Does anyone know of any documents or other written records concerning this event? Local legend has it they were hung. Following this action DeSmith was promoted to Captain of Co L, 3rd MSM.

Pilot Knob, Missouri, August 21, 1864
Brigadier General Ewing:
Captain McElroy telegraphs from Patterson that Lieutenant DeSmith has just returned from a scout to Cow Island, Butler County, Missouri, and reports having killed Dick Williams, Elias Covington, John Holder, Mansel Holder, and Jim Holder, all noted guerrillas of that county.
James Wilson,
Major, Commanding

War of Rebellion Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I Vol. 41, Part II,