Union Accounts

Blunt’s Report: Early on the morning of the 21st I was directed to move with all the volunteer force back to the Little Blue, and just as the command had commenced to move I received a dispatch from Colonel Moonlight informing me that the enemy were advancing in force; that he had burned the bridge, and was engaging their advance. The command was now pressed forward as rapidly as possible, but on arriving upon the field I found that the small force under Colonel Moonlight, although making a stubborn resistance, had been forced back by superior numbers, and we had lost the strong position on the west side of the Little Blue, before alluded to, and where I had hoped to have held Price in check until General Rosecrans' forces came up on his rear, had circumstances have permitted me to remain there, as I had suggested the day previous. As soon as the troops could be got into position, a gallant attempt was made to push back the enemy and retake the ground we had lost, when their line was driven back nearly a mil e, but the vastly superior numbers of the enemy enabling them to push forward heavy flanking columns on my right and left, compelled me to fall back in the direction of Independence. The retreat was conducted in perfect order, every foot of ground being stubbornly con- [end of p. 574] tested, and the troops exhibiting a degree of coolness in the face of an overwhelming enemy seldom equaled. The fighting lasted nearly six hours, the enemy's fire ceasing abut 4 p. m., when he refused to advance against my last line of battle formed on the east side of Independence. At 5 o'clock the command moved in column to the main camp of the militia on the Big Blue, where defensive works had been constructed, arriving there about 8 p. m.

The Fourth Brigade, under command of Colonel James H. Ford, Second Colorado Cavalry, consisting of the Second Colorado Cavalry, Sixteenth Kansas Cavalry, and First Colorado Battery, which had been detached from the Third Brigade by order of the commanding general, reported to me for orders on the morning of the battle of the Little Blue and participated in all the operations of the day, and to Colonel Ford and his command is due great credit for their coolness and gallantry. To Colonel Thomas Moonlight and the Eleventh Kansas Cavalry for their gallantry displayed in resisting the advance of the enemy on the morning of the 21st until re-enforcements arrived, as also their gallant conduct in covering the retreat at Lexington on the 19th, sp ecial commendation is due, nor can I omit to make special mention of Major R. H. Hunt, of the staff of the commanding general, for the gallant service he rendered with the howitzer battery of the general's escort. Report of James G. Blunt in OR Vol. 41, Pt. 1, Pages 574-575

Blunt’s Reminiscences: On the following morning General Curtis acceded to my request to move back to the position I had left the previous evening, on the Little Blue, and taking with me the troops that I had previously with me, and those that I had asked to be forwarded to me the evening before, I lost no time in getting the command in readiness to move, and just as they were filing out of the streets of Independence, a telegram was handed me from Col. Moonlight (I had sent to him the night before, an operator with an instrument, and a ground wire to tap the line) saying that he had burned the bridge, that the enemy was crossing in force at several points (fording) and that he was making all the resistance that he could. I now pushed forward at a rapid speed, hoping that Col. Moonlight would be able to hold them in check until I could get in position on the ridge before alluded to, but upon arriving upon the field I found that although Col. Moonlight with the Eleventh regiment, had been making a desperate resistance, they had been driven back nearly a mile. Deploying the other regiments into line and dismounting them, they dashed forward and pressed the enemy back for a distan ce of half a mile, when our flanks becoming endangered by the overwhelming numbers of the enemy, we were compelled to call back. About this time Gen’l. Curtis came up and by interfering with the dispositions of my troops without conveying his orders through me, threw the command into confusion that might have been avoided. He soon after left the field and gave me no more trouble during the day, except on his return to Independence, he ordered back my ammunition wagons which I had ordered to the front, which circumstances came near proving dis [page ends] asterous to the whole command. My entire available force did not exceed three thousand men, with which to contend against Price’s entire command, and my purpose now was to fight for time, that Rosecrans’ force might come up in the enemy’s rear, and to enable the militia of Kansas to concentrate on the border.
With the small force at my command I formed two lines, fighting each alternately while the other was falling back and taking a new position, and thus the fight continued from 9 o’clock a.m. unti 4 o’clock p.m., when the enemy refused to advance upon our last line, formed on the east side of Independence. In this day’s fight our loss was slight while the enemy were punished severely. I have never for a moment doubted that had I been allowed to remain on the Little Blue the night of the 20th, and received the reinforcements I asked for, the contest would have been set tled there in a manner entirely satisfactory to our arms. I had no doubt of my ability tin that position to have held the ground until Pleasanton could come up when we could have crushed Price’s command. "Blunt: Civil War Experiences" in Kansas Historical Quarterly, pp. 256-257)

Report of Maj. Robert H. Hunt: 21st, went to Little Blue, distance nine miles, where we met the enemy in force fighting and driving Colonel Moonlight. By your direction I placed McLain's battery in position and opened fire on the enemy, with what result I cannot state. I also placed two mountain howitzers connected with your body guard in position in the open field, but finding it too much exposed to the enemy's sharpshooters I directed an advance of your body guard howitzers and two other howitzers of the Eleventh Kansas Volunteer Cavalry. They took position in shelter of friendly house, supported on the right by Colonel Ford; had no support on the left. As I met the Eleventh retreating I saw Major Ross and begged of him to have Colonel Moonlight retrace his steps and support me, which he did. Artillery opened on the enemy with canister and spherical case at short range and drove them back like sheep. Here is where the brave Major Smith sacrificed his life in behalf of his country. Colonel Ford asked when I would retreat. I replied when he would. He remarked, that although we drove the enemy from our front they were flanking us. At this juncture I received an order from the commanding gen eral [to fall back], which was just int he nick of time. We retreated firing, keeping the foe at a respectful distance. Lieutenant Gill, of your body guard, lost 15 horses out of 40 killed, and after I put my saddle on another he was wounded. And let me here say that Lieutenant Gill, Captain Johnson, and their men behaved like heroes, and Colonels Ford's and Moonlight's commands resisted successfully every charge made by the rebels; too much credit cannot be awarded them. Major Ross, of the Eleventh Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, was with me almost through the entire day, rendering invaluable services by his presence and encouragement. He lost 1 horse in killed and 1 wounded. The artillery and cavalry which were under my observation maintained several positions for a time until, outnumbered by the enemy six to one, were compelled to retreat, but fighting every inch. The last artillery firing that was done was by Lieutenant Gill, and supported by the cavalry portion of the body guard, commanded by the lamented Captain Gove, which was about midway between the Blue and Independence. Here the artillery did good work. Rebels having congregated in shelter of a house, distant about 600 yards, Lieutenant Gill and Sergeant Miller dropped several shells in their midst, sending two into the house and exploding after they passed through the roof. This I learn from prisoners. Many were killed [page 543 ends] and wounded. One of Lieutenant Gill's horses was killed, several wounded; had to leave one set of harness the enemy press ed so close. Colonel Walker, of the Sixteenth, maintained a position to our rear and left, keeping the enemy from flanking us. He commenced the retreat, but sufficiently maintained his position until the artillery passed him. I observed that the Sixteenth, under Colonel Walker and Major Ketner, did good work. Many things of importance occurred before and after this, but as they came under the commanding general's own notice I will not mention them. I remained with the rear of the column until they arrived at the Big Blue. In the retreat there was no confusion, the enemy was too badly punished to press us too closely. It was after dark when I reported at headquarters, which was established at the Big Blue fifteen miles. Report of Maj. Robert H. Hunt in OR Vol. 41, Pt. 1, pages 543-544.
Moonlight’s Report: On the same day the division took up position on the west bank of the Little Blue, eighth miles from Independence, and in the afternoon the Second Brigade was left alone to watch the enemy, fight him at the crossing, and burn the bridge. It is proper to state here that the two companies of the Fifth Kansas Volunteer Cavalry were not with the brigade, as they had been left on the border of Kansas to watch the guerrillas, and when the balance of the division was withdrawn from the Little Blue the two companies of the Sixteenth also went, leaving me only ten companies of the Eleventh Kansas Volunteer Cavalry. Company G of that regiment being escort for Major-Genera l Curtis, and Company L, at Fort Riley, my force being reduced, and the stream being fordable almost any point, it was no easy matter to hold an enemy so numerous and active, all being cavalry. Major Anderson, Eleventh, with two companies, had command of the bridge, which he set on fire and held until it was fairly burning, after which he fell back on the hill and joined the command, who then opened fire on the enemy. Captain Greer, with his company (I, Eleventh), had been stationed at a ford about one mile below the bridge, with instructions to hold the enemy as long as possible. He retired without firing a shot, but claims that it was not possible to do otherwise, as the enemy were crossing at all points.

Being thus menaced on all sides and the object for which I was left accomplished, the command slowly fell back about two miles, fighting. A favorable piece of ground here presenting itself, a new line of battle was formed on the left of the Independence road, and we slowly began to drive the enemy back over the ground again, dismounting every man for the purpose of shelter behind some walls, fences, and houses, some of which were then held by the enemy, who, after a vigorous assault, were dislodged, thus affording us an advantage which accounts for the few killed and wounded on our side, compared with the enemy, who suffered terribly. The Eleventh Regiment here behaved like old veterans, and gave renewed proof of their fighting qualities, driving an enemy greatly t heir superior i numbers to the very ground occupied in the morning. By this time General Blunt had come up, and other troops were being thrown in on the right to my support. About 200 of the Sixteenth Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Walker, of that regiment, reported to me and did splendid service on the left. Major Hunt, Fifteenth Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, chief of artillery for Department of Kansas, reported about this time with some mountain howitzers, and rendered such service as only a brave and gallant officer can render. We thus held the enemy back for hours, a great portion of the time without any ammunition, supplying its place with lusty and defiant cheers. It became necessary to withdraw the command a short distance and take up a new position, as the enemy, ten to one, were flanking us in perfect safety. Shortly after gaining the new position I received orders to withdraw my men and mount. The first movement had to be accomplished in the very face of [page 592 ends] the enemy, and giving up to them a line of stone walls rendered the movement a dangerous one, and had it not been for the command already referred to, under Colonel Walker, opening a flank fire by my directions, I question much if the retreat would not have been a fatal one and yet it had to be done, as the ammunition train by some mistake was away in the rear, where I joined it, and supplied my command anew. By this time the entire command had fallen back, and the Second Brigade, as ordered, formed a new line of battalion the east side of Independence. About this time Captain Hunton, with his company (H) of the Eleventh, joined the command. The captain had, by my order the day previous, been sent up Little Blue about four miles to guard a ford and check the enemy, which he did in his usual gallant style, never abandoning his position, although pressed, in a manner isolated, and knowing we were being driven back on his left. The covering of the retreat from this point was given the Second Brigade, and to Companies B and H was the work assigned, under my own supervision. The enemy was held for some time at bay. A skirmish was kept up in the streets of Independence and as far as the railroad bridge, when the enemy abandoned the pursuit; it was then dark. We arrived in camp on Big Blue about midnight, where the entire force was concentrated. Throughout the entire engagement on Little Blue I was ably assisted by the field officers of the Eleventh, viz, Lieutenant-Colonel Plumb, Majors Anderson and Ross (the latter had two horses shot under him), as also my adjutant, Lieutenant Taber, together with those already named of other regiments. The entire command behaved with the utmost coolness and gallantry, commanding officers of companies vieing with each other in the discharge of their duties. I regret to say that in this engagement Captain N. P. Gregg, Company M, Eleventh, received a severe gunshot wound in the right arm which is likely to disable him for life. The captains is one of th e best officers in the service and it is to be hoped that he will yet be spared for future fields of operations. the enemy, and giving up to them a line of stone walls rendered the movement a dangerous one, and had it not been for the command already referred to, under Colonel Walker, opening a flank fire by my directions, I question much if the retreat would not have been a fatal one and yet it had to be done, as the ammunition train by some mistake was away in the rear, where I joined it, and supplied my command anew. By this time the entire command had fallen back, and the Second Brigade, as ordered, formed a new line of battalion the east side of Independence. About this time Captain Hunton, with his company (H) of the Eleventh, joined the command. The captain had, by my order the day previous, been sent up Little Blue about four miles to guard a ford and check the enemy, which he did in his usual gallant style, never abandoning his position, although pressed, in a manner isolated, and knowing we were being driven back on his left. The covering of the retreat from this point was given the Second Brigade, and to Companies B and H was the work assigned, under my own supervision. The enemy was held for some time at bay. A skirmish was kept up in the streets of Independence and as far as the railroad bridge, when the enemy abandoned the pursuit; it was then dark. We arrived in camp on Big Blue about midnight, where the entire force was concentrated. Throughout the enti re engagement on Little Blue I was ably assisted by the field officers of the Eleventh, viz, Lieutenant-Colonel Plumb, Majors Anderson and Ross (the latter had two horses shot under him), as also my adjutant, Lieutenant Taber, together with those already named of other regiments. The entire command behaved with the utmost coolness and gallantry, commanding officers of companies vieing with each other in the discharge of their duties. I regret to say that in this engagement Captain N. P. Gregg, Company M, Eleventh, received a severe gunshot wound in the right arm which is likely to disable him for life. The captains is one of the best officers in the service and it is to be hoped that he will yet be spared for future fields of operations. Report of Thomas Moonlight in OR Vol. 41, Pt. 1, pages 592-593

Moonlight’s Memoirs: On the morning of the 21st the enemy came down on us, flushed with what they considered a victory at Lexington and eager for the fray. The bridge was burned and the advance, for a short time, checked. Having an operator with me the line cut I dispatched him to inform Gen. Curtis how matters stood, and as I never saw the operator again, do not know if my message was returned. I held my ground for about an hour, but my force was too small to guard the flanks, and I was reluctantly comepelled to fall back, fighting in voiolation of orders.
As I had already violated my instructions, I thought I might do a little m ore. In fact, I determined to make Little Blue a battlefield, orders or no orders, for every day, every mile, that ewe delayed the advance of the enemy kept him that much longer of out Kansas, truly giving the militia time to make the scene of action and the Missouri troops, under Pleasanton, following Price’s army, an opportunity to close on him, and the sequel proved the correctness of my position.

Having marched on the open part of the country, with only fences to impede my movements, the command was splendidly dismounted, the horses were left in the rear and the enemy were charged back in return. For over a mile did we drive them, having their dead and wounded strewing the ground. Then we held them until re-enforcements under Genl. Blunt came up to my assistance by which time there was scarcely a round of ammunition in my command. We supplied its place, however, by shouting defiance at the enemy. About 3 p.m. the retreat was ordered to Independence, and on the route I overtook the ammunition train, supplied each man with 80 rounds, and was again ready for any emergency.

As the division reached Independence the sun was setting, and although we endeavored to find a good position for defense, was compelled to continue the retreat. The brigade was here given the point of honor and danger and we fought the enemy in the streets of Independence until [page 35 ends] dark, allowing the command time to take up position on Big Blue. It was near midnig ht ere we reached a field of corn and threw ourselves to the hard ground to sleep. Wagon & camp equipage were not (and very properly too) allowed to any brigade. General Moonlight’s Civil War in Arkansas Historical Quarterly, Spring 2003, pp. 35-36.

11th Kansas Cavalry: About nine a.m. October 21, the enemy appeared. I had been awake but a few minutes and was trying to sew up a big rent in my pants, made in riding through the brush. I had to jump for my horse and see that my men were promptly in line of battle, and having no time to put on my pants, threw them across my saddle and went into the fight. It was a sorry fight. They kept us busy or an hour or two, trying to prevent their crossing the Little Blue River. Under a sharp fire we ran a wagon load of hay into the bridge and set it on fire. But it was all to no particular effect so far as stopping the enemy,, for the stream was not a bad one to cross, there being fords near the bridge, above and below, and we soon felt the sting of the enemy’s bullets on our right and left flanks. We had to hustle to the rear, which we did in good order.
About two and a half miles from where the first attack was made, we saw the Second Colorado Battery of six fine Parrot guns crossing a field on our right as we were retreating. The guns were too heavy for the plowed land and the teams stalled. The rebel advance was wit hin four or 500 yards of the battery. Quick work must be done to save the guns, worth a thousand men to us. Colonel Moonlight, commanding our brigade, came galloping dow3n the line to my company. We were the rear guard. He ordered me to countermarch and charge the enemy with my eighty eight men in a column of eight front. We charged down the road, passing the Little Blue church, straight for the enemy. . I saw ahead of me a brick house and stone fences to the right. The rebel cavalry fell back, but a line of infantry occupied the house and were down behind the fence. About 150 yards south of the house, between us and the enemy, was a hollow that for a moment or two kept us out of sight and range of their guns.
As we reached the brow of the hill, a though flashed through my mind that the first line, in which I was riding, with seven soldiers to my left, would be shot as soon as we came in sight. I clutched the pommel of my saddle and threw myself almost flat on the horse. The volley of bullets came, as I expected. I felt my horse going down, swung my feet clear of the stirrups, and fell on my horse’s neck, unhurt. Geo. G. Edwards, who fired the first shot when we were charging through Lexington the day before, fell on my back, dead. My men saw me fall and thought I was killed. They retreated back into the hollow. I jumped up and ran after them, a perfect hail-storm of bullets buzzing past me. I ordered the men to dismount. Every man left his horse in the road. We then jumped the fence into [page 439 ends] orchard and charged the brick house, and took it, driving the enemy out, then charged the stone fence and took that. Of course, there was no hope of saving my men without aid from our army. At that moment I heard the yells of 400 or 500 men Maj. J. Nelson Smith, with the first and third battalions of the Second Colorado Cavalry, was charging the enemy to save us, and right before us this gallant officer fell dead at the head of his command. I had a chance now to fall back, and found my horses in the hollow where I had left them. The animals showed "horse sense" enough to remain where they were safe from the bullets. This little diversion, costly to my company, saved the Colorado battery. The Second Fcolorado safely fell back in good order, and our army continued their retreat at a walk, passe dthrough Independence, eight miles west of Little Blue, and camped on the Big Blue that night.
11th Kansas Cavalry: We reached the camp some time in the night of the 20th. Here, on the morning of the 21st, for the first time since leaving the State line, October 15, a small amount of rations was issued, consisting of flour, bacon and coffee. We had just got our flour made into thick dough, rolled on sticks ready to bake before the fire, and our cups of coffee on the coals to boil, when whiz went the bullets and the rebels were upon us.

Some of our boys took their breakfast on lead and lay down to rest forever. We formed lines behind a stone wall and the battle of Little Blue, October 21, opened up lively, with artillery and musketry on both sides. Our boys were hungry, tired and worn out, yet they gave the enemy such a reception as they hardly expected. The gallant Moonlight, with his handful of troops, held his position all the forenoon of the 21st, until reinforced by General Curtis with a portion of Colonel Ford’s regiment, McLain’s battery, and a squad of Regular cavalry under General Blunt.
We were dismounted and stationed behind the stone wall mention, our horses having been sent to the rear. The battle raged with all its fury, strewing the ground with dead and wounded, until about 2 or 3 o’clock p. m., when being flanked right and left, an order sounded retreat.
Just as the bugle sounded retreat, the writer was hit with what was supposed to be a minie-ball or slug, on his head, over the right eye, causing him to fall unconscious to the ground. Captain J. M. Allen, Company K, 11th Kansas Cavalry, standing at his side, seeing him fall, stooped and bid him good-by, supposing he was dead, and left, having urgent business in the rear just at that time.
The batteries on the hill in the rear played so effectually upon the advancing troops that the wounded comrade had time to revive, and succeeded in scaling the hill in the f ace of the enemy, under a galling fire, and in about an hour overtook his retreating company. The captain, being so overjoyed, cried out: "Great God; the dead is alive!" We mourned for our scalp and cap, that was badly torn, but thanked God and the rebels that it was no worse, little thinking what was in store for us on the morrow.

Our little band of less than 2,000 continued stubbornly to resist the enemy’s advance, slowly retreating, until we reached the outskirts of Independence, Mo., a little after dark. Thus the battle of the Little Blue continued from early morn until after dark, without even our morning coffee and hardtack. ON KANSAS SOIL By Wm. A. Timbooker, Company K, 11th Kansas Cavalry, Manhattan, Kansas

Jennison’s Report: On the 21st of October, the enemy having advanced from Lexington, met the Second Brigade at the Little Blue at an early hour in the morning. The First Brigade was, therefore, ordered to the front, and immediately proceeded from Independence to the field, where it arrived at about 11 a. m., taking position on the right, Colonel Ford's brigade forming the center, and Colonel Moonlight's the left. In this engagement the Fifteenth Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Hoyt, and the Third Wisconsin Cavalry, Lieutenant Pond, were dismounted and disposed in advantageous position, which had hardly been accomplished when the lines were fiercely assailed by the enemy at all points and the contest became extremely spirited, though from the nature of the ground and the protection of the timber the casualties were not heavy.

For some hours the engagement was maintained with varying results, our lines alternately falling back and advancing, the howitzer battery being actively and apparently effectively engaged until it became evident that the enemy was numerically superior to such an extent that it would be impossible to hold the ground, and a retrograde movement was commenced in the direction of Independence. In this action, the first general one in which it had been engaged, the First Brigade gave evidence of great proficiency in drill, unhesitating obedience, and displayed throughout a courage and determination worthy of any veteran corps. In this connection I deem it my duty to mention favorably and particularly the conduct of Major J. M. Laing, Fifteenth Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, who, by his coolness and assured courage, did so much toward inspiriting the men of may command, not one of whom wavered for a moment or evinced a disposition to evade the perilous duties of the situation. Other officers, perhaps equally deserving, will be mentioned hereafter, but as Major Laing in this action came immediately under my notice he is first spoken of as a brave, efficient, and deserving officer, one of whom the regiment and the service may be proud. Lieutenant-Colonel Hoyt, as commanding the Fifteenth Regiment, is too [page 583 ends] well known to need especial eulogium in this instance. Let it suffice that he commanded his troops with20the cool daring and soldierly ability so characteristic of the man, in no manner disappointing the anticipations of those who know him best. Early in the action Lieutenant W. H. Bisbee, Company E, Fifteenth Kansas Volunteer Calvary, acting adjutant of the Fifteenth Regiment, was struck in the shoulder by a ball, temporarily losing the use of his left arm, but remained upon the field in the discharge of his duties throughout the engagement, although several times requested to retire. Falling back through Independence the First Brigade, with those of Colonels Ford and Moonlight, encamped on the night of the 21st on the west side of the Big Blue, on the Kansas City and Independence road, no further demonstrations being made by the enemy. Report of Col. Charles R. Jennison in OR Vol. 41, Pt. 1, pp. 583-584.