Today in History:

254 Series I Volume XXII-I Serial 32 - Little Rock Part I

Page 254 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. Chapter XXXIV.


Numbers 2. Reports of Brigadier General John W. Davidson, U. S. Army, of skirmishes at Patterson and Mill Creek.


HEADQUARTERS SAINT LOUIS DISTRICT,
Saint Louis, Mo. April 21, 1863.

MAJOR: I have to report that the enemy (whose strength is variously estimated from 2,000 to 4,000, with the two pieces of artillery, and under Marmaduke) drove Smart's regiment out of Patterson yesterday, one of my outposts, and that Smart has fallen back upon Knob. His loss in said to be 200 in killed, wounded, and missing.*

I suspend further report and opinion until all the details reach me. Appended are copies of my order to Smart, preparing him for such possible contingency.

The remaining movable troops of the district are being rapidly put in position at the Knob, and Glover, with two regiments of cavalry and four pieces, has been ordered to ascertain the whereabouts of Marmaduke, as Smart has lost hold of him.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

J. W. DAVIDSON,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Major H. Z. CURTIS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[Inclosures.]

SAINT LOUIS DISTRICT, April 11, 1863.

Colonel SMART, Patterson, Mo.:

Put pickets, of at least one company each, at Greenwood Valley and Reeves' Station watching the crossing of the Black River between these points. Let them be in daily communication with you. Be vigilant where you are. Send good spies to Pitman's Ferry and Doniphan.

DAVIDSON,

Brigadier-General.

SAINT LOUIS DISTRICT, April 16, 1863.

Colonel SMART, Patterson, Mo.:

Keep your patrols well to front, as ordered, examining well the line of the Black River, from Greenwood Valley to Reeves' Station. If the enemy come up in force, fall back to Pilot Knob. Report all occurrences at once by telegraph. Matthews has been out in your front from Jackson. Organize good spies, and sent them out in your front.

DAVIDSON,

Brigadier-General.

SAINT LOUIS DISTRICT, April 16, 1863.

Colonel SMART, Patterson, Mo.:

Collect all the fire-arms in your neighborhood, except those in the armories of the Enrolled Militia, or in the bands of thoroughly loyal men, who will come into our lines on the advance of the enemy. Don't

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* But see revised statement, p. 235.

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Page 254 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. Chapter XXXIV.