Re: Col. Wm. F. Slemons letters Pt. 4
By:Danny Odom
Date: 2/28/2016, 2:59 pm
In Response To: Re: Col. Wm. F. Slemons letters Pt. 4 (Danny Odom)
Further to my previous post, additional details show that Capt Tebbs was commanding the Regiment [or remnant thereof] in April 64:

4/20/64 Report of Col William A. Crawford, Ark Cavalry, cdg Bgde, of engagement at Poison Spring Hqs BGDE In the Field-I have the honor to submit the following report of the part enacted by the troops of my Bgde in the engagement with the enemy at Poison Spring on the 18th: A portion of my Bgde, consisting of Crawford’s and Wright’s Regts and Poe’s battalion, were dismounted and placed on the right of Gen Cabell’s Bgde as a support for Hughey’s battery. The 2nd Ark Cav, Capt Tebbs cdg, were placed (mounted) on the extreme right to protect the flank. Skirmishers were placed in my front, who kept up a brisk and successful fire. I remained so placed until I was ordered forward by Brig-Gen Cabell, Cdg division. My command moved rapidly and steadily forward, firing volley upon volley at the fleeing foe. The 2nd Ark Cav charged them on horseback, and men and officers acted well, capturing two pieces of the enemy’s artillery. Capt Snell, of this Regt, deserves especial notice, and Capt Tebbs acted like a hero until he was wounded and carried from the field. My dismounted men pursued rapidly the enemy for 21 miles, shouting and huzzaing, and bringing back with them four pieces of artillery that had been captured from time enemy. All, every officer and soldier, fought like men, and deserve much credit. The casualties in the Bgde were 1 man killed and 7 wounded. I am much indebted to Capt’s Warren, McFarland, McCabe, and Lt Webb, of my staff, for their valuable services. They discharged well their duties and acted most gallantly.

The first official mention of Slemons in the Trans Mississippi that I can find is by the Union Colonel Clayton in June 1864:

PINE BLUFF, June 18, 1864. Capt. C. H. DYER, AAG: Hearing of Col Slemons and his command being encamped near, 1 sent out a reconnoitering party. They have returned, and report that he has moved in the direction of Monticello. The party followed on their trail about 20 miles. The scout of 200 men of the 13th Ill Cavalry have returned. They brought in some 200 head of cattle from the Watesca Bayou. There is plenty of beef-cattle near Arkansas Post, on the prairie. POWELL CLAYTON,