28 July 2013
Revised Version - Work in Progress
10 July 2013
07 July 2013
Opening Movement Orders - May 1st
The orders on May 1st had the armies moving like this:
This resulted in contact at the following locations:
This resulted in contact at the following locations:
- Ozark / Mt. Gilead: On May 4th there was light skirmishing between 2/1/Cav (DEF) and 1/Cav (AOA). The skirmishing was on Eagle Ridge, south of town, between the 19th Mississippi Cavalry and 17th Michigan. 2/1/Cav was outmaneuvered and retired across the river to Mt. Gilead. The two sides opposed each other across the river up through the May 7th, with the Confederate line at the Johnson House being re-enforced by 1/I and 2/I on the 6th and 7th.
- Arkansas Post / Red Fork: On 3rd May, 1/2/Cav (DEF) and 1/XXIX faced each other across the river. They remained in that position up through the 6th, when the Federals began shelling the cavalry brigade from across the river. It remained at Red Fork, but was forced back into the woods south of Red Fork Tavern.
- Castete: On May 6th - 7th, 3/1/Cav (DEF) engaged 2/Cav (AOA) at Tacketts Woods and Crossroads. The Confederate brigade was driven off and the Federals held the crossroads by mid day on the 7th.
- Mt. Ida: Late on May 7th, 2/XXXI deployed in front of elements of 3/I at Mt. Ida.
- Pleasant Ridge: On May 8th, the armies would have received news of contact between 1/XXVII and 2/2/Cav
06 July 2013
AOA XXXI Corps Reports
HDQTRS, XXXI Corps;
Perryville – May 1st 1864 – 6:00
a.m.
Brig. Gen. G. R. McCann,
Chief of Staff, Army of the Arkansas,
GENERAL: Marching
orders have been sent to all divisions. Second Division is preparing to leave
Perryville momentarily and is expected to arrive at Grave Creek tomorrow
morning at the latest. First Division may take up to three days to reach
Aiken’s Store. Third Division will be travelling on secondary roads, but should
reach Chickataw tomorrow, this the third brigade under Col. Hutchinson
advancing to Danville thereafter
.
Respectfully,
Maj. Gen. CHARLES
H. KING
CMDR, XXXI Corps,
Army of the Arkansas.
----
HDQTRS, XXXI Corps;
Perryville – May 2nd 1864 – 3:00 p.m.
Brig. Gen. G. R. McCann,
Chief of Staff, Army of the Arkansas,
GENERAL: The
second division under Brig. Gen. Rooney arrived in Grave Creek yesterday at
5:00 p.m. and has taken a defensive position. Third division reports having
arrived at Chickataw today at noon and that its third brigade has departed for
Danville.
.
Respectfully,
Maj. Gen.
CHARLES H. KING
CMDR, XXXI Corps,
Army of the Arkansas.
HDQTRS, XXXI Corps;
Perryville – May 3rd 1864 – 6:00 a.m.
Brig. Gen. G. R. McCann,
Chief of Staff, Army of the Arkansas,
GENERAL: I received word in the night that first
division arrived at Aikens Store yesterday afternoon and has taken up a
position unopposed.
Respectfully,
Maj. Gen.
CHARLES H. KING
CMDR, XXXI Corps,
Army of the Arkansas.
HDQTRS, XXXI Corps;
Perryville – May 3rd 1864 – 1:00 p.m.
Brig. Gen. G. R. McCann,
Chief of Staff, Army of the Arkansas,
GENERAL: Third Brigade, Third Division entered Danville
this morning shortly before 9:00 a.m.
Respectfully,
Maj. Gen.
CHARLES H. KING
CMDR, XXXI Corps,
Army of the Arkansas.
HDQTRS, XXXI Corps;
Perryville – May 6th 1864 –
6:00 a.m.
Brig. Gen. G. R.
McCann,
Chief of Staff, Army
of the Arkansas,
GENERAL: Maj. Gen. Stanley has detached the Fifty-Seventh
Wisconsin Volunteers under Col. Frazier from his first brigade for service with
the Provost Marshall. The balance of the brigade is at Aiken’s Store.
Maj. Gen. Stanley has only two brigade, both at Aikens Store.
Should he send one to Petite Jean?
Respectfully,
Maj. Gen. CHARLES H. KING
CMDR, XXXI Corps,
Army of the Arkansas.
copied to Brig. Gen. Jacob Moyer, Provost Marshall
HDQTRS, XXXI Corps;
Perryville – May 7th 1864 – 9:00
p.m.
Brig. Gen. G. R.
McCann,
Chief of Staff, Army
of the Arkansas,
GENERAL: Brig. Gen. Rooney reports that his division passed
through Sulphur Springs towards Mt. Ida. He reached West Martin’s Creek
slightly after 5:00 pm and was shelled by a battery on Mauldin Mountain until
dusk. Brig. Gen. Rooney deployed the division on the northeast bank of Martin’s
Creek, centered on the Sulphur Spring Road ford. He estimates at least two
brigades and a battery on Mauldin Mountain.
Col. Hutchinson’s Brigade of Third Division left Danville in the
morning and should have arrived at Parkersburg by now, or will arrive early
tomorrow morning.
Respectfully,
Maj. Gen. CHARLES H. KING
CMDR, XXXI Corps,
Army of the Arkansas.
AOA XXIX Corps Reports
HDQTRS, XXIX Corps;
Pine Bluff – May 1st 1864 – 6:00
a.m.
Brig. Gen. G. R. McCann,
Chief of Staff, Army of the Arkansas,
GENERAL: I
wish to report that Brig. Gen. Hawley is preparing to leave St. Mary’s for
Arkansas post with his 1st Brigade and Division Artillery. He
believes it will take his men three to four days to reach Arkansas Post. His 2d
Brigade is on the opposite bank and preparing to cross to Pine Bluff presently.
The division has only two brigades.
Second
Division has taken a defensive position at Race Track. Brig. Gen. Lacey sent word that he will be
sending his third brigade under Brig. Gen. Pease to Pine Bluff to act as a
reserve.
Third
Division is maintaining a defensive position at Darysaw to defend against enemy
advance on Pine Bluff. Col. Ocker volunteered his (3rd) Brigade of
United States Colored Troops to advance to Hurricane Creek.
Respectfully,
Maj. Gen.
FRANCIS J. KELLERMAN,
CMDR, XXIX Corps,
Army of the Arkansas.
HDQTRS, XXIX Corps;
Pine Bluff – May 2nd 1864 – 7:00
a.m.
Brig. Gen. G. R. McCann,
Chief of Staff, Army of the Arkansas,
GENERAL:
Second Brigade, Second Division has arrived in Pine Bluff from Race Track. Third Brigade, Third Division arrived at
Hurricane Creek yesterday afternoon and has taken up a defensive position.
.
Respectfully,
Maj. Gen.
FRANCIS J. KELLERMAN,
CMDR, XXIX Corps,
Army of the Arkansas.
HDQTRS, XXIX Corps;
Pine Bluff – May 3rd 1864 – 3:00
p.m.
Brig. Gen. G. R. McCann,
Chief of Staff, Army of the Arkansas,
GENERAL: First Division arrived at Arkansas Post at
9:00 a.m. this morning without encountering the enemy. They are taking up
position on the east bank to defend the crossing from Red Fork.
.
Respectfully,
Maj. Gen.
FRANCIS J. KELLERMAN,
CMDR, XXIX Corps,
Army of the Arkansas.
HDQTRS, XXIX Corps;
Pine Bluff – May 4th 1864 – 6:00 a.m.
Brig. Gen. G. R. McCann,
Chief of Staff, Army of the Arkansas,
GENERAL: Maj. Gen. Hawley, First Division, reports
that an enemy cavalry brigade arrived at Red Fork yesterday afternoon, with
apparent intentions of crossing to Arkansas Post. First Division is sufficiently positioned to
repulse a crossing. Maj. Gen. Hawley has ordered his batteries to hold their
fire unless the enemy attempts to force a crossing. The enemy is encamped in
the vicinity of Ryan’
.
Respectfully,
Maj. Gen.
FRANCIS J. KELLERMAN,
CMDR, XXIX Corps,
Army of the Arkansas.
HDQTRS, XXIX Corps;
Pine Bluff – May6th 1864 – 6:00 a.m.
Brig. Gen. G. R. McCann,
Chief of Staff, Army of the Arkansas,
GENERAL: Maj. Gen. Hawley, First Division, remains at
Arkansas Post and reports that the enemy’s position has not changed and his
single brigade has not been re-enforced. Maj. Gen Hawley would like to note
that the river is difficult to cross at Arkansas Post. In the absence of a
pontoon bridge, the river can only be crossed in skiffs and small boats, one
brigade at a time. As long as the enemy is on the opposite bank, this would be
a difficult and costly undertaking. Likewise, the enemy would be unwise to
attempt a crossing as long as or forces are present on the bank.
.
Respectfully,
Maj. Gen.
FRANCIS J. KELLERMAN,
CMDR, XXIX Corps,
Army of the Arkansas.
HDQTRS, XXIX Corps;
Pine Bluff – May 6th 1864 – 6:00 p.m.
Brig. Gen. G. R. McCann,
Chief of Staff, Army of the Arkansas,
GENERAL: First Division at Arkansas Port reports that
it began shelling the enemy on the opposite bank of the river at 11:00
a.m. The enemy cavalry brigade at Red
Fork has fallen back from the river bank into some woods south of Red Fork
Tavern.
.
Respectfully,
Maj. Gen.
FRANCIS J. KELLERMAN,
CMDR, XXIX Corps,
Army of the Arkansas.
HDQTRS, XXIX Corps;
Pine Bluff – May 7th 1864 – 6:00 p.m.
Brig. Gen. G. R. McCann,
Chief of Staff, Army of the Arkansas,
GENERAL: First Division at Arkansas Port reports that
it did not shell the enemy today. The main body of the enemy brigade is
concealed in woods south of Red Fork Tavern. They still have pickets in the
vicinity of the tavern and landing and are observing our position. The enemy’s position still does not appear to
have been re-enforced with additional troops.
.
Respectfully,
Maj. Gen.
FRANCIS J. KELLERMAN,
CMDR, XXIX Corps,
Army of the Arkansas.
AOA XXVII Corps Reports
HDQTRS, XXVIII Corps;
Benton – May 1st 1864 – 5:30 a.m.
Brig. Gen. G. R. McCann,
Chief of Staff, Army of the Arkansas,
GENERAL: I
have issued orders to all three divisions of XXVIII Corps. I expect them to be
on the road by 6:00 a.m. this morning. Each division has a march estimated at a
minimum of two and maximum of three days. I will confirm each division’s
arrival at its objective as soon as it is known to me.
Respectfully,
Maj. Gen. DANIEL
C. ORMSBY,
CMDR, XXVIII Corps,
Army of the Arkansas.
HDQTRS, XXVIII Corps;
Benton – May 2d 1864 – 3:00 p.m..
Brig. Gen. G. R. McCann,
Chief of Staff, Army of the Arkansas,
GENERAL: Brig.
Gen. Lewis reports that third division, III Corps arrived at Hot Springs at
11:00 a.m. this morning and is taking up a defensive position. There is no
enemy in the vicinity.
Respectfully,
Maj. Gen. DANIEL
C. ORMSBY,
CMDR, XXVIII Corps,
Army of the Arkansas.
HDQTRS, XXVIII Corps;
Benton – May 3d 1864 – noon.
Brig. Gen. G. R. McCann,
Chief of Staff, Army of the Arkansas,
GENERAL: The
first division arrived at Pleasant Ridge this morning without incident. The
second division also report its arrival in Rockport without encountering any
enemy force.
Respectfully,
Maj. Gen. DANIEL
C. ORMSBY,
CMDR, XXVIII Corps,
Army of the Arkansas.
HDQTRS, XXVIII Corps;
Benton – May 7th 1864 – 6 pm
Brig. Gen. G. R. McCann,
Chief of Staff, Army of the Arkansas,
GENERAL: Maj.
Gen. King has enquired about the movement of my third division on Mt. Ida, but
I have received no such order.
Maj. Gen.
Piatt reports that an enemy officer spent some time observing his position
Rockport yesterday afternoon and appeared to be sketching the position.
Respectfully,
Maj. Gen. DANIEL
C. ORMSBY,
CMDR, XXVIII Corps,
Army of the Arkansas.
HDQTRS, XXVIII Corps;
Benton – May 8th 1864 – 9 pm
Brig. Gen. G. R. McCann,
Chief of Staff, Army of the Arkansas,
GENERAL: Brig.
Gen. Lewis had third division on the road by 6:00 a.m. this morning. The
division passed through Harold just before dark. It should arrive at Mt. Ida
sometime tomorrow.
Respectfully,
Maj. Gen. DANIEL
C. ORMSBY,
CMDR, XXVIII Corps,
Army of the Arkansas.
AOA Provost Reports
Perryville, 4th May – 6 p.m.
Brig. Gen. JACOB H. MOYER
Provost Marshall,
GENERAL: Lieut. Carrier has passed through Perryville and reports enemy
1st Cavalry Div. deployed at Ozark, Castete and Boonville. Two divs.
of I Corps on march toward Ozark, near Boonville yesterday. Will report details
when arrives at Little Rock.
Your obedient servant,
Maj. HENRY THAYER,
Chief Signal Officer.
Reporting to Moyer – 6th May – 8:00 a.m.
General, I was in Castete on the night of May 3d and found
the 3d Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division deployed there to guard the
crossroads. I made inquiries and found that the 1st Brigade of the
same division is deployed at Boonville and that the 2nd Brigade and
Glenn’s Battery had advanced to Ozark. I can confirm that our order of battle
for the enemy’s 1st Cavalry Division was 100% accurate.
I infiltrated the enemy’s lines and several men informed me
that the I Corps is marching north to Ozark with pontoon trains somewhere to
their rear. The 1st Division, I Corps was nearing Castete, but the 2d
Division was delayed somehow and was somewhere near Boonville. The men
did not have any information on 3d Division, I Corps. Rather than risk
detection or delay, I decided to return with due haste to report this
information. The men I spoke with, were very clear that the 1st and
2nd Divisions were on the march to Ozark, but none of them had any
knowledge of the 3rd Division. I believe it is reasonable to assume
that 3d Division is not part of the movement and may deployed for a different
purpose.
Little Rock, May 7th 1864
Brig. Gen. JACOB H. MOYER,
Provost
Marshall, Army of the Arkansas,
GENERAL: I have received confirmation of
assignment from the following commanders and reg’ts assigned to the Provost
Marshall’s office:
Fifty-Seventh Wisconsin, Col. Frazier - Began
recruitment in Perryville today and recruited men
Two-Hundred and Thirty-Fifth Ohio , Col.
Russell – Left Arkansas Post for Pine Bluff today
Sixty-Third Missouri, Col. Dunlop – The
regiment has departed Arkansas for Lawrenceville this morning
Fourteenth Minnesota, Lieut. Col. Wilson –
The regiment has begun recruitment in Arkansas and reports great enthusiasm
among the former slave population.
Fourteenth Tennessee, Col. Womer – Began
recruitment in Hot Springs today with over 150 former slaves recruited
Thirty-Fifthh Kansas, Col. Ullery – Departed
Hot Springs for Benton toda
Two Hundred and Thirty-Second Ohio, Col.
Rutter – Left Hot Springs for Pine Bluff this morning
I have asked all regiments to report no later
than the May 14th and will consolidate a report for you on May 15th.
Your obedient,
Lieut. LEVI BOLTON,
Staff
Officer.
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