Dear News: Well, the “Sanguinary Second” has had its first fight, and “demoralized” the enemy to an alarming extent. On the 20th of June a supply train of 218 wagons, an ox train of forty wagons with refugee goods, sutlers and baggage wagons of the troops, making over three hundred in all, left Fort Scott for Fort Gibson (or Blunt), Cherokee Nation under an escort of our battalion (six companies), five companies of the 3rd Wisconsin cavalry, one company of the 9th Kansas cavalry and one section of the 2nd Kansas battery – the whole under command of Lieut. Col. T.H. Dodd, 2nd Colorado volunteers. At Baxter’s Springs, sixty miles from Fort Scott, we were joined by Col. Williams’ 1st Kansas colored, with two pieces of artillery, and part of the 1st Indians under Major Foreman, about four hundred men and two mountain howitzers, making in the aggregate about 1,800 men. We made fair headway, considering the length of the train, but me with considerable delay in crossing streams, which were greatly swollen by the heavy rains. On the 29th we camped on Horse creek; at about sunset Col. Dodd received information that the enemy was in front. Col. Williams’ regiment and Major Foreman’s Indians were camped about three miles in advance of us, and their pickets had had a skirmish with the enemy, killing four and taking two prisoners. This began to look like business. Col. Dodd at once had the train parked, and made all the necessary provisions for its safety during the night. The next morning we moved on and united with Col. Williams. From information given by the prisoners the enemy had about the same number as ourselves. Our advance guard met the enemy’s pickets at Cabin creek, and had a little brush with them across the stream. They are in forces there and inclined to dispute our passage. Park the train and give them a little taste of artillery practice.

The creek at this point is quite rapid, and about twenty yards wide, or about the size of “Klar Kreek” at the “Powers and Rizer” crossing. All safe during the night.

July 2. – This is the day of the battle of Cabin creek. Our pickets are engaged across the river at an early hour. At about 9 o’clock, Col. Dodd sent an order to Capt. West to move with companies B and H 2nd Colorado volunteers, under Capt. J.C.W. Hall and Lieut. Richardson, and Lieut. Wilson’s section of the 2nd Kansas battery, and take up a position on a bluff about two hundred yards below the ford; the battery was soon in play upon a house around which a number of the enemy were plainly seen. A portion of Col. Williams’ regiment was now deployed on each side of the ford in the timber, and kept up a lively fire. After a short time Foreman’s battery commenced throwing grape and canister into the timber opposite, and the rebels were returning the compliment sharply with musketry. Several of Col. Williams’ men were wounded here, and Major Foreman was severely wounded in attempting to cross with a part of his Indians, when they broke for the timber.

Col. Dodd superintended the fight at this point in person, and at once ordered Major Smith with companies E, G and I, of the 2nd Colorado, to charge across the river. These c companies were under Capts. Kimball, Green and Boyd, and the boys rushed in, waist deep, with a yell that sounded like the shout of a thousand bullwhackers. This seemed to strike terror to the hearts of the enemy, who broke for their horses and retreated without firing another shot. We captured nine or ten prisoners who belonged to a Texas regiment, from whom we learned that some forty of the enemy had been killed and wounded. The total loss on our side was one killed and twenty-three wounded.

Our prisoners informed us that the force that had been opposed to us was mostly Indians, and that they broke and scattered at the first discharge of grape and canister from our guns, leaving the brunt of the battle upon the Texas troops. They also say that Gen. Cabell was upon the other side of Grand river with artillery, but was unable to cross on account of the high water. Had he been able to do so the battle would doubtless been a more severe one.

Col. Dodd has not been hunting the enemy since we left Fort Scott, as it is about as much as he cares to do to take care of his train, which would have been a rich haul for the enemy to gobble up. Cabell’s expedition doubtless had this solely in view. We are all right now, in sight of our destination, and will commence crossing in the morning.

You can assure our friends at home that both officers and men of the Second are satisfied with themselves after their first fight, and hope their friends are enjoying the same blessing.

Ever of thee,
G.W.