I think the world of the landmark research tool that Frederick Dyer left for all of us to use, but his great work has flaws--particularly in Union units in Missouri. I have found a few such examples, and this appears to be one. In his thumbnail history of the 2nd Colo Cav Dyer says some part of this regiment fought a skirmish "Fayette Road, near Helmsville, July 16 [1864]." In his list of skirmishes and actions in Missouri Dyer reports "July 16, Fayette Road, near Huntsville, COLORADO, 2nd Cavalry; MISSOURI, 4th State Militia Cavalry (detachment)." Obviously, Dyer meant the town name of "Huntsville" and not "Helmsville."

Neil, I am really uncomfortable criticizing another Dyer's landmark work for a variety of reasons, as I like to build and not tear down. Besides, my stuff has errors in it, too. Neil, I use at least two of your works ("Shades of Gray: Confederate Soldiers and Veterans of Randolph County" from 1996 and a paper you and Merrill Brockman made I think in 1995 on a similar topic in Howard County), and I am not comfortable differing with you, either.

I stand beside what I wrote earlier about the 2nd Colorado Cavalry. On July 16 the nearest detachment I know about was at least two counties to the west of Randolph County, and maybe further than that.

The nearest detachment of the 4th Cavalry MSM I know about as of July 16 was Captain Parke's garrison at Boonville, across the Missouri River--on the other side of Howard County to the south.

After Anderson and his raiders left Huntsville they robbed a few farms, pistol-whipping one of the farmers, and then rode on south. A patrol of the 9th Cavalry MSM from Sturgeon led by Captain Edward K. Smith rode after Anderson's band from north Boone County after they heard about the Huntsville raid. They caught up to the guerrillas about nine miles south of Huntsville, and claim to have wounded one of Anderson's men, evidently at no loss to themselves. Anderson's horses outclassed the jaded Union mounts and pulled away, ending the chase.

I know nothing about two bodies lying in the road, either guerrilla or Union cavalry. Can you tell me what source mentioned that? That is news to me.

Bruce