Chuck,

Here are a couple of reports taken from the OR V. 34, P1, pp. 1043-45.

George Martin

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EASTERN ARKANSAS,
Helena, Ark., June 27, 1864.
GENERAL: On the 22d instant the little garrison of 50 men, commanded by Capt. J. R. C. Hunter, of the Twelfth Iowa Infantry, at the mouth of White River was attacked by the enemy, 300 strong, about daybreak, who had crossed the Arkansas River in small boats in the night, and, after an action of thirty minutes, was handsomely repulsed, with a loss to us of 1 killed and 4 wounded. The enemy's loss was about 30 killed and wounded; 5 of the latter, 1 an officer, falling into our hands. The little garrison was slightly intrenched in a hastily erected stockade. The gun-boat Lexington(*) was the only one present. She opened fire on the enemy in the woods after the repulse. Our force was too small to pursue, and as there was but one gun-boat, the orders of her commander forbade her leaving the station and preventing the enemy retreating across the Arkansas River. Captain Hunter and his little garrison deserve the highest credit. As soon as I was informed of the above facts, Capt. S. L. Phelps, U.S. Navy, being at Helena at the time, and with his assistance, I embarked 800 troops on my two ferry-boats and his gun-boat Hastings, and proceeded to the mouth of White River, and ascended White River to the Cut-off, hoping the enemy had not left the island; thence to the Arkansas River and up it 10 miles, where I ascertained the attacking force was commanded by Colonel Lawther, Tenth Missouri Cavalry, C. S. Army, and that they had crossed back on the 22d. My information led me to believe that General Marmaduke's force was between me and the post of Arkansas, and that I was not strong enough to successfully attack him if I could find him. Captain Phelps objected to going farther up the river, as the banks of the river were such that the enemy, if in force equal to ours, could readily get out of our way, or attack us exposed in our crowded small-boats. I returned to the mouth of White River, and issued the inclosed order, which strikes at the root of the evil. This order is simply enforcing principles to which I have before called your attention.(*)
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
N. B. BUFORD,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
Maj. Gen. F. STEELE,
Commanding Department of Arkansas.

HEADQUARTERS, Mouth of White River, June 22, 1864.

GENERAL: The enemy this morning, 300 strong, attacked us, but we are not theirs. Five of their killed and wounded fell into our hands. One of my men was killed and 3 severely wounded. The enemy consisted of the Tenth Missouri Cavalry and was commanded by Colonel Lawther. They crossed the Arkansas River about midnight, leaving their horses on the opposite side, and marched here in the night, arriving about 4 a.m. They were apparently panic-stricken when they retreated, but I had no men to send in pursuit. It is my candid opinion that we killed and wounded fully as many of the enemy as I have men. We do not know that they have left the island, but are prepared for them should they make another attack. You will see the necessity of sending re-enforcements immediately. Two hundred cavalry is the least number that will secure our safety. I do not know that they carried off any of the negroes, as was their evident design. They killed 1. The wounded are being taken care of by the naval surgeon.
Hoping that you will take prompt action in sending re-enforcements, I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. R. C. HUNTER,
Captain, Commanding Post.

P. S.--Since writing the above a scout has come in reporting the enemy coming across the Arkansas River in force. I shall do my very best and leave the island as a last resort. The gun-boat did good execution after the rebs left.

J. R. C. HUNTER,
Captain, Commanding Post.

JUNE 23--5 p.m.
A refugee that was captured yesterday has just returned. He reports that the enemy were 600 strong, and that their loss was 24, killed and wounded, including 1 lieutenant, who is now in our hands. I had but 48 effective men in the engagement. The rebels thought we were 1,000 strong. It is my informant's impression that they intend to attack again soon. We must have re-enforcements immediately or leave the island.
Yours, &c.,
J. R. C. HUNTER,
Captain, Commanding.
Brigadier-General BUFORD,
Commanding at Helena