The Missouri in the Civil War Message Board

yankee sword

I have in my possession the sword of union general Leander Blander. It was a gift from my father-in-law. Gen. Blanden was his GG Grandfather.
Gen. Blanden was a Col. until the end of the war and commanded several units including the 95th Illinois and the 81st Illinois. While researching one of my Confederate ancestors, Solomon Rutledge Smith I discovered a rather unusual fact. Solomon Smith was my GGG Grandfather and rode with Jo Shelby during Price's raid in 1864. He was wounded three times and captured at the Battle of the Little Blue River on Oct 21 or 22. Late one night while reseaching his war record I found a list of Confederates captured at the Little Blue. The list included the name of the officer that commanded the unit by whom they were captured. It was Leander Blanden. Unfortunatly I did not take note of the link. I have never been able to locate it again, despite significant efforts. Solomon Smith was in Co. F of Freeman's Cavalry.

I have reviewed the reports of the battle, including the records from the War of Rebellion and there is no mention of Col Blanden or the 81st and 95th Illinois. The regimental history of the 81st states that it was indeed involved in the campaign. Also, I found and entry in the records of the war of rebellion that states that 200 men of the 95th were at Devalls Bluff Ark before moving with the 81st into Missouri in pursuit of Price.

It is my understanding that the fight at the Little Blue was primarly a cavalry affair. My thought is that perhaps the cavalry turned the prisoners over the the 81st that was in reserve or just in the area.

If anyone has any information about where I can locate the list of prisoners and/or the participation of Col. Blanden and the 81st or 95th in the battle it would be greatly appreciated.

David S Knight

Messages In This Thread

yankee sword
Knight's in the Confederate Army from Mo.
Re: Knight's in the Confederate Army from Mo.
Re: Knight's in the Confederate Army from Mo.
Re: Knight's in the Confederate Army from Mo.
Re: Knight's in the Confederate Army from Mo.