The Missouri in the Civil War Message Board

Re: Benjamin Talbot
In Response To: Re: Benjamin Talbot ()

Well Bruce, it motivated me anyway. The first citation has been published several times on the internet. I had been aware of it for some time as it dealt with the failed attack on the arsenal at Potosi and the murder of some union supporting citizens, two of whom were collateral family members of one of the families I have researched.

The second citation however, I found more interesting. I retrieved a copy from the State Historical Society on the MU campus yesterday and my wife kindly transcribed the text for me last night. Some of the original was difficult to read and the dates were somewhat blurred, but, here it is.

"Daily Missouri Democrat" of St. Louis, 21 September 1861

The Black River Fight.
Capture of Camp Talbot.
Official Report
Camp Fremont, Ironton, MO
Sept 19, 1861.

Col. J. Thayer, Commanding Post, In obedience to an order from Col. Bland, received on the 18th day of September, and subsequently one from yourself of the same tenor, received on the 16th, I proceeded from Ironton at 10 o’clock on the 19th with my command of four companies of Indiana cavalry, (Capts. Brown, Highman, Clendening and Barter) for the purpose of meeting and defeating our enemies in general, but especially a notorious rebel captain by the name of Benjamin Talbot, who by his acts of violence and disregard of all moral and civil laws, has created a reign of terror throughout all South eastern Missouri. Our first days march was characterized by nothing worthy of your notice. We traveled until 12 o’clock at night, and encamped at a point 25 miles south of this place. Early on the morning of the 17th, we moved still southward to Big Black River some 15 miles, Here we learned that we were in the vicinity of Talbot’s camp; and after ascertaining the locality from a prisoner whom we had taken, we hastened on our way. It was my first intention to divide my command, so as to attach his camp both in front and rear, but a nearer approach rendered this impossible, as the camp was situated in a valley, much above the ground on which we had been marching, and which was accessible only by a bridle path, which wound around the foot of the hill.

This compelled our whole command to enter the valley at one inlet, leaving the other unguarded, and compelled me to make the attack on one side only. As soon as my troops had all reached the valley, I gave the command to charge which my men did with great alacrity, driving back the pickets of Talbot’s camp, who gave way with firing. I pushed my command forward into the very center of the camp, much to the consternation and surprise of the rebels, who after a short space of time, attempted to rally, when I gave the command to fire, after which, there was one continuous firing five to ten minutes, when the rebels gave way and retreated precipitately into the recesses of the mountain which stood in their rear, and where lost them, owing to the superior knowledge of the country. The killed and wounded on their side must have been very considerable. Two dead bodies were found upon their camp ground, while upon our side we escaped with one horse shot.

The rout of the rebels was complete. We took five prisoners, among them the son of the captain of the company, and a first lieutenant. We captured 31 horses and 61 stand of arms. After pursuing the scattered force of rebels as far as I deemed it prudent, I returned to their camp, gathered their plunder together, (among it the captain’s clothing and papers—a commission in the Southern Army, and various other things (too numerous to mention). I started for Camp Fremont, where I arrived without any opposition, save that of a number of rebels, who had stationed themselves some fifteen miles from this place. As we marched through the valley below, they fired upon us. As they were in a position where I could not charge them, I was compelled to march my men under their fire. All are now here in camp, and while the country is infested with rebels, we are subject to your orders.

My officers and men all behaved with great gallantry, and are entitled to much credit, this being their first engagement.

Trusting that my action in this matter will meet your approbation?, I have the honor to remain yours, respectfully, John S. Gavett, ?? Maj. Comm, Battalion Ind. Mounted Vol.

What I find most interesting is the approximate location of Talbot's camp, the fact that the "Captain's" son was captured along with another officer. Is this White's son or Talbot's son? These are details that can be researched and hopefully added to the overall knowledge base of the area and time.

Jim Morris

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Re: Barnes, Bayless, bunch from Liberty Twshp
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Re: Benjamin Talbot
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Re: John Sikes (of Sikeston)
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Talbot escape, reward
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Peterson Papers
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