Action Near Fayetteville, Ark.

Page 454 - 456
Report of Brig. Gen. Egbert B. Brown
HEADQUARTERS SOUTHWEST DIVISION, Springfield, Mo., June 28, 1862. Brig. Gen. JOHN M. SCHOFIELD, Commanding Saint Lords : By telegram I have informed you of the condition of affairs in this division, but a more full report by mail will enable you to understand better our position. The necessity of constantly threatening the camps in Arkansas to prevent them from moving into the State and the want of forage is wearing out our horses very fast. The First Battalion First Missouri Cavalry and First Battalion Sixth Missouri have about 250 men dismounted. The Fourteenth Missouri State Militia will require 150 horses to mount it properly. The field return of the Fourteenth Missouri State Militia and Tenth Illinois Cavalry shows a bad state of things in those regiments. Thirty nine men in the first absent without leave is a large number; 103 horses unfit for service in a regiment that has done no service and been in the field but a few days is a large number. Horses from this regimen: have been sold or traded. I have 1 man of this regiment to be tried for this offense. The Tenth Illinois does not report any men absent without leave. I have reason to believe that nearly 40 men have deserted from this regiment, taking their horses, equipments, and arms. The commanding officer is absent on an expedition to the southeast; when he returns I shall ask an explanation. The trouble in this regiment has been caused by the men having been enlisted for service in New Mexico and then ordered to this post and the resignation of Colonel Barret at the request of a number of officers of the regiment. A formal report stating that Colonel Barret was exciting the men to desert and mutiny has been made to me, and I have ordered him to leave the district for the present time. The Thirty-seventh Illinois is on the march from Cassville with the prisoners captured in Arkansas. It will be stationed here, and do all the guard and post duty. The First Battalion First Missouri Cavalry is ordered to this post to recruit and refit, having been in very active service since it moved from Rolla with General Curtis. Horses for this battalion are on the road from Rolla. There is no adequate place for the safe-keeping of prisoners at this post. The want of discipline of the guards detailed from the different commands and having no other mode of keeping them in confinement (the prison-houses being open, wooden structures), numbers of them have escaped. By using the college building, which I have ordered to be surrounded with a stockade and the Thirty-seventh Illinois for guard duty I hope to remedy the liability to take "ticket of leave." They have been crowded in low, illy-ventilated buildings, living in filth, and but little regard paid to personal cleanliness, which has caused much sickness. The military commission will dispose of those now here in a few weeks. The change of location will be more healthy for them and keep them in safety. I have ordered a camp of instruction, to be under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Stephens, Second Wisconsin Cavalry, to be made about 2 miles from these headquarters, and all the troops that are or may arrive at this post, except the Thirty-seventh Illinois, to move into it, and by changing them from time to time in a few months all of them will have passed through a partial course of instruction in elementary tactics. The quartermaster and commissary stores are in a number of small buildings, where they cannot be properly cared for. At a small expense two buildings are being fitted (one for each department) of sufficient capacity for the storage and proper care of this class of Government property. A large waste will be prevented when they are arranged. Dr. Paddock having reported, I hope he will have the medical department in good condition ere long Previous to his arrival the hospitals had been reduced from five to two. He now has the patients all in one building--the brick hotel of Mr. Bayley. This is a hot place, with no protection against the heat of the sun for the convalescent patients to exercise, but it is the best that can be done at present. About 40-prisoners of war, formerly patients at the "secesh hospital," on the edge of town, have been living with their families at Government expense for some time. All but 6 of them have been taken charge of by the provost-marshal. The 6 are in the general hospital. There appears to have been some irregularities in the drawing of rations for these prisoners. The leak is now stopped. The surgeons left here by General Price have been sent under a flag of truce via Forsyth to the enemy's lines by order of Brig. Gen. William Scott Ketchum. The Arkansas recruits have arrived to the number of 97. About 150 more are on the way from Cassville. They will go into the camp of instruction and be drilled and fitted for the field as soon as possible. Captain Murphy has added another section, two rifled 6-pounders, making it a six-gun battery. He is recruiting with indifferent success. We found everything necessary to fit those two guns and two caissons except harnness and horses. The ordnance and ordnance stores have been placed in order for service. We are finding them in every nook and corner of the town daily. Hoping, general, that the course pursued may meet with your approbation, I am, very truly, your obedient servant, E. B. BROWN, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Page 456 - 457 Report of Brig. Gen. Egbert B. Brown SPRINGFIELD, June 29, 1862. Brig, Gen. John M. SCHOFIELD, Saint Louis: The troops in this division are in this position: Mount Vernon, Fourth Missouri State Militia; Cassville, Third Missouri State Militia, three companies Second Wisconsin Cavalry, and three guns Peoria Battery; Galena, three companies Fourteenth Missouri State Militia and Sixth Missouri; Ozark, one company Fourteenth Missouri State Militia; Bolivar, one company Fourteenth Missouri State Militia; Lebanon, detachment Third Iowa (eight companies). Tenth Illinois have not returned from the pursuit of Coleman; reported on the way with 46 prisoners; had two little affairs with Coleman's men. Thirty-seventh Illinois and one battalion First Missouri on the march from Cassville with prisoners to this post; be here to-night. The Thirty-seventh for guard and post duty here, and the First Missouri will fit, recruit, and remount. The horses are en route from Rolla. About 150 men of the commands here are with trains between this and Rolla, which, with the guards for prisoners, uses all the troops we have at the post. Colonel Weer, in command of Kansas troops, has sent's dispatch that he moved with about 5,000 men on the 27th to Cowskin Prairie, and has ordered the Second Ohio Cavalry from Neosho to join him at that point, and asks me to co-operate with him. By withdrawing the Second Ohio from Neosho Colonel Weer leaves that county and the Granby lead mines open to the enemy. E. B. BROWN, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Page 463 Report of Brig. Gen. Egbert B. Brown SPRINGFIELD, July 5, 1862. Brigadier-General SCHOFIELD: Colonel Hall reports a chase of 5 guerrillas near Gadfly; killed 3 of them, 4 horses captured; and another chase at Jollification of 18, in which 10 were killed. He had 4 horses killed; no other casualties. Seventy-six Arkansas prisoners have taken the oath and given bonds. They start for home to-day. Before leaving they held a meeting, passed resolutions to sustain the Government; cheered the old flag; said they had been deceived, and were going home with corrected views, &c. Our officers have treated them courteously and thereby won them completely. Several citizens from Arkansas are delighted with the result of our policy in releasing them. The expedition to Fayetteville has returned to Cassville. The lead was removed to Van Buren the night before our troops arrived. Captured 9 prisoners. Flag of truce that was sent with the surgeons returned to-day. McBride and all the other rebel troops were moving east to join Hindman. The flag went 70 miles beyond Yellville before the officer could deliver the surgeons. The Kansas troops are about 40 miles south of Maysville. Coffee, Rains, and company were in full retreat for Fort Smith with a disorganized mob of about 1,500 men, about half armed, mounted on broken-down pitiable-looking horses. Scouts report Rains drunk, cursing his fate. I shall arm three companies of the First Arkansas Cavalry with muskets to-day and move them to Cassville early next week, and, with eight companies Tenth Illinois Cavalry and six mountain howitzers, make a camp at Fayetteville. There is plenty of forage, flour, and meat at that place. The position at Fayetteville will enable the regiment forming to fill up rapidly and be of the same line and support to the Kansas column. Before making the move I ask your approval, as I have unfavorable reports from General Curtis' column. E. B. BROWN. Brigadier-General, Commanding. Page 466 - 467 Report of Brig. Gen. Egbert B. Brown SPRINGFIELD, July 11, 1862. Brig. Gen. JOHN M. SCHOFIELD, Saint Louis: Rains has reappeared at Fayetteville, Ark., with 600 men: has a few tents and is short of ammunition; has sent to Fort Smith for a supply; has a few miserable teams. Coffee, Stand Watie, and a new officer, whose name I have not learned, had a fight with the Kansas troops. The enemy routed, with the loss of most of their baggage; many animals. The new officer, with his command of about 200 men, surrendered prisoners. Coffee also, with the remnant of their forces, retreated toward Fort Smith. E. B. BROWN, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Page 467 - 468 Report of Brig. Gen. Egbert B. Brown SPRINGFIELD, July 11, 1862. Col. W. KING, Cassville: Move the First Battalion Second Wisconsin Cavalry, one section Davidson's battery, and five squadrons Fourth Missouri Cavalry to Fayetteville and whip Rains. The officer in command will take everybody prisoner that is moving on the road, so that information shall not get in advance of him. Use the Arkansas refugees for scouts, and obtain reliable information before the attack is made; it must be a surprise, or it will avail nothing. If it is practicable march until daylight and then hide in the woods, and reach Fayetteville by daylight Sunday morning. Send an express to Colonel Hall to rendezvous with his regiment at Newtonia, leaving one company at Neosho and another at Mount Vernon. E. B. BROWN, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Page 470 - 471 Report of Brig. Gen. Egbert B. Brown SPRINGFIELD, JULY 14, 1862. Brig. Gen. JOHN M. SCHOFIELD, Saint Louis: I have sent 500 mounted men with one section of artillery, to Fayetteville. They will arrive there this morning. I have advices that Rains has left that post secretly; destination unknown. Coleman's band has appeared in Douglas County. A part of them moved north, and are threatening our trains again. I have sent Colonel Wright, Sixth Missouri, with about 400 men, southeast to cut them off, and asked Colonel Sigel to co-operate with him. The Twenty-sixth Indiana and four guns of Murphy's battery left here yesterday; Fourth Missouri State Militia, except one company at Neosho, one at Mount Vernon, and one here, partly armed, are concentrating at Newtonia. At Ozark there is one section of artillery, two companies Thirty-seventh Illinois, and one company of cavalry; at Galena, two companies Tenth Illinois; at Cassville and south of it, eight companies Third Missouri State Militia, six companies Tenth Illinois, three companies Second Wisconsin, and three guns Davidson's battery; at this post and in service in the southeast, eight companies Thirty-seventh Illinois, one battalion First Arkansas Cavalry, armed with muskets (men on foot), Fourteenth Missouri State Militia, battalion Sixth Missouri Cavalry, and one company Fourth Missouri State Militia, the three last fitting and drilling for service. Expect to have them ready this week. At Bolivar, one company Third Missouri State Militia, and at Lebanon three squadrons Third Iowa Cavalry. Scouts inform me that McBride, with about 2,000 men, is moving up White River, and a considerable force of the enemy have concentrated in Boston Mountains south of Fayetteville. I will advise you upon the receipt of more definite information. E. B. BROWN, Brigadier General. Page 471 Report of Brig. Gen. Egbert B. Brown HEADQUARTERS SOUTHWEST DIVISION, Springfield, Mo., July 14, 1862. Col. JOHN G. TRACY, C. S. Army, In Camp near Fayetteville, Ark.: COLONEL: Your dispatch of the 10th instant* by the hands of Maj. Thomas P. Murray has been opened at Cassville by my orders and its contents telegraphed me. You are not correctly informed when you say that you learn that a barbarian war is being carried on in Missouri by the troops of the United States Government or by those of the Provisional Government of the State of Missouri. The only barbarism that I am aware of is being perpetrated by a few men in the southern portion of the State in the name of the so-called Southern Confederacy, who in the garb of citizens are practicing open violations of the laws of war. To this class of men no quarter is given when found with arms and fighting our troops, nor mercy shown when they are taken without arms and found guilty by a military commission. I presume, colonel, from the passage in your letter in which you say " I have and do denounce assassins, murderers, robbers, and land pirates of the South as well as North," that these are not the persons to whom you refer when you say, "It has been represented to me that citizens of Southwest Missouri of Southern opinions are being constantly shot and murdered by soldiers of the Government of the United States and the so-called Gamble government of Missouri." if you come with arms in your hands and fight us we will whip you if we can, and should you become our prisoners by any of the varied chances of war we shall treat you so well that you will regret that you could not always be a prisoner; but if your people in the guise of citizens steal into our lines and shoot down our soldiers from the bush they will receive, as they deserve, no mercy. We wage no war against peaceable citizens, women, or children, though they may entertain Southern sentiments, and none but an honorable warfare against legitimate combatants. Wishing with you, my dear colonel, a restoration of peace under the good old Constitution, with one government and one flag, I am, very truly, your obedient servant, E. B. BROWN, Brig. Gen., Commanding District Southwest Missouri. Page 472 Report of Brig. Gen. Egbert B. Brown HEADQUARTERS SOUTHWEST DIVISION, Springfield, Mo., July 15, 1862. General JOHN M. SCHOFIELD, Commanding District of Missouri, Saint Louis: GENERAL: I learn that 4 prisoners, soldiers of one of the Kansas regiments, were murdered in Coffee's camp at Fayetteville on the night or evening of the 9th instant, Major Murray (the bearer of the flag of truce, whose dispatch I sent you yesterday) gives the following version of the affair: The 4 men killed were Kansas soldiers. On Wednesday night a firing was heard in the upper end of Coffee's camp, which created inquiry, and it was learned that 4 men had been shot, 3 killed dead and 1 wounded badly, who made his escape through a fence and went into a house, where a woman gave him some help. She was warned not to do so. It was stated in Fayetteville that the shooting was done by Coffee's order. There was some indignation at the deed in Coffee's camp which was likely to become general. It was then reported that the shooting was ordered by Coffee's provost-marshal. This did not, however, prevent one whole company of Coffee's regiment from leaving and joining Tracy's (whose camp was 8 miles distant) regiment of Confederate troops. Rains heard of the act next morning and cursed bitterly. He sent up a wagon to get the wounded man and three dead ones. Before the wagon came the wounded man was dead. Rains buried the dead. In Tracy's camp the act was loudly condemned. This affair may have prompted the dispatch he sent to me, charging us with shooting men, women, and children. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. B. BROWN, Brigadier-General. Page 163 Report of Brig. Gen. Egbert B. Brown SPRINGFIELD, MO., July 17, 1862. The expedition sent to Fayetteville, Ark., commanded by Major Miller, Second Wisconsin Cavalry, consisting of one section of Davidson's battery (two mountain howitzers) and 550 mounted riflemen, and cavalry detachments from the Second Wisconsin, Third Missouri State Militia, and Tenth Illinois, attacked the combined forces of Rains, Coffee, Hunter, Hawthorne, and Tracy, numbering about 1,600 men, 8 miles southwest of that town, at sunrise Tuesday morning, defeating and routing them completely. The enemy's camps were shelled, followed by charges of cavalry, and his force scattered in every direction. The pursuit was continued to Cane Hill, about 12 miles, toward which the main body retreated, but had to be given up, as the horses were tired out. By making two night marches and hiding in the woods during the day the force made a rapid secret movement of 75 miles in thirty-six hours with the above result. I have not received any report of casualties, except the enemy's was large; ours small. The command returned to Fayetteville, where it was resting Wednesday morning. A march of over 100) miles had been made in about forty-four hours. Colonel Hall reports the capture of over 1,200 pigs of lead in the vicinity of Granby and the killing of 21 guerrillas in the past four days. None of our troops killed; we lost some horses. I have ordered the lead to be removed to this post. Ore for about 800 pigs is now in the furnaces. Messrs. Blow & Kennett can advise what had better be done with it, as it should not be smelted by the enemy if they drive us out of Newton County. The expedition I sent hi pursuit of Coleman returned this morning; accomplished nothing. McBride, with 2,400 men, moved up the west bank of the White River; crossed it about 60 miles below Forsyth; sent part toward Houston, and with the balance moved to Batesville. The Fourteenth Missouri State Militia was the principal force I sent against Coleman. Colonel King's Third Missouri State Militia has been doing good work at Cassville. Their movements would be another text for the Democrat to preach from, abusing the Governor and the Missouri State Militia. E. B. BROWN, Brigadier-General Brigadier-General SCHOFIELD, Saint Louis, Mo. Page 507 - 508 Report of Brig. Gen. Egbert B. Brown HEADQUARTERS SOUTHWESTERN DIVISION, Springfield, July 23, 1862. Brig. Gen. JOHN M. SCHOFIELD, Commanding District of Missouri, Saint Louis: GENERAL: The movements of the enemy in the southeast, of which I telegraphed you, are confirmed by more recent reports. I learn also that he has evacuated Fort Smith, Ark., and moved east. The force in this division has been changed by moving the Twenty-sixth Indiana, Tenth Illinois, and Murphy's battery to this post. The present position of my command is as follows: Hartville.--First Battalion First Missouri Cavalry; two companies Sixth Missouri Cavalry; 175 men Third Missouri Cavalry. Marshfield.--One company Fourth Missouri State Militia. Lebanon.--Three companies Third Iowa. Springfield.--Eight companies Tenth Illinois Cavalry; two companies Sixth Missouri Cavalry; Thirty-seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteers, 560 men; Twenty-sixth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, 880 men, armed with muskets; detachment First Arkansas, 300 men; one company Second Wisconsin (Body Guard); Murphy's battery, six guns, First Missouri Light Artillery. Cassville.--Eight companies Fourth Missouri State Militia; three companies Second Wisconsin Cavalry; Davidson's battery, three guns. Newtonia--Third Missouri State Militia, except detachment. Ncosho.--One company Missouri State Militia. Mount Vernon.--One company. Ozark.--Fourteenth Missouri State Militia. The last is armed partly with muskets, having exchanged them for Russia rifles or some other arm. A train is now on the way in with the lead captured at Granby (1,182 pigs). I suppose the enemy will make demonstrations on (Cassville as soon as they learn I have reduced the forces. I am in hopes by that time our eastern lines will be protected, and then we can hold him at bay. The publication of the Baron Munchhausen stories of newspaper reporters, stating that General Curtis' army is starving and that Price is crossing his army in skiffs, and all that kind of nonsense, keeps the secesh in a boil of excitement. At first I would not allow it to be printed here, but the next day the Saint Louis papers were scattered over the country with the news, and in all parts of it they began to show the evil that was in them--drilling and arming. We know they expect to get to heaven through Price, and that kind of stuff that the papers print does a real injury in Southwest Missouri. Captain Morris' company, in Colonel McClurg's regiment, was recruited largely in Wright and Douglas Counties. They would be very serviceable in that section at this time. It is filled with guerrillas and thieves. It affords me much pleasure to report an improvement in the state of affairs in the country. All good citizens are using their influence to restore peace and security. Our troops have behaved well. The school of instruction at Camp Schofield is producing good results. The Fourteenth Missouri State Militia is becoming quite soldierly. I have not been able to get their horse account in shape. Several have trotters in the regiment. The military commission has settled down into a perpetual court. It is desirable that the cases from this body be sergt to headquarters; should be reviewed and published. The ordnance, quartermaster, and commissary departments are organized and in effective condition. The health of the troops is excellent. I am, general, your obedient servant, E. B. BROWN, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

     By telegram I have informed you of the condition of affairs in this division, but a more full report by mail will enable you to understand better our position. The necessity of constantly threatening the camps in Arkansas to prevent them from moving into the State and the want of forage is wearing out our horses very fast. The First Battalion First Missouri Cavalry and First Battalion Sixth Missouri have about 250 men dismounted. The Fourteenth Missouri State Militia will require 150 horses to mount it properly. The field return of the Fourteenth Missouri State Militia and Tenth Illinois Cavalry shows a bad state of things in those regiments. Thirty nine men in the first absent without leave is a large number; 103 horses unfit for service in a regiment that has done no service and been in the field but a few days is a large number. Horses from this regimen: have been sold or traded. I have 1 man of this regiment to be tried for this offense. The Tenth Illinois does not report any men absent without leave. I have reason to believe that nearly 40 men have deserted from this regiment, taking their horses, equipments, and arms. The commanding officer is absent on an expedition to the southeast; when he returns I shall ask an explanation. The trouble in this regiment has been caused by the men having been enlisted for service in New Mexico and then ordered to this post and the resignation of Colonel Barret at the request of a number of officers of the regiment. A formal report stating that Colonel Barret was exciting the men to desert and mutiny has been made to me, and I have ordered him to leave the district for the present time. The Thirty-seventh Illinois is on the march from Cassville with the prisoners captured in Arkansas. It will be stationed here, and do all the guard and post duty. The First Battalion First Missouri Cavalry is ordered to this post to recruit and refit, having been in very active service since it moved from Rolla with General Curtis. Horses for this battalion are on the road from Rolla.
     There is no adequate place for the safe-keeping of prisoners at this post. The want of discipline of the guards detailed from the different commands and having no other mode of keeping them in confinement (the prison-houses being open, wooden structures), numbers of them have escaped. By using the college building, which I have ordered to be surrounded with a stockade and the Thirty-seventh Illinois for guard duty I hope to remedy the liability to take "ticket of leave." They have been crowded in low, illy-ventilated buildings, living in filth, and but little regard paid to personal cleanliness, which has caused much sickness. The military commission will dispose of those now here in a few weeks. The change of location will be more healthy for them and keep them in safety. I have ordered a camp of instruction, to be under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Stephens, Second Wisconsin Cavalry, to be made about 2 miles from these headquarters, and all the troops that are or may arrive at this post, except the Thirty-seventh Illinois, to move into it, and by changing them from time to time in a few months all of them will have passed through a partial course of instruction in elementary tactics. The quartermaster and commissary stores are in a number of small buildings, where they cannot be properly cared for. At a small expense two buildings are being fitted (one for each department) of sufficient capacity for the storage and proper care of this class of Government property. A large waste will be prevented when they are arranged.
     Dr. Paddock having reported, I hope he will have the medical department in good condition ere long Previous to his arrival the hospitals had been reduced from five to two. He now has the patients all in one building--the brick hotel of Mr. Bayley. This is a hot place, with no protection against the heat of the sun for the convalescent patients to exercise, but it is the best that can be done at present. About 40-prisoners of war, formerly patients at the "secesh hospital," on the edge of town, have been living with their families at Government expense for some time. All but 6 of them have been taken charge of by the provost-marshal. The 6 are in the general hospital. There appears to have been some irregularities in the drawing of rations for these prisoners. The leak is now stopped. The surgeons left here by General Price have been sent under a flag of truce via Forsyth to the enemy's lines by order of Brig. Gen. William Scott Ketchum. The Arkansas recruits have arrived to the number of 97. About 150 more are on the way from Cassville. They will go into the camp of instruction and be drilled and fitted for the field as soon as possible. Captain Murphy has added another section, two rifled 6-pounders, making it a six-gun battery. He is recruiting with indifferent success. We found everything necessary to fit those two guns and two caissons except harnness and horses.
     The ordnance and ordnance stores have been placed in order for service. We are finding them in every nook and corner of the town daily.
     Hoping, general, that the course pursued may meet with your approbation, I am, very truly, your obedient servant,

E. B. BROWN,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Page 456 - 457
Report of Brig. Gen. Egbert B. Brown

SPRINGFIELD, June 29, 1862.

The troops in this division are in this position: Mount Vernon, Fourth Missouri State Militia; Cassville, Third Missouri State Militia, three companies Second Wisconsin Cavalry, and three guns Peoria Battery; Galena, three companies Fourteenth Missouri State Militia and Sixth Missouri; Ozark, one company Fourteenth Missouri State Militia; Bolivar, one company Fourteenth Missouri State Militia; Lebanon, detachment Third Iowa (eight companies). Tenth Illinois have not returned from the pursuit of Coleman; reported on the way with 46 prisoners; had two little affairs with Coleman's men. Thirty-seventh Illinois and one battalion First Missouri on the march from Cassville with prisoners to this post; be here to-night.
The Thirty-seventh for guard and post duty here, and the First Missouri will fit, recruit, and remount. The horses are en route from Rolla. About 150 men of the commands here are with trains between this and Rolla, which, with the guards for prisoners, uses all the troops we have at the post. Colonel Weer, in command of Kansas troops, has sent's dispatch that he moved with about 5,000 men on the 27th to Cowskin Prairie, and has ordered the Second Ohio Cavalry from Neosho to join him at that point, and asks me to co-operate with him. By withdrawing the Second Ohio from Neosho Colonel Weer leaves that county and the Granby lead mines open to the enemy.

E. B. BROWN,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Page 463
Report of Brig. Gen. Egbert B. Brown

SPRINGFIELD, July 5, 1862.

     Colonel Hall reports a chase of 5 guerrillas near Gadfly; killed 3 of them, 4 horses captured; and another chase at Jollification of 18, in which 10 were killed. He had 4 horses killed; no other casualties. Seventy-six Arkansas prisoners have taken the oath and given bonds. They start for home to-day.
     Before leaving they held a meeting, passed resolutions to sustain the Government; cheered the old flag; said they had been deceived, and were going home with corrected views, &c. Our officers have treated them courteously and thereby won them completely.
     Several citizens from Arkansas are delighted with the result of our policy in releasing them.
     The expedition to Fayetteville has returned to Cassville. The lead was removed to Van Buren the night before our troops arrived. Captured 9 prisoners. Flag of truce that was sent with the surgeons returned to-day. McBride and all the other rebel troops were moving east to join Hindman. The flag went 70 miles beyond Yellville before the officer could deliver the surgeons. The Kansas troops are about 40 miles south of Maysville. Coffee, Rains, and company were in full retreat for Fort Smith with a disorganized mob of about 1,500 men, about half armed, mounted on broken-down pitiable-looking horses. Scouts report Rains drunk, cursing his fate. I shall arm three companies of the First Arkansas Cavalry with muskets to-day and move them to Cassville early next week, and, with eight companies Tenth Illinois Cavalry and six mountain howitzers, make a camp at Fayetteville. There is plenty of forage, flour, and meat at that place. The position at Fayetteville will enable the regiment forming to fill up rapidly and be of the same line and support to the Kansas column. Before making the move I ask your approval, as I have unfavorable reports from General Curtis' column.

E. B. BROWN.
Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Page 466 - 467
Report of Brig. Gen. Egbert B. Brown

SPRINGFIELD, July 11, 1862.

Rains has reappeared at Fayetteville, Ark., with 600 men: has a few tents and is short of ammunition; has sent to Fort Smith for a supply; has a few miserable teams.
Coffee, Stand Watie, and a new officer, whose name I have not learned, had a fight with the Kansas troops. The enemy routed, with the loss of most of their baggage; many animals. The new officer, with his command of about 200 men, surrendered prisoners. Coffee also, with the remnant of their forces, retreated toward Fort Smith.

E. B. BROWN,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Page 467 - 468
Report of Brig. Gen. Egbert B. Brown

SPRINGFIELD, July 11, 1862.

Move the First Battalion Second Wisconsin Cavalry, one section Davidson's battery, and five squadrons Fourth Missouri Cavalry to Fayetteville and whip Rains. The officer in command will take everybody prisoner that is moving on the road, so that information shall not get in advance of him. Use the Arkansas refugees for scouts, and obtain reliable information before the attack is made; it must be a surprise, or it will avail nothing. If it is practicable march until daylight and then hide in the woods, and reach Fayetteville by daylight Sunday morning. Send an express to Colonel Hall to rendezvous with his regiment at Newtonia, leaving one company at Neosho and another at Mount Vernon.

E. B. BROWN,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Page 470 - 471
Report of Brig. Gen. Egbert B. Brown

SPRINGFIELD, JULY 14, 1862.

I have sent 500 mounted men with one section of artillery, to Fayetteville. They will arrive there this morning. I have advices that Rains has left that post secretly; destination unknown. Coleman's band has appeared in Douglas County. A part of them moved north, and are threatening our trains again. I have sent Colonel Wright, Sixth Missouri, with about 400 men, southeast to cut them off, and asked Colonel Sigel to co-operate with him. The Twenty-sixth Indiana and four guns of Murphy's battery left here yesterday; Fourth Missouri State Militia, except one company at Neosho, one at Mount Vernon, and one here, partly armed, are concentrating at Newtonia. At Ozark there is one section of artillery, two companies Thirty-seventh Illinois, and one company of cavalry; at Galena, two companies Tenth Illinois; at Cassville and south of it, eight companies Third Missouri State Militia, six companies Tenth Illinois, three companies Second Wisconsin, and three guns Davidson's battery; at this post and in service in the southeast, eight companies Thirty-seventh Illinois, one battalion First Arkansas Cavalry, armed with muskets (men on foot), Fourteenth Missouri State Militia, battalion Sixth Missouri Cavalry, and one company Fourth Missouri State Militia, the three last fitting and drilling for service. Expect to have them ready this week. At Bolivar, one company Third Missouri State Militia, and at Lebanon three squadrons Third Iowa Cavalry.
Scouts inform me that McBride, with about 2,000 men, is moving up White River, and a considerable force of the enemy have concentrated in Boston Mountains south of Fayetteville. I will advise you upon the receipt of more definite information.

E. B. BROWN,
Brigadier General.

Page 471
Report of Brig. Gen. Egbert B. Brown

HEADQUARTERS SOUTHWEST DIVISION,
Springfield, Mo., July 14, 1862.

     COLONEL: Your dispatch of the 10th instant* by the hands of Maj. Thomas P. Murray has been opened at Cassville by my orders and its contents telegraphed me.
     You are not correctly informed when you say that you learn that a barbarian war is being carried on in Missouri by the troops of the United States Government or by those of the Provisional Government of the State of Missouri.
     The only barbarism that I am aware of is being perpetrated by a few men in the southern portion of the State in the name of the so-called Southern Confederacy, who in the garb of citizens are practicing open violations of the laws of war. To this class of men no quarter is given when found with arms and fighting our troops, nor mercy shown when they are taken without arms and found guilty by a military commission.
     I presume, colonel, from the passage in your letter in which you say " I have and do denounce assassins, murderers, robbers, and land pirates of the South as well as North," that these are not the persons to whom you refer when you say, "It has been represented to me that citizens of Southwest Missouri of Southern opinions are being constantly shot and murdered by soldiers of the Government of the United States and the so-called Gamble government of Missouri." if you come with arms in your hands and fight us we will whip you if we can, and should you become our prisoners by any of the varied chances of war we shall treat you so well that you will regret that you could not always be a prisoner; but if your people in the guise of citizens steal into our lines and shoot down our soldiers from the bush they will receive, as they deserve, no mercy. We wage no war against peaceable citizens, women, or children, though they may entertain Southern sentiments, and none but an honorable warfare against legitimate combatants.
     Wishing with you, my dear colonel, a restoration of peace under the good old Constitution, with one government and one flag, I am, very truly, your obedient servant,

E. B. BROWN,
Brig. Gen., Commanding District Southwest Missouri.

Page 472
Report of Brig. Gen. Egbert B. Brown

HEADQUARTERS SOUTHWEST DIVISION,
Springfield, Mo., July 15, 1862.

     GENERAL: I learn that 4 prisoners, soldiers of one of the Kansas regiments, were murdered in Coffee's camp at Fayetteville on the night or evening of the 9th instant, Major Murray (the bearer of the flag of truce, whose dispatch I sent you yesterday) gives the following version of the affair:

     The 4 men killed were Kansas soldiers. On Wednesday night a firing was heard in the upper end of Coffee's camp, which created inquiry, and it was learned that 4 men had been shot, 3 killed dead and 1 wounded badly, who made his escape through a fence and went into a house, where a woman gave him some help. She was warned not to do so. It was stated in Fayetteville that the shooting was done by Coffee's order. There was some indignation at the deed in Coffee's camp which was likely to become general. It was then reported that the shooting was ordered by Coffee's provost-marshal. This did not, however, prevent one whole company of Coffee's regiment from leaving and joining Tracy's (whose camp was 8 miles distant) regiment of Confederate troops. Rains heard of the act next morning and cursed bitterly. He sent up a wagon to get the wounded man and three dead ones. Before the wagon came the wounded man was dead. Rains buried the dead. In Tracy's camp the act was loudly condemned.

     This affair may have prompted the dispatch he sent to me, charging us with shooting men, women, and children.
         I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

     The expedition sent to Fayetteville, Ark., commanded by Major Miller, Second Wisconsin Cavalry, consisting of one section of Davidson's battery (two mountain howitzers) and 550 mounted riflemen, and cavalry detachments from the Second Wisconsin, Third Missouri State Militia, and Tenth Illinois, attacked the combined forces of Rains, Coffee, Hunter, Hawthorne, and Tracy, numbering about 1,600 men, 8 miles southwest of that town, at sunrise Tuesday morning, defeating and routing them completely. The enemy's camps were shelled, followed by charges of cavalry, and his force scattered in every direction. The pursuit was continued to Cane Hill, about 12 miles, toward which the main body retreated, but had to be given up, as the horses were tired out. By making two night marches and hiding in the woods during the day the force made a rapid secret movement of 75 miles in thirty-six hours with the above result. I have not received any report of casualties, except the enemy's was large; ours small. The command returned to Fayetteville, where it was resting Wednesday morning. A march of over 100) miles had been made in about forty-four hours.
     Colonel Hall reports the capture of over 1,200 pigs of lead in the vicinity of Granby and the killing of 21 guerrillas in the past four days. None of our troops killed; we lost some horses. I have ordered the lead to be removed to this post. Ore for about 800 pigs is now in the furnaces. Messrs. Blow & Kennett can advise what had better be done with it, as it should not be smelted by the enemy if they drive us out of Newton County.
    The expedition I sent hi pursuit of Coleman returned this morning; accomplished nothing. McBride, with 2,400 men, moved up the west bank of the White River; crossed it about 60 miles below Forsyth; sent part toward Houston, and with the balance moved to Batesville. The Fourteenth Missouri State Militia was the principal force I sent against Coleman. Colonel King's Third Missouri State Militia has been doing good work at Cassville. Their movements would be another text for the Democrat to preach from, abusing the Governor and the Missouri State Militia.

     GENERAL: The movements of the enemy in the southeast, of which I telegraphed you, are confirmed by more recent reports. I learn also that he has evacuated Fort Smith, Ark., and moved east. The force in this division has been changed by moving the Twenty-sixth Indiana, Tenth Illinois, and Murphy's battery to this post. The present position of my command is as follows:
    Hartville.--First Battalion First Missouri Cavalry; two companies Sixth Missouri Cavalry; 175 men Third Missouri Cavalry.
    Marshfield.--One company Fourth Missouri State Militia.
    Lebanon.--Three companies Third Iowa.
    Springfield.--Eight companies Tenth Illinois Cavalry; two companies Sixth Missouri Cavalry; Thirty-seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteers, 560 men; Twenty-sixth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, 880 men, armed with muskets; detachment First Arkansas, 300 men; one company Second Wisconsin (Body Guard); Murphy's battery, six guns, First Missouri Light Artillery.
    Cassville.--Eight companies Fourth Missouri State Militia; three companies Second Wisconsin Cavalry; Davidson's battery, three guns.
    Newtonia--Third Missouri State Militia, except detachment.
    Ncosho.--One company Missouri State Militia.
    Mount Vernon.--One company.
    Ozark.--Fourteenth Missouri State Militia.
     The last is armed partly with muskets, having exchanged them for Russia rifles or some other arm. A train is now on the way in with the lead captured at Granby (1,182 pigs).
     I suppose the enemy will make demonstrations on (Cassville as soon as they learn I have reduced the forces. I am in hopes by that time our eastern lines will be protected, and then we can hold him at bay.
     The publication of the Baron Munchhausen stories of newspaper reporters, stating that General Curtis' army is starving and that Price is crossing his army in skiffs, and all that kind of nonsense, keeps the secesh in a boil of excitement. At first I would not allow it to be printed here, but the next day the Saint Louis papers were scattered over the country with the news, and in all parts of it they began to show the evil that was in them--drilling and arming. We know they expect to get to heaven through Price, and that kind of stuff that the papers print does a real injury in Southwest Missouri. Captain Morris' company, in Colonel McClurg's regiment, was recruited largely in Wright and Douglas Counties. They would be very serviceable in that section at this time. It is filled with guerrillas and thieves.
     It affords me much pleasure to report an improvement in the state of affairs in the country. All good citizens are using their influence to restore peace and security. Our troops have behaved well. The school of instruction at Camp Schofield is producing good results. The Fourteenth Missouri State Militia is becoming quite soldierly. I have not been able to get their horse account in shape. Several have trotters in the regiment. The military commission has settled down into a perpetual court. It is desirable that the cases from this body be sergt to headquarters; should be reviewed and published. The ordnance, quartermaster, and commissary departments are organized and in effective condition. The health of the troops is excellent.
          I am, general, your obedient servant,

"OR"