Today in History:

103 Series I Volume XIII- Serial 19 - Missouri - Arkansas Campaign

Page 103 Chapter XXV. OPERATIONS IN WHITE RIVER, ARK.


Numbers 2. Report of Captain David R. Sparks, Third Illinois Cavalry.

CAMP AT FAIRVIEW, ARK., June 7, 1862.

COLONEL: I most respectfully report that in action to-day, 14 miles south of this place, in which I commanded Company L, 1 man was wounded and 6 missing, 4 of whom are killed, wounded, or taken prisoners. Two, it is thought, may come in, with 4 missing horses. Company H had 1 man wounded and 1 missing.*

The enemy seem to be in strong force, about 200 or 350 cavalry, with some infantry; cannot give number, as we saw but few. My force 66 strong.

After giving the enemy a pretty strong fire broke and retreated in tolerable order. If we had been armed with pistols we could have done much better execution. The enemy being so close upon us, the men could or did not stop to load their guns. The few that had revolvers made a halt after retreating a short distance and made some very effective shots, as several of the rebels were seen to fall. They did not pursue us a half mile, showing plainly that they had been hurt as well as ourselves.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. R. SPARKS,

Captain, Commanding Company L, Third Illinois Cavalry.

Lieutenant-Colonel McCRILLIS.

JUNE 10-JULY 14, 1862.-Operations on White River, Ark.

EVENTS.

June 17, 1862.-Engagement at Saint Charles.

30, 1862.-Skirmish at Adams' Bluff.

July 6, 1862.-Skirmish at Grand Prairie.

7, 1862.-Skirmish near Devall's Bluff.

REPORTS, ETC.+


Numbers 1.-Colonel Graham N. Fitch, Forty-sixth Indiana Infantry, commanding expedition.


Numbers 2.-Flag-Officer Charles H. Davis, U. S. Navy.


Numbers 3.-Lieutenant James W. Shirk, U. S. Navy.


Numbers 4.-Miscellaneous reports and correspondence.


Numbers 1. Reports of Colonel Graham N. Fitch, Forty-sixth Indiana Infantry, commanding expedition.

SAINT CHARLES (WHITE RIVER), ARK., June 17, 1862.

SIR: On arriving 8 miles below here last evening we ascertained that the enemy had two batteries here, supported by a force (numbers unknown) of infantry. A combined attack was made at 9 a. m. to-day.

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*Nominal list omitted.

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+See also Hindman's report, pp. 34-38, and Appendix, pp. 929-932.


Page 103 Chapter XXV. OPERATIONS IN WHITE RIVER, ARK.