing 213 prisoners, and taking two pieces of artillery, after which he returned to Baldwyn.
His entire loss upon the expedition was, in killed, wounded, and missing, 115, among whom I regret to mention Captain J. Rock Champion, whose reckless daring and intrepid boldness have illustrated the battle-fields of Missouri, Arkansas, and Alabama, as well as that of Bolivar, in which he fell far in advance of all his command.