The raid into Illinois was led by Capt. Henry B. Milks (Co. H, 3rd MSM Cavalry). Milks' report is in the O.R.--Ser. 1, Vol. 34, Pt. 1, p. 875. I provide just short of two pages of information on this affair at pp. 216-17 in my book on Hildebrand.

Not included in the O.R. report or the account I provide in the Hildebrand book, is a discussion of the dust-up that ensued in the aftermath of the raid. That dust-up included Milks being arrested, court-martialed and tried, his being acquited, his accusers being arrested and charged, his accusers being convicted, and a big party then being held after it was all over.

I have tried to locate the records of the court-martial (which would have had to have been held between 9 April 1864 and 4 July 1864), without success, but on 15 July 1864, the St. Louis Democrat, at page 2, reported its disposition. The Democrat article is too lengthy to transcribe here, but the story is related to a 4th of July celebration H/3MSM held at Ste. Genevieve, and references the raid. The story speaks of how Company H crossed the River to Prairie du Rocher, killed "two most notorious desperadoes," and went on to describe the desperadoes as having "been murdering and robbing over this portion of S.E. Missouri." The article criticized Prairie du Rocher Copperheads who objected to Missouri troops making the raid, with the Copperheads having made "false statements" that resulted in the arrest and trial by courtmartial of Milks.

According to the story, Milks was arrested, charged, tried and acquited, after which the accusers were arrested, charged, tried and convicted of making false charges and violating orders, and were fined $250 and $400. To thank Milks for clearing out the "ruffians," the loyal ladies of Prairie du Rocher made a flag and presented it to Milks and his company during the 4th of July celebration at Ste. Genevieve. During the celebration ceremony the Declaration of Independence was read, followed by the flag presentation, followed by stirring remarks from Milks, followed by loud applause. The ladies then brought out picnic baskets and fed the troops, with the day being concluded by having a ball that night.

Regarding Milks, a few weeks later he was promoted to major of the 14th Missouri Cavalry, and, while helping raise that regiment, served with a fair amount of distinction during the Battle of Pilot Knob and the escape and retreat from the fort that followed the battle.