Shoot out Between The Blankenship's And Missouri Army.

While I was doing some research for another page of (Sergeants ), I ran across this report. I found it very interesting, it too is about sergeants but it’s not just about them. It’s more about what was going on around them and their shoot with the Blankenship men.
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Report of Captain Richard Murphy, Fifth Missouri State Militia Cavalry.


HDQRS. FIFTH MISSOURI STATE MILITIA CAVALRY,
Houston, Mo., November 30, 1863.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following as my report, required by General Orders, Numbers 28, from Headquarters District of Rolla, for the week ending November 29, 1863:

On the 23rd instant, I sent out a scout of 7 men, under command of Sergeant Basket, Company I, Sixth Enrolled Missouri Militia, to pursue some rebels who had the previous day captured 2 of my men (a report of which has been sent in). The scout pursued them some 30 mils in a southwest direction, but, finding they were far behind, they abandoned the chase and returned to camp, having been out two days.

On the 24th, while two of my men were riding about 4 miles from camp, they were met by what they supposed to be three Federal soldiers, as they were dressed in Federal uniform, and one of them wore an officer's uniform. When they were just in the act of passing, however, the three men drew their revolvers and ordered them to surrender, which, owing to the surprise and the disadvantage under which they labored, they were compelled to do. They were taken to the brush, deprived of their horses and equipments, arms, and clothing, with the exception of their under-clothing, after which they were sworn, and allowed to return to camp. Immediately upon learning of the circumstances, I sent out two scouts of 10 men each, under the respective commands of Lieutenant [William C.] Bangs, of Company D, and Sergeant [T. J.] McDowell, Company B, with instructions to scout the country in every direction for 20 miles around this post, and ascertain, if possible, the hiding-places of the bushwhackers.

The scout under Lieutenant Bangs returned yesterday, having traversed the country for 20 miles in a south-southeast and southwest direction, without having ascertained anything of their whereabouts or secret hiding-places.

The scout under Sergeant McDowell discovered, about 12 miles northeast from this place, a trail of six horses, and it appearing fresh they immediately commenced pursuit. After following it some 8 miles in the direction of Big Piney, they suddenly came upon three bushwhackers, at the house of one Blankenship. Upon discovering the approach of my men, two of the rebels succeeded in mounting their horses and making good their escape. The third (Blankenship) not having time to mount, took to the brush on foot, hotly pursued by two of the sergeant's party. Before reaching the brush he came within range of the pursuers, and two shots were fired at him, both of which took effect in the body. He succeeded, however, in reaching the wood, and, taking advantage of the trees, managed to protect himself for some time. While in this position he raised his rifle, which he had carried throughout, and, taking deliberate aim, fired, mortally wounding Henry J. Rennison, private of Company B. The next instant a volley was fired at him from the remainder of the sergeant's party, who had arrived, and Blankenship fell, pierced by at least twelve balls, either of which would have proved fatal. The wounded soldier was conveyed to the residence of Mr. Bradford, near Licking, and died the next day while being conveyed in the ambulance to this post, where he could receive medical treatment.

The scout is still out, and since then has not been heard from.

Lieutenant S. A. Franklin returned yesterday from Rolla, whither he had gone on escort with 20 men of Company D, having been out seven days. Nothing of importance transpired during the trip.

I also sent out a scout of 8 men under command of Sergeant [H.] Heinze, Company G, on the 26th instant. They found, about 12 miles west from Houston, a trail of some seven horses, and, upon inquiry at a house, they were informed that the trail was made by three persons with four led horses and that they were about an hour behind them. They commenced pursuit, but their progress was very slow, owing to the mode of travel of the rebels. They followed to Mountain Store, where they lost the trail entirely, and, giving up the chase, returned to camp yesterday.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

RICHARD MURPHY,
Captain, Commanding.

1. William Basket, Co. K., 6th., E. M. M., enlisted July 10, 1863, Rolla Mo., ordered into service September 2, 1863, Houston Mo., relived from duty March 18, 1864.

2. William C. Bangs, 5th., Co. D. enlisted June 14, 1863, Rolla Mo., mustered in same day, Prom. Captain, Co. I., 13th., Cavalry, January 11, 186 (?).

3. Thomas J. McDowell, 5th., Co. B., enlisted January 1862, Bloomfield Mo., Mustered in February 4, 1862, Cape Girardeau Mo., discharged March 15, 1864, for disability at Rolla Mo.

4. Henry J. Rennison, private, 5th., Missouri, cavalry Co. B., enlisted May 29, 1863, Cooper Co. Mo., mustered in June 30, 1862, Waynesville, Mo., killed by gun-shot November 28, 1863, Hestory Mo.

5. Samuel A. Franklin, Co. D., 5th., enlisted February 15, 1862, Miller Co. Mo., Mustered in April 1, 1863, Jefferson City Mo., Prom. First Lieutenant, Co. D., March 28, 1864, Mustered out March 31, 1865.

6. Herman Heinze, 5th., Co. G., enlisted February 18, 1862, St. Louis Mo., Prom. First Sergeant, January 1865, mustered out April 13, 1865.