The Battle of Cane Hill, Arkansas
Battle of Cane Hill - Union Reports
Battle of Cane Hill
The battle ranged over hillsides
and ridges along the road
connecting Cane Hill with the
Cove Creek Road.
The battle ranged over hillsides
and ridges along the road
connecting Cane Hill with the
Cove Creek Road.
Confederate Ambush
The battle finally came to an end
along this stretch of Cove Creek
Road when Confederates took
advantage of a narrow passage
and ambushed the oncoming
Federal cavalry.
The battle finally came to an end
along this stretch of Cove Creek
Road when Confederates took
advantage of a narrow passage
and ambushed the oncoming
Federal cavalry.
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(These reports are all from Official Records, Series 1, Volume XXII.)
Reconnaissance toward Van Buren and Fort Smith, Ark.
November 20-23, 1862
Camp Babcock, Ark.
November 24, 1862
Report of Brig. Gen. James G. Blunt, U.S. Army
I have the honor to report that Lieutenant-Colonel [L.R.] Jewell, with a detachment of
600 men, sent on a reconnaissance in the direction of Van Buren and Fort Smith,
returned last night. He met the enemy’s pickets 15 miles this side of Van Buren, who
retreated at his approach. Learning that a large force was at Van Buren, he deemed
it prudent to proceed no farther, and returned. Information obtained from various
sources, which I deem quite reliable, is that Hindman’s, Marmaduke’s, Cooper’s,
and Stand Watie’s forces are at Van Buren and Fort Smith. Their entire force is
estimated as high as 30,000; but I am quite sure it does not exceed 15,000 effective
men, and probably not over 12,000. If a small re-enforcement could be sent me, to
enable me to leave a small force in the vicinity of Evansville, to protect my rear and
line of communication from any flank movement that might be made by any small
rebel force sent by some other route than the one upon which my column would
move, I would not hesitate to attack them on the other side of the mountains, and do
not doubt of my ability to occupy and hold Van Buren and Fort Smith, provided
General Steele occupies the attention of General Holmes, so that re-enforcements
cannot be sent from Little Rock.
(From Brig. Gen. James G. Blunt to Maj. Gen. Samuel R. Curtis)
-----
Skirmish near Cane Hill, Ark.
November 25, 1862
Hdqrs. First Division, Army of the Frontier
Camp Babcock
November 26, 1862
Report of Brig. Gen. James G. Blunt, U.S. Army
General: I have the honor to report that General Marmaduke, with his entire
command, followed about twenty-four hours in the rear of Lieutenant-Colonel [L.R.]
Jewell, on his return from reconnoitering in the direction of Van Buren. He is now
encamped at Cane Hill, 7,000 or 8,000 strong. A detachment sent from my
command attacked a large reconnoitering party of the enemy yesterday, and
scattered them. Spies who left their camp this morning inform me that General
Hindman, with a large force of infantry, is expected to join them, when they will make
an attempt to get north into Missouri. My supply train arrived this evening all right. I
shall move on Marmaduke tomorrow morning, leaving my transportation at this point
with a small guard. Shall strike him next morning at dayling, unless he runs. Hope to
destroy him before he can be re-enforced by Hindman. Distance to Cane Hill is 30
miles. Can you not send a cavalry force to Pineville or Neosho to protect my supply
trains, as detachments of the enemy, in considerable force, are hanging on my rear
for the purpose of capturing or annoying them?
(Brig. Gen. James G. Blunt to Brig. Gen. Schofield, Commanding Army of the Frontier)
-----
Engagement at Cane Hill, or Boston Mountains, Ark.
November 28, 1862
November 29, 1862
Report of Maj. Gen. Samuel R. Curtis, U.S. Army, commanding Department of the
Missouri.
General Blunt, with his division, made a forced march and attacked the enemy
yesterday morning at Cane Hill, Ark. The battle lasted for several hours. The enemy,
under General Marmaduke, began to fall back about 1 o’clock, but retreated, fighting
till sundown. The victory was complete. Our loss is not great. The enemy much more.
Our forces camp on the battlefield. The enemy has retreated to Van Buren.
(Maj. Gen. Samuel R. Curtis to General-in-Chief H.W. Halleck)
-----
Cane Hill, Ark.
November 29, 1862
Reports of Brig. Gen. James G. Blunt, U.S. Army, commanding division, with
congratulatory orders.
General: Learning that a rebel force, under Marmaduke, 8,000 strong, was at Cane
Hill, 40 miles north of Van Buren, Ark., and that General Hindman was to join him
today or tomorrow with a large force of infantry, for the purpose of making a
desperate effort to enter Missouri, I determined to strike Marmaduke, and destroy
him before re-enforcements arrived. Leaving my transportation in the rear, I made a
forced march of 35 miles, with about 5,000 men, and attacked him about 10 o’clock
this morning. Found him strongly posted on advantageous ground. After an
engagement of about three hours, he commenced a retreat. Every foot of ground was
fought over and hotly contested. The fight continued until near sundown, when the
enemy, finding that they artillery, which they were making every effort to get away, was
about to be captured, sent Colonels Shelby and Emmett MacDonald with a flag of
truce, for the ostensible purpose of caring for their dead and wounded, but with the
real object of making good their retreat to Van Buren.
The casualties of the army I am unable to state with accuracy at this time, as we
fought over 12 miles of ground. One of the rebel officers, under the flag of truce,
stated to me that they had lost 60 in killed, among them a lieutenant-colonel. My loss
is comparatively small. Among the wounded are Lieutenant-Colonel [L.R.] Jewell
and Lieutenant [J.A.] Johnson, of the Sixth Kansas. Both of them, I fear, mortally. The
enemy are badly whipped, and will probably not venture, north of the Boston
Mountains again this winter. If this part of the State is held, as it is their reliance for
subsistence, having eaten out all in the valley of the Arkansas, they must soon retreat
into Texas. I have sent for my teams to come up, and shall occupy a position at or
near Cane Hill. The rebels had about ten days’ rations of bread, cooked, and in little
sacks behind their saddles, from which it is evident they intended making a
desperate effort to force their way north.
(Brig. Gen. James G. Blunt to Maj. Gen. Samuel R. Curtis)
-----
Cane Hill, Ark.
December 2, 1862
General Marmaduke continued his flight all night, after the battle of the 28th, and is
now in Van Buren. General Hindman was expected to re-enforce him at this place on
the evening of that day. Prisoners, of whom I captured 25, state that Marmaduke’s
force was 11,000. They were compelled to abandon two pieces of artillery, disabled
by my batteries. A number of their officers are killed, among them a Lieutenant-
Colonel Monroe, of a Texas [Arkansas] regiment, and a Captain Martin, of an
Arkansas [Missouri] regiment. The notorious Quantrill and his band were engaged in
the fight, and, with Colonels Shelby and Emmett MacDonald, commanding the rear
guard in the retreat across the Boston Mountains, they fought desperately. Some of
Quantrill’s men were killed and others taken prisoners.
My loss in killed is 5, and 4 mortally wounded, one of whom, Lieutenant-Colonel
Jewell, Sixth Kansas, has since died. Lieutenant [A.H.] Campbell, Sixth Kansas, was
taken prisoner. The loss of the enemy in killed is about 75. They carried most of their
wounded off the field, and sent them to houses on the right and left of the road and
battle-ground. All regret the death of Lieutenant-Colonel Jewell, as he was a brave
and gallant officer.
Two contrabands arrived today from Van Buren, who state that Hindman, with 12,000
infantry, crossed the Arkansas River from the south Tuesday last, for the purpose of
moving up to re-enforce Marmaduke, but have now all gone back to their hole.
My transportation has just come up. I occupy the same position held by Marmaduke
when I attacked him, and intend holding it. They will not advance this side of the
mountains, except with their combined forces; but I am prepared to meet them, and
with my little army whip 25,000 of such chivalry. An officer who came inside of our
lines under a flag of truce after night terminated the fighting, acknowledges that they
were badly whipped and worse chased.
Lieutenant [J.A.] Johnson, Sixth Kansas, dangerously wounded; may possibly
recover.
(Brig. Gen. James G. Blunt to Maj. Gen. Samuel R. Curtis)
-----
Hdqrs. First Division, Army of the Frontier
Cane Hill, Ark.
December 3, 1862
General: I have the honor to report that, on November 26, while encamped at
Lindsey’s Prairie, 15 miles south of Maysville, I received reliable information that
General Marmaduke, with a force estimated at 8,000 men, was at Cane Hill on the
evening of the 28th. I immediately determined to attack Marmaduke, and, if possible,
defeat him before the arrival of General Hindman with re-enforcements.
Early on the morning of the 27th, I ordered all my transportation and commissary
trains parked on Lindsey’s Prairie, and, after detailing a sufficient guard for its
protection, I commenced my march, with about 5,000 men and thirty pieces of
artillery, the men taking with them four days’ rations of hard bread and salt. The
distance to be traveled to reach the enemy was 35 miles, of which 25 were made by
7 p.m. on the 27th, when the command bivouacked for the night. From that point I
sent spies into the enemy’s camp, and learned that there pickets were strongly
posted on the main road (on which I was advancing), and that it could be easily
defended.
I marched at 5 a.m. on the 28th, leaving that road and making a detour to the left, by a
blind track; struck on that was obscure and unfrequented, and entered Cane Hill
directly from the north. As I had anticipated, they had no pickets on this road, and I
met no resistance until within half a mile of their camp. The enemy had learned,
however, the night previous, that I was moving upon them, and were prepared for our
reception. About 200 of the Second Kansas Cavalry, under Colonel [W.F.] Cloud, with
two mountain howitzers, under Lieutenant [E.S.] Stover, were in the advance, which,
with [J.W.] Rabb’s battery and my staff and body guard, constituted the only force
upon the ground, the main column having been delayed in ascending a mountain
about 7 miles back to the rear. Of this fact I was not apprised until my advance was
engaged. In passing down a gorge between two abrupt hills, their grand guard was
encountered in considerable force. Dashing on, and driving them before us, a few
hundred yards brought us to where the bluff on the right terminated, and in full view of
the enemy, who were posed on the right of the road, on elevated ground, with timber
in their rear, their guns in battery, bearing upon the road on which I was approaching,
and from which they immediately opened a brisk fire. I at once ordered Rabb’s
battery into position, and also the two howitzers under Lieutenant [E.S.] Stover, when
a fierce cannonading ensured, which lasted for the space of nearly an hour. My
column not being up, I could do nothing more than engage in this artillery duel until it
arrived, and the enemy, thinking, no doubt, that I had a large force on hand, did not
venture from under the cover of their guns. Reconnoitering upon their left, I
discovered an approach by which a force could be brought on their left flank and do
them great damage, and, perhaps, capture their artillery.
I ordered Major [V.P.] Van Antwerp, of my staff, back to meet the Eleventh Kansas and
Hopkins’ battery, who were in the advance of the column, to bring them up on the
double-quick, and send the battery, with six companies of the Eleventh, to follow me,
with the object above named, and to take the other four companies to the support of
Rabb’s battery; but they were too far in the rear and the men too much fatigued by the
march to reach me in time. Major Van Antwerp took the four companies down the
road to Rabb’s battery, the fire from which, as afterward appeared (although laboring
under great disadvantage from the nature of the ground), had been very destructive
on the enemy, compelling them to abandon their position and seek another, on a
high ridge three-fourths of a mile farther south, where their reserve had been posted.
To this point access was very difficult, as rugged ravines intervened, and it could only
be approached by the road. Taking a position on high ground, facing them from the
north, I opened upon them a destructive fire with my artillery, dismounting one of their
guns and compelling them again to retire. For the third time they made a stand in the
town, or, rather, on the south side of it, upon a commanding eminence running east
and west, and a most admirable position for defense. Having now concentrated their
entire force and selected this strong position, I felt assured that they had resolved on
a desperate resistance, and made my arrangements accordingly; but, after getting
my force across a deep and rugged ravine, and deploying them in position, ready to
advance upon their long and well-formed line, I discovered, much to my
disappointment, that they had again retired, and were in full retreat to the mountains,
Tenney’s battery coming upon the ground they had abandoned just in time to send a
few shells into the rear of their retreating column, as they escaped under cover of the
woods. As the men and horses of the enemy were fresh, and mine were worn down
and exhausted by hard marching, it was difficult to follow them in their flight; yet the
men, eager for the fray, strained every nerve.
For nearly 3 miles from the town, in the direction of Van Buren, the road runs through
a valley, in which there are a few farms, alternating with low hills and ravines,
covered with thick woods and brush. Over this road a running fight, with small-arms,
took place, without much damage occurring to either party. Reaching a large mound
at the base of the first mountain (the commencement of the Boston Mountains
proper), the enemy placed his artillery upon it, in a position covering the road.
From this position he sought to prevent my force from proceeding up the valley and
approaching the mountain. Directing two howitzers, under Lieutenant Opdyke, to the
right, upon a by-road, they quickly obtained a good position on the enemy’s flank,
while Rabb’s battery opened upon them in front. They were soon forced to abandon
the high mound and see the side and top of the mountain, where they made a
determined resistance. Their artillery was posted on the crest of the mountain, while
their mounted riflemen were dismounted, and their whole force massed upon the
sides and top of the mountain, which was covered with scattered timber and but little
underbrush. The nature of the ground was such that I could not use my artillery to any
advantage, and the mountain could be taken in no other way except by storm. I
accordingly ordered up the Second Kansas and dismounted them. They charged up
the steep acclivity in the advance, under the command of Capts. S.J. Crawford and A.
P. Russell, Major [J.G.] Fisk having been wounded by a piece of shell early in the day.
Next followed the third Indian Regiment (Cherokee), under the command of Colonel
[W.A.] Phillips, and its other field officers, Lieutenant-Colonel Downing and Major [J.
A.] Foreman, voluntarily assisted by Major Van Antwerp, of my staff, and the Eleventh
Kansas, under the command of its field officers, Colonel [Thomas} Ewing, [jr.,]
Lieutenant-Colonel [Thomas] Moonlight, and Major [P.B.] Plumb. The resistance of
the rebels was stubborn and determined. The storm of lead and iron hail that came
down the side of the mountain, both from their small-arms and artillery, was terrific;
yet most of it went over our heads without doing us much damage. The regiments
just named, with a wild shout rushed up the steep acclivity, contesting every inch of
ground, and steadily pushed the enemy before them, until the crest was reached,
when the rebels again fled in disorder. Four howitzers and Rabb’s battery were now
brought up the mountain and the pursuit renewed; the Third Indian and Eleventh
Kansas Regiments, on the right and left of the road, advancing in line through the
woods, while the four howitzers occupied the road in front, with the Second and Sixth
Kansas and Rabb’s battery in their rear. About every half mile the enemy made a
stand, when the four howitzers and the Eleventh Kansas and Third Indian would as
often put them to flight, leaving more or less of their dead and wounded behind them.
Thus the fight continued for some 3 miles, until, on descending partially from the
mountain into a valley, the Cove Creek road, leading from Fayetteville to Van Buren,
was reached, at the point where it intersects the road from Cane Hill to the last
named place. At this point the enemy again brought his artillery into requisition. It
was now near sundown, and darkness must soon put an end to the pursuit. Down
the valley, in front of us, the ground appeared adapted to the use of cavalry to good
advantage, and I determined to make an effort to capture their artillery, of which they
had six pieces. A large force of their best cavalry was acting as rear guard, with a
portion of their artillery just in front of them. Waiting for my cavalry to come up, I called
for volunteers to make a charge. Three companies of the Sixth Kansas, nearest at
hand, responded promptly to the call, and, under command of their three field
officers, Colonel [W.R.] Judson, Lieutenant-Colonel [L.R.] Jewell, and Major [W.T.]
Campbell, dashed on the rear of the rebel column, cutting and shooting them down
with sabers, carbines, and revolvers. The charge continued for about half a mile
down the valley, to a point where it converged in a funnel shape, terminating in a
narrow defile. At this point a large body of the enemy were in ambush in front and
upon the flanks, where cavalry could not approach, with their battery also masked in
front. As soon as the party we were pursuing had passed through the defile, they
opened upon us a most destructive fire, which, for the moment, caused my men to
recoil and give back, in spite of my own efforts and those of other officers to rally
them; whereas, if they had, after receiving the enemy’s fire, passed on 200 or 300
yards, we would have secured, in a moment more, what we so much coveted – the
enemy’s artillery. Emboldened by their success in defending the defile and checking
our advance, they raised a wild yell and advanced toward us. With the aid of Colonel
Judson, Major Campbell, and Captains [H.S.] Greeno and [D.] Mefford, I succeeded
in rallying the three companies of the Sixth Kansas, who had suffered severely in the
charge, and formed them across the valley, and the four howitzers, coming up at the
same time and opening on the enemy with shell, soon forced them to retire. Yet they
seemed determined to dispute the passage of the defile to which I have referred – a
position admirably adapted for defense; and beyond which, as I afterward learned,
there was a wide and open valley; hence their obstinate resistance at this point, in
order to save their guns. I resolved, however, at all hazards to force my way through
this gorge, and, as darkness was approaching and I had no time to get up infantry
and send them out upon the flanks, I prepared to make an assault in front. Loading
the four howitzers and one section of Rabb’s battery with double canister, I ordered
them up by hand, in battery, with the three companies of the Sixth Kansas with
Sharps’ carbines advancing in line in rear. I had directed that not a gun should be
fired until I gave the word. When within about 400 yards of the enemy, who were
defending the gorge, and as I was about to give the word to fire, an officer from
General Marmaduke came galloping up with a white flag. On sending an officer to
receive it, they requested the privilege of taking off their dead and wounded.
Consideration for the fate of Lieutenant-Colonel Jewell, and others who had fallen
upon the ground they then occupied, and whom I feared they might brutally murder,
induced me to respect their flag of truce, convinced though I was at the time that it
was a cowardly trick, resorted to to enable them to make good their retreat and save
their guns. It being now dark, and my men entirely exhausted and without food, I
considered further pursuit useless, and returned with my command to Cane Hill.
The casualties in my command were 4 killed and 36 wounded; 4 of them mortally,
since dead. Among the latter was Lieutenant-Colonel Jewell, of the Sixth Kansas. He
was a brave and gallant officer, whose noble example is worthy of emulation. Lieut. J.
A. Johnson, of the same regiment, a daring and excellent young officer, received a
desperate wound from a musket ball, which passed entirely through his body; yet it
is hoped he will recover. The enemy’s loss is 75 killed; wounded not known, as they
took a large portion of them away.
The officers and men of my command who took part in this engagement behaved,
without exception, nobly.
To the following members of my staff, Maj. V.P. Van Antwerp, inspector-general; Capt.
Lyman Scott, acting assistant adjutant-general; Lieut. J. Fin. Hill, aide-de camp, and
Lieut. D. Whitaker, acting aide-de-camp, I am indebted for efficient and valuable
services during the day.
I am, general, very respectfully, our obedient servant,
(From Brig. Gen. James G. Blunt to Maj. Gen. Samuel R. Curtis)
-----
Reconnaissance toward Van Buren and Fort Smith, Ark.
November 20-23, 1862
Camp Babcock, Ark.
November 24, 1862
Report of Brig. Gen. James G. Blunt, U.S. Army
I have the honor to report that Lieutenant-Colonel [L.R.] Jewell, with a detachment of
600 men, sent on a reconnaissance in the direction of Van Buren and Fort Smith,
returned last night. He met the enemy’s pickets 15 miles this side of Van Buren, who
retreated at his approach. Learning that a large force was at Van Buren, he deemed
it prudent to proceed no farther, and returned. Information obtained from various
sources, which I deem quite reliable, is that Hindman’s, Marmaduke’s, Cooper’s,
and Stand Watie’s forces are at Van Buren and Fort Smith. Their entire force is
estimated as high as 30,000; but I am quite sure it does not exceed 15,000 effective
men, and probably not over 12,000. If a small re-enforcement could be sent me, to
enable me to leave a small force in the vicinity of Evansville, to protect my rear and
line of communication from any flank movement that might be made by any small
rebel force sent by some other route than the one upon which my column would
move, I would not hesitate to attack them on the other side of the mountains, and do
not doubt of my ability to occupy and hold Van Buren and Fort Smith, provided
General Steele occupies the attention of General Holmes, so that re-enforcements
cannot be sent from Little Rock.
(From Brig. Gen. James G. Blunt to Maj. Gen. Samuel R. Curtis)
-----
Skirmish near Cane Hill, Ark.
November 25, 1862
Hdqrs. First Division, Army of the Frontier
Camp Babcock
November 26, 1862
Report of Brig. Gen. James G. Blunt, U.S. Army
General: I have the honor to report that General Marmaduke, with his entire
command, followed about twenty-four hours in the rear of Lieutenant-Colonel [L.R.]
Jewell, on his return from reconnoitering in the direction of Van Buren. He is now
encamped at Cane Hill, 7,000 or 8,000 strong. A detachment sent from my
command attacked a large reconnoitering party of the enemy yesterday, and
scattered them. Spies who left their camp this morning inform me that General
Hindman, with a large force of infantry, is expected to join them, when they will make
an attempt to get north into Missouri. My supply train arrived this evening all right. I
shall move on Marmaduke tomorrow morning, leaving my transportation at this point
with a small guard. Shall strike him next morning at dayling, unless he runs. Hope to
destroy him before he can be re-enforced by Hindman. Distance to Cane Hill is 30
miles. Can you not send a cavalry force to Pineville or Neosho to protect my supply
trains, as detachments of the enemy, in considerable force, are hanging on my rear
for the purpose of capturing or annoying them?
(Brig. Gen. James G. Blunt to Brig. Gen. Schofield, Commanding Army of the Frontier)
-----
Engagement at Cane Hill, or Boston Mountains, Ark.
November 28, 1862
November 29, 1862
Report of Maj. Gen. Samuel R. Curtis, U.S. Army, commanding Department of the
Missouri.
General Blunt, with his division, made a forced march and attacked the enemy
yesterday morning at Cane Hill, Ark. The battle lasted for several hours. The enemy,
under General Marmaduke, began to fall back about 1 o’clock, but retreated, fighting
till sundown. The victory was complete. Our loss is not great. The enemy much more.
Our forces camp on the battlefield. The enemy has retreated to Van Buren.
(Maj. Gen. Samuel R. Curtis to General-in-Chief H.W. Halleck)
-----
Cane Hill, Ark.
November 29, 1862
Reports of Brig. Gen. James G. Blunt, U.S. Army, commanding division, with
congratulatory orders.
General: Learning that a rebel force, under Marmaduke, 8,000 strong, was at Cane
Hill, 40 miles north of Van Buren, Ark., and that General Hindman was to join him
today or tomorrow with a large force of infantry, for the purpose of making a
desperate effort to enter Missouri, I determined to strike Marmaduke, and destroy
him before re-enforcements arrived. Leaving my transportation in the rear, I made a
forced march of 35 miles, with about 5,000 men, and attacked him about 10 o’clock
this morning. Found him strongly posted on advantageous ground. After an
engagement of about three hours, he commenced a retreat. Every foot of ground was
fought over and hotly contested. The fight continued until near sundown, when the
enemy, finding that they artillery, which they were making every effort to get away, was
about to be captured, sent Colonels Shelby and Emmett MacDonald with a flag of
truce, for the ostensible purpose of caring for their dead and wounded, but with the
real object of making good their retreat to Van Buren.
The casualties of the army I am unable to state with accuracy at this time, as we
fought over 12 miles of ground. One of the rebel officers, under the flag of truce,
stated to me that they had lost 60 in killed, among them a lieutenant-colonel. My loss
is comparatively small. Among the wounded are Lieutenant-Colonel [L.R.] Jewell
and Lieutenant [J.A.] Johnson, of the Sixth Kansas. Both of them, I fear, mortally. The
enemy are badly whipped, and will probably not venture, north of the Boston
Mountains again this winter. If this part of the State is held, as it is their reliance for
subsistence, having eaten out all in the valley of the Arkansas, they must soon retreat
into Texas. I have sent for my teams to come up, and shall occupy a position at or
near Cane Hill. The rebels had about ten days’ rations of bread, cooked, and in little
sacks behind their saddles, from which it is evident they intended making a
desperate effort to force their way north.
(Brig. Gen. James G. Blunt to Maj. Gen. Samuel R. Curtis)
-----
Cane Hill, Ark.
December 2, 1862
General Marmaduke continued his flight all night, after the battle of the 28th, and is
now in Van Buren. General Hindman was expected to re-enforce him at this place on
the evening of that day. Prisoners, of whom I captured 25, state that Marmaduke’s
force was 11,000. They were compelled to abandon two pieces of artillery, disabled
by my batteries. A number of their officers are killed, among them a Lieutenant-
Colonel Monroe, of a Texas [Arkansas] regiment, and a Captain Martin, of an
Arkansas [Missouri] regiment. The notorious Quantrill and his band were engaged in
the fight, and, with Colonels Shelby and Emmett MacDonald, commanding the rear
guard in the retreat across the Boston Mountains, they fought desperately. Some of
Quantrill’s men were killed and others taken prisoners.
My loss in killed is 5, and 4 mortally wounded, one of whom, Lieutenant-Colonel
Jewell, Sixth Kansas, has since died. Lieutenant [A.H.] Campbell, Sixth Kansas, was
taken prisoner. The loss of the enemy in killed is about 75. They carried most of their
wounded off the field, and sent them to houses on the right and left of the road and
battle-ground. All regret the death of Lieutenant-Colonel Jewell, as he was a brave
and gallant officer.
Two contrabands arrived today from Van Buren, who state that Hindman, with 12,000
infantry, crossed the Arkansas River from the south Tuesday last, for the purpose of
moving up to re-enforce Marmaduke, but have now all gone back to their hole.
My transportation has just come up. I occupy the same position held by Marmaduke
when I attacked him, and intend holding it. They will not advance this side of the
mountains, except with their combined forces; but I am prepared to meet them, and
with my little army whip 25,000 of such chivalry. An officer who came inside of our
lines under a flag of truce after night terminated the fighting, acknowledges that they
were badly whipped and worse chased.
Lieutenant [J.A.] Johnson, Sixth Kansas, dangerously wounded; may possibly
recover.
(Brig. Gen. James G. Blunt to Maj. Gen. Samuel R. Curtis)
-----
Hdqrs. First Division, Army of the Frontier
Cane Hill, Ark.
December 3, 1862
General: I have the honor to report that, on November 26, while encamped at
Lindsey’s Prairie, 15 miles south of Maysville, I received reliable information that
General Marmaduke, with a force estimated at 8,000 men, was at Cane Hill on the
evening of the 28th. I immediately determined to attack Marmaduke, and, if possible,
defeat him before the arrival of General Hindman with re-enforcements.
Early on the morning of the 27th, I ordered all my transportation and commissary
trains parked on Lindsey’s Prairie, and, after detailing a sufficient guard for its
protection, I commenced my march, with about 5,000 men and thirty pieces of
artillery, the men taking with them four days’ rations of hard bread and salt. The
distance to be traveled to reach the enemy was 35 miles, of which 25 were made by
7 p.m. on the 27th, when the command bivouacked for the night. From that point I
sent spies into the enemy’s camp, and learned that there pickets were strongly
posted on the main road (on which I was advancing), and that it could be easily
defended.
I marched at 5 a.m. on the 28th, leaving that road and making a detour to the left, by a
blind track; struck on that was obscure and unfrequented, and entered Cane Hill
directly from the north. As I had anticipated, they had no pickets on this road, and I
met no resistance until within half a mile of their camp. The enemy had learned,
however, the night previous, that I was moving upon them, and were prepared for our
reception. About 200 of the Second Kansas Cavalry, under Colonel [W.F.] Cloud, with
two mountain howitzers, under Lieutenant [E.S.] Stover, were in the advance, which,
with [J.W.] Rabb’s battery and my staff and body guard, constituted the only force
upon the ground, the main column having been delayed in ascending a mountain
about 7 miles back to the rear. Of this fact I was not apprised until my advance was
engaged. In passing down a gorge between two abrupt hills, their grand guard was
encountered in considerable force. Dashing on, and driving them before us, a few
hundred yards brought us to where the bluff on the right terminated, and in full view of
the enemy, who were posed on the right of the road, on elevated ground, with timber
in their rear, their guns in battery, bearing upon the road on which I was approaching,
and from which they immediately opened a brisk fire. I at once ordered Rabb’s
battery into position, and also the two howitzers under Lieutenant [E.S.] Stover, when
a fierce cannonading ensured, which lasted for the space of nearly an hour. My
column not being up, I could do nothing more than engage in this artillery duel until it
arrived, and the enemy, thinking, no doubt, that I had a large force on hand, did not
venture from under the cover of their guns. Reconnoitering upon their left, I
discovered an approach by which a force could be brought on their left flank and do
them great damage, and, perhaps, capture their artillery.
I ordered Major [V.P.] Van Antwerp, of my staff, back to meet the Eleventh Kansas and
Hopkins’ battery, who were in the advance of the column, to bring them up on the
double-quick, and send the battery, with six companies of the Eleventh, to follow me,
with the object above named, and to take the other four companies to the support of
Rabb’s battery; but they were too far in the rear and the men too much fatigued by the
march to reach me in time. Major Van Antwerp took the four companies down the
road to Rabb’s battery, the fire from which, as afterward appeared (although laboring
under great disadvantage from the nature of the ground), had been very destructive
on the enemy, compelling them to abandon their position and seek another, on a
high ridge three-fourths of a mile farther south, where their reserve had been posted.
To this point access was very difficult, as rugged ravines intervened, and it could only
be approached by the road. Taking a position on high ground, facing them from the
north, I opened upon them a destructive fire with my artillery, dismounting one of their
guns and compelling them again to retire. For the third time they made a stand in the
town, or, rather, on the south side of it, upon a commanding eminence running east
and west, and a most admirable position for defense. Having now concentrated their
entire force and selected this strong position, I felt assured that they had resolved on
a desperate resistance, and made my arrangements accordingly; but, after getting
my force across a deep and rugged ravine, and deploying them in position, ready to
advance upon their long and well-formed line, I discovered, much to my
disappointment, that they had again retired, and were in full retreat to the mountains,
Tenney’s battery coming upon the ground they had abandoned just in time to send a
few shells into the rear of their retreating column, as they escaped under cover of the
woods. As the men and horses of the enemy were fresh, and mine were worn down
and exhausted by hard marching, it was difficult to follow them in their flight; yet the
men, eager for the fray, strained every nerve.
For nearly 3 miles from the town, in the direction of Van Buren, the road runs through
a valley, in which there are a few farms, alternating with low hills and ravines,
covered with thick woods and brush. Over this road a running fight, with small-arms,
took place, without much damage occurring to either party. Reaching a large mound
at the base of the first mountain (the commencement of the Boston Mountains
proper), the enemy placed his artillery upon it, in a position covering the road.
From this position he sought to prevent my force from proceeding up the valley and
approaching the mountain. Directing two howitzers, under Lieutenant Opdyke, to the
right, upon a by-road, they quickly obtained a good position on the enemy’s flank,
while Rabb’s battery opened upon them in front. They were soon forced to abandon
the high mound and see the side and top of the mountain, where they made a
determined resistance. Their artillery was posted on the crest of the mountain, while
their mounted riflemen were dismounted, and their whole force massed upon the
sides and top of the mountain, which was covered with scattered timber and but little
underbrush. The nature of the ground was such that I could not use my artillery to any
advantage, and the mountain could be taken in no other way except by storm. I
accordingly ordered up the Second Kansas and dismounted them. They charged up
the steep acclivity in the advance, under the command of Capts. S.J. Crawford and A.
P. Russell, Major [J.G.] Fisk having been wounded by a piece of shell early in the day.
Next followed the third Indian Regiment (Cherokee), under the command of Colonel
[W.A.] Phillips, and its other field officers, Lieutenant-Colonel Downing and Major [J.
A.] Foreman, voluntarily assisted by Major Van Antwerp, of my staff, and the Eleventh
Kansas, under the command of its field officers, Colonel [Thomas} Ewing, [jr.,]
Lieutenant-Colonel [Thomas] Moonlight, and Major [P.B.] Plumb. The resistance of
the rebels was stubborn and determined. The storm of lead and iron hail that came
down the side of the mountain, both from their small-arms and artillery, was terrific;
yet most of it went over our heads without doing us much damage. The regiments
just named, with a wild shout rushed up the steep acclivity, contesting every inch of
ground, and steadily pushed the enemy before them, until the crest was reached,
when the rebels again fled in disorder. Four howitzers and Rabb’s battery were now
brought up the mountain and the pursuit renewed; the Third Indian and Eleventh
Kansas Regiments, on the right and left of the road, advancing in line through the
woods, while the four howitzers occupied the road in front, with the Second and Sixth
Kansas and Rabb’s battery in their rear. About every half mile the enemy made a
stand, when the four howitzers and the Eleventh Kansas and Third Indian would as
often put them to flight, leaving more or less of their dead and wounded behind them.
Thus the fight continued for some 3 miles, until, on descending partially from the
mountain into a valley, the Cove Creek road, leading from Fayetteville to Van Buren,
was reached, at the point where it intersects the road from Cane Hill to the last
named place. At this point the enemy again brought his artillery into requisition. It
was now near sundown, and darkness must soon put an end to the pursuit. Down
the valley, in front of us, the ground appeared adapted to the use of cavalry to good
advantage, and I determined to make an effort to capture their artillery, of which they
had six pieces. A large force of their best cavalry was acting as rear guard, with a
portion of their artillery just in front of them. Waiting for my cavalry to come up, I called
for volunteers to make a charge. Three companies of the Sixth Kansas, nearest at
hand, responded promptly to the call, and, under command of their three field
officers, Colonel [W.R.] Judson, Lieutenant-Colonel [L.R.] Jewell, and Major [W.T.]
Campbell, dashed on the rear of the rebel column, cutting and shooting them down
with sabers, carbines, and revolvers. The charge continued for about half a mile
down the valley, to a point where it converged in a funnel shape, terminating in a
narrow defile. At this point a large body of the enemy were in ambush in front and
upon the flanks, where cavalry could not approach, with their battery also masked in
front. As soon as the party we were pursuing had passed through the defile, they
opened upon us a most destructive fire, which, for the moment, caused my men to
recoil and give back, in spite of my own efforts and those of other officers to rally
them; whereas, if they had, after receiving the enemy’s fire, passed on 200 or 300
yards, we would have secured, in a moment more, what we so much coveted – the
enemy’s artillery. Emboldened by their success in defending the defile and checking
our advance, they raised a wild yell and advanced toward us. With the aid of Colonel
Judson, Major Campbell, and Captains [H.S.] Greeno and [D.] Mefford, I succeeded
in rallying the three companies of the Sixth Kansas, who had suffered severely in the
charge, and formed them across the valley, and the four howitzers, coming up at the
same time and opening on the enemy with shell, soon forced them to retire. Yet they
seemed determined to dispute the passage of the defile to which I have referred – a
position admirably adapted for defense; and beyond which, as I afterward learned,
there was a wide and open valley; hence their obstinate resistance at this point, in
order to save their guns. I resolved, however, at all hazards to force my way through
this gorge, and, as darkness was approaching and I had no time to get up infantry
and send them out upon the flanks, I prepared to make an assault in front. Loading
the four howitzers and one section of Rabb’s battery with double canister, I ordered
them up by hand, in battery, with the three companies of the Sixth Kansas with
Sharps’ carbines advancing in line in rear. I had directed that not a gun should be
fired until I gave the word. When within about 400 yards of the enemy, who were
defending the gorge, and as I was about to give the word to fire, an officer from
General Marmaduke came galloping up with a white flag. On sending an officer to
receive it, they requested the privilege of taking off their dead and wounded.
Consideration for the fate of Lieutenant-Colonel Jewell, and others who had fallen
upon the ground they then occupied, and whom I feared they might brutally murder,
induced me to respect their flag of truce, convinced though I was at the time that it
was a cowardly trick, resorted to to enable them to make good their retreat and save
their guns. It being now dark, and my men entirely exhausted and without food, I
considered further pursuit useless, and returned with my command to Cane Hill.
The casualties in my command were 4 killed and 36 wounded; 4 of them mortally,
since dead. Among the latter was Lieutenant-Colonel Jewell, of the Sixth Kansas. He
was a brave and gallant officer, whose noble example is worthy of emulation. Lieut. J.
A. Johnson, of the same regiment, a daring and excellent young officer, received a
desperate wound from a musket ball, which passed entirely through his body; yet it
is hoped he will recover. The enemy’s loss is 75 killed; wounded not known, as they
took a large portion of them away.
The officers and men of my command who took part in this engagement behaved,
without exception, nobly.
To the following members of my staff, Maj. V.P. Van Antwerp, inspector-general; Capt.
Lyman Scott, acting assistant adjutant-general; Lieut. J. Fin. Hill, aide-de camp, and
Lieut. D. Whitaker, acting aide-de-camp, I am indebted for efficient and valuable
services during the day.
I am, general, very respectfully, our obedient servant,
(From Brig. Gen. James G. Blunt to Maj. Gen. Samuel R. Curtis)
-----
The Battle of
Massard Prairie
Massard Prairie
by Dale Cox
The first full-length account of
the 1864 Confederate attack on
Fort Smith, Arkansas.
the 1864 Confederate attack on
Fort Smith, Arkansas.
$19.95
Proceeds benefit the Cane Hill Battlefield Driving Tour Project
