Today in History:

272 Series I Volume XXXIV-II Serial 62 - Red River Campaign Part II

Page 272 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter XLVI.


HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES IN THE FIELD,
Indian Territory, South Canadian, February 8, 1864.

Brigadier-General THAYER,

Commanding District of the Frontier:

SIR: Your favor of the 3rd instant just received and contents noted. I have had a detachment of cavalry at North Fork for three days to guide Colonel Moonlight to my command. I have the honor to report the most eminent success in clearing out the rebel Indian country so far. My forces under Major Willetts on Little River, and under Captains Anderson, Phillips, Lowe, Jacobs, and Crafts, Lieutenants Stevens and Timpson, have been sweeping the whole valley of the upper Canadian and its tributaries north and south, and secessionist is about wiped out. In the various skirmishers we have killed nearly 100 of the enemy, including Captain Washburn, and taken 25 prisoners. The enemy appear to be stricken with consternation, and have abandoned this country. Each of the commands did well. From the best evidence I get the two Colonels McIntosh and a Choctaw force are at Boggy Depot or on Boggy River.

General Cooper had his headquarters at Fort Towson two weeks ago, but rumor has it that he has moved to the vicinity of Fort Washita. Colonels Stand Watie and Adair are at Preston, Tex., and Quantrill reported to be at Bonham. I had intended to move to-morrow on Boggy, as I deemed it wiser to strike the enemy with what I had rather than allow them to concentrate. I shall, however, wait one day for Colonel Moonlight, and then move out my infantry. I moved out Colonel Wattles with the First to-day. I have now hopes that I may be able, substantially, to crush and end the rebellion in the Indian nation. I am adopting stern measures. The rebels here have hitherto only trifled with propositions for peace. When next made I have no doubt they will embrace them heartily.

I have the honor to remain, very respectfully,

WILLIAM A. PHILLIPS,

Colonel, Commanding.

GENERAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DIST. OF CENTRAL MISSOURI, Numbers 6.
Jefferson City, Mo., February 8, 1864.

The enforcement of so much of General Orders, Numbers 1, current series, from these headquarters, as prohibits the exportation of forage from this district is hereby suspended until such time as the general commanding may deem it necessary to the interests of the Government to re-enforce the same.

By order of Brigadier-General Brown:

J. H. STEGER,

Assistant Adjutant-General.


HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF CENTRAL MISSOURI,
Jefferson City, Mo., February 8, 1864.

Lieutenant Colonel J. F. MARSH,

Commanding Ninth Infantry Minnesota Volunteers:

COLONEL: I am directed by the commanding general to say to you, and through you to the officers and men of your command, that he is highly gratified with their soldierly bearing and the high posi-


Page 272 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter XLVI.