May 27, 1863, The New York Herald
The Correspondence of Mr. E.L. Maynard.
HEADQUARTERS, SECOND BRIGADE,
SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION, ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,
HELENA, Ark., May 15, 1863.
I informed your readers in my last letter that the authorities had determined to break up the guerilla bands that have caused us so much trouble of late, and for that purpose had sent out Colonel Clayton, of the Fifth Kansas cavalry regiment, in charge of an expedition for that purpose. I did not at that time particularize by giving the number of men in his command or the route that they were expected to take, fearing lest such a statement might possibly fall into the hands of others than those for whom it was intended, thereby defeating a well matured plan of the colonel commanding the expedition.
COLONEL CLAYTON’S EXPEDITION RETURNED – ITS SUCCESS.
The expedition has just returned, having been eminently successful, by far exceeding our general’s most sanguine expectations. It s result (as will be seen as we progress) is greatly due to the bravery and courage of the colonel commanding and other veterans who served in his command.
THE OBJECT OF THE PRESENT EXPEDITION was threefold. First, to drive out of the country or capture the different guerilla bands, supposed to have numbered about six to eight hundred, and under the command of Colonel Dobbins. Second, to ascertain if possible the truth of the rumor that the rebels contemplated an attack on Helena, and were massing their forces for that express purpose. Third, to destroy the enemy’s supplies. To carry out this programme, Colonel Clayton, with a force of 1,200 cavalry, 1,00 infantry and one section of artillery (Hayden’s Dubuque battery), started on the 6th of May for the enemy’s country, the Colonel sending the infantry, the section of artillery and a company of the Third Iowa cavalry, all under the command of Colonel Rice, of the Thirty-third Iowa, on the road, leading directly to Cotton Plant, while he, with 1,100 cavalry, took the middle road for Clarendon, arriving at this place in due time. Not finding any force at this place the Colonel proceeded immediately to the cross roads at Clarendon.
PRICE’S POSITION ASCERTAINED.
By the way, it was ascertained that General Price had a force of three brigades of infantry and four companies of artillery between the Arkansas and White rivers – a distance of about fifty miles. On their arrival at the cross roads Colonel Rice joined them with his command, having learned that the rebels had a negro camp at a short distance from this point. Colonel Jenkins, of the Fifth Kansas, was sent to break it up, and captured twenty negroes.
DETACHED EXPEDITION TO COTTON PLANT.
Before moving farther Colonel Rice, with his command, was ordered on a reconnoissance in the vicinity of Cotton Plant. To reach this place it became necessary to cross the Bayou de Vue; but after an examination it was found to be impracticable, as it would consume too much time to bridge the swamp so that it would admit the passage of the cavalry and artillery; and, as it was as ascertained from a reliable source that there was no enemy there, Colonel Rice concluded to return to Marianna and look after the guerilla chief Dobbins, who was said to be somewhere in that vicinity, and also to be in supporting distance of our cavalry, should they need his assistance.
COLONEL CLAYTON PUSHING ONWARD.
In the meantime Colonel Clayton had pushed on his force to the Languelle river. Thus far nothing had been heard of the whereabouts of the enemy; indeed there was noting definite whether there was an enemy on the east side of the Languelle or not; but the Colonel was determined to find him if there was and give him battle. The bridge over the river was passed, and as this was the only one on the stream, it was though prudent to guard it and prevent it being destroyed; for if they were attacked by superior numbers it would be the only means of escape. Consequently the First Indiana cavalry were detailed for that purpose, while the balance of the forces were sent out in different directions. Colonel Jenkins, with the Fifth Kansas and Fifth Illinois cavalry, going across to Taylor creek, five miles distant, to reconnoiter, was informed that Dobbins had crossed the Languelle that afternoon at Hughes’ Ferry, and consequently could not be at any great distance. This news was immediately sent to Colonel Clayton, who ordered him to advance on the following morning at daylight, and that he (Clayton) would follow with his remaining force, and join him as soon as it was possible.
THE REBEL GENERAL MARMADUKE’S POSITION.
But before the dawn of day a contraband made his way into the camp and apprised Colonel Jenkins that General Marmaduke, with his whole command, was encamped not more than twenty-five miles from him up the (Taylor) creek. That Marmaduke was in this country, and that the expedition should give him and his forces battle, never was contemplated; for it was expected, and, from the best information that has been received at this post, we were led to conclude, that Marmaduke, after his defeat at Cape Girardeau by our forces, had retreated in a very different direction from that which the present indicated. At first Colonel Jenkins was not inclined to give credit to the statement of the contraband; yet after due consideration the Colonel concluded that such a fact might really exist as that Marmaduke’s brigade was at the place designated by the aforesaid contraband. If such a fact did exist it was of vital importance that the whole command of Colonel Clayton should be informed at the earliest opportunity. Consequently a messenger was immediately dispatched to Colonel Clayton, giving him the desired information.
MATTERS WERE NOW FAST COMING TO A CRISIS.
If this was true that Marmaduke was at that place, it was estimated that he must have several thousand men with him, and to make an attack on him with the small force that we had at our disposal, thought many of the officers, would end in our defeat. Yet the officers and men were anxious to meet the notorious Marmaduke. Col. Clayton, well knowing the superior fighting qualities of his men, resolved to make the attack after maturing a plan.
COLONEL CLAYTON MARCHED TO MEET MARMADUKE with a detachment of the First Indiana cavalry, numbering two hundred and thirty men and two small steel rifled guns, leaving Captain Sugard with his company to guard the bridge. He had proceeded but a short distance before the two forces came together. After a brisk fight our small force succeeded in driving Marmaduke from the town (Taylorc’s reek) to the wood above the town, on the Wittsburg road.
THE FIGHT AT TAYLOR’S CREEK.
Leaving one company (as a rear guard) of forty men, the Colonel then ordered the remainder of his force, one hundred and ninety strong, to dismount, letting every fourth man hold horses, and deployed them to the right and left, and moved to the timber. The two pieces of artillery were then placed in position, when the second fight took place. From our position the whole enemy’s line could be plainly seen, which consisted of three pieces of artillery planted in the road, which constituted their centre, and on either side of the artillery men five to six hundred rebels. After engaging the enemy for an hour or more this gallant band of heroes saw the enemy fly before them.
ATTEMPT TO CUT OFF COLONEL CLAYTON’S FORCES.
The enemy retreating were seen to leave the main road and enter the wood. Colonel Clayton, well knowing that there was a road in that direction that led to the bridge that he had just left a few hours before, thought, correctly, that it was their intention to get possession of the bridge, thereby cutting off his line of retreat and all communication with the remainder of his command. The men were immediately formed into a column and marched forthwith to the bridge. Just before their arrival some thirty of the rebels, who were in advance of the main force, came up to the bridge for the purpose of burning it, but were quickly dispersed by Capt. Sugard.
THE REBEL ATTACK.
Colonel Clayton, on his arrival at the bridge, had no sooner planted his two pieces of artillery on an eminence that commanded the bridge and placed his men in position before the chivalrous Marmaduke made his appearance and opened upon our force with artillery and musketry, keeping up an incessant firing for half an hour. Not gaining the position, he fell back behind the adjoining hills to a place of security. Colonel Clayton, not thinking it expedient to follow the rebels with his small force into their stronghold, concluded to remain at the bridge.
ANXIETY ABOUT COLONEL JENKINS’ FORCES.
He was anxious to hear from Colonel Jenkins, as he had not heard from him since he sent him in pursuit of Dobbins, the evening before. At that time, as will be borne in mind, Colonel Jenkins was to reconnoitre in the vicinity of Taylor creek, and find out, if possible, the whereabouts of Dobbins’ guerillas and return to the bridge the next night. Colonel Clayton, after the receipt of the first message that Dobbins had crossed the Languelle but a few hours before, sent word to Col. Jenkins to move his command in pursuit, and that he would follow him immediately, but when the second messenger arrived, with the news from Col. Jenkins that Marmaduke was above him on Taylor’s creek, he went immediately in that direction, without informing Col. Jenkins. At first it was fair to presume that Col. Jenkins would try at least to join him at the appointed place, and if we were not there he certainly would march to the bridge. After due deliberation Col. Clayton came to the conclusion that Col. Jenkins must know of Marmaduke’s forces being between their two commands, and that he knew of the close proximity of the infantry on the other side of the Languelle, at or near Marianna. Taking these facts into consideration, the Colonel felt assured that Jenkins’good judgment would lead him to abandon the idea of joining us at the bridge, and cause him to cross the Languelle at Hughes’ Ferry, the only feasible line of retreat.
COLONEL CLAYTON REMAINED WHERE HE WAS.
Fearing no attack from the enemy so long as we retained the position at the bridge, the Colonel thought it advisable to remain in his position and watch the movements of the enemy. While at this place several citizens were brought into our camp, and from them we ascertained that the enemy from the opposite side could make a detour to the right, crossing at a bridge about two miles above, and cut off our retreat in the rear, and also that they could do the same at the left, crossing at a ford about five miles below. Calculating the distance, we concluded that if the enemy took either of these routes they could not arrive in our rear before nine o’clock at night. Colonel Clayton then concluded to remain at the bridge until eight o’clock, thus keeping his engagement good with Colonel Jenkins, which would give us an hour’s start of the enemy should they attempt a flanking movement. Not wishing to destroy the bridge – because Colonel Jenkins in a possible emergency might need it – Colonel Clayton caused the camp fires to be replenished, and had the pickets that were posted in front of the enemy discharge a few of their pieces, so that they might know that we were still at the bridge. We then quietly resumed the march toward Helena, feeling confident that Col. Jenkins would not attempt to join us at any of these points.
WHAT COLONEL JENKINS DID.
On the receipt of the news that General Marmaduke was at Taylor’s creek, Col. Jenkins, appreciating the importance of consolidating our small forces, started the next morning as soon as it was light to join Col. Clayton at the bridge. He had not proceeded, however, for any great distance before his advance guard came upon the enemy. We may properly designate this as
COLONEL JENKINS’FIGHT; for it was one of the most glorious achievements over the enemy that I have ever had to record in this department or any other – that a small force (not two hundred) should be able to cause a force of twelve hundred to retire from the field. He certainly deserves the greatest praise. From the official report I am enabled to give you the following details: –
After we had gone some four and a half or five miles, just as we were nearing “Oldfield” we heard some ten or twelve shots from the extreme advance. In a few minutes the firing was again heard, and a trooper came back a full speed from Captain Harrington to hurry up the column. The bugle was sounded, and the force was soon off on the gallop. Soon the enemy appeared in sight, drawn up in line of battle. Captain Harrington’s company, being in the advance, received at this moment a heavy volley. The main column, seven companies, having now arrived, they were ordered to dismount and prepare to fight on foot. One company was then ordered to the right and left as skirmishers, one company as rear guard, and one each to the right and left flanks to guard against any flank movement; the balance of the men were posted in the centre.
THE FIRE – THE REBELS STAGGERED.
When this was done an advance was ordered. The fire of our men was so well directed that we caused the enemy to break and retire three different times, driving him some five or six hundred yards and beyond the cross roads. All this occupied about three-quarters of an hour. We now reached a point that was well calculated to withhold a large force, appearances indicating that the enemy was soon to renew his attack.
The men were ordered to cover the road and reserve their fire until the enemy came within forty yards. In a few minutes after we received a most terrific volley from their side. They then parted to the right and left and a regiment was seen coming down upon us in columns of platoons, with their colors flying and the feet of their horses making the very earth shake.
THE RUSH OF THE REBELS – THEIR RECEPTION AND THE RESULT.
When within fifty or sixty yards they broke out into a loud and prolonged yell or cheer, which completely drowned the noise of the firing; and now it was that the Fifth Kansas showed themselves in their true light and so well sustained the gallant reputation of their young State. Not an eye quailed; not a cheek blanched, but with set teeth and a firm grasp of their “Sharps,” they awaited the shock. With the exception of a few dropping shots, from impatience, they reserved their fire until the enemy came within close range; then a stream of fire poured forth in their front so terrific and well directed that the head of their column staggered, reeled and then broke in confusion to the right and left through the woods to the rear.
THE ATTACK OF THE TWENTY-FIRST TEXAS REGIMENT.
Some fifteen or twenty minutes elapsed, and then down came the Twenty-first Texas in the same manner, led by Colonel Carter, their brigade commander, in person. The shock was still greater than before. The color sergeant tumbled from his horse within fifteen feet of our lines, and Lieut. McGee, Company B, Twenty-first Texas, fell mortally wounded almost amidst our men.
THE FORCE OF THE REBELS AND THEIR LEADER.
Colonel Jenkins, feeling anxious to ascertain whom and the number we were fighting, went to a wounded soldier in the wood, who, in answer to the question, informed him that it was a part of Marmaduke’s force, consisting of Col. Carter’s brigade, numbering about six hundred men, and composed of the following Texas cavalry regiments: – Twenty-first, Eighteenth, Sixteenth and Ninth. Lieut. McGee remarked to Col. Jenkins that this was the first time that their regiment had ever been repulsed.
THE ENEMY SOON ATTEMPTED ANOTHER CHARGE; but when within seventy-five or eight yards they halted, and, with a faint cheer, retired. When the fight commenced Major Farnum, and the Fifth Illinois cavalry were sent for, and at this juncture they arrived. They were greeted with almost as loud a cheer as came from the Texans. It was now almost dark, and the enemy opened upon us with shell, having our range exactly; and, fearing a flank or rear attack, which was a very easy matter, Colonel Jenkins, after consulting his officers concluded to cross the Languelle at Hughes’ Ferry, although he was informed that Dobbins would defend it with five hundred men; but knowing that the infantry at Marianna, under the command of Colonel Rice, would cause them to leave, which was the case, on their arrival at the ferry they crossed in safety by swimming their horses, arriving at Helena the next day.
THE LOSSES.
During the whole engagement Colonel Jenkins lost in killed and wounded:
Killed.
Wesley A. Hurd, Co. A.
Dangerously Wounded.
Private Joseph Platt, Co. F; George Spain.
Seriously Wounded.
Daniel M. Boutwell, Co. A; bugler, Andrew McInturf, private; John M. Vincent, Co. C; Martin V. B. Persall, Jas. Hudson.
Slightly Wounded.
Captain Henry Moore, Co. F, shot through wrist; privates Ira Howe, Co. E; John M. Bently, Elman T. Adams, Loring James, Orderly Sergeant Henry F. Richardson.
THE DANGER OF THE EXPEDITION – HOW THE MEN ACQUIRED THEIR DISCIPLINE.
That Colonel Clayton and his whole command were not totally annihilated, at least taken prisoners, is certainly miraculous. There is not on record since the commencement of this rebellion such an exhibition of bravery as has been shown in these two engagements of Colonels Clayton and Jenkins. The Fifth Kansas cavalry regiment since its organization has always been considered one of the very best in the service, and in this last glorious engagement certainly has won for itself undying honors. The efficiency of this regiment is greatly due to Colonel Clayton, in the words of Colonel Jenkins (in his report to him):– “That the steadiness and bravery exhibited by the men is the result, in a great manner, of that discipline and drill you have taught them since you have been with us, and which they did not know before.” When Colonel Jenkins conversed with Lieutenant McGee on the field after the engagement, on being told that his regiment (Twenty-first Texas) had been fighting the Fifth Kansas, he replied, “That they are as brave a set of men as I ever saw, and the first that ever repulsed the Twenty-first Texas.” Would that we had more such men and officers.
WHAT THE EXPEDITION ACCOMPLISHED.
1. A complete and through examination of the country lying east of the Bayou De Vue as far south as White river, and north as Madison.
2. We have ascertained to a certainty the position of a large portion of General Price’s forces.
3. We have destroyed at least one hundred thousand dollars worth of the enemy’s supplies.
4. We have administered to General Marmaduke’s command one more severe castigation. All of this has been accomplished with but the loss of two men killed and eighteen wounded, and without the loss of any arms, equipments of public property.
The loss of the enemy in killed and wounded, thus far ascertained is about one hundred and fifty, including four captains and five lieutenants.
COLONEL CLAYTON’S LOSSES.
Colonel Clayton in his engagement with Marmaduke lost only one killed, and six wounded. The following is the list of killed and wounded in the engagement at Taylorcreek, and at the bridge across the Languelle.
Killed.
Andrew Green, Co. L, First Indiana cavalry.
Severely Wounded.
Lieut. Wm. C. Wilheim, Co. A., First Indiana cavalry.
Lieut. C. A. Duniman, Co. F., First Indiana cavalry
James Roush, Co. I., First Indiana cavalry.
A. Wolfkale, Co. L, First Indiana cavalry.
Slightly Wounded.
Second Lieut. M. W. Benjamin, Co. H. Fifth Kansas Cavalry and acting adjutant for Colonel Clayton.