Here are a number of OR reports which the American Research Database folks have listed in a history of the 2nd Colorado Cav.
JUNE 14-16, 1864.--Scouts from Pleasant Hill, Mo.
Report of Col. James H. Ford, Second Colorado Cavalry.
PLEASANT HILL, MO., June 15, 1864.
Left here yesterday at daylight. Sent Capt. Moses with 50 men,
mounted, north, along the line of La Fayette County, to co-operate with
major Neill. I took 100 men and moved north [to] Snibar; thence west
through Sni Hills and Blue brush, avoiding all roads, to Raytown. About
midway between Independence and Hickman's Mills found Maj.
Pritchard there with 120 men. This morning sent Capt. Kingsbury
with 70 men direct through Sni Hills and Blue and Oak Hollow, with
directions to follow down line of la Fayette about 6 miles below Lone
Jack and then come in here. Instructed Maj. Pritchard to scout from
Kansas line to blue Mills; also sent scouts up Little Blue to head of
Grand and down Grand till opposite here, and then come in. We gave
them a busy stirring up and broke up several camps from 10 to 30 each.
Foot scouts had skirmish this morning about daylight. They got several,
sure. No concentration of guerrillas in my sub-district, but many bands
of from 10 to 50. If I had companies more, so as to keep more men out
on foot, I could beat them bad at their own game. All Pleasant Hill
troops will be in to-morrow. Shall I order Maj. Pritchard and
command back to their stations?
J. H. FORD,
Col., Cmdg.
Capt. J. H. STEGER,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., District of Central Missouri.
HDQRS. SECOND COLORADO CAVALRY,
Kansas City, Mo., July 12, 1864.
CAPT.: I have the honor to make to the general commanding the
following report of a scout made by me on the 15th and 16th of June,
1864:
June 15.--Started with all the well-mounted men of Companies D, I, K,
and M (about 150 in all), from Pleasant Hill, about 4 a. m. Detached
Capt. Moses, with his company (M), to the right, with orders to scout
toward the La Fayette County line. Reached Snibar Station about 10 a.
m. After resting the men and horses half an hour, took a westerly
course toward Raytown, through very heavy brush and over rocky hills
and ravines. Found a very few fresh sings, but saw no guerrillas until
4 miles of Raytown. A small party detached to the right gave chase to
2 bushwhackers, but failed to overtake them. Reached Raytown about
5 p. m. After dark I sent out foot scout of 25 men, under a sergeant. He
came in about 6 a. m., instant, and reported having fired into a party of
6 or 8, killing, as he thinks, 3 of them. This was just at daylight. Soon
after they discovered a party of 15 at a house, but as they were crawling
up toward the house a railroad employed saw them and gave notice to
the guerrillas, who immediately left; this was near the crossing by the
railroad of the Little Blue. The distance traveled by them, 15 miles. I
also sent out another foot scout of 20 men, in a different direction, who
ran into a party of 10 or 12 guerrillas; fired into and wounded 1 or 2 of
them. They traveled 10 miles.
June 16.--Started for Pleasant Hill about 6.30 a. m., having first sent
Capt. Kingsbury, with Companies D and I, to scout the country
toward and through Burr Oak Hollow. Reached Pleasant Hill, without
seeing any guerrillas, about 2 p. m. Capt. Kingsbury came in about
9 p. m., and reported no guerrillas where he had been. The distance
traveled by him, after leaving the main command, 40 miles. Capt.
Moses, with his company, reached Pleasant Hill the next morning,
having scouted through the eastern edge of Jackson County, reaching
Independence on the night of the 16th without seeing any bushwhackers.
He traveled about 90 miles. Distance traveled by the main command, 70
miles.
I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. FORD,
Col. Second Colorado Cavalry.
Capt. JAMES H. STEGER, Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
Source: Official Records
CHAP. XLIV.] SKIRMISH NEAR WHITE HARE, MO. PAGE 1008-61
[Series I. Vol. 34. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 61.]
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JUNE 18-20, 1864.--Scout from Kansas City, Mo.
Report of Col. James H. Ford, Second Colorado Cavalry.
HDQRS. SECOND COLORADO CAVALRY,
Kansas City, Mo., July 12, 1864.
CAPT.: I have the honor to make to the general commanding the
following report of a scout made by me on the 18th, 19th, 20th, and
21st June, 1864: On the morning of the 17th of June Col. Thomas
Moonlight, of the Eleventh Kansas Cavalry, arrived at Pleasant Hill with
four companies. Lieut.-Col. Hoyt, Fifteenth Kansas Cavalry,
and Maj. Pritchard, of my regiment, were already on a scout in the
vicinity of the Little Blue. Col. Moonlight sent three companies as
you directed, and I sent a special messenger to give your instructions to
Lieut.-Col. Hoyt, which messenger, however, failed to find him.
At 2 a. m. 18th, I started with all the mounted men of Companies I, K,
and M of my regiment, accompanied by Col. Moonlight, with one
company of his battalion, numbering in all about 200 men. Arrived at
Lone Jack by daylight. I then sent Lieut. Stanton with Company K
in a northwesterly direction. A short distance to the east I sent the
Kansas company in a northerly course and about a mile farther east I
took a north course with the remainder of the battalion, with the
exception of Capt. Moses, who I directed with his company (M) from
this place to go to the east and visit a suspicious locality. We scouted on
for a number of miles without seeing many sings, until, on emerging at
the foot of Round Prairie, the advance ran into 1 or 2 guerrillas at a
house; while chasing them, another party of 12 or 15 came down the
prairie toward thick brush. Capt. Moses coming up at this time with
his company, fought them just as they were getting into the edge of the
timber, and thinks several must have been wounded. None of our men
or horses were hurt. After resting our horses some little time, we still
continued in a northerly direction, when, coming through thick timber
and brush to the edge of a prairie, and thinking that men were visible
at a certain house, I sent Capt. Moses with his company around to the
right, and Lieut. Rizer with his company (18 men) to the left.
Lieut. Rizer ran into and completely surprised a party of about 40,
chasing them to the timber, but was not strong enough to pursue them
farther. He thinks he must he must have wounded some. Soon after the
Kansas company came in and reported they had seen about 25 guerrillas,
but at a great distance, and they immediately left. We continued scouting
during the whole day, several times detaching parties to the right and
left. We stopped to rest and grazed the horses twice during the day, and
a little before sundown reached Gauley Robinson's place, about 25 miles
east-northeast from Independence. Distance traveled from Pleasant Hill
about 50 miles. Lieut. Stanton joined the main command about 5 p.
m., but had seen nothing.
Lieut.-Col. Hoyt and Maj. Pritchard came in with their
command about dusk. They reported having scouted the Little Blue
Country most thoroughly, but had seen scarcely any sings at all. June
19, this morning I sent Col. Moonlight and Lieut.-Col. Hoyt
with the Kansas troops through the brush to Hickman Mills. They
started about 5 a. m. Lieut. Stanton, with Company K, I sent at the
same time to Pleasant Hill with instruction to
scout thoroughly the brush. He afterwards reported that he saw no
bushwhackers, and scarcely any fresh sings. With the rest of my
command and Maj. Pritchard's force I started west for Independence,
scouting as I went, and detaching large parties to the right and left.
Reached Independence about noon. I then ordered Maj. Pritchard with
his command to Raytown, and Capt. Moses with his company (M) on
the next day to scout the Little blue from Blue Springs to the Pleasant
Hill road, to reach Pleasant Hill that night. He afterwards reported no
guerrillas in that section of country. I went with Lieut. Rizer's
company (I) to Kansas City same evening. June 20, went to Raytown
with Company I and 20 men of Company E, scouting the Big Blue. June
21, started for Pleasant Hill through the Little Blue country; reached
there 3 p. m. The distance traveled by main command, 130 miles.
I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES H. FORD,
Col. Second Colorado Cavalry.
Capt. JAMES H. STEGER,
Assistant Adjutant-Gen., District Central Mo.
Source: Official Records
PAGE 1032-61 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI.
[Series I. Vol. 34. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 61.]
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Reports of Brig. Gen. Egbert B. Brown, U. S. Army,
commanding District of Central Missouri.
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF CENTRAL MISSOURI,
[July 9, 1864.]
MAJ.: I have the honor to report that Capt. Wagoner, Second
Colorado Cavalry, with a scouting party of twenty-five men, was
attacked on the 6th by a band of guerrillas, numbering about 100, in a
pass two miles south of the Little Blue, on the road between
Independence and Pleasant Hill. Capt. Wagoner and 7 men were
killed and 1 man wounded. The enemy lost several men, but as they
carried off their dead and wounded in the coach which they captured
soon after and on their horses the number was not ascertained.
I am, very truly, your obedient servant,
E. B. BROWN,
Brig.-Gen. of Volunteers, Cmdg.
Maj. O. D. GREENE,
Assistant Adjutant-Gen., Saint Louis.
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF CENTRAL MISSOURI,
Warrensburg, Mo., July 12, 1864.
MAJ.: I have the honor to report that on the 6th instant Capt.
Wagoner, Company C, Second Colorado Cavalry, with twenty-five
men,
while scouting from Raytown, Jackson County, down the Little Blue
was attacked by Todd and about 100
guerrillas in a pass two miles south of that stream on the road between
Pleasant Hill and Independence. Capt. Wagoner and 7 men killed; 1 wounded. The guerrillas had 6 killed
at the pass, and 2 others by a foot scout that afterward fell in with a squad of them. The enemy
seized the stage and carried off their wounded, going easterly in
direction of the Sni Hills. The guerrillas had collected for the purpose
of attacking the escort of Brig. Gen. James Totten, inspector-general,
Department of the Missouri, who they
expected would
go through the pass; but he had taken the route by way of Hickman
Mills. They missed him. The meeting with Capt. Wagoner was an
accidental one. One of the two guerrillas killed by the foot was in the
uniform of a Confederate officers. As Todd was the only officer known
to have been dressed in this manner it may be him; but there is no
positive information in relation to it.
While bearing testimony to the good conduct of the troops under my
command in all branches of the service, and particularly to the Second
Colorado Cavalry, yet no one of the brave soldiers in the Central
District will pardon me if I fail to do justice to the gallantry, soldierly
qualities, and gentlemanly character of Capt. Seymour W. Wagoner.
He fell at the head of his little of heroes bravely contending against
overwhelming odds.
I am, very truly, your obedient servant,
E. B. BROWN,
Brig.-Gen. of Volunteers, Cmdg.
Maj. O. D. GREENE,
Assistant Adjutant-Gen., Saint Louis.
Source: Official Records
CHAP. LIII.] OPERATIONS IN WESTERN MISSOURI. PAGE 49-83
[Series I. Vol. 41. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 83.]
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Reports of Col. James H. Ford, Second Colorado
Cavalry.
INDEPENDENCE, MO., July 7, 1864.
(Received 8.30 a. m. 8th.)
CAPT.: Capt. Wagoner, Company C, scouting from Raytown,
with twenty-five men, was attacked by Todd with over 100 guerrillas,
well armed, about two miles south of the Little Blue, on Independence
and Pleasant Hill road. Capt. W. and 7 man killed, 1 wounded.
Enemy's loss we do not know. They took the coach and carried off their
dead and wounded. Enemy immediately retreated into eastern Jackson
and western La Fayette, dividing up into small squads as usual. Our foot
scouts killed 2 on their retreat, 1 dressed in Confederate uniform. We
hope it is Todd. They were collecting for the purpose of attacking
Gen. Totten and myself en route from Pleasant Hill to Independence.
We came via Hickman Mills to inspect troops at that place. The
skirmish took place Wednesday, the 6th, just at 2 p. m.
J. H. FORD,
Col., Cmdg., &c.
Capt. JAMES H. STEGER,
Assistant Adjutant-Gen., Warrensburg.
-----
KANSAS CITY, July 9, 1864.
(Received 9 a. m. )
CAPT.: I have positive information that 6 bushwhackers were killed
by Capt. Wagoner's command in the late skirmish.
J. H. FORD,
Col., Cmdg.
Capt. JAMES H. STEGER,
Assistant Adjutant-Gen., Warrensburg.
-----
HDQRS. FORD'S BRIGADE,
Camden, Mo., July 14, 1864--7 a. m.
GEN.: I have the honor to report that we ran on the enemy at this
place, killing 15 of them. Our loss, 1 killed and 1 badly wounded. The
enemy's force was from 200 to 300. They were gaining largely every
day, pressing citizens and horses. A large number of them were out at
this time on that business. Our force actually engaged with the enemy
was about 150. Have heard signal guns all night at intervals of half an
hour; direction south. Shall move in five minutes, south probably. More
particulars by the first opportunity.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. H. FORD,
Col., Cmdg.
P. S.--Captured and destroyed a large number of muskets, shotguns,
cartridges, accouterments, &c.; also ten kegs of powder.
J. H. FORD
Gen. CURTIS,
Cmdg. Department of Kansas.
-----
KANSAS CITY, July 18, 1864.
GEN.: Attacked enemy at Camden Point. They ran. We killed 15
of them there. Our loss, 1 killed, 1 mortally wounded. Chased them
clear down in Ray County. Killed at least 25 on the road down; all of
them in arms; killed no citizens, although many of them need killing.
Have called a large mass-meeting, to be held at Liberty on Wednesday
next, and have names of all disloyal men and sympathizers, and have
told the people that I will hold the enemy responsible for actions of their
particular friend Thornton. I will give them a chance to redeem
themselves and then try and save their county from destruction. Todd
and his thieves are raising the devil in my sub-district. I cannot go down
into Ray without leaving my counties completely unprotected. One
hundred and fifty whelps now threaten Independence. We only have
thirty men there. I am doing all I can. A large party opposite Lexington
is trying to cross the river. Have sent a steam-boat with one section of
artillery and 100 men, under Maj. Suess, down to prevent their
crossing. I received Gen. Rosecrans' order to remain over there, but
I cannot leave my own men unprotected. Gen. Curtis has withdrawn
the Kansas troops. The balance of my force is at Liberty. Col.
Draper is there. If I have to bring my troops over would recommend
that Col. Draper be left there for the present.
J. H. FORD,
Col., &c.
Gen. FISK.
-----
KANSAS CITY, July 21, 1864.
On Sunday, the 17th instant, Capt. Moses, with forty-seven men,
scouting seventeen miles northeast of Liberty, near Fredericksburg, Ray
County, came onto a large force of the enemy, over 300 strong, under
Col. Thornton. After a severe fight they has to retreat to the brush,
where Capt. Moses again rallied his men. They fired their last shot
from their revolvers, when Capt. Moses gave the order to separate
and do the best they could. Our loss, 6 killed, 4 wounded, 2 missing.
Enemy's loss, 16 killed and 21 wounded. The information as to the
enemy's wounded we get from the inhabitants. I think it is correct.
Capt. Moses behaved with coolness and bravery, discharging before
he left the field eighteen shots, all he had. He escaped uninjured, but
received five bullet holes through his hat and clothes, one of which
grazed he forehead; his horse received four wounds but carried him
safely off the field. He reports that his men fought desperately, also that
our carbines again failed us and we had to rely on the pistols. Maj.
Pritchard was immediately sent in pursuit with 250 men. He
followed them to Knoxville, where they had commenced breaking up in
small bands. His men and his horses giving out he gave up the pursuit
and returned. Small bands of these thieves infest every portion of these
counties. Thornton can raise a large force, I think, without doubt, 1,000
men, throughout the whole district.
J. H. FORD,
Col., Cmdg.
Maj.-Gen. ROSECRANS.
-----
KANSAS CITY, July 25, 1864.
Express just arrived from Liberty. Maj. Smith has returned to that
place. He ran on enemy's rear guard, killed 3 of them; they scattered in
every direction. I start in the morning with my pack-mule outfit; hope
to give you a better report hereafter.
J. H. FORD,
Col. Second Colorado Cavalry, Cmdg.
Maj. O. D. GREENE,
Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
-----
KANSAS CITY, July 25, 1864.
Hearing that the guerrillas were concentrating near Plattsburg I left
Liberty July 22, 6.30 a. m., with 300 Second Colorado Cavalry, Maj.
Smith commanding, and 190 Ninth Missouri State Militia [Cavalry],
Lieut.-Col. Draper commanding, for that place. Learned on road
that they had fight with militia of that place, killing 1 captain and 1
soldier; also learned that they had started west toward Buchanan County.
I left the Plattsburg road, struck west toward Gosneyville, keeping
flanking and scouting parties out in every direction; passed through
Gosneyville, camped at Ross' Mill, fed, rested men and horses. Started
at dark, moved out on the prairie, encamped until 2.30. Started again
on track, moved northwest to Camden Point; met Maj. Cox, in
command of 500 militia and citizens, poorly armed. They had a
skirmish with the band the day before; lost 1 killed, 5 wounded;
enemy's loss not known. Enemy here seemed to have scattered in every
direction; finally I found trail of the largest party, about 140, who were
moving back east; another party moving west in small bands toward
Buchanan County. I sent Lieut.-Col. Draper to Saint Joseph as
per Gen. Fisk's telegraphic orders. Maj. Cox and his militia started
on the trail; we had just come to Plattsburg. I took the Smithville road
after the largest party with 300 Second Colorado Cavalry; followed
enemy back to within eight miles of Liberty, when they again doubled
on me and moved toward Buchanan County. I followed about five miles.
Our wagons and ambulances were very much in our way; concluded to
bring them in; left Maj. Smith with 211 men on their trail. We labored
under a great disadvantage; the citizens gave the enemy information of
any movement I made, stand picket for them, and I can get no
information whatever only as I send out small parties to play
bushwhacker, and they are very careful. Then another disadvantage in
this last trip: I took ration train with me. If I allow the men to live on
the country they are continually straggling all over the country; if I
carry rations on their horses it wears the horses out this hot weather. If
I go back on another scout in that country I shall fix up pack animals,
live in the brush with them for a
few weeks. Had we known that part of the country as well as we now do
we could, I think, have closed them out. I have reliable information that
abut eighty crossed the river Saturday night into this sub-district, and I
think they intend to cross their whole command in small parties as fast
as they can. Thornton is getting no more recruits and some few
deserting. I do not believe he has over 800 men, scattered all through
the country. Three battalions, each 300 to 400 strong, with pack-mules
would easily make a clean sweep of those counties by living in the brush
with them about tow weeks, keeping out of all towns, and fight them in
their own way. My regiment is badly needed here at present. Can I
come back when through with this scout?
J. H. FORD,
Col. Second Colorado Cavalry.
Maj. O. D. GREENE,
Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
Report of Capt. Edward P. Elmer, Second Colorado Cavalry.
HDQRS. STATION,
Pleasant Hill, August 1, 1864.
CAPT.: I have the honor herewith to transmit the following
supplementary report of scouting and escort done by Company K,
Second Colorado Cavalry stationed at Pleasant Hill, Mo., since July 10,
1864: Sergeant Cotton and thirty-four men of Company K, Second
Colorado Cavalry, left this station July 11 for Kansas City, with
six-mule team, ten days' rations, with detachments of C, F, and I of
Second
Colorado Cavalry, under command of Maj. Smith. Arrived at Kansas
City July 12; distance, thirty-five miles. Left Kansas City on the 13th in
the steamer Emily. Arrived at Weston 12m.; distance, forty-two
miles. Lieut. Parsons, of D Company, took command of the
detachment; left same day. Arrived at Camden Point 4 p. m.; distance,
twelve miles. Found the enemy there; had a fight with them; killed
several, and completely routed them. Lost 1 man killed, 1 wounded.
Pursued them about one mile with the command; then leaving it and
pursuing the enemy abut ten miles, went into camp for the night. Broke
cap at daylight 14th. Arrived at Smithville; distance, four miles;
fed. Left about 7 a. m., returning back to Camden Point, scouting
through the brush; distance, fifteen miles. From the re went to Platte
City; distance, ten miles. There joined the command and remained there
until the next morning. Broke camp the next morning at daylight, taking
southerly direction. About 1 p. m. stopped and fed. Left the command
there; went to Kansas City, escort for Col. Ford; distance, thirty-five
miles. Left Kansas City on the morning of the 16th. Arrived at Liberty
about noon; distance, sixteen miles. Camped there until the next day. Left
for Kansas City on the 17th with Col. Ford; distance, sixteen
miles. Left on the 18th for Liberty; distance, sixteen miles. Left on the
22d with the whole command, taking a northerly direction, arriving at
Union Mills; distance, thirty-six miles; fed; moved on about three
miles; went into camp. Left 23d, taking a westerly curse, meeting a
command of Enrolled Missouri Militia. Passed Camden Point, taking a
southeasterly direction. Went into camp about 5 p. m.; distance, fifty
miles. Broke camp about daylight on 24th; passed through Smithville in
a southerly direction after traveling about thirty-five miles, there leaving
the transportation and taking the enemy's trail. After following about
twelve miles stopped and fed. A party of men were out foraging, and
they ran onto the enemy's pickets. Fired on them and killed 1; the
command then pursuing and overtaking them, completely routed them,
killing 2 of them; then went into camp about sundown; distance, fifteen
miles. 25th, broke camp about sunrise, taking a southerly direction,
arriving at Liberty about 1 p. m. Camped there for the night; distance,
twenty miles. 26th, broke camp at daylight. Arrived at Kansas City 6 a.
m.; distance, sixteen miles. Left on the 27th for Pleasant Hill; distance,
thirty-five miles.
July 21, Sergeant Wright and six men on a scout to Sni Hills and
vicinity. Saw plenty of signs of bushwhackers. Returned on the 22d;
distance traveled, forty miles. On the 27th Sergeant Weir and nine men
went to Kansas City for commissary stores. Returned on 31st; distance,
thirty-five miles. Whole distance about 495 miles.
Your most obedient servant,
E. P. ELMER,
Capt., Cmdg. Station.
Capt. J. H. STEGER,
Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
Source: Official Records
PAGE 52-83 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII.
[Series I. Vol. 41. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 83.]
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Report of Capt. Ezra W. Kingsbury, Second Colorado Cavalry.
HDQRS. COMPANY I,
Pleasant Hill, Mo., August 4, 1864.
SIR: In pursuance of orders dated August 1, 1864, headquarters
battalion, Pleasant Hill, Mo., I have the honor to report that I left this
station at 2 a. m. with a detachment of seventy men, from Companies
F, G, I, K, and L, arriving at Gunter's at 12.30 p. m; found the
guerrillas in small squads east of the Independence road; ascertained that
Todd and seven men had ordered breakfast at Hackett's, but did not
remain to eat it; scouted the brush thoroughly in that vicinity; found
fresh trails in every direction; they scattered as soon as pursued.
Scouted the country east of the Independence road for seven hours;
could not find the enemy. At 4 p. m. struck west; crossed the Blue at
the Raytown crossing; found no trail; recrossed the Blue; went
southwest up the Blue; scouted the timber south and west of Gunter's
Mills, south of Gunter's. At 6.30 p. m. sent twenty men on foot into the
brush in front of Gunter's. They remained in that vicinity until 9 p. m.;
could find no signs of the enemy; returned to this station at 1 o'clock on
the 3d instant.
E. W. KINGSBURY,
Capt. Company I, Second Colorado Cavalry.
Maj. J. NELSON SMITH.
Source: Offical Records
CHAP. LIII.] SCOUT ON THE SMOKY HILL FORK, KANS. PAGE 188-83
[Series I. Vol. 41. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 83.]
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AUGUST 7-8, 1864.--Scout from Independence into La Fayette County, Mo.
Report of Capt. Thomas Moses, jr., Second Colorado Cavalry.
INDEPENDENCE, MO., August 8, 1864.
MAJ.: I have the honor to report that pursuant to order I marched
from this station at 4 a. m. on the 7th instant, with the following
command, viz: Lieut. Parson, Lieut. Ducey, and 128 men. I
proceeded south on the Pleasant Hill road as far as Grenter's farm, bit
could not discover any fresh signs of the enemy; thence marched east
for Round Prairie, and when near Snibar Station met Capt. Blair, of
the Fourth Missouri State Militia Cavalry, with his command, and as I
found that he had just scouted through the Round Prairie country, I
marched in the direction of Greenton, in La Fayette County. When near
Lick Skillet, we discovered dive bushwhackers, at a distance of about
one mile from us, when I ordered Lieut. Ducey to take the advance
guard and pursue them, which he did for about four miles, but could not
overtake them, and returned to the command. Thence I marched to the
place of Mr. Harp, living on the line of Jackson and La
Fayette Counties, and encamped for the night. Learned from good
authority in the neighborhood that Thornton, Quantrill, Todd, Yeager,
Taylor, Thrailkill, and Anderson were encamped four miles from that
place on the 4th instant with from 300 to 500 men, but was unable to
ascertain whether they had left or not. They were reported camped on
the John Campbell farm. At daylight I marched for that place, but found
that they had broken camp and left on the evening of the 5th instant; but
judging by the appearance of their camp, should not think they had over
200 or 300 men. Mrs. Campbell informed me that Todd had 150 men;
he came there with his command on Thursday morning, the 4th instant,
and she thinks left the same evening. They divided up into small parties,
and came in the direction of Blue River and Raytown. I also ascertained
that small parties of from six to ten came from the north, northeast, and
northwest on the same day, and returned the next morning, and judging
from all the information that I could gather think that they met to hold a
council of war, with what ulterior object I could not say. Thence I
returned to this station, arriving at about 5 o'clock this p. m.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
TH. MOSES, JR.,
Capt., Second Colorado Cavalry, Cmdg. Post.
Maj. J. NELSON SMITH,
Cmdg. Station, Independence, Mo.
Source: Official Records
CHAP. LIII.] SCOUT TO MULBERRY CREEK, KANS. PAGE 232-83
[Series I. Vol. 41. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 83.]
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Report of Capt. Ezra W. Kingsbury, Second Colorado Cavalry.
INDEPENDENCE, MO., August 18, 1864.
MAJ.: I have the honor to report that, in compliance with
instructions, I left here on the 13th of August at 9.30 a. m. with
seventy-five men from Companies C, D, F, I, L, and M, Second
Colorado Cavalry, and proceeded northeast on the Lexington road, and
struck the Missouri River four miles south of Richfield; patrolled the
river-bank and vicinity for a distance of about five miles above Richfield
until near the mouth of Blue River, when, being near night, I proceeded
to Young's farm, about four miles from Blue Mills, where encamped
for the night, having traveled and thirty-five miles. While at this place
learned that Fletch. Taylor, Thrailkill, and other bushwhackers, had
been in that vicinity. On starting next morning at about 3 o'clock,
scouting the country thoroughly in the vicinity of Six-Mile, learned that
Taylor had procured a buggy and started for La Fayette County, being
severely wounded. Struck the trail and followed it about fifteen miles,
until near Bone Hill, when lost it, and after searching some time turned
back on Lexington road for La Fayette County. Found numerous signs
of small parties of bushwhackers, and finally reached the farm of one
Ish, in La Fayette County, where, by means of passing as
bushwhackers, learned from a boy, whom I took and compelled to go
with me, that there was a body of about 100 men encamped in Big
Bottom, about six miles from that place. I started for that point, but
ascertained that the morning before, and wishing to secure Murphy
started twenty-five men to Wellington to bring him, and proceeded south
with the command two miles to Ewing's farm, where I found Murphy,
who happened to be there; arrested him, and forage being plenty fed the
horses. On examining Murphy found that he had reported the facts
concerning Taylor to Lexington immediately after the amputation took
place, but could learn nothing definite concerning his whereabouts.
Before the detail sent to Wellington returned it was nearly night, and
thence I moved south to the house of one Fishback, and camped for the
night, having released Doctor Murphy. Traveled this day about fifty
miles. Next morning started about sunrise and went in a southerly
course to the Sni, skirmishing it at the old mill-dam; thence proceeded
in a west course to Gardiner's farm; struck from thence in the direction
of Bone Hill and Judge Gray's farm, scouting thoroughly the brush in
that vicinity; arrived at the house of one Bord, near the line of Jackson
and La Fayette Counties. On examining him at first could get no
information from him; said he had never seen but six bushwhackers;
saw them the
evening before. Knew nothing of the whereabouts of any of them. I then
made him go with us, and told him to guide us to their camp. At first
he denied as before, but finally took us to the camp where Fletch.
Taylor had his arm amputated, and had left there very recently, as the
signs were fresh and new. Found bandages stained with blood, pillow,
&c., but no man. Finding that Bord was only leading us through the
brush in order to give the bushwhackers time to escape I gave him a
little hanging, which immediately improved his knowledge of the
country. He told me two bushwhackers had been at his house the
evening before to see his daughter, and on our starting again he led us
through the thickest kind of brush to four other camps, one of which had
only been vacated that morning, judging by the forage scattered around
and other fresh signs; the other three were older, but had been used
during the course of the summer. Searched the brush thoroughly, but
could find no one. Learned further from Bord that there were plenty of
them in the country in small parties ranging from Big Bottom to Bone
Hill. Having obtained what information from Bord I could, released him
and struck west for Robinson's, in Jackson County; trailed fifteen to that
place and followed the trail to eastern edge of Fire Prairie, where I
started fifteen in a party and pursued them through the thick brush ten
miles in a southerly course, when they scattered and I lost the trail;
thence returned northwest, until I struck the eastern edge of Fire Prairie;
thence west, and started another party of eight, but at too great a
distance to do anything with them. Struck the trail of a large party and
followed them four miles to an old bridge across a ravine, where I heard
a gun, fired evidently as a signal for them to disperse, as the tracks
scattered immediately, and I lost them. This vicinity is evidently full of
small parties of them continually passing back and forth. After searching
the brush I crossed Fire Prairie to the timber on the Blue, and scouted
up the river till I reached Spring Branch Crossing; thence returned to
this place, arriving here about 6 p. m. traveling that day about sixty-five
miles.
E. W. KINGSBURY,
Capt., Second Colorado Cavalry, Cmdg. Scout.
Maj. J. NELSON SMITH,
Cmdg. Station, Independence, Mo.
Source: Official Records
CHAP. LIII.] SKIRMISH AT DRIPPING SPRING, MO. PAGE 258-83
[Series I. Vol. 41. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 83.]
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Report of Sergt. Henry J. Tibbits, Company D, Second
Colorado Cavalry.
INDEPENDENCE, MO., August 29, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to report my foot scout:
I started from here about 10 o'clock on the 25th day of August, 1864,
with twenty-three men, and proceeded to Capt. West's camp, on Fire
Prairie, distance twelve miles. There I took ten more men, making my
force in all thirty-three men, and about 7 o'clock that same evening I
proceeded north from said camp about twelve miles and then camped
for the night. The next morning I proceeded north about six miles to
Six-Mile Creek; thence northeast to the telegraph road, a distance of
about six miles, and there I found that the bushwhackers had pulled the
wire down in the road and piled rails on it in such a manner that a
person riding fast in the night might hurt himself by running against it.
I then struck off in an easterly direction to Fire Prairie Creek, a distance
of about seven miles, and there camped for the night. The next morning
I proceeded southeast to Judge Gray's. There my pickets saw three
bushwhackers and fired upon them; and I also learned there that
Thornton had crossed the river on Wednesday night with about 150 men
and had gone south. About seventy-five of them fed in that vicinity the
next morning after crossing the river. And I also learned that there were
about 400 of the militia in pursuit of them. Then I proceeded about one
miles on Bone Hill and saw eight bushwhackers, but they were some
distance off and I did not get a shot at them. I then camped for the
night. I saw plenty of signs about there. The next morning I went back
to Judge Gray's and I learned there that Todd was in the country with
about 150 men. I then started south and went across Bone Hill to
Robinson's. I saw plenty of signs on my route, and at Robinson's I saw
plenty of the fresh camps and where there had a large command crossed
Bone Hill. I staid there until about 6 p. m., and learned that fifty men
had stopped there the night before and fifteen that morning, and fed.
They were said to belong to Thornton's command. I then struck west,
and after marching about one mile and a half, and about half a mile
from the Widow Robinson's, I met eight bushwhackers in the brush and
fired upon them, and saw six go off mounted and two horses following
without riders. I then went to the Widow Robinson's house and learned
there that eighth bushwhackers had been there the day before with
twenty-four men and drawn up in line before the house, and after
waiting there about one hour two men came from the brush and talked
with him some time. Then they disbanded and went into the brush in
squads of about four or five men in a squad. I also learned that they
had been passing there for the last week in small squads and I saw
plenty of tracks, and I think that there is a command near there of about
100 or 150 men. I staid there until dark and then struck a southwest
course for about four miles and camped for the night. Then this morning
I started about 4.30 o'clock for Capt. West's camp, and arrived there
about 8 o'clock, distance seven miles. I remained there about an hour
and then left the ten men there that I got there and came to
Independence with the balance of my command, arriving here at 12.30
p. m. I saw no signs after leaving the
hills on the other side of Fire Prairie. I believe that they are collecting
together in that vicinity either for the purpose of making a raid or to go
south.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
HENRY J. TIBBITS,
Sergt. Co. D, Second Colorado Cavalry, Cmdg. Detachment.
Maj. J. NELSON SMITH,
Cmdg. Station.
Source: Official Records
CHAP. LIII.] SCOUT IN PLATTE COUNTY, MO. PAGE 290-83
[Series I. Vol. 41. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 83.]
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