One hundred fifty years ago, on May 3, 1864, a terrible day for the Second Arkansas Cavalry (U.S.): HEADQUARTERS SECOND ARKANSAS CAVALRY, In the Field, May 10, 1864. GENERAL: I forward report of the capture of my train by Jackman, on the 3d instant, near the mouth of Richland Creek. The waters had been high and the train detained on the north bank of Buffalo River, unable to ford the stream. It was escorted by 100 men, under Lieutenant Garner. Every one in the vicinity able or willing to give information was in utter ignorance of the presence of a strong rebel force in the vicinity. Union people living close by had seen none, heard of none; no uncommon occurrence was or could be anticipated, when the escort was suddenly assailed, the advance guard cut off from the main body of the escort, and this from the train and rear guard. Almost surrounded, with only one way of escape, they fought as long as they could, and only gave up the contest against the superior numbers of the rebels when Lieutenant Hester and 38 men lay prostrate on the field. Lieutenant Hester and 32 others have been buried. How many and who were murdered after they had fallen, perhaps will never be known. It is not possible that they all fell dead; they were slaughtered. On receiving the news, I immediately started the evening of the 4th with men returned from scouts and escorts, marched all night, a distance of 30 miles, and on the morning of the 5th, with 100 men, attacked Jackman in his camp. He had all the advantages of the ground and numbers. I defeated him and expelled him from his camp, intrenched as it was and protected by earth-works and other defenses, natural and erected. Driven from his camp, Jackman attempted to form his men again. I ordered a charge; he was again routed, but I could not pursue; my horses, too weak and famished, could not have stood it; otherwise my success would have been more complete, though I have reason to believe it might have been less if Jackman had not been wounded, as I suspect he was. Several more rebels were wounded, but none dead on the field. My casualties were 7 wounded, some of whom were men who had already fought in the first engagement, escaped unhurt, and volunteered for the second. Some of the men wounded at the defense of the train I found in the neighboring hills. They had managed to conceal themselves, and I brought them up with me. I recovered also a number of mules belonging to the train; the rest had been shot and the train burnt up. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN E. PHELPS, Colonel Second Arkansas Cavalry. General SANBORN.
Posted on: Sat, 03 May 2014 13:00:00 +0000
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