Kansas Men In The Battles Of The Civil War.

In the civil war, Kansas was in the fight, the men of Kansas faced the enemy many times. They fought at places as Pea Ridge and Wilson Creek and more. The people of Kansas were very proud of their men.

This page will have bits and pieces of battle reports of the battles they were in, if you would like a full report of a battle, I will be glad to send you one on request, my address can be found in my profile.
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Important note. I will be glad to send any report, however keep in mind I am putting down all there was said about Kansas regiments, from these reports.
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HDQRS. 2nd Brigadier, 1ST DIV., ARMY OF THE FRONTIER,
Camp at Cane Hill, Ark., December 12, 1862.
Page 88-90.

The Third Indian Regiment (Cherokee) had, previously to the action, been ordered to protect the train, some miles distant, so that we went into the engagement as follows: Tenth Kansas Regiment, Major H. H. Williams commanding, 387 men (Company I being absent on detached service); First Kansas Battery, Lieutenant Marcus D. Tenney commanding, 96 men; Third Indian Regiment, Adjutant Gallagher commanding, 44 men; Thirteenth Kansas Regiment, Colonel Thomas M. Bowen commanding, 375 men. Total number of men engaged, 902.

We entered the field upon the enemy's left, General Herson being then engaged some distance in our front, and immediately receiving an order to hurry forward to his assistance. The battery was placed in advance, the infantry marching by the right flank in its rear. The hurrying forward just commenced, the head of the battery having entered an orchard, when a shower of bullets was sent at it from an adjoining thicket on the right. Fearing for its safety, and surprised at this unexpected reception, so far distant from where General Herron was engaged, the Tenth Kansas was hurried into the thicket to clear it. They had hardly entered before they were subjected to a terrific fire, but fortunately with little loss. The battery moved forward into a meadow out of reach of small-arms, while the Tenth Kansas continued moving and driving the enemy, but were soon again involved in a severe contest. Thereupon the Thirteenth Kansas and the fragment of the Third Indian were moved forward into the timber to the assistance of the Tenth. A line of battle was formed under the brow of a gentle declivity. Some detachments from the Second Kansas Cavalry, dismounted, and the right wing of the Eleventh Kansas Regiment came to our help during the fight, and a continuous firing, with but slight intermission, was kept up until dark. The lines was as follows: The Indians upon the right, under Lieutenant [William] Gallagher, as skirmishers; next, to the left, the Tenth Kansas, under Major Williams; next, a detachment of Second Kansas, under Lieutenant-Colonel [O. A.] Bassett; next, the Thirteenth Kansas, under Colonel Bowen; next, the right wing of the Eleventh Kansas, under Colonel Ewing, and, next and last, upon the left, a small detachment of the Second Kansas, under Captain [S. J.] Crawford.

The firing was general and very rapid, with occasional lulls, during which we several times attempted to pass the brow of the hill and engage the enemy inclose quarters. We were as often repulsed by the rain of bullets. At one time two mountain howitzers, under Lieutenant [E. S.] Stover, Second Kansas, came to our assistance did splendid execution.
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GENERAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF KANSAS, Numbers 14.
Fort Leavenworth, Kans., February 1, 1862.
This is a full report.

1. Colonel G. W. Deitzler, commanding First Kansas Regiment, who so nobly distinguished himself in the battle of Wilson's Creek, fought last August, is hereby appointed acting brigadier-general.

2. On his arrival at Fort Scott he will assume command of his brigade, embracing the First, Fifth, and Sixth Kansas Regiment, and such other troops as may hereafter be assigned to him.

By order of Major-General Hunter:
CHAS. G. HALPINE.

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SAINT LOUIS, September 21, 1861.
Brigadier-General STURGIS:
Full report.

GENERAL: By a telegram of to-day, sent to Captain W. E. Prince, of Fort Leavenworth, the officer in command of the Second Kansas Regiment has been directed to take the steamer West Wind, or any other steamer, and proceed at once carefully down the river to join you. You will therefore send a messenger up the river to communicate to the commander of the Second Kansas Regiment such orders as you may deem proper to secure a safe landing of the boat, and then make every effort to cross the river and effect a junction with Colonel Mulligan. Acting Brigadier General Jefferson C. Davis, of Jefferson City, will also endeavor with his force to join Colonel Mulligan from Georgetown by land and from Glasgow by steamer. Every effort, therefore, should be made to retain the post at Lexington.
J. C. FREMONT,
Major-General, Commanding.
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ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Washington, May 30, 1862.
Brigadier General J. G. BLUNT,
Commanding Department of Kansas, Fort Leavenworth, Kans.:
Full report.

GENERAL: I have the honor to in close herewith a copy of Special Orders, Numbers 80, current series, for this office, the object of which was to restore Colonel Weer and certain other officers to their positions in the Fourth Regiment Kansas Volunteers, from which they had been displaced by the order of the Governor of Kansas. Colonel Weer has reported to this office that great confusion would take place by endeavoring to carry out the provisions of this order, requiring the restoration of the original organization of the Fourth Regiment Kansas Volunteers, and suggests that the order be modified so as to transfer him as colonel to the present Third Regiment, and to provide for the field officers who might thus be displaced by transferring them to vacancies of their own grade in other Kansas regiments. This report of Colonel Weer has been referred to His Excellency the Governor of Kansas, with the request of the Secretary of War that the suggestion of Colonel Weer might be carried into effect. As, however, it appears that the Governor and Lieutenant-Governor of Kansas are both absent from Kansas, the Secretary of War now directs that the transfers proposed be carried into effect by you, and that Colonel William Weer, Lieutenant Colonel J. T. Burris, and Lieutenant and Adjt. J. A. Phillips, be provided with positions in their own grade, and that any field or regimental staff officers displaced by them be assigned by you to vacancies in their respective grades in other Kansas regiments.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
L. THOMAS,
Adjutant-General.
WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,
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HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF KANSAS,
Fort Leavenworth, March 14, 1862.
Major General H. W. HALLECK,
Commanding Dept. of the Mississippi, Saint Louis, Mo.:
Page 615-617.

The mustering is now, I believe, complete, or will be in a few days; but the rolls have not yet been received, and until they are no reliable returns of Lane's brigade or Clark's cavalry battalion (formerly Tenth Kansas Regiment) can be prepared. Four or five companies have been mustered out as Home Guards, who should have been mustered out last October; and when the remuster rolls are received no doubt the Third and Fourth Kansas Infantry will be consolidated into one regiment, their overplus, if any, being needed to fill the ranks of the First Kansas, which has lacked its full complement by several hundred since the bale of Wilson's Creek. This will leave the State but three infantry regiments-the First, Third and Fourth consolidated, and Eighth.

The Fifth and Sixth Cavalry, too, can be consolidated into one regiment, absorbing a portion of Clark's battalion, and turning over the balance to fill the incomplete companies of the Kansas Ninth, hereafter, by Governor Robinson's order, to be known as the Kansas Second. This last-named regiment, of twelve companies, is now being armed, mounted, and equipped in camp near Lawrence, about 200 of its men belonging to the old Kansas Second (disbanded after the battle of Springfield), and six companies of the Ninth Kansas Cavalry, with other cavalry companies drawn from infantry regiments. This will give three full regiments of cavalry, of twelve companies each, as the complement of the State-the Second, and Fifth and Sixth had recently twelve regiments nominally, ten quasi regimental organizations, and attempts were in progress to raise two more Kansas regiments for service in New Mexico. This no doubt has caused the exaggerated opinions as to the strength of the department. It was represented that all Kansas had flocked to arms, whereas, in fact, no State has been more backward.
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HEADQUARTERS FIRST TENNESSEE PARTISAN RANGERS,
January 5, 1863.
COMMANDER OF THE POST, Bolivar, Tenn.
No more information.

I have now in my possession Second Lieutenant Robert Hill, Company D, and Adjt. James E. Philpott, of Eighth Ohio Regiment Volunteers, also Surg. Joseph S. Martin, of Seventeenth Kansas Regiment U. S. Volunteers, whom I intend to hold as hostages for the violations of civilized usages of war and the cartel already committed and threatened against my command. If my surgeon and forage master are exchanged I will parole the other officers named. Captain A. W. Suchman and Privates John A. Hill, Henry B. Bullard, Thomas Bates, William Johnson, Henry S. Dancey, Spencer B. Shelton, John M. Lewis, Marcus Lott and Cullin McCray, as an escort, are bearers of flag of truce and this dispatch.
Very respectfully,
R. V. RICHARDSON,
Colonel, Commanding Regiment of Partisan Rangers, C. S. Army.
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HEADQUARTERS SOUTHWEST DIVISION,
Springfield, Mo., July 15, 1862.
General JOHN M. SCHOFIELD,
Commanding District of Missouri, Saint Louis.
Full report.

GENERAL: I learn that four prisoners, soldiers of one of the Kansas regiments, were murdered in Coffee's camp at Fayetteville on the night or evening of the 9th instant. Major Murray (the bearer of the flag of truce whose dispatch I sent you yesterday) gives the following version of the affair:

The four men killed were Kansas soldiers. On Wednesday night a firing was heard in the upper end of Coffee's camp which created inquiry and it was learned that 4 men had been shot - 3 killed dead and 1 wounded badly who made his escape through a fence and went into a house where a woman gave him some help. She was warned not to do so. It was stated in Fayetteville that the shooting was done by Coffee's order. There was some indignation at the deed in Coffee's camp which was likely to become general. It was then reported that the shooting was ordered by Coffee's provost-marshal. This did not, however, prevent one which company of Coffee's regiment from leaving and joining Tracy's (whose camp was eight miles distant) regiment of Confederate troops. Rains heard of the act next morning and cursed bitterly. He sent up a wagon to get the wounded man and three dead ones. Before the wagon came the wounded man was dead. Rains buried the dead. In Tracy's camp the act was loudly condemned.

This affair may have prompted the dispatch he sent to me charging us with shooting men, women and children.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. B. BROWN,
Brigadier-General.
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The following dispatch, just received from Johnsonville, is forwarded for your information:
JOHNSONVILLE, November 26, 1864-8.15 p.m.
Major-General THOMAS:
No more information.

Colonel.
I have sent you by rail this a.m. the Fortieth Regiment Missouri Volunteers and a detachments of the Tenth Kansas Regiment Volunteers in all over 900 men. Will send you further re-enforcements as soon as received at this place. Have you all the fords on Duck River securely guarded and cavalry covering the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad?

GEO. H. THOMAS,
Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding
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HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE FRONTIER,
Rhea's Mills, Ark., December 20, 1862.
Page 71-77

Observing that the enemy had now thrown a large force upon my center and right, I directed the infantry of the First Division to enter the wood and engage them, which order was executed with promptness, Colonel [William] Weer leading the Tenth and Thirteenth Kansas Regiments of his brigade upon the right; a portion of the South Kansas (dismounted), under command of Captain S. J. Crewford; the right wing of the Eleventh Kansas, under Colonel [Thomas] Ewing, jr., and the First Indian, under Colonel [S. H.] Wattles, upon the left; the Twentieth Iowa Regiment advancing upon the left if the Indians, the left wing of the Eleventh Kansas, under Lieutenant-Colonel [T.] Moonlight, supporting Rabb's and [H.] Hopkins' batteries. The First Iowa, Tenth Illinois, Eighth Missouri, and the First Battalion of the Second Wisconsin Cavalry, under Colonel Wickersham, and the Third Wisconsin Cavalry, under Major Calkins, were directed to proceed to my extreme right to watch any flank movement of the enemy that might be attempted in that direction, and also to guard the road leading to Rhea's Mills, and prevent communication being cut off the First Brigade (General Solomon's).

The contest by this time (about 3 p. m.) had become vigorous and determined. The entire infantry of the three divisions, and also a portion of the Second Kansas (dismounted), were engaged in the wood with the rebel infantry, three times their number. The ratting of musketry, uninterrupted for fully three hours, was terrific. The contending armies swayed to and from, each alternately advancing and retiring. Some rebel sharpshooters, firing from the windows of a house situated in the edge of the wood and a little to my left, were evidently directing their compliments specially to myself and staff. I directed Captain Rabb to open upon it with shell, and in a few moments the to open upon it with shell, and in a few moments the house was in flames.

While the infantry was vigorously consenting every inch of ground, I directed Lieutenant [E. S.] Stover, with two 12-pounder mountain howitzers, to advance into the wood, which he promptly did, taking position on a little knoll on the right of the Eleventh Kansas, and directing his guns across a small field, where a heavy force of rebels were massed. He poured into them his canister and shell until his ammunition was exhausted and his horses shot down, being compelled to bring away his guns by hand. I then directed Lieutenant [M. D.] Tenney to advance his battery to the edge of the wood, on the left of the Eleventh Kansas, taking position about 200 yards in front of the rebel ranks. From his six 10-pounder Parrott guns he opened on them with terrible effect, driving them back with great slaughter.
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HDQRS. First DIVISION, ARMY OF THE FRONTIER,
Cane Hill, Ark., December 3, 1862.
Page 43-46.

The nature of the ground was such that I could not use my artillery to any advantage, and the mountain could be taken in no other way except be storm. I accordingly ordered up the Second Kansas and dismounted them. They charged up the steep acclivity in the advance, under the command of Capts. S. J. Crawford and A. P. Russell, Major [J. G.] Fisk having been wounded by a piece of shell early in the day. Next followed the Third Indian Regiment (Cherokee), under the command of Colonel [W. A.] Phillips, and its other field officers, Lieutenant-Colonel Downing and Major [J. A.] Foreman, voluntarily assisted by Major Van Antwerp, of my staff, and the Eleventh Kansas, under the command of its field officers, Colonel [Thomas[] Ewing, [jr.,] Lieutenant-Colonel [Thomas] Moonlight, and Major [P. B.] Plumb. The resistance of the rebels was stubborn and determined. The storm of lead and iron hail that came down the side of the mountain, both from their small-arms and artillery, was terrific; yet most of it went over our heads without doing us much damage.

The regiments just named, with a wild shout rushed up the steep acclivity, contesting every inch of ground, and steadily pushing the enemy before them, until the crest was reached, when the rebels again fled in disorder. Four howitzers and Rabb's battery were now brought up the mountain and the pursuit renewed; the Third Indian and Eleventh Kansas Regiment, on the right and left of the road, advancing in line through the woods, while the four howitzers occupied the road in front, with the Second and Sixth Kansas and Rabb's battery in their rear. About every half mile the enemy made a stand, when the four howitzers and the Eleventh Kansas and Third Indian would as often put them to flight, leaving more or less of their dead and wounded behind them. thus the fight continued for some 3 miles, until, on descending partially from the mountain into a valley, the Cove Creek road, leading from Fayetteville to Van Buren, was reached, at the point where it intersects the road from Cane Hill to the last-named place. At this point the enemy again brought his artillery into requisition. It was now near sundown, and darkness must soon put an end to the pursuit.

Down the valley, in front of us, the ground appeared adapted to the use of cavalry to good advantage, and I determined to make an effort to capture their artillery, of which they had six pieces. A large force of their best cavalry was acting as rear guard, with a portion of their artillery just in front of them. Waiting for my cavalry to come up, I called for volunteers to make a charge.

Three companies of the Sixth Kansas, nearest at hand, responded promptly to the call, and, under command of their three field officers, Colonel [W. R.] Judson, Lieutenant-Colonel [L. R.] Jewell, and Major [W. T.] Campbell, dashed on to the rear of the rebel column, cutting and shooting them down with sabers, carbines, and revolvers. At this point a large body of the enemy were in ambush in front and upon the flanks, where cavalry could not approach, with their battery also masked in front. As soon as the party we were destructive fire, which, for the moment, caused my men to recoil and give back, in spite of my own efforts and those of other officers to rally them; whereas, if they had, after receiving the enemy's fire, passed on 200 or 300 yards, we could have secured, in a moment more, what we so much coveted - the enemy's artillery. Emboldened by their success in defending the defile and checking our advance, they raised a wild yell and advanced toward us. With the aid of Colonel Judson, Major Campbell, and Captains [H. S.] Greeno and [D.] Mefford, I succeeded in rallying the three companies of the Sixth Kansas, who had suffered severely in the charge, and formed them across the valley, and the four howitzers, coming up at the same time and opening on the enemy with shell, soon forced them to retire. yet they seemed determined to dispute the passage of the defile to which I have referred - a position admirably adapted for defense, and beyond which, as I afterward learned, there was a wide, open valley; hence their obstinate resistance at this point, in order to save their guns.

I resolved, however, at all hazards to force my way through this gorge, and, as darkness was approaching and I had no time to get up infantry and send them out upon the flanks, I prepared to make an assault in front. Loading the four howitzers and one section of Rabb's battery with double canister, I ordered them up by hand, in battery, with the three companies of the Sixth Kansas with Sharps' carbines advancing in line in rear. I had directed that not a gun should be fire until I gave the word. When within about 400 yards of the enemy, who were defending the gorge, and as I was about to give the word to fire, an officer from General Marmaduke came galloping up with a white flag. On sending an officer to receive it, they requested the privilege of taking off their dead and wounded. Consideration for the fate of Lieutenant-Colonel Jewell, and others who had fallen upon the ground they then occupied, and whom I feared they might brutally murder, induced me to respect their flag of truce, convinced though I was at the time that it was a cowardly trick, resorted to enable, them to make good their retreat and save their guns. It being now dark, and my men entirely exhausted and without food, I considered further pursuit useless, and returned with my command to Cane hill.

The casualties in my command were 4 killed and 36 wounded; 4 of them mortally, since dead. Among the latter was Lieutenant-Colonel Jewell, of the Sixth Kansas. He was a brave and gallant officer, whose noble example is worthy of emulation. Lieutenant J. A. Johnson, of the same regiment, a daring and excellent young officer, received a desperate would from a musket-ball, which passed entirely through his body; yet it is hoped he will recover. The enemy's loss is 75 killed; wounded not known, as they took a large portion of them away.

The officers and men of my command who took part in the engagement behaved, without exception, nobly.

To the following members of my staff, Major V. P. Van Antwerp, inspector-general; Captain Lyman Scott, acting assistant adjutant-general; Lieutenant J. Fin. Hill, aide-de-camp, and Lieutenant D. Whitaker, acting aide-de-camp, I am indebted for efficient and valuable services during the day.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAS. G. BLUNT,
Brigadier-General, Commanding First Division, Army of the Frontier.
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JANUARY 21-25, 1864.-Scout from Waldron to Baker's Springs, Ark., and skirmish.
No other information.

Abstract from Record of Events on return of the District of the Frontier (Colonel William R. Judson, Sixth Kansas Cavalry, commanding) for month of January.

January 21.-Captain E. A. Barker, with 100 men Second Kansas Cavalry and 40 men Sixth Kansas Cavalry, left Waldron, Ark.; marched toward Baker's Springs, Ark., where he surprised Captain Williamson's band of guerrillas, killing Williamson and 5 of his men, wounding 2, and taking 2 lieutenants and 25 men prisoners. On his return captured 1 lieutenant and 1 private. Distance traveled, 172 miles. Prisoners taken, 3 lieutenant and 26 men. Federal loss, 1 enlisted man killed and 1 wounded. Lieutenant C. J. Williams, Second Kansas Cavalry, also wounded.
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HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF KANSAS, In the Field, Fort Scott, September 30, 1862.
Brigadier-General SCHOFIELD:
Page 691-692.

The Second Kansas (cavalry) and Third Wisconsin (cavalry) and Eleventh Kansas (infantry, 1,000 strong) and two batteries will be here by Thursday evening, October 2. I shall leave orders for them to follow me by forced marches. I expect the Twelfth and Thirteenth Kansas Regiments (infantry), 1,000 strong each, to arrive here from Leavenworth in the course of seven or eight days, when they also, with the First and Second Indian Regiments, will proceed immediately to join me in the field. The new regiments have been delayed in getting into the field for the want of arms, but are now supplied. A large supply train, accompanied by the paymaster, will leave here Thursday morning for General Salomon's and Colonel Weer's commands. Unless the enemy are advancing in force and determined to bring or an engagement I would suggest that we defer offensive movements in force until to support our artillery is what we especially need, and for the want of which my movements have been hitherto embarrassed.
Hoping, general, to see you in person in a few days, when we can more fully mature our plans, I am, with the highest regard, your obedient servant.

JAS. G. BLUNT,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.