CIVIL WAR MISSOURI, SEPTEMBER 1862, BATTLE OF NEWTONIA, UNION REPORTS
 
 
SEPTEMBER 30, 1862
BATTLE OF NEWTONIA, UNION REPORTS

  This page contains the following Union reports concerning the battle of Newtonia:

Excerpt from a Report of Brig. Gen. John M. Schofield (Union) of Operations in Missouri and Northwestern Arkansas April 10 - November 20, 1862

[No date.]

*******

A brigade of cavalry, under General Brown, and two brigades of General Blunt�s command, under General Salomon and Colonel Weer, were in the vicinity of Sarcoxie, in observation of the enemy's force which had advanced as far as Newtonia.

General Curtis having on September 27 placed General Blunt�s command subject to my orders, I immediately requested General Blunt to send forward all available re-enforcements to Sarcoxie, informing him that I would join him there with a considerable force. I immediately organized a division, about 6,000 strong (including General Brown�s brigade), under the command of General Totten, and sent it forward on September 30.

On the 30th a small force, sent out by General Salomon to reconnoiter the enemy�s position, became engaged with a greatly superior force of the enemy�s cavalry at Newtonia, and suffered severely. General Salomon moved forward to their support with the remainder of his force, and dispatched to Col. G. H. Hall, Missouri State Militia (then commanding General Brown�s brigade), for assistance. General Salomon reached the scene of action at 12 m., and renewed the engagement, which continued until near sunset, without serious loss on our side, when General Salomon retired from the field, closely pressed by the enemy. At this moment Colonel Hall arrived upon the field, with about 1,500 cavalry and Captain Murphy�s battery, attacked the enemy in the flank, checked his advance, and effectually covered the retreat of General Salomon�s brigade. Colonel Hall deserves commendation for the efficient service rendered on that occasion.

The entire force engaged on our side was about 4,500 men. The enemy displayed eleven regiments of cavalry and one battery of artillery�probably about 7,000 men.

Gaining imperfect tidings of this affair, and apprehending that the enemy might press his success and do us great damage, I started, on the morning of October 1, overtook General Totten�s division, and proceeded with it to Colonel Hall�s camp, 5 miles east of Sarcoxie, reaching that place on the evening of the 2d. To my gratification I was there met the next morning by General Blunt, who had pressed forward rapidly from Fort Scott with small re-enforcements. My force was now about 10,000 strong; that of the enemy variously estimated at from 13,000 to 20,000 at Newtonia.

I had reliable information that Rains, with his force of infantry and artillery, was coming up to Newtonia, and had probably already arrived at that place. After a brief consultation with General Blunt it was decided to move upon the enemy that night and attack him at daylight the next morning. General Blunt�s division entered the prairie on which Newtonia is situated from the north and west in three columns, and General Totten�s division in a single column from the east. Rains had failed to come, as ordered, and the enemy, in anticipation of our attack, had sent their baggage to the rear and were preparing to retreat. Our cavalry and artillery immediately charged upon the enemy, the latter fleeing precipitately across the prairie and escaping into the timber some 3 miles from the town. A strong force of cavalry and light howitzers was pushed forward in pursuit, harassing the enemy and inflicting upon him considerable loss, until he was driven through Pineville into Arkansas.

Our loss in this affair was only 4 wounded. That of the enemy could not be ascertained, as the fight extended over 30 miles of timbered country. Eighteen of the enemy�s dead were left in the road.

*******

J. M. SCHOFIELD,
Brigadier- General

SOURCE: OR, Series I, Volume 13, Pages 7-21 at 18-19.


Report of Brig. Gen. Frederick Salomon (Union), Commanding First Brigade Kansas Volunteers, to Brig. Gen. John Schofield

HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, ARMY OF KANSAS,
Sarcoxie, Mo., October 1, 1862.

GENERAL: I have the honor to report the following:

On the 29th ultimo I sent scouting parties to Newtonia, Granby, and Neosho. The latter (as per report of Colonel Weer) killed 2 of the enemy�s pickets, wounded several, and made 1 prisoner. Those at Granby reported no enemy there. The scouting party to Newtonia was commanded by Colonel Lynde, and consisted of the Ninth Kansas Volunteer Cavalry (about 150 men) and two mountain howitzers. In the afternoon I heard cannon firing in the direction of Newtonia. I ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Jacobi, Ninth Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers, with three cannon of Stockton�s battery and two companies of the Ninth Regiment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, to his assistance. Toward evening Colonel Lynde returned to camp, reporting that Lieutenant-Colonel Jacobi had taken a position of observation some 9 miles from camp and wanted re-enforcements. I sent two more companies of the Ninth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and advised him that Colonel Lynde would be with him in the morning. The instructions of Colonel Lynde and Lieutenant-Colonel Jacobi were mainly to find out the enemy, but not to risk anything, and to report to me immediately if they would find the enemy in force.

At about 7 a. m. on the 30th I heard heavy firing in the direction of Newtonia. I at once ordered the forces here (First and Second Brigades of Kansas) to be in readiness, and ordered Colonel Hall, in command of the Fourth Brigade, Missouri State Militia, to march to Newtonia. The fire continuing, I ordered the Sixth Kansas Volunteer Cavalry and the Third Indian Home Guard to proceed to the battle-field on a trot, while I marched with the infantry and artillery in the same direction. Our train was left in charge of some 400 Indians and two pieces of Major Blair�s battery. At about 10 a. m. the messenger to Colonel Hall overtook me on the road with the message hereto annexed [not found]. I dispatched Captain Welch, Second Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, to keep communication between us open. Soon afterward I received the news that our troops, in the attempt to take the town, were defeated and the infantry cut up. Official reports I have not been able to obtain yet. On my arrival at the battle-field I found the Sixth Kansas and the Third Indian Home Guard in line of battle on an elevation north of Newtonia. I ordered the Sixth Kansas, with two mountain howitzers, to the right; the Third Indian Regiment of Home Guards to the left, where a wooded ravine, lined with corn fields and stone fences, runs to the town; the artillery, Captain Allen�s battery and three pieces of Captain Stockton�s battery, to the center, supported by the First Battalion of the Tenth Kansas Infantry on their right and the Ninth Regiment of Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry on their left; three pieces of Stockton�s battery and the Second Battalion of the Tenth Kansas Infantry being kept as reserve. The enemy was in strong position -- behind stone walls and massive buildings. They were re-enforced in the forenoon, and, as prisoners say, 7,000 strong. I waited anxiously for the arrival of Colonel Hall on the right flank of the enemy, keeping the enemy in check by my artillery. An attempt to force our left flank was nobly repulsed by Colonel Phillips, Third Indian Home Guards, supported by our reserve. My intention was to advance upon the enemy with the whole force at the arrival of Colonel Hall, but when he had not arrived toward sunset I ordered the retreat. Shortly afterward I was informed that Colonel Hall was 2 miles in my rear in the timber. It now became dark. General Rains was reported to be arriving, and I fell back on my defenses at this place. Why Colonel Hall did not come in time, and on the road he reported he would come, is a mystery to me, and can be explained perhaps only by him. There is no doubt but that we could have annihilated the enemy if he had appeared in time and on the proper road.

Our loss in the afternoon was very small. That of the enemy must be heavy, since our artillery fired from an elevated ground into their thick masses.

It gives me pleasure to say that our troops behaved nobly. Colonel Weer, commanding the Second Brigade, is entitled to my thanks for his conduct before, during, and after the battle.

I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant,

F. SALOMON,
Brig. Gen., Comdg. First Brigade Kansas Volunteers.

SOURCE: OR, Series I, Volume 13, Pages 286-288.


Report of Col. William Weer (Union), Tenth Kansas Infantry, Commanding Brigade, to Brig. Gen. James G. Blunt, Commanding Department of Kansas

HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, ARMY OF KANSAS,
Sarcoxie, Mo., October 1, 1862, 7 p. m.

Yours of the 29th and 30th ultimo received. I send, as requested, a messenger, via Lamar, to inform you that we are encamped at this place with my own and Salomon�s brigades. East of us 6 miles are some 1,800 Missouri troops. Your nearest and best route from Lamar would be by Bower�s Mill. We were fighting all day yesterday. Our loss considerable; exact extent not yet known. The fight was at Newtonia, and brought on by a detached party attacking the enemy some thousands strong. Four whole companies of the Ninth Wisconsin, except about 10 men, are killed, wounded, or captured, besides others of the Sixth and Ninth Kansas and Third Indian. Our main body did not reach the field until afternoon when we renewed the fight with artillery. The Sixth Kansas, on our right, drove back some Texas regiments trying to outflank us, and Phillips� regiment had a warm encounter on our left, where a determined effort was made by the enemy to get in our rear. Here Captain Webber, of the Third Indian, was killed and Major Foreman wounded. What damage was done the enemy is not satisfactorily known. It is believed to be heavier than our own in killed and wounded. We got no prisoners. There is every reason to believe that Rains re-enforced them during the day. We have fallen back to this point, where General Salomon is awaiting an attack. I would suggest that a portion of the cavalry coming down take the road here by Carthage, scouting the country as they advance. Stand Watie and Indians were in the fight yesterday. The enemy�s force is estimated at from 5,000 to 11,000. They evidently outnumbered us largely, and have six pieces of cannon, which they managed admirably.

Yours,

WM. WEER,
Colonel, Commanding Second Brigade.

SOURCE: OR, Series I, Volume 13, Page 288.


Report of Col. George H. Hall (Union), Fourth Missouri Militia Cavalry, Commanding Brigade, to Brig. Gen. E. B. Brown, Commanding Brigade

HDQRS. FOURTH BRIGADE, MISSOURI STATE MILITIA, CAVALRY, NEAR CENTRE CREEK,
Six miles east of Sarcoxie, Mo., October 1, 1862.

GENERAL: Being left in command of your brigade during your temporary absence at Springfield, Mo., I beg leave to submit the following report:

At about 8 a. m. of the 30th ultimo firing from artillery was heard in the direction of, and supposed to be at or near, Newtonia, Mo. The firing was continued until about 10 o�clock of the said day, when it ceased. I had seen Brigadier-General Schofield�s letter of instructions to different commanders in his division directing them not on any account to risk a defeat. I had seen General Salomon�s estimate of the number of the enemy�s troops of Newtonia, Mo., which was 8,000; also Colonel Weer�s estimate, which was about 11,000. I was also aware of the fact that the forces of General Salomon, of Colonel Weer, and of your brigade did not number near 8,000. General Salomon never, by word or letter, intimated to me that he intended attacking the enemy at Newtonia. I was therefore lost in conjecture as to who were engaged in firing the artillery we heard in the morning. About 10 a. m. of the said 30th ultimo I received the following order:

This was the only communication ever received by me from General Salomon concerning the movement of the troops under my command at that time. It left me in utter ignorance of General Salomon�s intentions. I did not know whether he intended to advance with his forces from Sarcoxie toward Newtonia. I was entirely without information of the intention of General Salomon. I desired him to send me a messenger. He neither sent me a messenger or a line, nor did he communicate with me in any way until I reached the battle-field.

Immediately upon the receipt of the above order from General Salomon I ordered the different regiments, battalions, and companies of the brigade to march. We marched toward Newtonia by the way of Jollification. We marched about 8 miles. I had not heard any firing since we started. I had not received any communication from General Salomon. I was ignorant of his movements or intentions. I had no means of knowing the result of the morning's engagement, but had good reason to believe that the enemy had maintained his position. By marching to Newtonia by way of Jollification the whole force of the enemy would be directly between my command and the troops of General Salomon, whether they were at Sarcoxie or advancing from Sarcoxie to Newtonia.

I therefore, upon consultation with the principal officers of your brigade, determined to march west until I struck the road leading from Sarcoxie to Newtonia or until I could learn something about General Salomon�s movements or intentions. We reached the road leading from Sarcoxie to Newtonia at about 8 miles� distance from Newtonia at about 4 p. m. of said 30th ultimo. Here we came upon some stragglers belonging to Salomon's command. From them I learned that General Salomon and Colonel Weer, with their brigades, had marched toward Newtonia; that about 400 men belonging to General Salomon�s command had made the attack in the morning on the enemy�s forces (about 8,000 strong) at Newtonia, and that General Salomon and Colonel Weer had marched down to their relief. At the time we reached the road from Sarcoxie to Newtonia firing from artillery was heard by me again at or near Newtonia, which told me that General Salomon had with his forces reached Newtonia. It was about as far from our camp to where we struck the Sarcoxie road as from Sarcoxie to Newtonia. We marched from the last-mentioned place where we came into the Sarcoxie road to Newtonia with all possible dispatch. We reached the battle-field about sunset. General Salomon, on the battle-field, requested me to cover his retreat with my brigade. Gen. Salomon�s troops were retreating in great confusion. The enemy in force were advancing to attack the rear of General Salomon's column. His rear must have been captured and destroyed but for the timely arrival of your brigade. I drew up your brigade in line of battle in front of the enemy and between the enemy and the retreating force of Brigadier-General Salomon. The enemy, seeing my disposition, drew up in line of battle and commenced firing their artillery at my line. I ordered Lieutenant Marr, in command of Captain Murphy�s company of the First Missouri Artillery, to open fire upon the enemy, which was obeyed in a prompt and efficient manner.

The troops of your brigade acted with great coolness and courage on the field and during the retreat. About dark the enemy withdrew their forces from the field. Having secured the retreat of the forces of General Salomon I drew off the men under my command.

Our only casualty was 1 man [of the Third Missouri Militia Cavalry] badly wounded by the bursting of the enemy�s shell.

General Salomon's troops scattered from near the battle-field to Sarcoxie. I saw them all safely back to Sarcoxie. I there, on the next morning, met General Salomon. He declined renewing the attack on the enemy. It therefore became my duty to march my brigade back to Centre Creek to protect the train. I arrived at the camp at about 10 a. m. of this 1st instant. I found everything safe.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEORGE H. HALL,
Colonel, Fourth Cav., Missouri State Militia, Comdg. Brigade.

SOURCE: OR, Series I, Volume 13, Pages 289-290.


Report of Col. William R. Judson (Union), Sixth Kansas Cavalry

[No date.]

On the morning of the 30th, in pursuance of orders, I detailed 300 men and officers from my regiment and proceeded in the direction of Newtonia, and, after having traveled about 10 miles on that road, met a small party of Colonel Lynde�s and Colonel Salomon�s regiments, with two pieces of Captain Stockton�s battery and 2 howitzers, in full retreat before the enemy, who informed me that Colonel Lynde, with a part of his regiment and Captain Mefford�s company of the Sixth were surrounded by the enemy.

I soon came to where appeared to have been a slight skirmish; counted some 10 killed and wounded, who were completely stripped of their clothing and left lying in the hot sun. The day was very hot and sultry. Took 1 prisoner. There we caught the first glimpse of the enemy and followed him to the prairie, where he formed his line of battle 3 miles out from Newtonia on the Sarcoxie road. I at once ordered my men into line, and directed Lieutenant Benedict to bring his mountain howitzers into position on the gallop; then threw a few shells, and the enemy fell back. My men followed them with a shout to the town, where the lieutenant again commenced shelling them, when the enemy opened his battery upon us within short range with three guns, using shell and round shot pretty freely. Here Lieutenant Phillips had his horse killed under him by a round shot. To get out of range, the howitzers being too light to reply successfully, I ordered my men to retire to a bluff about 1 mile to the enemy�s front, and immediately sent a courier back to General Salomon, informing him of the enemy�s position and asking for re-enforcements. This was about 10 o�clock a. m., and at about 2 o�clock p. m. Colonel Phillips arrived with his Indian regiment, much to our gratification, having held the enemy (7,000 strong) in check four hours by continually skirmishing with them, notwithstanding the heavy cannonading we received from him. At about 3.30 the balance of the command arrived.

The portion of the enemy that I attacked were Texas regiments, well armed, that had been selected on purpose to follow our retreating force, and if possible capture our artillery, which was then in full retreat, as at that time there was but little support for it.

My command, officers and men, behaved with great coolness and bravery. The only trouble I had was to keep them at what I considered a proper distance from the enemy.

W. R. JUDSON,
Colonel, Commanding Sixth Kansas Cavalry

SOURCE: OR, Series I, Volume 13, Pages 290-291.


Report of Col. Edward Lynde (Union), Ninth Kansas Cavalry, to Brig. Gen. Frederick Salomon

HDQRS. NINTH KANSAS VOLUNTEER CAVALRY,
Sarcoxie, Mo., October 1, 1862.

GENERAL: In compliance with your verbal orders I left camp at this place on the morning of the 29th of September, 1862, accompanied by Majors Bancroft and Pomeroy and four companies of the regiment, viz: Company D, Captain Coleman; Company E, Captain Flesher; Company F, commanded by Lieutenant Spencer; Company H, Captain Killen, and two howitzers, under command of Lieutenant Opdyke, of Company F, and proceeded in the direction of Newtonia, feeling my way. At a distance of 8 miles from our camp we commenced driving in the pickets of the enemy. Arrived on the prairie in front of the town, our farther advance was disputed by a strong picket guard stationed in and around a deserted house and corn field on our left (distance from town about 1 1/4 miles). At this point I discovered a strong outpost still farther on our left and nearly in our rear. I ordered Captain Coleman, with his company, to observe their movements, while I directed Lieutenant Opdyke to shell the house and corn field; Major Bancroft, with two companies, to protect our right flank, and Major Pomeroy, with one company, covering the howitzers. A few rounds from our howitzers soon dispersed the enemy, who sought shelter in the town. We then advanced our lines to within three-quarters of a mile of the town and opened on them with the howitzers, but the distance was too great for our shells to do any damage. After remaining on the field for one and a half hours and making what observations I could, the enemy not replying with any guns, I ordered the command to retire. At this time 2 prisoners were brought in, from whom I learned the strength of the enemy in town to be about 2,600, with two pieces of cannon. We fell back slowly to the prairie north of Shoal Creek, rested, retired to camp, and reported to you. On the morning of the 30th I again left my camp at 3 o�clock a. m. with the same command as yesterday, according to your verbal orders, and proceeded to Newtonia, arriving there about 6 o�clock a. m., and found Lieutenant-Colonel Jacobi, of the Ninth Wisconsin Volunteers, with the re-enforcements, already on the ground, and the action had already commenced by Captain Mefford, of the Sixth Kansas Volunteers, driving in the outpost of the enemy on our left in splendid style nnd taking some prisoners. A portion of the infantry having been ordered forward to a wooded ravine north of the town by Lieutenant-Colonel Jacobi, I now ordered the artillery forward, under command of Lieutenant Masterson, to the center, at the same time directing Majors Bancroft and Pomeroy, with the Ninth Kansas Volunteer Cavalry and the two howitzers, to occupy an elevated piece of ground on our extreme right and Captain Mefford was directed to occupy our left. The artillery opened on the town in gallant style with shot and shell. The position of the enemy proved to be a strong one, they having the shelter of several large brick houses, one large stone barn, as well as a long line of heavy stone wall. Near the stone barn the enemy had two pieces of cannon, which opened fire on us in answer to our own. This was the position of things at about 7 o�clock a. m. The enemy having got the range of our guns, they were changed to a new position farther to the right and nearer the town and enemy. Their shots were now thrown at random, sometimes on our right, sometimes on our center, and then again on our left, without doing us any damage. The firing from our guns not being as effective as I desired, they were directed to advance still nearer and within about 600 yards of the town. The artillery now played on the position of the enemy with marked effect, dealing death and destruction at each discharge, and for a time their guns were silenced. They soon got them into a new position, but did us no damage.

The Ninth Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, with the howitzers, were now ordered up from our right, and Captain Flesher, with Company E, was directed to support Captain Mefford on our left -- the balance to support the battery, the howitzers occupying a position by the side of the larger guns -- the balance of the infantry having been ordered forward to the wooded ravine by Lieutenant-Colonel Jacobi. I soon after saw the infantry close to the stone wall already described, from which soon leaped a perfect stream of fire right into the ranks of the infantry, they returning the fire nobly and slowly retired. And just here permit me to say that the conduct of the infantry under these trying circumstances deserves the highest commendation, showing front against rash odds and resisting the desperate attempts of the enemy to overwhelm them. Deeming it impossible to take the town by storm with my small force, numbering barely 500, and observing the enemy firing signal rockets from their guns into the air, I ordered the command to retire, which was done in good order until we reached the high ground adjoining the timber. Before reaching that point, however, reports were brought to me that large bodies of re-enforcements of the enemy were seen arriving from the southeast as well as the west. I now observed the enemy swarming from their concealed positions in the town to harass our retreat. One regiment or more, said to be under the command of Colonel Cooper, coming up on our rear, another body as large on our right flank through the corn field, the artillery was again brought into position, and the ranks of the enemy were mowed down with great slaughter. We continued to retire, forming and reforming, for the infantry to pass the cavalry and reload; the artillery on arriving at the woods having been ordered in the advance, under cover of Company F, Ninth Kansas Volunteer Cavalry. The enemy, having recovered from their shock, commenced a flank movement on our right and left in overwhelming numbers. At this point the fire of the enemy was terrific. The Ninth Kansas Volunteer Cavalry were armed with revolvers and sabers only, while the enemy were armed with long-range guns. Here Major Bancroft, assisted by Major Pomeroy, of the Ninth Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, and Captain Mefford, of the Sixth Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, as well as the Ninth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, made a gallant stand, but were overpowered by numbers and obliged to retreat.

The officers in general are entitled to praise for the heroic manner in which they conducted themselves and the soldiers are worthy of all praise for the determined manner in which they resisted the repeated assaults of the enemy. Our loss I am unable to give, as no reports have been made to me. The loss of the enemy must have been far greater than ours. I estimate their loss at 300 killed and wounded.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

E. LYNDE,
Colonel, Commanding

SOURCE: OR, Series I, Volume 13, Pages 291-293.


Report of Lt. Col. Arthur Jacobi (Union), Ninth Wisconsin Infantry, to Brig. Gen. Frederick Salomon, Commanding Troops near Sarcoxie, Mo.

CAMP, NEAR SARCOXIE, Mo., October 3, 1862.

GENERAL: I have the honor to report as follows:

On September 29 last I received orders from your headquarters to proceed with the following command toward Newtonia, to wit: Companies D and G, of Ninth Regiment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, 100 men; three pieces of Captain Stockton�s battery; detachment of Captain Mefford�s company, Sixth Kansas Cavalry, 45 men, and Third Indian Home Guards, 50 men, with instructions to ascertain the whereabouts of Colonel Lynde, Ninth Kansas Cavalry, our reconnoitering party, to re-enforce him, if necessary, or to reconnoiter the position of the enemy near Newtonia, and to ascertain his strength, position, and number of artillery. I left camp with my command at 3 p. m. and met Colonel Lynde 3 miles from it, on his way to camp. Circumstances, in my opinion, authorized me to proceed toward Newtonia, about 15 miles from here. About 3 miles from camp I struck a belt of timber about 6 miles in width. Having thrown out flankers I carefully marched on, and reached Ritchie�s farm before dark, about 3 1/2 miles this side of Newtonia, where I encamped. At 11 p. m. Companies H and E, Ninth Wisconsin, arrived to re-enforce me. Shortly before daylight I resumed march, instructing advance guard and flankers (the Indian Home Guards) to halt in case they should discover the enemy�s pickets and to await further orders. For the purpose of gaining more accurate information of the situation of the country by personal observation I went a short distance ahead of the advance guard, passed the timber, and, entering the prairie, I discovered the enemy�s pickets on a ridge about 1 mile and over from Newtonia. I then ordered my command to halt in the timber, to conceal its strength, and proceeded to reconnoiter the enemy�s position, and soon discovered that the main body of the same was encamped in the village of Newtonia. A strong picket of the enemy was posted in a corn field in a northeasterly direction from the village at a distance of about one-half mile. I ordered Captain Mefford, with his detachment of the Sixth Kansas Cavalry, to proceed around the edge of the timber far enough to intercept the pickets, if possible. It is but justice to say that Captain Mefford executed his orders with promptness, proving himself to be a gallant soldier and an efficient officer. The men under his command also deserve credit for their good conduct and bravery. By that time the enemy learned of our approach from the routed pickets, closely pursued by Captain Mefford within a short distance from camp. Having re-enforced Captain Mefford by the detachment of Indian Home Guards, I ordered the infantry, under the command of Captain Hesse, to advance and take possession of the ground north of the village, a short distance from it, and sheltered by trees. The artillery, under command of Lieutenant Hadley, I ordered to rapidly advance and take position on an eminence in a northwesterly direction from the village. At that time Colonel Lynde, with the Ninth Kansas Cavalry, arrived on the ground and assumed command of the expedition.

Before closing I must state that Lieutenant Hadley, commanding the artillery, promptly executed orders, and that Captain Hesse, commanding detachment of Ninth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, fully sustained his reputation as an officer, and that the officers and men under his command, I am proud to say, vindicated the fair name of the Ninth Wisconsin.

I have the honor to be, general, your most obedient servant,

ARTHUR JACOBI,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Ninth Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers.

SOURCE: OR, Series I, Volume 13, Pages 293-294.


Report of Capt Job B. Stockton (Union), Commanding Battery, to Capt. A. Blocki, Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Brigade, Army of Kansas

IN CAMP, NEAR SARCOXIE, Mo., October 1, 1862.

CAPTAIN: At 4 p. m. September 29 I received orders from General Salomon to send the left half of my battery, under charge of a lieutenant, to report to Lieutenant-Colonel Jacobi, in charge of a party of reconnaissance. I ordered Lieut. Julius L. Hadley to take the pieces designated and report. The party encamped for the night within a short distance of the enemy�s pickets, and at daylight next morning, 30th ultimo, drove them within their camp guard in the town of Newtonia, Mo.

Lieutenant Hadley, who behaved so gallantly on this occasion, in his official report to me; gives the following account of the commencement of this engagement:

The remainder of my battery arrived on the field in front of Newtonia, with the other forces, about 2 p. m., and I was ordered to advance on a point of ground commanding the town and near the center of our line of battle. In this position I opened fire with solid shot from two 3-inch rifled guns and one brass 6-pounder, the enemy's batteries instantly responding. A gun was now observed in a window of the stone building, which was run up to the window to fire and taken behind the walls to load. I directed Lieutenant Hubbard commanding the section of 3-inch rifled guns, to throw a few shells into the building. Two percussion shells, bursting in the building, silenced the piece for the balance of the day and scattered their cannoneers, they jumping out of the windows in every direction. Colonel Phillips, commanding Third Indian Regiment, on the extreme left of the line, was now hotly contesting his position, when General Salomon ordered me to support him. I immediately ordered Lieutenant Hadley to proceed with the left half of the battery to a point commanding the left of Colonel Phillips� line, and directed the fire of the right half of the battery to my left, checking the advance of the large rebel force moving against the Indian regiment. As soon as the rebels commenced to waver the Indians commenced to advance and drove them until their ammunition gave out, when they retired under cover of my guns. I now discovered large masses of troops posted in the corn field directly in front of the position lately occupied by Colonel Phillips� Indians and directed my whole fire upon their condensed masses. The slaughter was terrible, and the officers could be seen by the aid of the glass endeavoring to keep their men in that position, but two percussion shells from my rifled pieces bursting in the midst of what appeared to be a regiment by division closed in mass they scattered, and rushing upon a fence, crushed it flat to the ground. Other masses, posted near the stream and about the houses, suffered greatly from both our solid shot and spherical-case. At one time a regiment of cavalry appeared to our right, and my battery being 200 yards in advance of the forces forming our right wing, I got them under an enfilading fire, scattering horses and riders in every direction. Our forces had been retiring for some time, when I received orders from General Salomon in person to place my battery in position near where the road entered the woods and cover the retreat. I had scarcely got into battery when the enemy, discovering we were retreating, instantly marched out to the ground we had recently occupied and formed in line of battle. They dressed up their lines, over a mile long, but refused to advance or even to come within range of my guns. The sun was now down, but the moon was giving a brilliant light, so that the rebel line was perfectly distinct, when I limbered to the rear and retired into the woods. Our march back was not interrupted, and we arrived in camp near Sarcoxie at 12 midnight.

The following are the casualties in the battery during the battle: Two wounded. I also lost 1 horse and had 1 horse and 1 wheel disabled. I desire to call the attention of the general commanding to the operation of the 3-inch rifled guns. During the entire engagement they delivered their fire with an accuracy and certainty not excelled by any pieces upon the field.

The gallant conduct of Lieutenant Hubbard, chief of the right section; Lieutenant Hadley, chief of the left section; Sergeant Strohm, chief of the center section, and Sergeant Doolittle, chief of the line of caissons, is worthy of all praise. The coolness of the sergeants and corporals and the conduct of the entire battery upon this occasion is worthy of honorable mention. My battery fired 397 rounds during the entire engagement, and, being more exposed than any other battery, drew almost the entire fire of the rebel batteries, their shell and solid shot striking all over and under us, with only the casualties mentioned above.

I have the honor to be, captain, your obedient servant,

J. B. STOCKTON,
Captain, Commanding Stockton�s Light Battery.

SOURCE: OR, Series I, Volume 13, Pages 294-296.

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