Today in History:

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

Page 288 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. Chapter XXXIV.

My division reached Chalk Bluff the evening of May 1. I dismounted the greater part of my command, selected a strong position about 4 miles from the crossing, where I formed line of battle to resist the advance of the enemy till my wagons, horses, and artillery had crossed. A little before day I quietly withdrew the men, and by sun-up my whole command was safely across. The pursuit here ceased.

My loss in the expedition is some 30 killed, 60 wounded, and 120 missing (stragglers), perhaps captured. I gained on the raid about 150 recruits and a great improvement in the number and quality of horses. The Federal loss must have been at least five times as great as mine in killed and wounded. In every instance when he made the attack he was repulsed.

The offices and men deserve special mention for their bravery, steadiness, and endurance. At no time were they in the least demoralized, but were always willing, even anxious, to fight.

I submit herewith a report of the brigade commanders. I will forward as soon as prepared the names of the killed, wounded, and missing of my command; also a list of Federal prisoners paroled.

Very respectfully,

J. S. MARMADUKE,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Major W. B. BLAIR, Assistant Adjutant-General.

[Indorsement.]


HDQRS. DEPT. TRANS-MISS., Shreveport, La., June 4, 1863.

Respectfully forwarded. The expedition under General Marmaduke into Missouri was made more particularly on account of the scarcity of forage in Arkansas, it being deemed probable that he would be able to sustain himself, and thereby relieve Arkansas in a great degree of the large amount of forage supplying the army in that section.

E. KIRBY SMITH,
Lieutenant-General, Commanding.

ADDENDA.

Return of Casualties in Marmaduke's cavalry division during the expedition.

[Compiled from nominal lists.]

Killed. Wounded. Missing.

Command. Offic Men. Offic Men. Offic Men. Aggre

ers. ers. ers. gate.

Shelby's

brigade;

Gordons' ..... 2 3 10 .... 29 44

regiment..

Jeans' ..... 1 1 9 .... 3 14

regiment..

Thompson's .... 1 5 ..... 10 16

regiment..

Elliott's .... .... ... 2 .... ..... 2

battalion.

Collins' .... .... .... 3 .... 6 9

battery..

Carter's

brigade:

19th Texas .... 5 1 18 ..... 9 33

(Burford's)

21st Texas .... 1 5 10 .... 1 17

(Carter's).

Morgan's .... 1 .... 3 ..... ..... 4

squadron..

Burbridge's

brigade:

Burbridge's .... .... 1 6 ..... ..... 7

regiment...

Newton's 1 2 .... 5 ..... 3 11

regiment...

Kitchen's ... 2 .... 2 ..... .... 4

battalion..

Total+... 1 14 12 73 ..... 61 161

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* Lieutenant John Edwards accidentally killed.

+ No report from Green's brigade.

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Page 288 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. Chapter XXXIV.