CIVIL WAR MISSOURI, MARCH 8-9, 1862, CHASE TO KEETSVILLE AFTER BATTLE OF PEA RIDGE

CIVIL WAR MISSOURI, MARCH 8-9, 1862, CHASE TO KEETSVILLE AFTER BATTLE OF PEA RIDGE

MARCH 8-9, 1862
CHASE TO KEETSVILLE AFTER BATTLE OF PEA RIDGE

Report of Col. Peter J. Osterhaus, Twelfth Missouri Infantry (Union), Commanding First Division, to Capt. T. I. McKinney, Acting Asst. Adj. Gen., S.W. District, Army of the Missouri

HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION,
Camp Welfley, Ark., March 14, 1862.

CAPTAIN: In compliance with special orders from headquarters of Southwest District I have the honor to report the part taken by the First Division in the three days� battle of the 6th, 7th, and 8th of this month.

[For Osterhaus' full report on the battle of Pea Ridge, see the OR, Series I, Volume 8, pages 216-221.]

*****

We had conquered. The rebels were retreating in all directions -- one force by the Cassville road which we followed in close pursuit and prevented every attempt of theirs to form again. A great many prisoners and munitions of war, muskets, caissons, baggage wagons, and one more cannon were taken by us in this pursuit. General Sigel ordered me to drive the rebel column as far as Keetsville, which I did, arriving in the neighborhood of that place at 5 o�clock p. m. Next morning (March 9) we entered the town of Keetsville, and dispatched a cavalry force a few miles beyond, but it being evident that the enemy�s forces in that direction had dispersed, General Sigel ordered us to return to the battle ground, where he encamped our command near the other divisions.

*****

All of which is respectfully submitted.

P. J. OSTERHAUS,
Colonel, Commanding First Division, Army of the Southwest

SOURCE: OR, Series I, Volume 8, Pages 216-221.

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