Apparently several Federal Missouri cavalry units were present at the Battle of Pea Ridge. These units were Bowen’s Missouri Cavalry Battalion (4 companies plus 4 mountain howitzers)-Maj. William D. Bowen; 4th Missouri Cavalry (6 companies)-Maj. Emeric Meszaros; 5th Missouri Cavalry-Col. Joseph Nemett; 1st Missouri Cavalry (8 companies)-Col. Calvin A. Ellis.

I am trying to locate any accounts from Federal cavalry units present at Pea Ridge that might confirm the information presented below.

The text below is from the Ben B. Chism account of the 17th Ark. Inf. during the 2nd day (March 8, 1862) at the Battle of Pea Ridge (Elkhorn Tavern) - the following is an excerpt from Chism's 1895 letter written to Col. John Griffith's sister:

"The enemy pressed us – hard. I remember this incident – we had little or no ammunition – and were retreating slowly when an artillery officer galloped up to Col. [actually Lt.-Col. at this time - KEB] Griffith – who was commanding (Col. Rector, owing to a severe cold could not be heard to give a command) and said to him, “For God’s sake, save my battery!”. Three or four pieces of artillery were coming down a hill side – Col. Griffith answered, “Captain, I have no ammunition, but I can use the bayonet!”. The command was given “By [?] Regiment into line – guard against cavalry”. In this position we stood in line – until the Federal Cavalry had flanked us pretty well on the left, getting into our rear – at this juncture a Missouri (Confd.) Regt. passed near to us – making its way after our retreating army."

It appears that this incident took place somewhere along the Telegraph Road, down the hollow and north of Elhorn Tavern. The O.R. report by CSA General Pike (see URL below) seems to indicate this was the likely location of the incident Chism describes.

Anyone who has any additional info, suggestions, etc. that may help confirm the scenario described by Ben B. Chism, please contact me?

Thanks,

Kenneth Byrd