Report of Maj. Moses B. C. Wright, Second Indian Home Guard.
HDQRS. DETACH. 1ST Brig., ARMY OF THE FRONTIER,
Fort Gibson, Cherokee Nation, February 27, 1864.
LIEUT.: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to
instructions from your headquarters, dated January 27, 1864, I
proceeded to Cane Hill and Rhea's Mills, Ark., arriving there on the
29th, for the purpose of supplying the command with flour and foraging
the stock. I found soon after arriving there that Capt. Buchanan with
part of his company of guerrillas had crossed the Arkansas from below
and was then in the mountains near Cane Hill, but was unable to get any
definite information of his whereabouts, until on the night of the 8th of
February he dashed into the command at Rhea's Mills and wounded 2
men. The next morning a party was started in pursuit, who, after
following them through he mountains all day come upon them, when a
skirmish ensued, which resulted in killing 3 of the rebels and slightly
wounding their captain. After this affair they remained very quiet,
concealed in the mountains, until on the night of the 20th instant they
came in near Cane Hill, and stole a Government horse out of the corral.
Upon making this discovery, I started Sergt. Henry Scraper, in
command of a party, in pursuit, who after following them over the
mountains about 15 miles, overtook them on the side of a steep bluff,
where they had halted to rest their stock. Scraper halted and formed his
men, when he charged them, completely routing them, killing Capt.
Buchanan and 3 of his men, besides capturing their horses, arms,
saddles, bridles, blankets, clothing, &c. I captured altogether 8 horses,
3 Enfield rifles, 2 Mississippi rifles, 1 Sharps carbine, and Colt navy
revolvers, together with the saddles, bridles, &c., above mentioned.
On Thursday, the 25th instant, I received orders to turn over my
command to Maj. Charles Willettts, Fourteenth Kansas Cavalry, and
report in person to your headquarters, where I arrived yesterday after
an absence of thirty days.
I have the honor to remain, lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedient
servant,
M. B. C. WRIGHT,
Maj. Second Indian Regiment, Cmdg. Detachment.
Lieut. WILLIAM GALLAHER,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Brigade.