CIVIL WAR MISSOURI, MAY 1863, CONFEDERATE SCOUT FROM INDIAN TERRITORY TO JASPER COUNTY
MAY 6-19, 1863
SCOUT FROM CREEK AGENCY, INDIAN TERRITORY, TO JASPER COUNTY, MISSOURI, INLCUDING SKIRMISHES AT MARTIN'S HOUSE, CENTRE CREEK, AND NEAR SHERWOOD, AND DESTRUCTION OF SHERWOOD

Report of Maj. T. R. Livingston (CSA) to Maj. General Sterling Price

DIAMOND GROVE, JASPER COUNTY, MO.,
May 28, 1863.

GENERAL: I left the Creek Agency on the 6th of May, en route for Missouri; crossed the Verdigris River at Sandtown; camped one day at the Union Saline Works, and from thence up the Texas road. At the house of Captain Martin, on Cabin Creek, met a scout of the enemy from Fort Scott. I immediately engaged him, killing 1 and wounding 1. He then took shelter in and around the houses. I endeavored to draw them out, but without success. He was soon re-enforced by a company of cavalry from Fort Gibson. I then retired to Cary�s Gap and camped for the night. My loss was 3 men slightly wounded.

The following morning [9th ?] I took up the line of march for Southwest Missouri, and arrived in Jasper County without any incidents worthy of note.

On the 15th of May, as I was crossing the timber of Centre Creek, about 10 miles southwest of Carthage, I encountered a scout of the enemy, consisting of 125 Newtonia militia. I immediately got my men in position to receive an assault from him, whom I vigorously repulsed. I charged upon him, Captain Estes commanding the left, Captain McCullough the center, and Captain Rusk a flanking party on the right. A sharp firing ensued; the enemy were soon flying before us, being completely put to rout. I pursued him about 3 miles. The enemy lost in killed, 13; mortally wounded, 4; prisoners, 4. My loss, killed, none, wounded, Captain Estes, slightly in the arm; Captain McCullough, slightly stunned from the fall of his horse that was shot under him. I then retired to Twin Groves, about 3 miles distant.

The next day [16th] the enemy re-enforced to about 400. I moved on Spring River, but was not pursued.

On the 18th, my scouts reported 60 negroes and white men, belonging to Colonel [J. M.] Williams� negro regiment, with five six-mule teams, foraging on Centre Creek Prairie. I ordered out 67 of my best mounted men. I came upon them at Mrs. Rador�s, pillaging her premises. I afterward learned that they were ordered not to take more plunder than they could take with them. I charged them at the house, flanking them on the right, routed them, and pursued them about 8 miles, to the crossing of Spring River.

The enemy�s loss in killed was, negroes, 23, and 7 white men; wounded, unknown; and __ prisoners; also captured 30 mules and 5 wagons; a box containing 1,400 cartridges and caps; a good many guns, pistols, &c. The prisoners I have subsequently exchanged for Confederate soldiers. I sustained no loss. The following day (19th) they returned with 300 infantry and two companies of cavalry and burned the town of Sherwood and eleven farm-houses in the vicinity. They put 10 of their dead (negroes) that had been left on the battle-ground the day preceding, and, together with the body of Mr. John Bishop, a citizen prisoner, whom they had murdered, into the house of Mrs. Rador, and burned the premises. They then returned to their camp at Baxter Springs.

With great respect, I am, your obedient servant,

T. R. LIVINGSTON,
Major, Commanding Confederate Forces.

P. S. Captain Estes and I were both slightly wounded in the last fight.

SOURCE: OR, Series I, Volume 22, Part I, Pages 321-322.


Report of Lt. Edward A. Smith, Second Kansas Battery, to Major H. Z. Curtis, Assistant Adjutant-General, District of the Frontier

FORT SCOTT, KANS., June 30, 1863.

SIR: In accordance with Paragraph I, General Orders, No. 169, of 1862; Adjutant-General�s Office, I have the honor to report as follows:

On the 18th day of May, 1863, a foraging party from the camp of Colonel [James M.] Williams. First Colored Volunteers, Baxter Springs, Kans., consisting in part of men belonging to my battery, was attacked in the vicinity of Sherwood, Mo., by a party of rebel guerrillas, and Corpl. Van Rensler Hancock, Private Joseph Endecott, and Private Cameron Garrett were killed. On the 8th day of June, 1863, the same rebel guerrillas attacked the herd grazing, and Private Arthur W. Gaines was killed, and Corpl. Thomas Larkin, and Private James Martin were taken prisoners.

Very respectfully, &c.,

E. A. SMITH,
First Lieutenant, Commanding Second Kansas Battery.

SOURCE: OR, Series I, Volume 22, Part I, Page 322.

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