the 2nd Colo was one of the most experienced USV units in Mo having extensive combat experience in New mexico and surprisingly enough old mexico. They fought mainly CSA troops from Texas and Indians. This unit was involved in the Sand Creek Massacre so they were not what we would today call "politicaly correct". They were sent to Mo in 1864 and began counter-insurgency operations in earnest in Cass, Vernon, and Johnston Counties and the Snibar region. They fought against General Price when he invaded in 1864. They numbered about 1100 men and were equiped with Starr (muzzle loadding muskets?) and revolvers that were vastly inferior to the Bushwackers Colts. This unit is cited by historians has being very active and competent in counter-insurgency operations. The book I cited below starts discussing the 2nds operations in Mo on page 46.

Leonard Unger