SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT OF LIEUT.-COL. MARSHALL.
HEADQUARTERS SEVENTH REGIMENT MINN. VOLS.,
CAMP WILLISTON, ON MISSOURI COTEAU,
August 5, 1863.

entered it at the outer edge, not over five hundred yards from the train. Lieutenant Western, of the battery, was in the rear, and promptly reported to me. I placed his section of the battery-two mountain howitzers-on the first elevation of the broken ground outside the train. The fire of my line of skirmishers, then somewhat advanced on the right of the howitzers, and a few well-directed shots from Lieutenant Western's guns, discouraged the Indians from attempting to avail themselves of the cover of the small hills near us, dislodged the few that had got in, and drove the whole of them in that quarter to a very respectful distance, quite out of range. One shot from the Indians struck the ground near my feet, while I was locating a howitzer. While I was thus occupied, Major Bradley, with the left wing, Captains Banks's and Williston's, Hall's and Arnold's companies advanced out upon my left so as to cover the portion of the train still in camp from the threatened attack from the rear. There was a battalion of cavalry, also protecting the rear to the left of Major Bradley. We thus formed a line from the left flank of the train around to the rear that effectually protected it. The Indians galloped back and forth just out of range of the howitzers, and our rifles, almost of equal range, until the order came to close up the train and continue the march. As the rear of the train passed the lake, I took the right wing to the right flank of the train near the rear, marched left in front, and so deployed as to well cover that portion of the train. Major Bradley, with the left wing, did similarly on left flank. As the column moved forward the Indians withdrew out of sight.

was given. Quickly the Indians appeared south of the lake and circled around to the rear. I promptly advanced the right wing on the flank of the train south of the lake, deploying Captain Captain R. C. Olin, Assist. Adjutant-General: Gilfillan's and Stevens's companies as skirmishCAPTAIN: I respectfully submit the following ers. With these and Captain Kennedy's and report of the part taken by the Seventh regiment Carter's companies in reserve, I immediately ocin the pursuit of and engagements with the In-cupied the broken, rocky ground south of the dians subsequent to the battle of Big Mound, on lake. But not any too soon, for the Indians had the twenty-fourth ultimo. In my report of the twenty-fourth of July, I detailed the movements of this regiment in that engagement. On Sunday, the twenty-sixth of July, when the column was halted at the Dead Buffalo Lake, and the Indians made a demonstration in front, I was with the right wing of my regiment on the right flank of the train. Major Bradley was with the left wing on the left, the regiment being in the middle in the order of march. Leaving Major Bradley to protect the left flank, I deployed company B, Captain Stevens, obliquely forward to the right. He advanced further than I intended, and did not halt until on the right of and even with the line of skirmishers of the Sixth regiment then in the extreme advance. Thinking it better not to recall him, I advanced the three other companies of the right wing, Captains Gilfillan's, Kennedy's, and Carter's, near enough to support company B, and at the same time protect the right of the train, which was then well closed up on the site of our camp. I remained in this position without the Indians approaching in range until orders were given to go into camp. I had but just dismissed the battalion from the color-line to pitch tents, when the bold attack of the mounted Indians was made on the teams and animals in the meadow on the north side of the camp. My line was on the south side of the camp. I assembled and re-formed the line, awaiting an attack from the south, but the Indians that appeared on that side quickly withdrew after they saw the repulse on the north side, not coming within gun-shot range. I cannot withhold an expression of my admiration of the gallant style in which the companies of cavalry-I believe Captain Wilson's and Davy's, the latter under Lieutenant Kidder-dashed out to meet the Indians that were very nearly successful in the dash upon the teams and loose animals. The rangers, putting their horses on the run, were but a few seconds in reaching the Indians, whose quick right-about did not save them from carbine and pistol-shot and sabre-stroke that told so well. I also saw and admired the promptitude with which Major McLaren, with part of the Sixth regiment, moved from his color-line on that side of the camp to the support of the cavalry.

On the morning of the twenty-eighth of July, at Stony Lake, the Seventh regiment in the order of march was in the rear. The rear of the wagon-train was just filing out of camp, going around the south end of the lake; a part still within the camp-ground, which extended almost to the end of the lake. My regiment was in line waiting for the train to get out, when the alarm

On the twenty-ninth instant, when the column arrived at Missouri River, the Seventh regiment was the second in order of march, and was held on the flanks of the train, while the Sixth regiment, which was in the advance, penetrated the woods to the river. By order of the General, companies B and I were advanced as skirmishers obliquely to the right of the train to explore for water. They had entered the woods but a little way when recalled by an aid of the General.

On the thirtieth instant, companies A, B, and H, Captains Arnold, Stevens, and Gilfillan, were detailed under Major Bradley to form part of the force under Colonel Crooks to again penetrate to the river, destroy the wagons and other property of the Indians on the bank, and to search for the bodies of Lieutenant Beever and private Miller of the Sixth regiment. Major Bradley, with the companies named, participated in the successful execution of the duty assigned Colonel Crooks. On the night of the thirty-first of July I re

ceived instructions to place the entire regiment along the front and flank of our part of the camp. This was done. About two o'clock the Indians fired a volley into the north side of camp-that occupied by the Tenth regiment. The volley was evidently aimed too high for effect on the men in the trenchés. That side of the corral was open, for passing the animals in and out, and some of the shots must have struck the cattle, in addition to the horses and mules killed. The cattle dashed out of the corral utterly wild with fright, and making the ground tremble with their tread. They were turned back and to the right by part of the line of the Tenth regiment. They then came plunging toward the left companies of the Seventh. These rose up and succeeded in turning them back into the corral. But for the living wall that confronted them, the animals would have escaped, or stampeded the mules and horses, with great destruction of life in the camp. The prompt return of the fire, by the companies of the Tenth on my left, discouraged any further attempt on the camp.

REPORT OF COLONEL SAMUEL MCPHAIL.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST REGIMENT MINNESOTA M. R.,
IN CAMP ON THE PLAINS, August 5, 1863.
Brigadier-General H. H. Sibley, Commanding
Expeditionary Forces:

GENERAL: On the twenty-first of July, 1863, pursuant to your order to recover the body of Dr. J. S. Weiser, Surgeon of the First Minnesota Mounted Rangers, murdered by the Indians, I proceeded to the hills in the rear of Camp Sibley, with companies A and D of my regiment. When some five hundred yards from camp, we were fired upon by the Indians, occupying the summit of the hill. I immediately ordered company A, under Captain E. M. Wilson, to advance and fire upon the enemy, which was done in good style. The ground being rocky and broken, companies A, D, and G were ordered to dismount and skirmish the hill. Companies B and F, under Major Hays, and company L, under Captain Davy, were to support them. The first battalion, under Major Parker, cleared the hill, and drove the Indians some two miles, The next morning we resumed the march followed by companies B and F mounted. Here homeward. Since then no Indians have appear-I met Lieutenant-Colonel W. R. Marshall, of the ed, and nothing relating to this regiment occurred to add to the above.

Seventh Minnesota volunteers, and requested him to protect my right flank, which he did in In concluding this report, supplementary to gallant style. Major Parker was then ordered that made on the twenty-fifth ultimo, I beg leave to rally the companies of his battalion, and preto add a few things, of a more general nature, pare to engage the enemy mounted. I then relating to the regiment I have the honor to moved forward of the skirmishers, with compacommand. The health of the regiment, during nies B and F, and ordered a charge upon the the long march from Camp Pope, has been re-enemy posted on the highest peak of the range markably good. There have been but two cases of serious illness, both convalescent.

Surgeon Smith and Assistant-Surgeon Ames have been assiduous and skilful in their attention to the medical wants and the general sanitary condition of the regiment. Adjutant Trader and Quartermaster Cutter have been laborious in their duties. During the first three weeks of the march Lieutenant F. H. Pratt was acting Quartermaster, and gave the fullest satisfaction in that position.

Captain Light, who remained at Camp Atchinson, has been faithful in his ministrations. The non-commissioned staff has been every way effective.

The good order and discipline of the regiment has been perfect. But two or three arrests have been made, and those for trivial offences.

I feel it due to Major Bradley to again refer to him in acknowledgment of the assistance he has constantly rendered me. Soon after the march began, I became so affected with irritation of the throat, from dust, that the Surgeon forbade my giving commands to the battalion on the march. Major Bradley has relieved me almost entirely in this respect, and has otherwise shared with me fully the responsibilities of the command.

Your obedient servant,

WILLIAM R. MARSHALL,
Lieut.-Col. Commanding Seventh Regiment Minnesota Vols.

known as Big Hills. This order was promptly obeyed; the Indians were dislodged from their position and driven toward the plains west of the hills. While descending the hill I ordered another charge, by company B, under Captain Austin. While in the act of carrying out this order, one man was instantly killed by lightning, and others seriously injured.

Or

This occasioned a momentary confusion. der was, however, soon restored, and we pushed the enemy from their positions on the hills, and in the ravines on our front, to the plains below. I then ordered a rally. Companies A, B, F, and Lassembled, and we pushed forward upon the Indians, who had taken refuge behind a few rude and hastily constructed intrenchments in their encampment, from which they were quickly dislodged, and a running fight commenced. At this juncture Lieutenant John Whipple, of the Third Minnesota battery, reached us with one sixpounder, his horses entirely given out, in consequence of which he could only give the flying enemy two shots, which apparently threw them into still greater confusion. I then again ordered a charge, which was kept up until we had reached at least fifteen miles from the first point of attack, and during which we drove them from their concealment in the rushes and wild rice of Dead Buffalo Lake by a well-directed volley from the deadly carbines, and ran into their lines five times, continuing the fight until nearly dark, when companies H, D, and G arrived, and I received your order to return to Camp Sibley, at

the Big Hills. Some time having been consumed in collecting our wounded and providing transportation for them, we attempted to return, and only succeeded in reaching camp at five A.M., on the morning of the twenty-fifth, having in the darkness been unable to preserve our course, and having been in the saddle twenty-four hours, without guide, provisions, or water. The number of Indians engaged could not have been less than one thousand, and would doubtless reach one thousand five hundred warriors. The losses of my regiment, including a skirmish on Sunday evening the twenty-sixth, at Dead Buffalo Lake, are as follows:

third Missouri volunteers in the action of the fourth inst. Companies D and F manned the heavy guns in Fort Curtis; company A the guns in battery A; company C the guns in battery B; company E the guns in battery C, supported by company H, acting as sharp-shooters; company B the guns in battery D, supported by companies G, I, and K, acting as sharp-shooters.

The first assault of the enemy in force was made at four o'clock A.M. upon batteries A, C, and D simultaneously. In front of batteries A and D they were handsomely checked before any advantage had been gained, but the entire Missouri brigade of Parsons (said to have been perKilled-Private Gustaff A. Starke, of compa-sonally directed by Major-General Sterling Price)

ny B; private John Murphy, of company B; and (at Buffalo Lake) Corporal John Platt, of company L.

Wounded-Private Andrew Moore, of company B, mortally; Corporal William B. Hazlep, of company B, in shoulder, doing well; Sergeant James Grady, of company L, in leg slightly; private Henry Stntz, of company B, slightly. Murdered by the Indians-Doctor J. S. Weiser, Surgeon, and Lieutenant A. Freeman, of company D.

The number of Indians known to have been killed by the Mounted Rangers is thirty-one, all found with the peculiar mark of cavalry upon them. Doubtless many more were killed by the Rangers, as the wounded concealed themselves in the marshes, where it was impossible to follow them with cavalry.

charging furiously upon battery C, drove the infantry support (four companies of the Thirtythird Iowa) out of the rifle-pits in great confusion, and after killing, wounding, and capturing thirty men of the two companies on duty at the guns, succeeded in driving them from the battery, but not before they had spiked one of the guns and brought away all the friction-primers and priming wires, thus rendering the pieces useless to the enemy. The companies in Fort Curtis, with the siege-guns, supported by the remnants of companies E and H with numerous stragglers from other commands acting as sharp-shooters, succeeded in checking the enemy's further advance, and finally drove his main force back from battery C, compelling him by their steady and increasing fire to leave the guns of the battery uninjured and beat a hasty and disastrous retreat, leaving over three hundred and fifty prisoners, with their officers and colors, and his dead and wounded in our hands. The prisoners were mainly of the Seventh and Tenth Missouri regiments, and had taken refuge from the fire of our artillery in a deep ravine opening toward the river, but protected by a ridge from the direct fire of Fort Curtis. Immediately the Thirty-fifth Missouri was drawn up across the mouth of this ravine, part of the Thirty-third Iowa moving to attack the enemy's flank, and the siege-guns playing shell, grape, and canister upon the ridge above It is also a duty and a gratification to mention them, preventing retreat. They were surrenderfavorably the name of First Lieutenant E. A. ed by hoisting a white flag, their own sharpGoodell, Acting Adjutant, whose aid, in the hot-shooters upon the ridge at their rear firing from test of the fight, rendered me great service; also the name of John Martin, of company F, who bore despatches with "certainty, celerity, and security."

In this report I esteem it a duty, and it affords me great pleasure, to say of the officers and men under my command, who were engaged in this series of fights and hand-to-hand encounters, that without exception the utmost coolness and bravery were displayed, the only difficulty I encountered being that of restraining the wild enthusiasm of the troops during the succession of cavalry charges; and I can only say of them further, that they have won for themselves a reputation of which veteran troops might well be proud.

I am, General, very respectfully, your obedient
servant,
SAMUEL M. MCPHAIL,
Colonel Commanding Mounted Rangers.

Doc. 111.

THE BATTLE OF HELENA.*

cover upon and cursing them as they marched out prisoners of war.

At about nine o'clock A.M., a second attack was made upon battery D by Fagan's brigade of Arkansas troops, three regiments strong, and said, by prisoners, to have acted under the personal direction of Lieutenant-General Holmes. The battery was bravely supported by detachments from the Forty-third Indiana, under Major Norris, and the Thirty-third Iowa, under Major Gib

son.

In spite, however, of the most determined resistance, Bell's regiment, with small portions of REPORT OF LIEUTENANT-COLONEL HEATH. Hawthorn's and Brooks's, succeeded in penetratHEADQUARTERS THIRTY-THIRD MISSOURI VOLUNTEERS, Į ing our outer line of rifle-pits, and securing a poHELENA, ARK., July 6, 1868. sition in a deep ravine to the left of the battery COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the fol- and below the range of its guns. The remainder lowing report of the part taken by the Thirty-of the brigade was broken and scattered by the

*See Docs, page 135, ante.

VOL. VII.-Doc. 25

terrific fire of our artillery in the works, and

compelled to seek shelter in the woods out of range. Immediately upon their retreating, our riflemen from all three regiments in the pits closed in upon those of the enemy who were in the ravine, from all sides, cutting off retreat. The reserve of the Forty-third Indiana formed across the mouth of the ravine, and two Parrott guns of the First Missouri battery, under Lieutenant O'Connell, were also brought to rake the enemy's position. Captain John G. Hudson of the Thirty-third Missouri, commanding battery D, then demanded the surrender of the entire force. The men at once threw down their arms, and Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson of Bell's regiment, made a formal surrender of his command, mustering twenty-one officers and between three and four hundred men, with all their arms and one stand of colors. At about half-past ten o'clock A.M., the main body of the enemy had entirely drawn off from in front of our batteries, and the firing ceased.

Companies E and H returned to battery C, capturing some fifty of the enemy, and finding both guns of the battery turned upon Fort Curtis and loaded with shell, but not discharged for want of friction-primers. The rout of the enemy was materially assisted by flank fires from batteries A, B, and D, and ten-inch shell from the gunboat Tyler.

Upward of three hundred killed and wounded were left by the enemy in the vicinity of this battery, seventy of these being killed outright and a great number so wounded they cannot survive. Nearly the same number were found in front and on the left flank of battery D.

company H; Stephen J. Burnett, (wounded ;) Adam B. Smith, (killed at his post ;) Luther P. Eldridge, Isaac S. Coe, Charles L. Draper, Lombar, Joseph W. Brooks, (killed while gallantly leading a charge,) Moses Reed, Robert M. Reed, Edgar L. Allen, Henry H. Knowlton, and James M. Conner, and gunners. Sergeant E. Bates, J. W. Welles, L. D. Alden, company F; Sergeant Henry S. Carroll, Corporal James K. Frier, private J. S. Martin, company D; private John Driscoll, Kansas cavalry, all in Fort Curtis. Battery A-Sergeants D. R. McClammer and George B. Maher. Battery B-Corporal George W. Coleman. Battery C-Sergeant James M. Freeman; privates Thomas W. Wheeler and Joseph W. Phillips. Battery D-Corporal Robert McPhate (Dubuque battery) and Luke P. Maxen. Nathaniel Leavitt, commissary sergeant, killed at his post. ColorSergeant Patrick Collins, a regular soldier of twenty-six years' standing, wounded in the face while bravely fighting over the parapet of battery D.

There were others who did as well as those named, but whose names have not been handed me. The entire regiment, officers and men, behaved with steadiness and judgment. Very respectfully,

WILLIAM H. HEATH, Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding Regiment.

The immense power of the batteries supporting THE FIGHT AT SHELBYVILLE, TENN.

each other, and with the guns of the Fort affording the most perfect concentration upon any given point, entirely demoralized the enemy, who broke at the first few rounds, and could only be coaxed and forced forward after that in a shapeless and disorganized mob. Considering that the gunners in Fort Curtis had had no target practice, the firing from the Fort as well as the batteries was in the main remarkably good, and our riflemen and the infantry supports sent to the batteries behaved with rare courage and steadiness, being in position from two o'clock A.M. until eleven o'clock A.M. without food, and fighting steadily for six and a half hours of that time.

I desire especially to mention Majors Norris and Gibson, Captains Schenck and Tracy, and Lieutenant Reid for gallantry for leading their men, upon the suggestion of Captain Hudson, against Bell's regiment. Of the men of the Thirty-third Missouri who distinguished themselves by coolness, activity, and determination, may be mentioned Major George W. Vanbeak, superintending batteries A and B; Captains William J. McKee, commanding Fort Curtis; Daniel D. Carr, three siege-guns; William M. Blake, battery A; Alexander J. Campbell, battery B; Thomas M. Gibson, battery C; John S. Hudson, battery G; Stuart Carkner, company G, (wounded;) George H. Tracy, company I; Elias S. Schenck, company K; Lieutenants Henry Cochran, commanding

COLONEL MINTY'S REPORT.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE,
SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION,
CAMP NEAR SALEM, TENN., July 8, 1863.

Captain Curtis, A. A. G., Second Cavalry Divi-
sion:

SIR: At half-past six A.M., on the twenty-fourth of June, I marched from Murfreesboro to Cripple Creek, on the Woodbury pike, with my brigade, consisting of two thousand five hundred and twenty-two officers and men. At one o'clock I was ordered to countermarch to Murfreesboro and report to Major-General Stanley at that place. General Stanley directed me to move out on the Salem pike and get within supporting distance of General Mitchell, who, with the First cavalry division, was supposed to be hard pressed somewhere near Middleton. I encamped within two miles of General Mitchell that night.

June 25.--Crossed the country to Shelbyville pike and camped at Christiana. Pickets of the Fourth United States cavalry on Shelbyville pike were driven in by rebel cavalry. Fifth Iowa and Fourth Michigan went out and drove the enemy through Fosterville to Guy's Gap.

June 26.-Remained in camp at Christiana, with heavy pickets on front and right.

June 27-At eight A.M. the entire cavalry force was ordered to move on Guy's Gap, the First division in advance, my brigade, with the

and seven men wounded and twenty-one horses killed and wounded, while charging the breastworks, and Lieutenant O'Connell of the Fourth regulars, (who distinguished himself so nobly at Middleton,) was thrown from his horse and had his shoulder broken.

exception of the Fifth Iowa, (which was left at Christiana to guard baggage-trains,) following. On nearing the Gap, General Stanley ordered me to the front. I found the enemy in position at the Gap, with a strong force of skirmishers behind the fences on the face of the mountain, and a column moving through the woods threatening When within a quarter of a mile of Shelbyour right flank. I deployed the Fourth regulars ville, the rebels opened on us with four pieces of to the front, and General Stanley took the Fourth artillery, well posted in the town. I again sent Michigan, Seventh Pennsylvania, and Third In-back to General Mitchell, requesting him to hurdidna to the right, and drove the enemy from ry forward a couple of guns, but finding that the there. I now received permission to advance on enemy was getting our range, I was forming for the Gap. The Fourth United States cavalry ad- a charge, when Captain Ayleshire (Eighteenth vanced in line. I moved up the road with the Ohio) reported to me with four pieces from his First Middle Tennessee, and ordered in the other battery. I ordered two to the front, placed one regiments from the right. each side of the road at less than a quarter of a mile from the rebel battery, and directed Captain Ayleshire to throw one shell from each gun; the moment they were fired, the Seventh Pennsylvania, in columns of fours, passed between them, and, with a yell, rushed upon the enemy.

der, and told him not to go, but that he would send a fresh regiment in that direction. The regiment sent by him was without a guide, mistook the direction, and got on the ground about one minute too late, and thus Generals Wheeler and Martin escaped capture.

Lieutenant-Colonel Galbraith, with a dozen men, dashed forward and removed a barricade which the rebels had built across the road at the top of the hill, and then with his regiment charged the rebels, who were now rapidly falling back. I followed to his support with the Fourth I had, before ordering the charge, sent Lieuregulars for about two miles, when finding that tenant Lawton, Fourth Michigan, to Captain Mchis men were very much scattered, picking up Intyre, directing him to take his regiment (Fourth prisoners, I formed line and waited their return. regulars) through the woods to the left, and turn In about twenty minutes a messenger came in the enemy's right flank. This would effectually from Colonel Galbraith, who stated that the ene- have cut off their retreat by Newsomes or Scull my had rallied and was showing fight. I imme- Camp Bridge. General Mitchell came up at the diately pushed forward with the Seventh Penn-moment that Captain McIntyre received my orsylvania, Fourth Michigan, and Third Indiana, (who had just come up,) and found the enemy behind their intrenchments, about three miles from Shelbyville with an abattis and an open space, about a mile in width, between them and us. Captain Davis, Seventh Pennsylvania, took his battalion, dismounted the front, deployed as skirmishers, and engaged the enemy, who immediately opened on us with artillery. I ordered Major Mix to take the Fourth Michigan to the right, about three quarters of a mile, push across the intrenchments, and take the enemy in flank. Lieutenant-Colonel Klein, with the Third Indiana, I sent to the left, with the same directions. I at the same time despatched a messenger to Captain McIntyre to move forward with the Fourth regulars, to General Mitchell, asking him to send me a couple of pieces of artillery, and to General Stanley, notifying him of the position of affairs.

Immediately after the arrival of the Fourth regulars on the ground, I heard the Michigan rifles speaking on the right, and at once moved forward the Seventh Pennsylvania on the right of the road and the Fourth regulars on the left. Captain Davis at the same time pushed forward with his skirmishers and relaid the planks which had been torn off a small bridge on the road. Finding that the enemy was now giving way, I brought the Seventh Pennsylvania into the road in columns of fours, and ordered them to charge, which they did most gallantly, led by Lieutenant Thompson (who was honorably mentioned for his conduct at McMinnville, April twenty-first,) and well supported by the Fourth regulars.

At this point we made about three hundred prisoners; the Fourth Michigan had one officer

The Seventh Pennsylvania were followed by one platoon of the Fourth regulars under Lieutenant McCafferty, of the First Middle Tennessee under Lieutenant-Colonel Galbraith, and the Fourth regulars, under Captain McIntyre. There was one discharge from the rebel artillery, as we charged down the narrow road, but being badly aimed, killed only one man and two horses.

At the railroad station, a party in ambush poured a volley into the head of the column of the Seventh Pennsylvania, killing Lieutenants Rhodes and Reed and two men.

On the hill directly in rear of the railroad buildings, the First confederates (regulars) attempted to rally, but in doing so they lost their colonel, lieutenant-colonel, major, and nearly half the regiment taken prisoners.

As the Seventh Pennsylvania arrived at Scull Camp Bridge, the Third Indiana, who had kept well to the left after crossing the intrenchments, swept down the north bank of the river, driving a crowd of refugees before them. The bridge being completely blocked, these men were driven into the river, where they perished by scores.

Major Sinclair kindly sent an orderly to General Stanley, informing him of our success, and that we had captured three pieces of artillery and many prisoners.

General Mitchell came up with his division shortly after. I rode forward a short distance with him, and got my brigade together once