APRIL 1, 1862.--Skirmish
on the Little Sni, Mo
Report of Brig. Gen. James Totten, U. S. Army.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF CENTRAL MISSOURI,
Jefferson City, Mo., April 12, 1862.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to transmit for the information of the major-general commanding the substance of a report of an expedition sent out by Col. John D. Stevenson, Seventh Missouri Volunteers, from Lexington to Pink Hill, Mo., under the command of Capt. John B. Kaiser, Missouri State Militia. Soon after their arrival at Pink Hill they took 10 kegs of powder (25 pounds per keg), said to have been Parker's. Of a skirmish which took place between his command and some bands of Quantrill's and Parker's jayhawkers, Captain Kaiser speaks as follows:
That upon receipt of a dispatch from Captain Peabody, First Missouri Cavalry, stating he wished re-enforcements, as he had found the enemy, he at once ordered Captain Murphy, with 2 lieutenants and 50 men, to his assistance. They discovered the enemy, after a march of 9 miles, upon a high bluff, on the waters of the Little Sni. Their position was one of great strength and advantage. The rocks of the bluff afforded them a strong breastwork and shelter. Communication with Captain Peabody was impossible, as the rebels were between them. Our men, upon discovering the enemy from the prairie, at once opened fire on them, and received a spirited reply at first. After a few more volleys, however, the rebels gave way, and left their camp in our possession. It was impossible to ascend the bluff on horseback, and the time consumed by our men in securing their horses and scaling the bluff' was long enough to give the rebels sufficient time for getting out of their reach. Their loss, however, is 5 killed, 6 wounded, and 1 prisoner. Our loss, 1 man severely and 1 man slightly wounded, and 2 horses killed. Rebel bands and marauders in the neighborhood are represented as getting troublesome and daring, and frequent scouting becomes necessary for the safety of loyal citizens and their property. Lieutenant Meller, who had been sent out by Captain Kaiser, returned, bringing in 1 wagon.
I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAS. TOTTEN,
Brigadier-General, Commanding District.
Capt. J. C. KELTON,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Saint Louis, Mo.
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