THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OF THE OFFICIAL RECORDS of the UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES----Prepared, Under The Direction of the Secretary of War, by the late Lieut. Col. Robert N. Scott, Third U. S. Artillary. Published Under The Supervision of Lieut. Col. HENRY W. LAZELLE, Twenty-third U. S. Infantry. Pursuant To Acts of Congress
SERIES I-Volume XXIII-In Two Parts. Part I-Reports published by Washington Government Printing Office 1889 pages 278 & 279
April 26, 1863-Engagement at Duck River Island, or Little Rock Landing, Tenn.
REPORTS
No. 1
Report of Brig. Gen Alfred W. Ellet, U. S. Army, commanding Mississippi Marine Brigade, with itinary of the command for April, 1863
CAIRO, ILL., April 30, 1863
I have the honor to report that, in compliance with instructions received from Admiral Porter, I proceeded with my command up Tennessee River to Eastport, Miss., without interruption from the enemy. Returning in consequence of low water, I made several raids into the country, and destroyed a number of important mills and considerable amount of subsistence and supplies belonging to the enemy. At the mouth of Duck River my boats were attacked by 700 cavalry, with two pieces of artillery, commanded by Major [R. M.] White, of Sixth Texas Rangers. The fight was spirited for a few moments only. The enemy were driven back and pursued some 12 miles in the interior, with the loss of Major White, mortally wounded and left near the field, and 1 lieutenant and 8 men killed. They carried off a large number of wounded in wagons and on horses. We buried their dead. Our loss was 2 men killed and 1 wounded. The west bank of the Tennessee River was lined with refugees, who have been driven from their homes for love to the old Union. I exhausted my supplies in providing for their necessities. The Tennessee River is too low for my boats to operate in with safety. My orders from Admiral Porter do not provide for this emergency. I shall hope to receive instructions from the Department.
ALFRED W. ELLET, Brigadier-General, Commanding Mississippi Marine Brigade.
HON. E. M. STANTON
Note: I copied the above pages from the book located in the Bartlesville Public Library Family History Room, Bartlesville, OK