fatigued and exhausted my command, and rest came upon a regiment of Southern cavalry from and food were absolutely necessary for its safety. Brandon, Miss., in search of us. He succeeded From captured mails and information obtained by in misdirecting them as to the place where he had my scouts, I knew that large forces had been sent last seen us, and having seen them well on the out to intercept our return, and having instruc- wrong road, he immediately retraced his steps to tions from Major-General Hurlbut and Brigadier- the camp with the news. When he first met them General Smith to move in any direction from this they were on the direct road to our camp, and point which, in my judgment, would be best for had they not been turned from their course would the safety of my command and the success of the have come up with us before daylight. From inexpedition, I at once decided to move south, in formation received through my scouts and other order to secure the necessary rest and food for sources, I found that Jackson and the stations men and horses, and then return to La Grange east, as far as Lake Station, had been reënforced through Alabama, or make for Baton Rouge, as I by infantry and artillery, and hearing that a fight might hereafter deem best. Major Starr in the was momentarily expected at Grand Gulf, I demean time rejoined us, having destroyed most cided to make a rapid march, cross Pearl River, effectually three bridges and several hundred feet and strike the New-Orleans, Jackson, and Great of trestle-work, and the telegraph, from eight to Northern Railroad at Hazlehurst, and after deten miles east of Newton Station. After resting stroying as much of the road as possible, enabout three hours, we moved south to Garlands- deavor to get upon the flank of the enemy, and ville. At this point we found the citizens, many cooperate with our forces, should they be successof them venerable with age, armed with shot-ful in the attack upon Grand Gulf and Port Gibguns, and organized to resist our approach. As son. Having obtained, during this day, plenty the advance entered the town, these citizens fired of forage and provisions, and having had one good upon them, and wounded one of our men. We night's rest, we now again left, ready for any charged upon them, and captured several. After emergency. Accordingly, at six o'clock on the disarming them we showed them the folly of morning of the twenty-sixth, we crossed Leaf their actions, and released them. Without an River, burning the bridge behind us, to prevent exception they acknowledged their mistake, and any enemy who might be in pursuit from followdeclared that they had been grossly deceived as ing; thence through Raleigh, capturing the sheriff to our real character. One volunteered his serv- of that county with about three thousand dollars ices as guide, and upon leaving us declared that in Government funds; thence to Westville, reachhereafter his prayers should be for the Union ing this place soon after dark. Passing on about army. I mention this as a sample of the feeling two miles we halted to feed, in the midst of a which exists, and of the good effect which our heavy rain, on the plantation of Mr. Williams. presence produced among the people in the coun- After feeding, Colonel Prince, of the Seventh Illitry through which we passed. Hundreds who nois cavalry, with two battalions, was sent immeare skulking and hiding out to avoid conscription, diately forward to Pearl River to secure the ferry only await the presence of our arms to sustain and landing. He arrived in time to capture a them, when they will rise up and declare their courier, who had come to bring intelligence of the principles; and thousands who have been de- approach of the Yankees, and orders for the deceived, upon the vindication of our cause, would struction of the ferry. With the main column I immediately return to loyalty. After slight delay followed in about two hours. We ferried and at Garlandsville, we moved south-west about ten swam our horses, and succeeded in crossing the miles, and camped at night on the plantation of whole command by two o'clock P.M. As soon as Mr. Bender, two miles west of Montrose. Our Colonel Prince had crossed his two battalions, he men and horses having become gradually ex- was ordered to proceed immediately to the Newhausted, I determined on making a very easy Orleans, Jackson, and Great Northern Railroad, march the next day, and looking more to the re- striking it at Hazlehurst. Here he found a numcruiting of my weary little command than to the ber of cars containing about six hundred loaded accomplishment of any important object; conse- shells and a large quantity of commissary and quently I marched at eight o'clock the next morn-quartermaster's stores, intended for Grand Gulf ing, taking a west and varying slightly to a northwest course. We marched about five miles, and halted to feed on the plantation of Mr. Nichols. After resting until about two o'clock P.M., during which time I sent detachments north to threaten the line of the railroad at Lake Station and other points, we moved south-west toward Raleigh, making about twelve miles during the afternoon, and halting at dark on the plantation of Dr. Mackadora. From this point I sent a single scout, disguised as a citizen, to proceed northward to the line of the Southern Railroad, cut the telegraph, and, if possible, fire a bridge or trestlework. He started on his journey about midnight, and when within seven miles of the railroad he and Port Gibson. These were destroyed, and as much of the railroad and telegraph as possible. Here, again, we found the citizens armed to resist us, but they fled precipitately upon our approach. From this point we took a north-west course to Gallatin, four miles, thence south-west three and a half miles to the plantation of Mr. Thompson, where we halted until the next morning. Directly after leaving Gallatin we captured a sixty-four pound gun and a heavy wagon-load of ammunition, and machinery for mounting the gun, on the road to Port Gibson. The gun was spiked and the carriages and ammunition destroyed. During the afternoon it rained in torrents, and the men were completely drenched. At six o'clock the next morning, April twenty-eighth, resting about two hours, we started south-west we moved westward; after proceeding a short on the Liberty road, marched about fifteen miles, distance, I detached a battalion of the Seventh and halted until daylight on the plantation of Dr. Illinois cavalry, under Captain Trafton, to pro- Spurlark. The next morning we left the road ceed back to the railroad at Bahala, and destroy and threatened Magnolia and Osyka, where large the road, telegraph, and all government proper- forces were concentrated to meet us; but instead ty he might find. With the rest of the com- of attacking those points, took a course due mand, I moved south-west toward Union Church. south, marching through woods, lanes, and byWe halted to feed at two o'clock P.M., on the roads, and striking the road leading from Clinton plantation of Mr. Snyder, about two miles north- to Osyka. Scarcely had we touched this road east of the church. While feeding, our pickets when we came upon the Ninth Tennessee cavwere fired upon by a considerable force. I im- alry, posted in a strong defile, guarding the mediately moved out upon them, skirmished bridges over Tickfaw River. We captured their with and drove them through the town, wound-pickets, and attacking, drove them before us, ing and capturing a number. It proved to be a killing, wounding, and capturing a number. part of Wirt Adams's Alabama cavalry. After Our loss in this engagement was one man killed, driving them off we held the town, and bivou-and Lieutenant-Colonel William D. Blackburn acked for the night. After accomplishing the and four men wounded. I cannot speak too object of his expedition, Captain Trafton return- highly of the bravery of the men upon this oced to us about three o'clock in the morning, of casion, and particularly of Lieutenant-Colonel the twenty-ninth, having come upon the rear of Blackburn, who, at the head of his men, charged the main body of Adams's command. The ene- upon the bridge, dashed over, and by undaunted my having a battery of artillery, it was his in- courage dislodged the enemy from his strong potention to attack us in front and rear at Union sition. After disposing of the dead and woundChurch, about daylight in the morning, but the ed, we immediately moved south on the Greensappearance of Captain Trafton with a force in burgh road, recrossing the Tickfaw River at Edhis rear, changed his purpose, and turning to ward's bridge. At this point, we met Garland's the right he took the direct road toward Port rebel cavalry, and with one battalion of the Sixth Gibson. From this point I made a strong de- Illinois and two guns' of the battery, engaged and monstration toward Fayette, with a view of cre- drove them off without halting the column. ating the impression that we were going toward The enemy were now on our track in earnest. Port Gibson or Natchez, while I quietly took the We were in the vicinity of their strongholds, and opposite direction, taking the road leading south-from couriers and dispatches which we captured, east to Brookhaven, on the railroad. Before arriving at this place, we ascertained that about five hundred citizens and conscripts were organized to resist us. We charged into the town, when they fled, making but little resistance. We captured over two hundred prisoners, a large and beautiful camp of instruction, comprising several hundred tents and a large quantity of quartermaster's and commissary stores, arms, ammunition, etc. After paroling the prisoners and destroying the railroad, telegraph, and all government property, about dark we moved southward, and encamped at Mr. Gill's plantation, about eight miles south of Brookhaven. The following morning we moved directly south along the railroad, destroying all bridges and trestle-work to Bogue Chitto Station, where we burned the depot and fifteen freight-cars, and captured a very large secession flag. From thence we still moved along the railroad, destroying every bridge, water-tank, etc., as we passed, to Summit, which place we reached soon after noon. Here we destroyed twenty-five freight-cars and a large quantity of government sugar. We found much Union sentiment in this town, and were kindly welcomed and fed by many of the citizens. Hearing nothing more of our forces at Grand Gulf, I concluded to make for Baton Rouge, to recruit my command, after which I could return to La Grange through Southern Mississippi and West-Alabama; or, crossing the Mississippi River, move through Louisiana and Arkansas. Accordingly, after it was evident they were sending forces in all directions to intercept us. The Amite River - a wide and rapid stream-was to be crossed, and there was but one bridge by which it could be crossed, and this was in exceeding close proximity to Port Hudson. This I determined upon securing before I halted. We crossed it at midnight, about two hours in advance of a heavy column of infantry and artillery, which had been sent there to intercept us. I moved on to Sandy Creek, where Hughes's cavalry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Wilburn, were encamped, and where there was another main road leading to Port Hudson. We reached this point at first dawn of day, completely surprised and captured the camp with a number of prisoners. Having destroyed the camp, consisting of about one hundred and fifty tents, a large quantity of ammunition, guns, public and private stores, books, papers, and public documents, I immediately took the road from Baton Rouge. Arriving at the Commite River, we utterly surprised Stuart's cavalry, who were picketing at this point, capturing forty of them, with their horses, arms, and entire camp. Fording the river, we halted to feed within four miles of the town. Major-General Augur, in command at Baton Rouge, having now, for the first, heard of our approach, sent two companies of cavalry, under Captain Godfrey, to meet us. We marched into the town about three o'clock P.M., and were most heartily welcomed by the United States forces at this point. was almost entirely destitute of forage and provisions, and it was but seldom that we obtained over one meal per day. Many of the inhabitants must undoubtedly suffer for want of the necessaries of life, which have reached most fabulous prices. Before our arrival in Louisville, company B, of the Seventh Illinois cavalry, under Captain Forbes, was detached to proceed to Macon, on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, if possible to take the town, destroy the railroad and telegraph, and rejoin us. Upon approaching the place, he found it had been reënforced, and the bridge over the Two thousand cavalry and mounted infantry Oka Noxubee River destroyed, so that the rail- were sent from the vicinity of Greenwood and road and telegraph could not be reached. He Grenada north-east to intercept us; one thoucame back to our trail, crossed the Southern Rail-sand three hundred cavalry and several regiroad at Newton, took a south-east course to Enter-ments of infantry with artillery were sent from prise, where, although his force numbered only Mobile to Macon, Meridian, and other points on thirty-five men, he entered with a flag of truce, the Mobile and Ohio Road. A force was sent and demanded the surrender of the place. The from Canton north-east to prevent our crossing commanding officer at that point asked an hour Pearl River, and another force of infantry and to consider the matter, which Captain Forbes cavalry was sent from Brookhaven to Monticello, (having ascertained that a large force occupied thinking we would cross Pearl River at that the place) granted and improved in getting away. point instead of Georgetown. Expeditions were He immediately followed us, and succeeded in also sent from Vicksburgh, Port Gibson, and joining the column while it was crossing Pearl Port Hudson, to intercept us. Many detachRiver at Georgetown. In order to catch us, he ments were sent out from my command at variwas obliged to march sixty miles per day for sev-ous places to mislead the enemy, all of which eral consecutive days. Much honor is due to Captain Forbes for the manner in which he conducted this expedition. rejoined us in safety. Colton's pocket map of the Mississippi, which, though small, is very correct, was all I had to guide me, but by the capAt Louisville I sent Captain Lynch, of com- ture of their couriers, despatches, and mails, and pany E, Sixth Illinois cavalry, and one man of the invaluable aid of my scouts, we were always his company, disguised as citizens, who had gal-able by rapid marches to evade the enemy when lantly volunteered to proceed to the Mobile and they were too strong, and whip, them when not Ohio Railroad, and cut the wings, which it was too large. necessary should be done to prevent the informa- Colonel Prince, commanding the Seventh Illition of our presence from flying along the rail-nois, and Lieutenant-Colonel Loomis, commandroad from Jackson and other points. Captain Lynch and his comrade proceeded toward Macon, but meeting with the same barrier which had stopped Captain Forbes, could not reach the road. He went to the pickets at the edge of the town, ascertained the whole disposition of their forces and much other valuable information, and returning joined us above Decatur, having ridden without interruption for two days and nights without a moment's rest. All honor to the gallant Captain, whose intrepid coolness and daring characterize him on every occasion. ing the Sixth Illinois, were untiring in their efforts to further the success of the expedition, and I cannot speak too highly of the coolness, bravery, and above all of the untiring perseverance of the officers and men of the command during the entire journey. Without their hearty coöperation, which was freely given under the most trying circumstances, we could not have accomplished so much with such signal success. Respectfully, your obedient servant, * B. H. GRIERSON,* Colonel Commanding Brigade. Assistant Adjutant-General. During the expedition we killed and wounded Lieut.-Col. JOHN A. RAWLINGS, about one hundred of the enemy, captured and paroled over five hundred prisoners, many of them officers, destroyed between fifty and sixty miles of railroad and telegraph, captured and destroyed over three thousand stand of arms, and Doc. 145. other army stores and Government property to CAPTURE OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS. an immense amount; we also captured one thousand horses and mules. Our loss during the entire journey was three killed, seven wounded, five left on the route sick, the Sergeant, Major, and Surgeon of the Seventh Illinois left, with Lieutenant-Colonel Blackburn, and nine men missing, supposed to have straggled. We marched over six hundred miles in Less than sixteen days. The last twenty-eight hours we marched seventy-six miles, had four engagements with the enemy, and forded the Comite River, which was deep enough to swim many of the horses. During this time the men and horses were without food or rest. Much of the country through which we passed GENERAL STEELE'S OFFICIAL REPORT.† HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF ARKANSAS, DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI, LITTLE ROCK, ARK., Sept. 12, 1868. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following as a summary of the operations which led to the occupation of the capital of Arkansas by the expeditionary army under my command: On the twenty-first of July I arrived at Helena, and pursuant to instructions from Major-General Grant, reported by letter to the commander of the Sixteenth army corps for the instructions relative to the fitting out of an expedition against Little *See page 548 Docs. REBELLION RECORD, Vol. VI. Rock. General Hurlbut placed under my command all the troops at Helena, and the cavalry division under Brigadier-General Davidson, then operating in Arkansas. The garrison at Helena had been reënforced by two brigades of Kimball's division, which had just arrived from Snyder's Bluff, and were suffering severely from the influences of the Yazoo country. The proportion of sick and wounded Helena troops was also very large. Three regiments were designated to remain at Helena, and these, with the sick and convalescent, were to constitute the garrison of that place. The troops designated for the expedition amounted to about six thousand, of all arms. There were three six-gun batteries and one four-gun battery, including six ten-pound Parrotts. The cavalry-First Indiana and Fifth Kansas-amounted to less than five hundred for duty. The First Indiana had three small rifled guns. Davidson reported some less than six thousand present for duty in his cavalry division and eighteen pieces of artillery-showing an aggregate of about twelve thousand fit for duty. Brigadier-Generals Kimball and Salomon obtained leaves of absence, and the resignation of General Ross was accepted, which left me with but one general officer-Davidson. The resignation of my Assistant Adjutant-General was accepted just at this time, and there were no officers of the Quartermaster's and Subsistence Department at Helena, except Captain Allen, A. C. S., and Captain Noble, A. Q. M., who were in charge of the stores in the depot. I ordered the establishment of camps for the sick and convalescents, and organized the command in the best manner possible. Davidson pushed on to Clarendon, and established a ferry for crossing the troops; corduroying two miles of bottom, and laying down the pontoon-bridge across Rock Roe Bayou. On the nineteenth of August, the Helena troops organized into a division, Colonel now Brigadier-General S. A. Rice marched toward Clarendon, with orders to reconstruct the bridges which had been destroyed by the rebels, and to make all necessary repairs on the road, which was in bad condition. Kimball's division, under Colonel William E. McClean, followed next day. move with his division to Deadman's Lake, and reconnoitre the enemy's position at Brownsville. On the twenty-third, the rest of the command moved to Duvall's Bluff, the transports carrying the sick and stores, under convoy of the gunboats. An advantageous site was selected on the bluff for a hospital and depot, and details immediately ordered to throw up intrenchments, cut away the timber on the flanks to give the gunboats clear range, and to erect sheds, etc. On the twenty-fourth, Davidson advanced to Prairie Bayou, and, on the twenty-fifth, continued the march, skirmishing with Marmaduke's cavalry up to Brownsville, dislodging him at that place, and driving him into his intrenchments at Bayou Metou, on the twenty-sixth. The attack was renewed on the twenty-seventh, and the enemy, driven from his works on the bayou, fired the bridges as he retreated. Davidson was unable to save the bridge, every thing having been prepared for its destruction beforehand. The bayou was deep and miry, and his pursuit of the rebels being thus checked, he withdrew to his camp at Brownsville, leaving pickets at the crossing on the bayou. I received information that "True's" brigade from Memphis would arrive at Clarendon on the thirtieth, and immediately sent a party to construct a bridge across Rock Roe Bayou, and a ferry-boat to cross the troops over White River. True crossed on the thirty-first, and on the first of September moved up to Deadman's Lake. The advance from Duvall's Bluff also commenced on the first, the place having been put in such a state of defence that the convalescents, and a small detail left there, were deemed sufficient to hold it against any force the enemy would be likely to send in that direction. On the second instant all my available force was concentrated at Brownsville. It had been ascertained that the military road on the south side of Bayou Metou passed through a section impracticable for any military operations-swamp, timber, and entanglement of vines and undergrowth-and was commanded by the enemy's works. I therefore directed Davidson to make a reconnoissance in force around to the enemy's The whole command was at Clarendon and left, by way of Austin, and, if practicable, to commenced crossing the river on the seventeenth penetrate his lines and ascertain both his strength of August. Before the crossing was effected I and position. Rice's division was ordered forfound my operations encumbered by over a thou-ward to make a diversion in Davidson's favor on sand sick. To have established a hospital and depot at this point would have involved the necessity of occupying both sides of the river. Duvall's Bluff was a more healthy location, and the route to Little Rock possessed many advantages over the other as a line of operations. I therefore ordered all the stores and sick to be sent to Duvall's Bluff by water. The enemy had constructed rifle-pits in a commanding position, fronting the crossing on Rock Roe Bayou, but on the approach of Davidson's division had fallen back, leaving only a picket. This position could easily have been turned by the road leading up from Harris's Ferry. On the twenty-third, Davidson was directed to the Bayou Metou. Rice drove in the enemy's pickets, shelled the woods on the south side of the bayou for several hours, and encamped for the night. In the mean time Davidson pushed his reconnoissance until the numerous roads on his flanks and rear rendered it dangerous for him to proceed any further. The great length to which it would increase our line of communication with our base, rendered it impracticable for us to attack the enemy on his left flank. This reconnoissance occupied two days. By this time I had collected information in regard to the road leading by "Shallow Ford," and Ashley's Mills to the Arkansas, on the right of the enemy's works, which determined me to take that route. The march to the front was resumed on the sixth. Here we found ourselves encumbered with a large number of sick-near seven hundred. True's brigade and Ritter's brigade of cavalry were left to guard the supply train and the sick. On the seventh, we reached the Arkansas River, near Ashley's Mills. At this point Davidson's cavalry, in advance, had a sharp skirmish, with a loss of five or six wounded on each side, and one rebel captain prisoner. The eighth and ninth were employed in reconnoissance, in repairing the road back to Bayou Metou, and in bringing up the sick and the supply trains with the two brigades left at Brownsville. I had now definitely determined upon a plan of attack. Davidson was directed to lay his pontoonbridge at an eligible point, throw his division across the Arkansas, and move directly on Little Rock, threatening the enemy's right flank and rear, while I moved with the rest of the force on the north bank of the river, and assailed the right of his works. During the night of the ninth he made his dispositions for crossing the Arkansas, and on the morning of the tenth had the pontoon-bridge laid. The Second division was ordered to report to him at daylight, to assist in covering his crossing. The bridge was placed in a bend of the river, and the ground on the south side was so completely swept by the artillery that the enemy could not plant a battery in any position from which he could interrupt the crossing. Two regiments of infantry passed over the river to drive the enemy's skirmishers out of the woods, and the cavalry division passed on without serious interruption until they reached Bayou Fourche, where the enemy were drawn up in line to receive them, consisting of the brigades of Fagan and Tappan, and the cavalry division, under Marmaduke. gunboat were entirely destroyed by fire. We are informed that Price intended to have blown up the arsenal, but was pressed so close that he failed in this. Our cavalry was too much exhausted to pursue the enemy's retreating columns far on the evening of the tenth. Next morning Merrill's and Clayton's brigades renewed the chase, and followed them twenty miles, taking a number of prisoners and causing the enemy to destroy part of his train. Little Rock was formally surrendered by the municipal authorities on the evening of the tenth. Price had undoubtedly intended to give us battle in his intrenchments, but was completely surprised by our movement across the Arkansas, and did not suspect it until after the pontoonbridge was laid. When it was reported to him that our infantry was crossing, he took it for granted that our whole force was moving to cut off his retreat to Arkadelphia. I have been assured by citizens that General Cabell with about four thousand (4000) troops, from Fort Smith, had joined Price on his retreat, he having failed to reach here in time to assist in defence of the place. I marched from Ashley's Mills on the morning of the tenth with not more than seven thousand (7000) troops, having parked the trains and left a strong guard to defend them and the sick. The operations of this army from the time that I commenced organizing it at Helena, have occupied exactly forty days. Our entire loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners, will not exceed one hundred, (100.) The enemy's is much greater, especially in prisoners at least one thousand, (1000.) Major-General J. M. SCHOFIELD, I shall reserve the list of casualties and my special recommendations for a 'future communication. However, I will say that Davidson with his cavalry division deserve the highest commendThe rebels held their position obstinately untilation. Very respectfully, General, our artillery on the opposite side of the river was Your obedient servant, opened upon their flank and rear, when they gave FRED. STEELE, way and were steadily pushed back by Davidson, Major-General, the artillery constantly playing upon them from the other side of the river. Our two columns marched nearly abreast on either side of the Arkansas. Volumes of smoke in the direction of Little Rock indicated to us that the rebels had evacuated their works on the north side of the river, and were burning their pontoon-bridges. Heavy clouds of dust moving down toward Davidson, on the other side of the river, made me apprehensive that the enemy contemplated falling upon him with his entire force. He was instructed, in such event, to form on the beach, where his flank could be protected by our artillery on the other side, and where aid might be sent him by a ford. But they were in full retreat. Marmaduke's cavalry only were disputing Davidson's entry of the city. The rebels had fired three pontoon-bridges, laid across the Arkansas at the city. Two locomotives were also on fire, but were saved by us. Part of the pontoons were also saved. Six steamboats and one Colonel F. H. The plan agreed upon by Major-General Steele, the preceding day, was, that he, with the whole infantry force, should move up the north bank of the Arkansas, directly upon the enemy's works, while my cavalry division forced the passage of the river, and moved up the south bank, turning the enemy's right, and assaulting the city in the rear. All necessary orders were given by me that night. Lieutenant-Colonel Caldwell, Captain Hadley, and Captain Gerster of my staff, worked all night at the cutting of the bluff bank |