Pursuing Price

This column includes four edited episodes that occurred in the "Pursuit of Price" and the complete reports are described on pages 56-61, Series I, Vol. 8 of the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion.

A Dead Guerrilla Not Federal-Proof

Headquarters, Post Lebanon, (Mo). Jan. 22, 1862

Major: I arrived at this place at 1:30 p.m. and took formal possession of the town. I sent forward two companies; however, in advance, who arrived about daylight, but found no one here, although there were 20 rebels here yesterday. At this writing I have a number of scouting parties out in various directions and by next (report) will be able to tell you what is going on in this vicinity. One of these has returned and reports the enemy all quiet about Springfield and the rebels all believe that we have gone back to Rolla; they have no idea of our making a forward movement (toward Springfield); that quite all of Rain's men (Confederates) have gone home and say they will remain (there) through the winter.

At this moment the scouting party sent out under Lieut. Valentine Preuitt, 1st Missouri, have returned bringing in 1 prisoner and report having killed (guerrilla) Capt. Tom Craig, of this place, in a running fight. He was thought to be federal proof and his lady friend (Secesh) was exulting at the time the news arrived over the matter and how nicely he had escaped us and that we would never get him; but the scene is changed. At the request of his wife I have sent an escort and wagon to bring in the body. We have also found a cache of cut pork, said to belong to him. I think by tomorrow I will have the (Union war) machine fairly in motion, after which the atmosphere in this vicinity will be very unhealthy for Rebels.

I also think it very important to attack Springfield at once. That I will leave, however, for wiser heads and larger forces,

Clark Wright, Lieut. Colonel, Comdg, Post Lebanon, Mo.

Terror and astonishment

"Copey, Mo., 18 Miles in advance of Lebanon, Feb.10, 1862

Captain: I should have reported that a party of my cavalry, under Lieut. Col. F. W. Lewis, 1st Mo. Cav., made a descent on Bolivar last Saturday morning, taking one or two straggling rebel soldiers and carrying terror and astonishment due north of Springfield. On their way back they captured 125 head of cattle, which had been collected for the rebel army.

Yesterday at 4 o'clock a cavalry battalion, under Lieut. Col. Wright, entered Marshfield, routing and pursuing a small party of the enemy's force that was running the mill (grinding wheat). Pursuit was made, and Captain Montgomery overtook them, killing two, wounding three, taking three prisoners, several slaves, three government mule teams, two common teams (wagons), all loaded with wheat designed for the enemy. None of our men were hurt. My march today (toward Springfield) has been very satisfactory. Latest news from Springfield: Price was still there. Firing heard today from that direction. Probably re-enforcement has arrived.

Saml. R. Curtis, Brigadier General, Comdg.

Yankees occupy Springfield

Captain: The flag of the Union floats over the courthouse of Springfield, Mo. The enemy attacked us with small parties at 10:30 o'clock, 12 miles out (from Springfield) and my front guards had a running fire (fight) with them most of the afternoon. At dusk a regiment of Confederate cavalry attacked the outer picket, but did not move it. A few shots from a howitzer (cannon) killed two and wounded several. The (Confederate) regiment retreated to this place and the enemy immediately commenced the evacuation of the city. I entered the city at 10 a.m. (today). My cavalry is in full pursuit. They say the enemy is making a stand at Wilson's Creek. Shall pursue as fast as the strength of the men will allow.

Saml. R. Curtis, Brigadier General, Comdg.

Deadly ambush and counterattack

I desire to submit a brief report of the charge made upon the rebels on yesterday. We were formed at the creek when the charge was sounded. Col. Ellis, leading the charge took the road and received a heavy crossfire from the enemy. As I approached, I discovered a column of the enemy on either side of the road. I at once deployed my battalion to the right and charged their lines. Major McConnell went to the left. For a few minutes the fight was well contested on the right in the heavy timber and dense underbrush affording good covering for the enemy. I ordered a saber charge after firing our carbines and pistols, but soon found that the brush was too dense to make it rapid enough. Consequently We returned sabers and fought our way through with carbines! My battalion moved steadily forward, routing the enemy, driving him beyond the brush into the open ground beyond, at which point I received an order to fall back. I dropped back some 200 yards and formed (into line). Our loss is 1 killed (Private, Co. C); Capt. Switzler, Co. A, severely wounded; two privates, Co. C slightly wounded. Loss of the enemy unknown. My officers and men all acted with great bravery and coolness and kept in as good order as circumstances would admit of; and so far as my observation extended, Col. Ellis' command, 1st Mo., Major McConnell's Battalion, 3rd Illinois and Major Bowen's battery all deserve credit for their bravery and energy in repulsing and routing the enemy from such an ambush. All acted nobly under the circumstances

Clark Wright, Lieut. Col. Comdg.