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398 Series I Volume XLI-I Serial 83 - Price's Missouri Expedition Part I

Page 398 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.

Lookout does to Chattanooga, and too much honor cannot be given to the gallant men who carried its crest to-day, among whom I should not neglect to mention Captain G. R. King, Lieutenant Vaughan, and Lieutenant Munday. About 9 a. m. I saw a thick could of dust rising in the southwest, and soon another rebel column was displayed on that side of the place and commenced a vigorous attack, but a fe well-directed shells caused them to fall back. The firing ceased about 12.30 p. m., the enemy retired. I am informed that a portion of Gano's command is to attack me in the morning with four pieces of artillery. It is also reported that a part of Magruder's infantry is crossing the Arkansas River. Should I find these reports to be true I will inform you at once. This position is a favorable one; has no wealth to tempt the enemy. Merchandise, subsistence, and quartermaster's stores mostly expended, and as they could not expect to hold it long, would not pay a great sacrifice in taking it. With a re-enforcement of 1,500 men and a battery we could hold out against Price's whole army. I shall rely on you for daily information of movements north of me.

M. LA RUE HARRISON,

Colonel First Arkansas Cavalry, Commanding.

SATURDAY, October 29, 1864-11 a. m.

All is quiet here. No messengers have arrived from Fort Smith for more than a week. Several are known to be captured. Rebels are watching all road. Dispatches were received here from Cassville yesterday morning. Messengers due this morning not arrived. Rumors from rebel sources till threaten us with a strong column from the south with artillery. My scouts are out endeavoring to obtain reliable information.

M. LA RUE HARRISON,

Colonel First Arkansas Cavalry, Commanding.

Lieutenant-Colonel BRUTSCHE,

Actg. Asst. Adjt. General, Dist. of S. W. Mo., Springfield, Mo.


HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCE,
Fayetteville, Ark., November 13, 1864.

Major General S. R. CURTIS,

Commanding Army of the Border:

GENERAL: Herewith I transmit to you my official report, in obedience to your orders. I have taken the liberty to extend it back to include the whole of the present campaign, believing that thereby I would be able to make it more satisfactory. Allow me to express my gratitude to you for your personal kindness to me from my first acquaintance with you up to the present time, as well as for the honor of commanding the advance of your army on the late march.

I remain, general, your most obedient servant,

M. LA RUE HARRISON,

Colonel First Arkansas Cavalry, Commanding.


HEADQUARTERS ARKANSAS TROOPS,
In the Field, Camp Sallisaw, November 10, 1864.

GENERAL: In obedience to your orders of the 8th instant, I have the honor to make the following report of the movements of my command as connected with the present campaign:

Shortly after the return of General Steele's Camden expedition Major Buck Brown returned to Northwestern Arkansas with a band of 180


Page 398 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter LIII.