CAMP PHELPS, Mo., August 29, 1864.
COLONEL: I herewith transmit my report of the command which I was placed in charge of by Special Orders, No. 51, headquarters Post of Cassville, Cassville, Mo.
In obedience to instructions I proceeded with the train, leaving the Big Spring, near Cassville, on the morning of the 23d of August. I proceeded with caution to Little Sugar Creek, where I encamped without molestation. On the morning of the 24th I continued our move on the wire road. I moved forward until in about ten miles of Fayetteville, at what is called the Gerald Mountain. The rear guard was suddenly attacked by about twenty-five or thirty rebels, who were concealed on our left. At the moment of the attack the rear guard gave way, and the rebels seeing this dashed upon the wagons, firing at teamsters and mules. Being at the head of the column myself as soon as I heard the firing started to the rear, ordering all the infantry to form and protect the advance of the train, while I ordered the cavalry to follow me. I immediately made my way to the place of firing with what men I could hastily call upon. On arriving at the place of action I opened fire on some rebels who were shooting one of my wounded men. As soon as I commenced firing at the enemy they began to fall back. I followed them as far as I thought prudent on account of the train. The enemy drew off up a mountain to the east, whereupon I thought best to proceed to move on with the train. I proceeded to Fayetteville on the 24th. My loss was 1 man killed; 1 other man shot in four different parts of the body; one or two others slightly grazed with bullets. After remaining at Fayetteville two days I started to Cassville on the 27th instant, throwing out flankers on each side of the way. I had no further difficulty, and arrived at Cassville the 28th instant. I also lost in the fight 1 Government mule and 3 horses.
JAMES L. POWELL,
Captain Company F, Second Arkansas Cavalry
SOURCE: OR, Series I, Volume 41 (Part I), Pages 273-274.
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