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329 Series I Volume XXIII-I Serial 34 - Tullahoma Campaign Part I

Page 329 Chapter XXXV. AFFAIR NEAR CANEY FORK, TENN.

MAY -, 1863.- Affair at Obion Plank Road Crossing, Tenn.

Report of Brigadier General Alexander Asboth, U. S. Army, commanding District of Columbus, Ky.


HDQRS. SIXTH DIV., SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Columbus, Ky., May 8, 1863.

SIR: I beg to report that Company E, Fifteenth Illinois Cavalry Volunteers, First Lieutenant William B. Ford commanding, succeeded in surprising the notorious guerrilla, Captain Parks, with his band, encamped on the Obion Plank Road Crossing, 70 miles distant from Hickman. The rebels fired upon our men, but were gallantly charged. One lieutenant and 3 of their man killed and 18 taken prisoners, including Captain J. H. Parks and First Lieutenant A. W. henry. Thus another guerrilla company is destroyed, and I have now 4 noted guerrilla leaders here, Scales, Cotter, Cushman, and Parks, all to be tried as highway robbers. To-morrow our artist will combine the four in a picture. The officers and men of Company E, Fifteenth Illinois Cavalry Volunteers, are deserving of all praise. Telegraphic communication is open between here and Hickman.

ASHBOT,

Brigadier-General.

Lieutenant Colonel HENRY BINMORE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

MAY 9, 1863.- Affair near Caney Fork, Tenn.

REPORTS.


Numbers 1.- Brigadier General George Crook, U. S. Army.


Numbers 2.- B. F. Weems, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, C. S. Army.


Numbers 1. Report of Brigadier General George Crook, U. S. Army.

CARTHAGE, TENN., May 11, 1863.

SIR: I sent a scouting expedition up Caney Fork on the 9th, which captured Colonel [Baxter] Smith, his adjutant and one lieutenant, with two privates, all of the Fourth [Eighth] Tennessee Cavalry, of Morgan's command. The expedition was attacked by a body of the enemy, but repulsed them, killing 2 rebels and wounding a thrid. I send Colonel Smith down to-day. No further news from the enemy.

Respectfully,

GEORGE CROOK,

Brigadier-General.

Brigadier General JAMES A. GARFIELD,

Chief of Staff, Army of the Cumberland.


Page 329 Chapter XXXV. AFFAIR NEAR CANEY FORK, TENN.