On May 1st 1864, Martin's Brigade had not yet joined the Department of the Eastern Frontier. The 19th Missouri, now part of Martin's Brigade, was part of Randall's Brigade. William A. Dibble was a Colonel commanding the 26th Arkansas Cavalry, also part of Brigadier General Randall's Brigade 2nd Brigade. As Maj. Gen. Hobbs (with Swain, Smead, and Gowan) campaigned against Maj. Gen. Ormsby (with Mallory, Stanley and Rooney), the cavalry divisions skirmished, screened, scouted and recruited across the wider campaign theatre, losing men, gaining experience and being re-organized as needed to suit the army's needs.
The Cavalry Reports cover the period from 2nd May - 2nd June 1864,. They were written as the campaign progressed without fore knowledge of what would come the next day. To some, they may be interesting to follow the evolution of the Confederate cavalry that is now campaigning around Arkadelphia, Greenville, Midway and Hot Springs.
---------------------
Washington Road, May 2nd 1864 –
11:00 a.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II Corps,
GENERAL: I have received the attached report
from my 2d Brigade, which has made contact with the enemy. I have
ordered Brig. Gen. Randall to maintain his position and observe the enemy
position pending further orders. I am on my way to join the brigade and
personally observe the situation.
Your obedient servant,
Maj. Gen. CYRUS P. HACKETT
CMDR, Cavalry Division
----------------------------------------------
HDQTRS, 2d Brigade, Cavalry
Division
Washington Road, Arkadelphia
May 2d 1864 – 10:30 a.m.
Maj. Gen. CYRUS P. HACKETT,
CMDR, Cavalry Division,
GENERAL: We have advanced on Arkadelphia
town, but found an enemy brigade of cavalry deployed at a crossroads
immediately west of town. I have deployed skirmishers and await further orders.
Your obedient servant,
Brig. Gen. CHARLES F. RANDALL,
CMDR, 2d Brigade, Cavalry Division
----------------------------------------------------
Near Arkadelphia, May 2d – 4:00
p.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II Corps,
GENERAL: The enemy cavalry brigade is holding
its position at the crossroads of the Washington Road and a road that goes
southeast toward Hayden. They are due west of Arkadelphia and we have not
engaged them. Maj. Gen. Swain’s Division is just arriving to our west.
Your obedient servant,
Maj. Gen. CYRUS P. HACKETT
CMDR, Cavalry Division
----------------------------------------------------
Near Arkadelphia, May 2d – 9:00
p.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II Corps,
GENERAL: The first brigade reports that it
arrived at Mt. Ida at 5:00 p.m. and has not encountered the enemy. They are
spending the night in Mt. Ida town and will see a strong defensive position at
first light.
Your obedient servant,
Maj. Gen. CYRUS P. HACKETT
CMDR, Cavalry Division
-------------
Raymonds Store, May 2d 1864, 10:30
a.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II Corps,
GENERAL: The Twenty-Sixth Arkansas regiment
has arrived at Raymonds. We are holding an abandoned redoubt at the Raymonds
Store junction. No enemy has been sighted.
Your obedient servant,
Col. Wm. A. Dibble
CMDR, Twenty-Sixth Arkansas Cavalry
------------
Near Arkadelphia, May 3d – 7:30 a.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II Corps,
GENERAL: 1st Cavalry Brigade
engaged lightly with enemy skirmishers, while second division formed and
advanced on the enemy. Enemy cavalry
making fighting withdrawal back towards town. Second Division is engaged and
about to enter town.
Your obedient servant,
Maj. Gen. CYRUS P. HACKETT
CMDR, Cavalry Division
----------------------
Raymonds Store, May 2d 1864, 9:00
a.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II Corps,
GENERAL: The Twenty-Sixth Arkansas regiment remains
at Raymonds and no enemy is in the area. The Third Division has not yet
arrived.
Your obedient servant,
Col. Wm. A. Dibble
CMDR, Twenty-Sixth Arkansas Cavalry
-------------------
Raymonds Store, May 3d 1864, 9:00
p.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II Corps,
GENERAL: The 3d Division has
failed to reach Raymonds and is bivouacked a mile from here. The Twenty-Sixth
will move on Midway first thing tomorrow.
Your obedient servant,
Col. Wm. A. Dibble
CMDR, Twenty-Sixth Arkansas Cavalry
-----------
Benton Road, May 3d – 8:00 p.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II Corps,
GENERAL: My compliments to headquarters on
the successful capture of Arkadelphia from the enemy. I must say that Maj. Gen.
Swain’s Division fought splendidly with cool resolve against the enemy today.
I am with Brig. Gen. Randall’s Brigade about
9 miles from Midway, having passed through the infantry in pursuit of the enemy
cavalry brigade (Col. Paul Herling’s Brigade). They can’t be too far ahead of
us. Losses in Randall’s Brigade were 1 killed, 5 wounded and 1 missing. These
losses were all incurred by the Nineteenth Missouri during skirmishing early in
the morning.
Brig. Gen. Holcomb reports that he is 10
miles from Hot Springs and expects to reach there tomorrow morning.
Your obedient servant,
Maj. Gen. CYRUS P. HACKETT
CMDR, Cavalry Division
Grier Farm, Arkadelphia Rd, May 4th
–9:00 p.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II Corps,
GENERAL: Randall’s Brigade has reached the
Grier Farm, just south of Midway. Col. Herling’s Yankees have turned and set up
a defensive line across the road at an orchard at the Lee Farm to our north.
Mrs. Grier informs me that a large body of
Yankee infantry arrived yesterday and spent the night around the Lee Farm and
Jamison House, but they departed this morning. Her description was vague, but
it sounds as though it was at least a division in size.
The Twenty-Sixth Arkansas has not yet arrived
here and must still be on the road from Raymonds. No word from Holcomb yet, but
there may not be direct route for couriers if enemy is at Midway, Rockport or
Hot Springs. Do not expect to hear from 2nd Brigade yet.
We are preparing to demonstrate against
Herling at the Lee Farm.
Your obedient servant,
Maj. Gen. CYRUS P. HACKETT
CMDR, Cavalry Division
St. James Church, May 4th 1864 –
8:00 p.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II Corps,
GENERAL: Randall’s three Missouri Regiments
engaged the enemy in heavy skirmishing from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The enemy’s cavalry was
deployed at the Lee Orchard and across the Arkadelphia Road. Despite Randall’s
best efforts, the enemy’s position was strong and he could not be dislodged.
At around 2:00 p.m., the Twenty-Sixth
Arkansas arrived at the Jamison House and threatened the enemy’s flank. Brig.
Gen. Randall resumed his assault, but was again driven back and returned to the
Greer Farm to await the arrival of the infantry. Randall’s losses were over150 men.
The enemy retreated before the infantry and
under fire from Maj. Gen. Smead’s Batteries and slowly fell back through Midway
and up the Point Cedar Road. The enemy took a position on Meeting Hill behind a
stone wall and has encamped there for the night. Brig. Gen. Randall’s brigade
is encamped near St. James Church in proximity to the enemy, but he does not
believe that his men can take their position.
He requests Maj. Gen. Smead’s artillery to dislodge them in the morning.
I received word that an enemy courier rode into our lines and was wounded. The
attached report from Col. Marple’s Cavalry Brigade was recovered.
Your obedient servant,
Maj. Gen. CYRUS P. HACKETT
CMDR, Cavalry Division
-------------
Mt. Moriah Road, May 4th 1864 –
7:00 pm.
Brig. Gen. ROBERT EWING,
CMDR, Cavalry Division, XXVI Corps,
GENERAL: The First Brigade passed through
County Line about 1:00 p.m. No enemy
encountered. Bivouacking just short of Mt. Moriah. Will proceed to Murfreesboro
in morning.
Your obedient Servant,
Col. KIRK MARPLE,
CMDR, 1st Brig., Cav. Div.
--------------
St. James Church, May 4th 1864 –
10:00 p.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II Corps,
GENERAL: I have received word that Brig. Gen.
Holcomb has occupied Hot Springs without incident. The enemy vacated Hot
Springs on May 1st with all of their supplies. Two divisions are
reported to have marched southward and one westward. Brig. Gen. Holcomb awaits
further orders in Hot Springs.
Your obedient servant,
Maj. Gen. CYRUS P. HACKETT
CMDR, Cavalry Division
-------------
Pleasant Ridge Road, May 5th 1864 – 1:00 p.m.
James,
Moving to Pleasant Ridge with Randall’s. Expect to arrive by evening. No sign of enemy on road.
Received courier from Holcomb. Attaching report.
Cyrus
--------------------
Hopkins Farm, N. of Rockport
May 5th 1864 – 12:00 p.m.
Maj. Gen. CYRUS P. HACKETT
CMDR, Cavalry Division,
GENERAL: 1st Brigade has encountered a skirmish line of enemy infantry north of Rockport Inn. The line runs across the Hot Springs Road and extends at least from Arrow Creek to Hopkins Run. We are unable to observe beyond the skirmishers due to woods. Have deployed skirmish line at Hopkins Farm. Have not engaged. Will retire if threatened.
Your obedient servant,
Brig. Gen. ALBERT HOLCOMB,
CMDR, 1st Brigade
------------------------------------
Pleasant Ridge, May 5th – 6:00 p.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II Corps,
GENERAL: I have just reached Pleasant Ridge
with Randall’s Brigade. No sign of the enemy. As of the late afternoon, Holcomb
remained at the Hopkin’s Farm north of Rockport Inn. He has not engaged and has
not been threatened, but has no additional information on enemy dispositions
there.
Your obedient servant,
Maj. Gen. CYRUS P. HACKETT
CMDR, Cavalry Division
---------------------------------
Point Cedar, May 5th 1864, 6:00 p.m..
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II Corps,
GENERAL: Herling’s Brigade is continuing
towards Point Cedar. We have reached about eight miles from Point Cedar, with
Herling’s Brigade about a mile to our front.
Your obedient servant,
Col. Wm. A. Dibble
CMDR, Twenty-Sixth Arkansas Cavalry
Pleasant Ridge, May 6th – 3:00 p.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II Corps,
GENERAL: I have just received word that a
brigade of cavalry under Brig. Gen. Benjamin Martin has been attached to this
command. It is composed of three green Arkansas cavalry regiments and is about
2,000 men strong. I do not have the details of the commands or returns at this
time.
Brig. Gen. Martin send me a courier informing
me that he arrived at Washington during the night and is awaiting orders there.
Your obedient servant,
Maj. Gen. CYRUS P. HACKETT
CMDR, Cavalry Division
--------------------------
Midway – Point Cedar Road, May 6th 11:30 a.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II Corps,
GENERAL: Herling’s Brigade is about to reach
Midway. Will continue retiring before it and inform when its intentions are
known.
Your obedient servant,
Col. Wm. A. Dibble
CMDR, Twenty-Sixth Arkansas Cavalry
------------------------------------------
Greenville Road, May 6th – 7:00
p.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II Corps,
GENERAL: Randall’s Brigade had lost three men
from the Seventeenth Missouri from shelling by enemy batteries, when a second
infantry division appeared from Arkadelphia town and began advancing on our
position. There was no option but to quickly retire. We moved through Gersham to the Greenville
Road. The enemy infantry has marched back towards Cache Marsa.
Met a courier from 3d Division.
They have encountered enemy cavalry 4 miles from Antoine. It sounds like the
enemy’s 1st Cavalry Brigade.
Martin still in Murfreeboro.
Your obedient servant,
Maj. Gen. CYRUS P. HACKET
CMDR, Cavalry Division
---------------------------------
- --------------------
May 6th 1864 – 6:30 p.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II Corps,
GENERAL: The Twenty-Sixth fell back before Herling’s Brigade to the Jeffries Farm and the further east on the Pleasant Ridge Road. We left Herling at Midway, but heard firing. We turned back to find that Brig. Gen. Holcomb’s Brigade had arrived from Rockport and was engaging Herling at the south end of Midway village. Herling was deployed along a wood line on a small knoll.
We arrived on Herling’s right flank and caused him to withdrawal to Greer. I then found that Col. Tyler of the Twenty-Ninth Arkansas was in command of the brigade, Brig. Gen Holcomb having been killed among the first shots fired by the enemy. Col. Tyler requested that I take command of the brigade. I declined, as I had not been assigned to 1st Brigade, but Col. Tyler insisted based on seniority. Lieut. Col. Smith took over command of the Twenty-Sixth and I ordered the brigade to pursue Herling to Greer, where the Yankees had taken a defensive position at the Greer Orchard.
Herling held briefly, but we were able to gain his flank and force him to withdrawal again. He left in the direction of Arkadelphia shortly before dark, as we took rolls and tended to the wounded and Brig. Gen. Holcomb’s remains.
The Twenty-ninth Arkansas lost 13 killed, 49 wounded and 10 missing.
The Thirtieth Arkansas lost 1 killed and 5 wounded
No other losses were reported. Spending the night at Greer Farm. The Twenty-Sixth is camped with 1st Brigade.
Your obedient servant,
Col. Wm. A. Dibble
Twenty-Sixth Arkansas Cavalry
CMDG, 1st Brigade
Greenville Road, May 6th –
Midnight
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II Corps,
GENERAL: Received revised report from Brig.
Gen. Martin.
Your obedient servant,
Maj. Gen. CYRUS P. HACKET
--------------------------------------------
Arkadelphia, May 7th 1:00 p.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II Corps,
GENERAL: Enemy infantry has not returned.
Moved towards Cache Marsa yesterday. Guarding bridges and awaiting arrival of 3d
Division.
Herling’s Brigade appeared and was moving
towards Arkadelphia, but turned and moved down road to Willow. Dibble and
Holcomb’s Brigade appeared shortly thereafter. Dibble has Herling on the run
and is worthy of the command of 1st Brigade. Dibble continuing after Herling towards
Willow.
Martin on road to Arkadelphia. Expects to
reach tomorrow morning if no enemy encountered.
Still at Arkadelphia with Randall’s Brigade
holding bridges and waiting for 3d Division and Martin. Advise if
other orders appropriate
Your obedient servant,
Maj. Gen. CYRUS P. HACKET
------------------------
Greenville Road, May 9th 7:00 a.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II Corps,
GENERAL: On the march towards Arkadelphia.
Martin at Greenville facing Marple. No other news from there this morning. Will
pass through Cache Marsa today. May not reach Princeton until tomorrow.
Your obedient servant,
Maj. Gen. CYRUS P. HACKET
CMDR, Cavalry Div.
---------------------------
Stevens, May 9th 6:30 a.m.
Maj. Gen. CYRUS HACKETT
CMDR, Cavalry Division,
GENERAL: Have thrown out skirmishers toward
junction northwest of Pickett Farm. Herling has one regiments of skirmishers
out, one regiment in reserve. He has sent two regiments to other locations, one
at Eagle Hill and another somewhere to south.
Appears to be infantry at crossroads of
Princeton and Willow Roads. Gleam of bayonets also seen moving along Princeton
Road between junction and Tulip Church.
Your obedient servant,
Col. WM. DIBBLE
CMDR, 1st Brigade
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS
CMDR, II Corps
--------------------------------------
Stevens, May 9th 6:30 a.m.
Maj. Gen. CYRUS HACKETT
CMDR, Cavalry Division,
GENERAL: Have thrown out skirmishers toward
junction northwest of Pickett Farm. Herling has one regiments of skirmishers
out, one regiment in reserve. He has sent two regiments to other locations, one
at Eagle Hill and another somewhere to south.
Appears to be infantry at crossroads of
Princeton and Willow Roads. Gleam of bayonets also seen moving along Princeton
Road between junction and Tulip Church.
Your obedient servant,
Col. WM. DIBBLE
CMDR, 1st Brigade
Cache Marsa – Princeton Road, May 9th
- 6:00 p.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II Corps,
GENERAL: I am bivouacking with Randall’s
Brigade about 11 miles from Princeton. We should reach Princeton in good time
tomorrow morning.
I have received a report from Brig. Gen.
Martin. His brigade was engaged with Marple’s Brigade at Elm Hill, west of
Greenville this morning. The Twenty-Seventh and Thirty-Fourth regiments are out
of ammunition and he was forced to retire after having inflicted heavy loss on
Marple’s men. He needs ammunition and is unable to continue skirmishing with
the enemy until re-supplied. He wanted to move to Raymonds, but Marple is
blocking the road. He will start towards Cache Marsa in the morning.
Martin reports his brigade losses as follows:
Skirmishing on May 8th, between
Arkadelphia and Greenville: 17 killed, 67 wounded, 13 missing.
Skirmish at Elm Hill this morning: 10 killed,
29 wounded, 7 missing.
Your obedient servant,
Maj. Gen. CYRUS P. HACKET
CMDR, Cavalry Div.
-----------------------------------------------
Princeton, May 10th – 10:30 a.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II Corps,
GENERAL: Passing through Princeton. Enemy had
a single cavalry regiment posted here, believed to be the Twentieth or
Twenty-First Ohio from Herling’s Brigade. The regiment is retiring before us
towards Tulip.
Orders concerning enemy batteries on Round
Hill received. Third Division coming up to our rear, unobserved by enemy
cavalry.
Your obedient servant,
Maj. Gen. CYRUS P. HACKET
CMDR, Cavalry Div.
--------------------------------------------------
Duffey Lane, May 10th – 1:30 p.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II Corps,
GENERAL: Herling’s Brigade has moved to Pine
Bluff Road. A large infantry brigade of three regiments has deployed in a
strong defensive position at Tulip Church. Randall has just arrived on the
field.
My brigade deployed at ford on Duffey Land
with two regiments at ford west of Parnell.
Your obedient servant,
Col. WM DIBBLE
CMDG 1st Brig., Cav. Div.
-------------------------------------
Horriday Farm, May 10th – 2:00
p.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II Corps,
GENERAL: Arrived at Horriday Farm with Randall.
Infantry Brigade at Tulip Church. Attacked Herling at Pine Bluff Road ford of
Lawrence Moro South Branch. Repulsed. Waiting at Horriday for Gowan.
Your obedient servant,
Maj. Gen. CYRUS P. HACKET
CMDR, Cavalry Div.
--------------------------------------------------
Pine Bluff Road, May 10th – 8:00
p.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II Corps,
GENERAL: Brig. Gen. Randall’s Brigade was
able to drive Herling down the Pine Bluff Road, but was unable to assault the
enemy guns at Round Hill. Herling took a position to defend the guns, and they could
not be assaulted successfully without support from Col. Dibble, who ran into
enemy infantry while advancing to support.
Brig. Gen. Martin reports that he is still
out of ammunition. Marple’s Brigade arrived at Cache Marsa, so Martin withdrew
towards Princeton. As earlier reported, we have lost one of our supply trains
to the enemy. Our losses today were light and expected to be less than 100 men.
Your obedient servant,
Maj. Gen. CYRUS P. HACKET
CMDR, Cavalry Div.
--------------------------------------
Rehoboth Church, May 11th – 7:00
p.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II Corps,
GENERAL: Brig. Gen. Martin has arrived with
his brigade, resupplied and taken position with his left at Beaver Springs. The
33d Arkansas has been transferred to Randall’s Brigade and the 26th
Arkansas is now officially assigned to Dibble’s Brigade.
Your obedient servant,
Maj. Gen. CYRUS P. HACKET
CMDR, Cavalry Div.
--------------------------------------------
Rehoboth Church, May 12th – 3:00 a.m.
Jim,
Just received marching orders. Dibble will go
to Clark Mills via Coney. Conferred with Dibble and Randall. They believe
Herling’s Brigade has suffered heavily over last two weeks and their total
strength appeared to be less than 1,000 at Tulip Creek. Martin says Marple’s Brigade still large,
over 2,000. No estimate on Brig. Gen. Kraft’s Brigade. Only our infantry has
seen it at Rockport and reports were unreliable.
-
Cyrus
--------------------------------------------
Camden Road, May 12th – 7:00 p.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II Corps,
GENERAL: Randall passed through Antoine
today. Received information that Yankee cavalry passed through yesterday
heading towards Amity. Believe to be Marple.
Your obedient servant,
Maj. Gen. CYRUS P. HACKET
CMDR, Cavalry Div.
------------------------------------------
Murfreesboro, May 14th – 6:00 p.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II Corps,
GENERAL: I have reached Murfreesboro
with Randall’s Brigade. We moved back to
Antoine and tarried slightly yesterday to ensure that the Yankee cavalry did
not return southward. When there was no sign of them, I continued onward. There
is no sign of the enemy here and we are preparing to set up a recruiting post
at the court house.
I have received a report from Colonel Dibble.
His brigade reached Marlbrook at 2:00 p.m. today and has halted there. Martin,
as you are aware, is still taking up the rear guard on the march. He informs me that you should reach
Washington tomorrow morning.
Your obedient servant,
Maj. Gen. CYRUS P. HACKET
CMDR, Cavalry Div.
-------------------------------------
Camden, May 18th 1864 – 7:00 p.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II Corps,
GENERAL: I am with Dibble at Camden. Two
enemy regiments approached from Coney this morning and engaged the Twenty-Ninth
and Thirtieth Regiments in the west section of town. Our losses were 13 killed,
47 wounded and 10 missing. Enemy losses were lighter, but he was repulsed and is
camped on the hills west of town. We
still hold the town, but are unable to recruit.
A few prisoners were brought in from the
Nineteenth Missouri and Fifteenth Indiana of Brig. Gen. Kraft’s Brigade. They
were sent to recruit and left a regiment at Coney. Herling is at Arkadelphia,
but prisoners believe his brigade is spread as a screen to the west, but they
were not sure of the purpose. Position of Maple uncertain. Prisoners claim that
had not yet seen Marple’s Brigade and did not know its location, but had been
with Herling. Believe their statements to be credible.
Your obedient servant,
Maj. Gen. CYRUS P. HACKETT
CMDR, Cavalry Division
Camden, May
20th 1864 – 7:00 p.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II
Corps,
GENERAL: Yesterday Col. Dibble’s two
regiments at Camden were attacked by the Nineteenth Missouri (US) and Fifteenth
Indiana under Kraft The enemy was repulsed with only 17 men lost in the
Twentieth Arkansas, but at least 50 enemy casualties.
Col. Bartlett of the Thirty-First
Arkansas (previously mis-reported as
Col. Smith in the Provost Marschall’s Report) reports that an enemy brigade of
four regiments arrived at Princeton yesterday and disrupted his recruiting
efforts. Col. Bartlett did not engage and is withdrawing to Hampton, but is
being followed by a larger Illinois cavalry regiment.
No word from Martin, but presumed to be on
the march via Beech Creek and Coney.
Your obedient servant,
Maj. Gen. CYRUS P. HACKETT
CMDR,
Cavalry Division.
---------------------------
Beech Creek, 19th May 1864
Maj. Gen. CYRUS P. HACKETT,
CMDR, Cavalry Division
GENERAL: Bivouacking near Beech Creek
tonight. Roads poor, making slow time. Expect to arrive in Camden late on 20th
on or 21st.
Your obedient servant,
Brig. Gen. B. Martin,
CMDR, 3d Brigade.
--------------------------------
Camden, May
21st 7:00 p.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II
Corps,
GENERAL: We are in possession of Camden.
Martin arrived from Coney at about noon, pursuing the Tenth Iowa Regiment,
which had been at Coney. The enemy deployed along a road embankment at the 1st
Baptist Church and repulsed an attack by Martin’s Brigade on its front, but was
flanked by Dibble on his left and the Nineteenth Missouri on his right. The
enemy retreated to the rear at Sylvan Hill and fought briefly before fleeing
across the river and northward towards Holly Springs. Camden is ours!
No word on Hampton, but it is presumed that
at least one regiment of enemy cavalry is advancing there from Princeton.
Your obedient servant,
Maj. Gen. CYRUS P. HACKETT
CMDR,
Cavalry Division.
-------------------------------------
Holly
Springs, May 22d 1864 – 7:00 p.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II
Corps,
GENERAL: Brig. Gen. Martin very lightly engaged an enemy regiment
that had advanced on Hampton and drove it back north towards Princeton. Martin
remained at Hampton.
Brig. Gen. Randall reports that he is close
to Arkadelphia.
Col. Dibble did not await the rest of his
brigade before moving northward and ordered the other regiments to rendezvous
at Arkadelphia. However, at Holly Springs we have encountered the enemy cavalry
that had been in Camden (3 regiments). We engaged briefly in the afternoon, but
are outnumbered and fell back before taking any significant losses. Awaiting
arrival of the rest of Dibble’s Brigade, expected tomorrow.
Your obedient servant,
Maj. Gen. CYRUS P. HACKETT
CMDR,
Cavalry Division.
----------------------------------------
Holly
Springs, May 23d 1864 – 6:00 p.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II
Corps,
GENERAL: Dibble’s Brigade concentrated at
Holly Spring and engaged Brig. Gen. Kraft’s cavalry. Enemy lost about 100 men.
Dibble’s losses light. Enemy retreating towards Princeton.
Martin moving northward from Camden toward
Rockport. Just short of Princeton. Randall heading eastward towards Princeton.
Will reach tomorrow.
Your obedient servant,
Maj. Gen. CYRUS P. HACKETT
CMDR,
Cavalry Division.
Arkadelphia,
May 24th 1864 – 9:00 p.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II
Corps,
GENERAL: Dibble made great strides today and
arrived in Arkadelphia late this afternoon. We will push towards Rockport
tomorrow.
Randall reports that he has reached the
vicinity of Princeton, but is blocked by Kraft’s Brigade. Randall is deployed
across the Greenville Road along the west bank of Plum Run. Kraft is in a
defensive position across the road on Bent Tree Hill.
Martin also reached south of Princeton today
and found Marple’s Brigade defending the bridges across Tulip Creek south of
town. Martin is deployed on the south bank of the creek at the mills.
Shall we attack or wait?
Your obedient servant,
Maj. Gen. CYRUS P. HACKETT
CMDR,
Cavalry Division.
----------------------------------------------
Arkadelphia,
May 25th 1864 – 9:00 p.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II
Corps,
GENERAL: Randall’s and Martin’s Brigades
successfully withdrew from Princeton without engagement. They do not appear to
have been followed. Randall has arrived and joined Dibble in Arkadelphia.
Martin moved via Holly Springs and is in Cache Marsa. He is expect to arrive in
Arkadelphia tomorrow and the entire division will begin moving to Rockport.
Your obedient servant,
Maj. Gen. CYRUS P. HACKETT
CMDR,
Cavalry Division.
------------------------------------
Rockport, May 27th 1864 – 9:00 p.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II
Corps,
GENERAL: The entire cavalry division reached
Midway before noon and found an enemy cavalry regiment there. It quickly
retreated towards Point Cedar without engaging and we proceeded to Rockport,
arriving in the evening. The infantry has been deployed there and informs me
that a cavalry brigade arrived from Pleasant Ridge at mid-day and is deployed
across the road in south Coffman Woods. I believe it may be Kraft’s Brigade.
The division will move towards Hot Springs in
the morning.
Your obedient servant,
Maj. Gen. CYRUS P. HACKETT
CMDR,
Cavalry Division.
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Rockport, May 27th 1864 – 9:00 p.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II
Corps,
GENERAL: Col. Dibble’s Brigade attacked the
enemy cavalry at the crossroads in south Coffman Woods and lost about 150 men
in the attack. The enemy, Kraft’s Brigade, lost about half that number, but was
forced to retreat towards Pleasant Ridge when Brig. Gen. Martin’s Brigade
threatened their left. Prisoners from the Nineteen Missouri and Fifteenth
Indiana state that Marple’s Brigade was in Princeton yesterday. They believed
Herling’s Brigade had all its regiments detached and stretched on picket duty
out towards Mt. Moriah.
Brig. Gen. Randall reached Hot Springs in
good time. He said that the enemy’s third division has been at Hot Springs from
May 17t to May 26th and recruited there. They departed
towards Point Cedar on the morning of the 26th.
Your obedient servant,
Maj. Gen. CYRUS P. HACKETT
CMDR,
Cavalry Division.
Rockport, May 29th 1864 – 6:00 p.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II
Corps,
GENERAL: We arrived in Midway ahead of the
infantry and were resting when movement was seen on the road for Point Cedar.
Enemy infantry arrived and deployed on Meeting Hill from Epps House to Still
House and threw out skirmishers. Col. Dibble deployed his brigade across the
road on a hill east of St. James Church and threw out the Thirty-First Arkansas
as skirmishers. Martin deployed across
the road south of Sullenburger and threw out the Thirty-Fourth Arkansas as
skirmishers.
Martin’s skirmishers drove back a Missouri
infantry regiment on the enemy skirmish line. The Thirty-First engaged a
Kentucky infantry regiment on the skirmish line, but came under fire from enemy
batteries on the hill. Both brigades hold their positions, but Dibble will come
under fire from enemy batteries in the morning. Martin lost about 20 men and
Dibble about 35.
Randall has arrived at Point Cedar. He
reports no enemy, but found that two enemy divisions were there on the 27th.
Your obedient servant,
Maj. Gen. CYRUS P. HACKETT
CMDR,
Cavalry Division.
Rockport, May 29th 1864 – 6:00 p.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II
Corps,
GENERAL: The enemy that had been to our front
at Midway moved southward through the night and withdrew towards Raymonds.
Dibble moved up towards Still Swamp and Martin moved north around Indian
Rock.
Marple’s Brigade arrived from Rockport before
noon and immediately launched into an attack against Martin at Indian
Rock. Martin repelled the Yankees, who
fell back to the Raney Farm to the east. Martin pursued and attacked him and
drove Marple back, but Marple continued to resist. Dibble came up in support at
the Raney farm and Marple moved south into the Jaffrey Woods towards Midway
town. He has encamped at Jones on the Pleasant Ridge Road. Martin lost 39
killed, 139 wounded and 30 missing in the engagement. Dibble did not engage.
Marple is believed to have lost almost twice as many men. Prisoners confirmed
Kraft’s Brigade to the north, now sighted at Point Cedar.
Randall is at Kirby’s Store at Point Cedar
and sighted a single Ohio cavalry regiment to the south (believed to be one of
Herling’s detached regiments). The Ohio regiment joined Kraft’s Brigade, which
arrived just before dark and is deployed across the road at Lonesome Run to the
east of Randall.
Randall is certain that two divisions left
Point Cedar for Midway. There is not infantry at Midway, but we can only
account for one division arriving at Midway.
Your obedient servant,
Maj. Gen. CYRUS P. HACKETT
CMDR,
Cavalry Division.
Raymonds, May 31st
1864 – 6:00 p.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II
Corps,
GENERAL: Randall’s Brigade has arrived at
Harold along with Kraft’s Brigade, which has been pursuing it but has not
engaged. The two brigades are encamped out of range of each other.
Dibble’s Brigade has arrived at Alpine. There
is a single Ohio cavalry regiment there, which has certainly reported Dibble’s
presence to their headquarters. Martin is here in Raymonds with the infantry.
Marple’s Brigade did not pursue.
Your obedient servant,
Maj. Gen. CYRUS P. HACKETT
CMDR,
Cavalry Division.
------------
------------
Betheny Church, June 1st 1864 – 9:00 p.m.
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II Corps,
GENERAL: Brig. Gen. Martin’s Brigade skirmished with enemy cavalry (Marple’s Brigade) to our immediate rear at Betheny Church. Martin got the better of Marple in a light skirmish, but Marple maintains a line across the road to the northeast of the church.
Brig. Gen. Randall reports that he was aggressively attacked by Kraft’s Brigade at Harold and was unable to proceed. Randall reports 200 casualties at a crossroads at Mt. Carmel Church. He has withdrawn to a defensive position on a hill near the junction of Whittington and Sulphur Springs Road.
Dibble is at Antoine. The 1st Division has not yet arrived there.
Your obedient servant,
Maj. Gen. CYRUS P. HACKETT
CMDR, Cavalry Division
----------------
Betheny Church - 9:50 a.m.
General,
Martin has driven back Marple and holds the church and cemetery. Brig. Gen. Wales has arrived and has been joined by his skirmishers. Wales is advance on remnants of Marple as Martin reforms.
- Hackett
--------------
Betheny Church – 12:00 p.m.
Jim,
Marple was killed by Wales’ Brigade. His brigade (Marple's) is disordered. Wales about to return to Baird. Martin will continue to press remnants of Marple.
- Cyrus
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Baird – June 2nd – 2:00 p.m
Maj. Gen. JAMES A. HOBBS,
CMDR, II Corps,
GENERAL: Martin’s Brigade and Brig. Gen. Wales have almost destroyed Marple. The Thirty-Second Arkansas has brought off the flag and many prisoners from the Twenty-Fifth Illinois. They report that Marple’s Brigade has a large battalion of US Colored troops added to it, but that they are not on the field. Marple’s Brigade is reportedly commanded by a Col. Strang of the Nineteenth Illinois.
Martin has just taken position in the woods to the south of the Raymond Road and on Curtis’ left.
Your obedient servant,
Maj. Gen. CYRUS P. HACKETT
CMDR, Cavalry Division
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