April 16, 1862, Independence, Mo.,
Lieutenant-Colonel E. B. Brown to Captain Lucien J. Barnes

HEADQUARTERS, Independence, Mo., April 16, 1862.

CAPTAIN: Having through my scouts tracked Quantrill for the past five days, I received information last night that gave promise of making a successful attack on his band. After making arrangements with one of the scouts to meet the command at Ray Point with reliable information as to his movements, I ordered Lieut. G. W. Nash, with 30 men of the First Missouri Cavalry, to move to that point at midnight, and be governed in his preparations by the information he there received. The night was dark, and a heavy thunder-storm raged until 4 o'clock in the morning, effectually concealing the movements of the command. At daylight it reached a small, old log house, 2 miles from any traveled road and about 12 miles from here, in the direction of Santa Fé, where Quantrill was housed. He was completely surprised, and Lieutenant Nash charged on his farm as they were flying to the brush, about 20 rods from the brush, killing 4, wounding 4, and capturing 5 prisoners, all the horses, accouterments, most of their arms and clothing, most of Quantrill's men running off barefooted and coatless. Lieutenant Nash, for his perseverance in pursuing Quantrill and his bravery in the charge, deserves especial notice of the commanding general.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

 E. B. BROWN,

 Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.

 Capt. LUCIEN J. BARNES,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Jefferson City, Mo.

visits since 02/04/2004
page revised 05/25/2006