officers all fell nobly and gallantly defending their country's honor Capt. G. W. Holibaugh, Fifty-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry, was also slightly wounded.

Too much praise cannot be given Lieutenant Chappel and Sergean Ward, of the Second U. S. Colored Artillery (light), for the gallant manner in which they served their pieces in keeping the enemy a bay, as also the brave Carmichael and his command, to whom we were indebted for our deliverance. I cannot pass without notice Chaplain J. Brooks, of the Fifty-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry, who with a small squad of men, rescued from the grasp of the enemy a caisson with all its horses; and here, too, I must make mention of First Lieut. W. O. Kretzinger, Fifty-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry, who acted as my aide and behaved in a brave and gallant manner. Private Henry Jackson, wagon-master, Fifty-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry, is also entitled to favorable mention for bravery displayed upon the battle field. Captains Ramsey and Brown, of the Sixtieth U. S. Colored Infantry, are entitled to a high meed of praise for their cool bravery and heroism under the most trying and difficult circumstances. can only say that both officers and men of the entire command conducted themselves with the utmost bravery, coolness, and daring Our losses are comprised in the following: Fifty-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry, 2 commissioned officers and 11 men' killed; 2 commissioned officers and 24 men wounded, and 3 men missing; total, commissioned 4; total, enlisted, 34; aggregate, 42. Sixtieth U. S. Colored Infantry 1 commissioned officer and 3 men killed, 10 men wounded; total, com missioned, 1; total, enlisted; 13; aggregate, 14. Battery E, Second U. S. Colored Artillery (light), 1 commissioned officer and 1 man killed 3 men wounded, and I man missing; total, commissioned, 1; total, en listed, 5; aggregate, 6. Total killed, wounded, and missing: Commis sioned officers, 6; enlisted men, 56; aggregate, 62. A large number of horses and mules having been killed, we were obliged to leave on the field one caisson complete, one caisson body, 4 wagons and 1 medicine chest, all of which were destroyed. We also lost a quantity of small arms, the number of which I cannot yet ascertain, but no artillery We brought off the dead and wounded commissioned officers, also the most of our wounded men, leaving the remaining dead unburied Adjt. S. J. Clark, of the Fifty-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry, lost 1 horse killed and equipments.

I remain, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. REED, Lieutenant-Colonel Fifty-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry, Comdg. Brig. Gen. N. B. BUFORD,

Comdg. District of Eastern Arkansas, Helena, Ark.

No. 8.

Report of Maj. Eagleton Carmichael, Fifteenth Illinois Cavalry.

HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY,
Helena, Ark., July 27, 1864.

SIR: I left Helena in command of 140 men, with the following officers: Captains Hutchens and Adams, Lieutenants Ewing and Anderson. Lieutenant Webster, of the Fifteenth, and Lieutenant David, of the Thirty-fifth Missouri, went as volunteers. I embarked at 3 p. m.

on the 25th instant on the steamers Dove and Hamilton Belle; arrived at Gillen's at 8 p.m.; disembarked and fed, ordering the boats to return immediately. I started on the march at 9 p. m. and found great diffienlty in traveling, it being so dark in the bottoms; arrived at Simms' Ford, on Big Creek, at daylight. I learned there that all the pickets along the creek had been withdrawn the day before. I crossed and proceeded on the direct road to Trenton, and near Carlos we captured 4 rebel prisoners, two of whom said they belonged to Foss' regiment, and two to Gordon's regiment, of Shelby's command. They informed me that the headquarters of the command was near there. I went on and found where they had been encamped, but they were gone, having left their wagons, ambulances, and some unarmed men who had scattered in the bushes on hearing of our approach. Just before I arrived at the camp I heard the artillery firing at Wallace's Ferry, and thought it proper to waste no time in gathering up the rebel stragglers. I went on toward Trenton until within one mile and a half of that place, and hearing the musketry I changed my course so as to recross Big Creek, having satisfied myself that there were three regiments besides some straggling companies of rebels, and believed it for the best to reach Colonel Brooks' command as soon as possible. I crossed Big Creek one mile and a half below Jim Scaif's plantation, and pro ceeded up to Scaif's, thence across Beaver Bayou, thence across Lick Creek near its confluence with Big Creek, thence up to the bottom, and struck the Wallace Ferry road, three-quarters of a mile in the rear of Colonel Brooks' command, arriving at 10 a. m., and found the rebels in his rear on the road. We passed through them, driving them into the woods. I then halted my command, and, leaving it in charge of Captain Hutchens, proceeded myself to communicate with the infantry command and learn its situation. I found that they had been fighting nearly five hours a very superior force of rebels, well organized and well armed, and that Colonel Brooks and several of his officers were killed. Lieutenant-Colonel Reed consulted me on the prospect of getting his command out, which I told him could be done. Leaving him preparing for the march, I returned to the cavalry, and found that they had had some sharp fighting while I was absent, Dobbin having made a charge upon them, which was repulsed, and Captain Hutchens charged the rebels and drove them from the field. We distributed the cavalry to the best advantage for the protection of the command, and Colonel Reed coming up, we started for Helena. I left Captain Hutchens to conduct the rear, and too much praise cannot be awarded him for the skill and bravery displayed during the whole march, handsomely repelling every assault the enemy made upon him. ́

On arriving near the junction of the Spring Creek road I expected to find the enemy there if at all in our front in force, and had apprised Colonel Reed of the probability and suggested that everything be prepared for action. We found the enemy there, as I expected, and were fully prepared for them and drove them from their position, causing them to disperse in not very good order. The rebels had annoyed us in front, rear, and both flanks all the way from Big Creek till after their last repulse at the junction of the Spring Creek road. From there to Helena we were not troubled by them except in the rear. We captured 5 prisoners of war, 2 of Foss' regiment and 2 of Gordon's regiment, Shelby's command, 1 of Dobbin's regiment. We captured 3 horses and 2 mules. Four of the animals have been turned over to the district quartermaster. Joseph Impey, hospital steward, requests that he may keep one horse which was captured, that is now in his possession, in lieu of one stolen last winter.

Lieut. F. W. Webster, Company D, who volunteered his services to accompany me, rendered very efficient service during the whole expedition. Lieutenant David, Thirty-fifth Missouri, is also entitled to much praise for valuable service rendered. Both of these officers seemed to be always where they were the most needed. Too much praise cannot be awarded to the other officers of the Fifteenth for promptness and bravery in executing every command. The men, too, are entitled to their share of praise for their gallantry. One determination seemed to predominate, and that was to save the command at any cost. The officers and men of the Fifteenth all unite in awarding the highest praise to the officers and men of the colored troops for their stubborn bravery in every action of the day.

The casualties in our regiment are as follows: 1 private, Company C, slightly wounded; 1 private of Company B, who accompanied Colonel Brooks as guide, missing.

Very respectfully, &c.,

E. CARMICHAEL,

Major, Comdg. Detachment Fifteenth Illinois Cavalry Vols.

Capt. T. C. MEATYARD,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Dist. of Eastern Arkansas.

No. 9.

Report of Lieut. Harmon T. Chappel, Battery E, Second U. S. Colored Light Artillery.

HDQRS. BATTY. E, SECOND U. S. COL. ARTY. (LIGHT),

Helena, Ark., July 29, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that on the evening of July 25, at 4.30 p. m., in company with Colonel Brooks, of the Fifty-sixth U. S. Colored Infantry, in command of detachments from the Fifty-sixth and Sixtieth U. S. Colored Infantry, with one section of Battery E, Second U. S. Colored Artillery (light), commanded by Capt. J. F. Lembke, we moved out on the Little Rock road with orders to guard the crossing at Big Creek, eighteen miles from this place.

We proceeded without delay as ordered until 9 p. m., when we halted one hour to rest and get supper, and again moved forward until 3 a. m. 26th instant, within half a mile of Big Creek, where we halted till daylight. At daylight, leaving the transportation, two caissons and the rifled gun, with parts of two companies of infantry, we moved ahead and took position at the crossing of Big Creek, while Colonel Brooks with part of the infantry crossed over to make a reconnaissance. In less than an hour he returned, reporting no enemy in that vicinity, and at once ordering the force left in the rear forward, and that breakfast be got and the teams watered and fed. Before the teams were all unhitched it was rumored that the enemy was advancing upon our rear. I at once got the rifled gun into position about 200 yards from the creek and facing our left, and awaited their approach. The enemy were concealed in the thick timber and were within 150 yards of us before I opened on them, when they charged with a yell, but being well supported by Captain Brown, of the Sixtieth, with sixteen men, and Captain Patten, of the Fifty-sixth, with twenty-five men, and using canister rapidly and carefully, we repulsed them. They next took position

behind the work forming the bridge over the low ground, which compelled the infantry on my right to fall back; being thus left without support on my right or left I fell back and joined the main force, at once reporting to Captain Lembke, who was on the right with the howitzer. Before he had given me any instructions he was shot dead, this about half an hour after the first gun was fired. I at once ordered the rifled gun to support the left under Sergeant Graham, and went to assist my men on the right. From this time until 11 a. m. we kept up a brisk fire, when we were joined by Major Carmichael, of the Fifteenth Illinois Cavalry, with about 100 men of his command. After holding a consultation the officers concluded to fall back, as the enemy would soon be re-enforced by troops from General Shelby's command. Having six horses killed and seven badly wounded it was impossible to bring off my caissons, and just at starting two other horses were shot, which forced me to leave all but my two guns and one limber.

The casualties were as follows: Killed, Capt. J. F. Lembke; mortally wounded, Corpl. William Smizer, and left on the field; mortally wounded, Private Robert Jenkins, since dead; slightly wounded, Privates Thomas Thomas and Jacob Early; missing, Private Thomas Jeff. Green.

During the whole fight the colored men stood up to their duty like veterans, and it was owing to their strong arms and cool heads, backed by fearless daring, alone that I was able to get away either of my guns. They marched eighteen miles at once, fought five hours, against three to one, and were as eager at the end as at the beginning for the fight. Never did men, under such circumstances, show greater pluck or daring.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Capt. T. C. MEATYARD,

H. T. CHAPPEL,

First Lieutenant.

Assistant Adjutant-General, Dist. of Eastern Arkansas.

No. 10.

Report of Brig. Gen. John M. Thayer, U. S. Army, commanding District of the Frontier.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF THE FRONTIER,

Fort Smith, Ark., July 30, 1864.

SIR: I have to report that on the morning of the 27th instant a force of between 1,500 and 2,000 rebels, under command of General Gano, all mounted, attacked my outpost, seven miles out, composed of about 200 men of the Sixth Kansas Cavalry, under command of Captain Mefford. They moved up in two columns, one driving in the pickets, the other flanking them. Captain Mefford formed his men and fought them bravely, but was very soon overpowered, and he and 82 men were taken prisoners, and the enemy retired before re-enforcements could be got to the relief of our men. I sent a force in pursuit but could not overtake them. There were 10 of our men killed and 15 wounded; 12 of the enemy killed and 20 wounded, left on the field. I have been obliged to keep a force out that distance so that our stock could graze on the prairie.

Some eight days ago eight of my citizen scouts surprised the pickets of the enemy and took 1 lieutenant and 6 men prisoners, and brought

them in. Major Galloway, of the First Arkansas Cavalry, routed Major Pickler and his command, belonging to Stand Watie and Buck Brown's force, killing Major Pickler and a number of his men, and captured 35 horses and mules. Captain Worthington, of the same regiment, subsequently attacked a portion of Brown's force, killing 9 rebels and cap turing 15 horses and 3 mules. The enemy, under Cooper and Maxey, are camped on Buck Creek about twenty-five miles southwest of here. I still think their object is to hold this force here, and also to make raids across the river between here and Gibson when the river is fordable, as it soon will be. I have no fears as to this place or Gibson. I may have to withdraw the troops from Clarksville for the reason that I shall have to keep trains running from Fort Gibson to Fort Scott, and shal have to strengthen the escorts on that route, and also guard the fords between here and Gibson. I also have to furnish a large force to guard the parties putting up hay. My cavalry are almost useless as cavalry for the want of serviceable horses. I am anxious to hear about your situation and the movements of the enemy in your front and below you The force in my front is from 5,000 to 7,000, nearly all mounted. I am only prevented from moving out and fighting them by the want of cav alry and artillery horses. I could not move my batteries twenty miles this hot weather before half of the horses would give out.

I would call your attention to the fact that the term of service of the Second Indiana Battery, now here, expires on the last of next month I should be glad to get the Third Kansas Battery up here, now at Little Rock.

Very respectfully,

Maj. Gen. FREDERICK STEELE,

JOHN M. THAYER, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Commanding Department of Arkansas.

ADDENDA.

Itinerary of the District of the Frontier, commanded by Brig. Gen John M. Thayer.*

July 2.-The Ninth Kansas Cavalry was ordered to Little Rock. July 9.-The First Arkansas Cavalry transferred to Third Brigade July 11.-The Second Indian Home Guards transferred to Indian Brigade.

July 21.-The Fourth Arkansas Infantry (organizing) was ordered to Little Rock.

July 27-At daybreak the Sixth Kansas Cavalry, on outpost duty, six miles from Fort Smith, were attacked by General Gano's (Texas) brigade. Loss: 10 killed, 17 wounded; captured, 115 enlisted men and 2 commissioned officers, Captain Mefford and Lieutenant Defriese.

July 31.-Pickets driven in by forces under Cooper, Gano, Stand Watie, and Folsom, all mounted. Their advance was met by Colonel Judson, Sixth Kansas Cavalry, commanding Third Brigade, one mile from the fortifications, who succeeded, after a brisk engagement, in driving them back. Could not be pursued for want of a sufficient mounted force. Casualties-Colonel Judson wounded, 10 enlisted men killed and wounded. Rebel loss not known.

From monthly return.