First Visit of Soldiers to County Not Welcome

More Excerpts From:

 THE CIVIL WAR IN CARTER AND SHANNON COUNTY MISSOURI, BY J.J. CHILTON, EUNICE PENNINGTON, DAVID LEWIS, ESAU HUETT & OTHERS.

Within this book are many stories and the majority are reprints of articles written for The Current Local Newspaper-Van Buren, Carter Co., Missouri, under the byline:

TRUE OZARK TALES FROM BYGONE DAYS  By: John Jay Chilton

The Thirteenth Illinois Volunteer Cavalry was organized at Camp Douglas, Illinois, in December 1861, by Colonel J.W. Bell. After organization the regiment moved to Benton Barracks, Missouri, where it was armed and equipped. The 13^th Cav. took to the field, in February 1862 and was on duty in southeast Missouri until June 1, 1862, when it joined General Curtis' army, at Jacksonport, Ark. And this is the military unit that the citizens of the Current River Region would be dealing with at the time this story took place. Jim

September 17, 1931

First Visit of Soldiers to County Not Welcome

Early in April 1862, Captain MacCameron[1] with a company of sixty soldiers entered the north part of Carter County, and leaving the State Road[2] at the Shade Chilton farm came west to Current River at the John Chilton (John J. Chilton’s father) farm.  John Chilton’s children were planting corn near the river at what was then known as the County Road Ford[3].

The children were Shade Chilton, 15 years old, and five others ranging in age down to nine years old.  The writer, (John J. Chilton) only four years old at the time, was there.  The people of the community were expecting the soldiers, and when they rode into the river Shade Chilton started to warn Isaac Baker[4], Sam Burnham[5], Sam Hanger[6] and Baty Chitwood[7], who were working on the next farm up the river.  He ran about sixty rods[8] through plowed ground while they rode out of the river and up to the fence.  The writer can yet see how their blue uniforms and weapons flashed in the sun and their fine horses glistened as they ran through the field.  The boy had never been chased before and he thought the soldiers much closer upon him than they actually were, so, he crawled under a log where one of the pursuers discovered him.  Bringing him out from his hiding place they forced him to guide them to the farm for which he was headed.

They arrived at the farm just after the noon hour, and, Mr. Burnham had started plowing.  Mr. Baker was cutting corn stalks[9] and cleaning up the land.  He discovered the soldiers in time to slip behind a large tree.  Mr. Burnham’s coat was on the opposite side of the tree and a soldier came and got the coat and, when they had gone up to Mr. Baker’s house he slipped away unnoticed, and going up on a hill, he watched the soldiers until they turned back.  Sam Hanger and Baty Chitwood, working in another part of the field, discovered the raiders in time to slip away.

The Federals returned to our home and released Shade Chilton, and asked my mother numerous questions, but got little true information.  From there they went down river to the next farm, known as the Woods Mill[10] at that time, and camped.  After dark, some of them saddling up to ride around some that night when one of the men, thus engaged, discovered a man nearby and asked, “Who comes there?”  The man replied with a shot, which took effect in the soldier’s wrist causing his death four days later at Greenville[11].  Believing they were being attached by an enemy in the dark, the soldiers stampeded and fled about a half mile down the river to what is now the Brokaw[12] farm, where they formed a line of battle and remained in line until near daybreak, when Captain Owen Hawkins[13] and Captain Ponder.[14], with a band of Rebels, located them and sent they scurrying back to Greenville.

The local citizens, who first fired on the band, left the scene in an opposite direction from their homes, rode a mile or so and left the road one at a time, so that the enemy could not track them, and met again in the woods, then returned home in time to get some sleep before daylight.

---

[1] Capt. MacCameron has not been identified. In March of 1862 FRED’K STEELE, Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers communicated with Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK about the logistics of a movement being made toward Pitman’s Ferry. He mentions the following: “Three squadrons of the Fifth Illinois Cavalry are waiting here for the return of their baggage wagons, which were sent forward with supplies, the supply train not being sufficient to keep the troops in advance provisioned. The other three squadrons of that regiment are at Greenville, having been sent as escorts to trains and as guard to the depot. I have detailed the Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry, four squadrons, under Colonel Bell, to guard the depot at this point and at Greenville” I believe that our elusive Capt. MacCameron will belong to one of those two mentioned military organizations.

[2] See map exhibit in the addendum

[3] See map exhibit in the addendum

[4] Isaac Baker lived on Henpeck (1827-1865) eldest son of Nathaniel Baker and Hettie Morris, married Sarah Gallion (Galyon) in 1849. Sarah was the older sister of James Gallion who was killed with Joshua Chilton, et al

[5] Sam Burnham came from Connecticut sometime before 1845 when he married Sarah Catherine George they had two children before Catherine died in 1855. Sam married the second time to Martha Elizabeth Bingham. Sam served in the MSG in 1861-1862.

[6] Sam Hanger was a merchant/farmer/teamster. Son of David Hanger and Polly Leslie of Washington County, Sam had been born in Virginia in 1822. Sometime in 1848 Sam married Mary Jane Thornton. Mary Jane was a first cousin to Isaac Baker above. Her parents were the late John Thornton and Hannah Morris. After John Thornton’s death Hannah married Landon Copeland, father of William Copeland who, along with co-proprietor Sam Hanger, had the store at “Logan’s Creek” some two miles below Barnesville. 

[7] Morgan Beatty “Baty” Chitwood was the son of the late William Chitwood and Cecilia Whitecotton. His brother, William Chitwood, would on December 25, 1863, be captured at Pulliam’s Farm in Ripley County and then die in the Alton military prison the next month.

[8] The rod is a unit of length equal to 5.5 yards, 5.0292 metres, 16.5 feet, or 1⁄320 of a statute mile. Thus, 60 rods = 60 x 16.5  or 990 feet or 330 ^yards.

[9] Corn stalks had to be removed from a field before it could be replanted. Typically the stalks were cut and hauled to the area where livestock were to be fed and were commonly known as “fodder”.

[10] Wood’s Mill is believed to have been near where Mill Creek enters Current River. See map exhibit in addendum.

[11] In a message to Missouri State Guard General Sterling Price in February, Confederate General Van Dorn talks about the federals having captured Greenville and were in the process of fortifying the camp.

The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. ; Series 1 - Volume 8, Page 748-749

HDQRS. TRANS-MISS. DISTRICT, DEPT. No. 2, Jacksonport, February 7, 1862.

General STERLING PRICE, Commanding Missouri Troops, Springfield:

DEAR GENERAL: I am sorry that I am compelled to postpone my visit to your headquarters. I learn this morning that the enemy have taken possession of Greenville in such close proximity to my depot and base of operations that I must stay here to look to it. It is said that a regiment of infantry, three companies of cavalry, and a section of artillery are there as an advance guard to other troops moving down from Fredericktown, and that it is the intention to fortify at that point. I must not let them make a lodgment so near to me. I have ordered back Colonel McCarver’s Arkansas regiment to Pitman’s Ferry; have ordered down Col. M. C. Mitchells regiment from the neighborhood of Yellville, Colonel Le Moyne’s regiment from Little Rock, and will gather together such troops as I can in this vicinity to oppose this attempt of the enemy to seize so desirable a position. I shall order General Pike to take position in Lawrence County rear you, say Mount Vernon, with instructions to cooperate with you in any emergency. He has, as he told me, about 8,000 or 9,000 men and three batteries of artillery. Three of his regiments are, I believe, whites. The others half-breed Indians, etc. All true men, he says. I will try to raise an army here (Jacksonport). McCulloch and McIntosh I will move to Pitman’s Ferry and Poplar Bluff. I hope you will be enabled to increase your command to 13,000 or 15,000 men by the 20th of March, when I desire to open the campaign, and earnestly hope that I can. I have called en Arkansas for 10,000 men, say I get 5,000. I have called on Louisiana for several regiments, say I get three (2,500.) I have called on Texas; several fine regiments there already organized, armed, equipped, and disciplined. One on Red River of 1,100 men en route to join me; say from Texas 2,000 men by the 20th. MeCulloch’s will have 10,000. This will give me here 5,000 + 2,500 + 2,000 + 10,000 19,500. Artillery added, say 20,000. You will have, I hope, 15,000; Pike, 10,000. With these, can we not hope to take Saint Louis by rapid marches and assault? But we will speak further of this when I have the opportunity to visit you. So many mistakes have occurred during this war by the similarity of flags that I have had a battle-flag made, one of which I send you for our army. Please have one made for each regiment of your army, to be carried in battle. Hoping soon to have an opportunity to see you,

I am, general,

very sincerely and respectfully,

your obedient servant,

EARL VAN DORN, Major General.

The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. ; Series 1 - Volume 8, Page 636

PILOT KNOB, Mo., March 23, 1862.

Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, U. S. A.:

GENERAL: The Eleventh Wisconsin Infantry and the Sixteenth Ohio Battery marched from here this morning to join the advance at Doniphan or Pitman’s Ferry. Three squadrons of the Fifth Illinois Cavalry are waiting here for the return of their baggage wagons, which were sent forward with supplies, the supply train not being sufficient to keep the troops in advance provisioned. The other three squadrons of that regiment are at Greenville, having been sent as escorts to trains and as guard to the depot. I have detailed the Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry, four squadrons, under Colonel Bell, to guard the depot at this point and at Greenville, or wherever it may be established, and to escort trains between these points. The squadron of Illinois cavalry, under Captain Dodson (Dodson’s and Huntley’s troop), I shall take with me into the field. We have received 75 wheel mules and some teamsters from Saint Louis, and shall be able to get up an efficient supply train immediately. We have no ammunition for the batteries except what is in the boxes of the caissons and limbers 200 rounds of mixed ammunition. This is half the usual allowance for a campaign, and might not be sufficient if we should intrench ourselves at Helena. This did not occur to me until I inspected Captain Mitchell’s battery. He has four 6-pounder guns and two 12-pounder howitzers. Captain Manter has a 4-gun battery. I do not know whether either one is a howitzer. I know nothing about the small guns in possession of one of the cavalry regiments. If ammunition should be sent here, it could be forwarded to me immediately.* I have been informed that all the prisoners of war taken by the rebels in Missouri and Arkansas are confined in the penitentiary at Little Rock. I could not ascertain whether or not there was any force at that place besides a prison guard. I think General Curtis will have another battle soon. If Van Dorn should be defeated again he may turn his attention to my command. I do not anticipate much resistance this side of Helena. It is reported that they have been building ironclad gunboats on the Lower Mississippi.

Very respectfully, general,

 your obedient servant,

 FRED’K STEELE,

Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers.

[12] Brokaw farm: The map exhibit is a portion of the Carter County Assessor’s tax Plat. The small squares are approximately one mile by one mile. The Brokaw farm was said to be “a half mile down the river”.

[13] Captain Owen Hawkins remains unidentified at this time. John J. Chilton may have been referring to Sergeant James “Owen” Hawkins who served in the 12^th Regiment MO Inf under the command of Col. Ponder.

[14] Captain Willis M Ponder was later promoted to Lt. Col. of the 12^th regiment MO Infantry. He was from Ripley County.

Story of John C. Kerr Of Piedmont, Missouri as dictated to Mr. H. C. Wilkerson

Peterson Papers

DICTATED

Story of John C. Kerr

Of Piedmont, Missouri

            I was born in Montgomery Co. Ala. April 18^th 1846. My father Wm E. Kerr removed to Randolph Co. Ark. about 1847. He lived there 2 years. Then removed to Ripley Co. MO. where he was living 8 miles north of Doniphan until the “war of the sixties” broke out. He enlisted in the Confederate Army and was made a Lieutenant in [       ] Co in Col. Whites Regt. And was wounded at Helena Ark. in July 1863, and soon died of his wound. We lived at the mouth of Big Barren 14 miles north of Doniphan on Current River.

            Some of the time during the war I worked for Jasper Ponder at mouth of Buffalo. I well remember the burning of Doniphan by the Federal soldiers in Sept. 1864, I was not there, at the time, but I know the courthouse, stores and in fact the whole business part of the town was burned at that time. The Confederates, Gen. Shelby’s men fell back across the bridge, and then so demolished it that the pursuing Federals couldn’t cross on the bridge, and if they crossed atall, I never heard of it. They went down Current River 3 miles below Doniphan on the east side, and attempted to burn Lem Kitterell’s mill, set it on fire, but were driven back by Shelby’s men who saved the mill from burning.

            The Federals then retreated nearly east from Doniphan, about 12 or 14 miles to the Vandiver farm, and camped for the night. I know little or nothing about the fight there next morning, only that there were 2 Federals soldiers eating breakfast in the house, and they told the Vandiver people they could have all they could remove from the house while they, the soldiers, were eating. Then young Dick Vandiver, who hadn’t been at home for 3 years, rode up with other Confederate soldiers, and as the two Federals came out, young Vandiver and his men shot them both dead in his father’s front yard. He then leaped the fence and jerked one of the dead Federals overcoats off, and his sister came out and begged him to go no further in stripping them.  They were then left by these men with their boots and other clothing on their persons. I know nothing about the killing of Lt. Brawner, or the wounded left there.  I only learned of the 2 that were killed there at the Vandiver place.

            I started from home at the mouth of Big Barren on Sept. 18^th “64” , (so I am told by the day I arrived in Patterson, Wayne Co. MO) I drove an ox wagon, and had about 50 lbs of cotton to Mr. Hicks’ and to get salt already bought in Fredericktown in Madison Co. MO. I was accompanied by two widow women, Mrs. Waller, and Mrs. Burras, and we were heading for Mrs. Burras’ daughters at her father-in-law’s, Mr. Hicks’ living about 4 miles S.W. of Fredericktown.

            We arrived on the hill near Patterson at about 12 to 1 o’clock P.M. Sept. 21^st 1864, and were halted there by a Capt. McMurtrey, who came galloping down the high knob hill on which the old fort stood to my left and he ordered me to drive my wagon up to the fort which I did. His men began to load my wagon with various of camp equipage, among which was a box that I thought would weigh about 400 lbs., but I didn’t know what was in it, and a box with papers or books, perhaps both. I was then ordered to drive back down the hill to the road, and then on north down the hill to Patterson. I was then halted there near a building (which was after the war occupied by Mr. R.E. Bucklin as a general Merchandise store.) and here they brought out they said 30 double barreled shot guns and put them on my already loaded wagon and tied them there with ropes. A guard of 20 [    ] men were put with me, 10 in the rear of my wagon and 10 in advance. Capt. McMurtrey then ordered me to deliver my load at the Court house in Ironton, Iron Co. MO. soon as possible. I then drove over a short distance to Mr. Patterson’s spring and got water, and while there, a government wagon with 6 mule team drove up in a great hurry, by the side of my wagon and they then relieved me of the 30 shot guns and put them in the government wagon, and then they drove away very rapidly on the Ironton or Pilot Knob road, with a cavalry escort of only a few men. As they drove away under whip I saw them no more.

            I then took the Ironton road with raining often, and being on the road then 3 days our progress was very slow. And besides I was not then a very willing driver. Darkness came on us before we passed through the “Stony Battery” but I was ordered to drive to Brunot some 10 miles North of Patterson. At last we came to the old military bridge across Big Creek and after we crossed Big Creek a very short distance we met a government wagon with 6 mules and a guard of horsemen. I thought some 9 or 10 men. Since the war I have learned the commander of this squad was Sgt. E.A. Wilkerson Co. H, 47^th MO. With whom I am now very well acquainted. I remember we met where the road had been displaced on the hillside.

            Some nearly 2 miles from Big Creek we came to “Bailey’s Station” or as it then was Brunot. Here we found quite a little force of Cavalry camped, and my escort halted here with the Cavalry and went into camp, but ordered me to drive about a ½ mile further on to Mr. William’s spring and camp for the night. (This spring is now on the south side of where the town of Brunot was laid out in 1867) I think there were about 50 cavalry at “Bailey’s Station” They had a government wagon of 4 or 6 mules; I don’t now distinctly remember which.

            I think it was abou8t 3 o’clock AM the next morning. The 22^nd of Sept. The cavalry and wagon, and also my escort passed my camp going north and I saw my escort no more. They appeared to be in quite a hurry to reach Ironton.

            I remained then in camp until about 11 o’clock that day and then Mr. Williams, a good looking and kind old man came towards my camp and told me that it was no use for him to say what his politic were, but he would advise me under the circumstances to hitch up and be driving or at least be on the road as more soldiers would soon be passing, it would be best for them to find me on the road or at least, if not driving for Ironton. I took his advice and at once drove on north, but I assure you I drove very slowly, as I had been “pressed into service” and that not by “my side” and then not going in the direction I desired.

            Some six or seven miles from my camp at Bruno I was t rudging along with thick woods on either side of the road, between the farms of Moses Collins and Mr. William White, I was overtaken by a Federal bugler.  His horse was fagged badly, but he was urging him forward and yet held to his bugle.  As he came up, I asked him, what’s up?  He said: “Hell’s to pay back down yonder,” I then asked what’s the matter?  He said: as he urged his horse on, “O, there is a rebel for every tree within five miles of Patterson!”  And on he went.  I think it was then about 2 hrs by sun in the evening. 

            Something near 6 miles further on I came to Mr. William White’s house and while we were getting water at his well, there road up I think about 20 Federal cavalry.  And I showed them water.  Among them, I noticed an orderly sergeant, but I don’t know his name.  I know I saw him at Patterson as I came up.  Some of the men wore blouses, and some of them were in their shirt sleeves.  If there was a commissioned with them, I didn’t notice him.  I thought one man rode like he had been wounded or hurt some way.  I then asked them, what I had better do with my load.  Stating how my escort had left me near Bruno that morning before daylight.  One said: “Well corporal do you have to say about it?”  The corporal then said: “ have got nothing at tall do with this now,” and then they proceeded on toward Ironton.  They also said: “Hell’s to pay down about Patterson.”  I then drove on and soon crossed Crane pond creek, just below Marsh’s mill and camped for the night as it was about an hour by sun.  My camp was at the lower end of Mr. Marsh’s field or lot with a board fence and his house about two hundred yards further on.\

            Early next morning, Sept 23, I told my companions, the two widow women, that I was going to unload the stuff in my wagon, that I didn’t intend to haul it any farther toward Ironton, as I had started to Fredericktown and I was going there.  Then by daylight my wagon was unloaded, I drove up close along side the board fence and dropped the things over the side in Mr. Marsh’s field.  The heavy box was to much for my strength and Mr. White’s son came along and I got him to assist me, in giving the box so I could dump it over the fence.  And it came down with a loud thud. 

            I then turned back for Bruno very briskly, as I was free of the load and then being free to go where I chose.  I reached Bruno in much less time than by going up to Mr. Marsh’s.  Soon as I approached Bruno, I saw Gen. Shelby’s picket an you may be sure I felt good.  I gave them “the countersign” (I think the sign of the Kt’s of the G of C HCW.) and soon I was among Gen. Shelby’s brigade, feeling very much at home there. 

            I then reported the camp equipage I unloaded in Mr. Marsh’s field.  I never knew what Gen Shelby done in the matter, only that the commander 25-30 men at once to secure it.  They knew I wanted salt and they had already rolled out a barrel and bursted it open and told me to help myself.  And one of the widow women, Mrs. Waller, wanted me to take the salt, the property of Mr. Horace P Bailey, but I refused to touch it, to the displeasure of Mrs. Waller.  I suppose it was well for me that I didn’t take any of the salt, because after the Price raid was over, I was reported to the Federals for taking the salt by Mrs. Waller and I had to flee to Arkansas for safety as Capt. William T. Leeper was on the hunt for me.  And I suppose if caught by him would have been shot.  Gen. Shelby’s forces soon turned for Farmington and so did I as that was the direction I desired to travel. 

            Then the night of Sept 23^rd I reached the old Ellis Kemp farm, across on the east side of the St. Francis River, some seven or eight miles from Bruno, on the Bruno and Fredericktown road.  And put up for the night.  Mrs. Kemp was then a widow as her husband was killed the summer of 1862 by Capt. Jennings and his men.  There were then Confederate soldiers stopped there over night also.  Capt Durks and I think two privates, they kept there horses tied already saddled near the house.  As it stood, probably 50-60 yards, back from the road.  All seemed to go quietly until about “chicken crow” about moon rise, then we saw I think about 20 Federal soldiers come riding in at the yard gate and on up to the house and surrounded it I think.  It seems the Confederate horses being hitched there with saddles on rather attracted the attention of the Federals.  They called them to come out and we downstairs could hear Capt Durks and his men stirring around upstairs, putting on their arms.  We heard Capt Durks say, well boys, we must stay with them or something of the kind.  Capt Durks walked out onto the upper story of the piazzas and the inquiring began of who are you?  Capt Durks said we are confederates.  Then the reply came we are Federal soldiers.  Then came the demand from them to surrender.  But Capt Durks and his men and the Federals at once opened fire on each other.  We could hear the Federal lead striking the house upstairs where the Confederates were.  I think I heard threats of burning the house by the federals.  The firing lasted long enough for Capt. Durks to empty two revolvers.  And about that time he received a ball through his right elbow.  The two men were reloading their firearms and the Federals took to the side or the end of the house where there were no windows and they fled and we heard no more of them.  Then when all was again quiet Capt Durks and his two men came downstairs and they bound up his wound as best as they could.  Then Capt. Durks pointed out to the front yard and said, there is a gun lying out there and a hat and around there by that tree is another gun.  You can have them.  But we never interrupted them, they lay there until after daylight.  Then Capt. Durks and his men mounted and rode for Gen. Shelby’s camp some two or three miles further on the road over two hills on Twelve Mile Creek.  Capt. Durks arm was dressed by the widow Lincoln on Trace creek some six or seven miles from the Kemp farm on the Trace creek on the Fredericktown road, which leads through the settlement called the Creek Nation, Gen Shelby’s route to Fredericktown. (the Federals engaged in this night fight at the Ellis Kemp house where commanded by Sgt. James R. Sullivan of Co. G 47^th Mo inf. Volunteers.  Sent on this perilous scout to find where the rebels where and other information.  Among the most important was Is  Sterling Price in command of the raid in person?  So said Capt P.L. Powers repeatedly.  Sgt Sullivan related in person of the writer.  That while fighting the rebels upstairs in the Kemp house {they not knowing how many were in the house, they heard the “long roll” sounding on the Wilson and Bellman farms next above on the St Francis River.  And parties of Cavalry could be plainly heard dashing in different directions and he and his men kept in the large field off the roads.  If any of Sgt. Sullivan’s men were mounted, the writer has now forgotten it.   But he is quite sure that none were mounted the Kemp house.  H.C. Wilkinson } I think Capt Durks and his men remained at the Kemp house about a half hour after the Federals were gone  before they road away. 

            On the morning Sept 24^th 1864, we drove on towards Fredericktown, traveling the Trace creek or Creek Nation road.  That night we reached Mr. William London’s in the Creek Nation, and within about a mile of Mr. Hick’s where I aimed to go.  In the morning of Sept 25 I drove for home, without getting any salt, as I did not reach Fredericktown by some four or five miles.  I drove southward for Greenville road and came on to Twelve mile creek at some of the numerous Grahams farms on Twelve Mile and stopped overnight.  Then the morning of the 26^th I took the south end of the Greenville and Fredericktown road   Passing down Cedar creek, by Coldwater in Wayne county and that night we stopped at the farm of old Thomas Ward about 6-7 miles north of Greenville.  Morning of the 27^th of Sept. I left the Greenville and Fredericktown road and drove across the St Francis river going in a SW direction and the night of th3 27^th, we stopped on Otter creek at the residence of Rev. Jesse Wallace a Baptist preacher.  Then who should ride up but Gen Jeff Thompson and some six or seven men.  He had been exchanged for as he was captured in Pocahontas the summer of 1863 by MO troops.  He at once recognized me and spoke very kindly to me.  He was then on his way to Gen Sterling Price’s army.  Of course driving along the road we didn’t hear the Pilot Knob fought on that day, Sept 27^th 1864.

            Morning of the 28th of September we drove on our way some and that night reached Little Black and camped in the woods.  Then on Sept 29^th 1864 we reached home, but without salt.  I shall add that when the drive was made for me by Capt. Leeper I made a hair breadth escape in getting away.  That was the same time that Capt. Leeper took Capt. Bradley and Robert  McMillan prisoners at their homes on Buffalo Creek in Ripley County and marched them to Marble creek Iron County some 8-9 miles South of Ironton and shot them with four other men and left them by the road side. 

Signed John C. Kerr

By request

Mr. H.C. Wilkerson has written up my story and now read and approved by me JCK.

The Night Captain Bill Wilson Died

This story takes place a little bit east of my normal area of study, however, it concerns troops that were stationed out of Pilot Knob, Missouri. The 7th Reg. Kansas Vol. Cav. has long been of interest to me. So, when I located the documents I could not keep myself from putting the story to paper.

Captain William N. Wilson was a native of Apple Creek Township, Cape Girardeau County, Missouri. The Governor of Missouri had appointed Capt Wilson to a position of commanding Company A of the 48^th MO infantry, the term of enlistment was for one year. Although, Capt. Wilson attempted to resign early, his requests were repeatedly denied. He finally received his discharge on the one year anniversary of his appointment. He was discharged from service in the 48^th MO Infantry on April 15^th, 1865, the day prior to his death.   

Synopsis of affidavit of James Walker of Apple Creek Township Cape Girardeau Co. MO.

Says

            On the night of the 16th of April 1865 he was at the residence of Dr. John S Robbs. Six men, apparently soldiers, rode up and requested to stop over night. Dr. Robb’s wife told them were not prepared to keep them, he (Walker) then started home and met Capt W N Wilson who requested him to turn back with him and see who these men were did so found the above mentioned men soldiers at Dr. Robb’s house Soldiers told Wilson and himself that they could not leave that night. Wilson said he would leave when he got ready they immediately commenced shooting at Wilson he (Walker) run from the fray thinking he would be shot also there were 25 of 30 shots fired he did not see Wilson fall and did not know any of the men.

Synopsis of affidavit of James D. Hatcher of Apple Creek Township Cape Girardeau County. MO.

States

            On the night of the 16th of April 1865 he (was) called upon to go to Dr Robbs. Upon arriving found Capt W N Wilson dying, he having been shot and a soldier named Newman wounded. There were seven men at Dr. Robbs attired in U S Uniforms except the Capt.(Douhit) Did not remember how (he was) dressed. Soldiers told him they belonged to the 7th Kansas Cav. One of the soldiers named Armstrong remained at Dr Robbs two or three days to nurse Newman. He acknowledged to having fired the first shot a Wilson.  Said Capt. Ordered it and that one of the soldiers struck Wilson with a Saber after he had fallen.

Synopsis of affidavit of Dr. J S Robb of Apple Creek Township Cape Girardeau County. MO.

Saates

            On the night of the 16th of April 1865 two armed men in federal uniforms came to his house and wanted to stay over night. He was sick could not be up. Heard his wife conversing with them. She asked them to what command, they replied command of our own, departed in few minutes way they came, returned shortly with five other men few minutes heard report of fire arms. Directly a soldier named Daniel Newman was brought in the house wounded also WN Wilson wounded. Capt W N Wilson died in about two and half hours after being wounded. A man giving his name as Dophet was in command of the squad of soldiers.

Wilson before he expired told Dophet that him and his men were a band of thieves and had murdered him without a cause as he was acting in self defense. Dophet seemed to regret the death of Wilson. Evidence in the case of the murder of Wilson referred to Brig. Gen Beveridge.

Synopsis of affidavit of John A Wilson. Son of the deceased W.N. Wilson of Apple Creek Township Cape Girardeau Co. MO.

Says

            Arrived at Dr. Robbs before his father died. Sgt Wilhite of the 7th Kansas Vol. Cav gave him the names of the men who killed his father viz:

Joseph Wilhite, WW Armstrong, H. Poteet, John Parent all of Co G 7th Kansas Vet Vol Cav.

April 25, 1865, Capt. David Neuman, Company G (regiment unknown) stationed at Cape Girardeau, Missouri sends message to Lt Col. F. M. Malone, stationed at Pilot Knob, Missouri: Hold the men of the 7^th Kansas in arrest who had a part in killing Capt. Wm N Wilson in this country about 8 days ago. If Doushett, Capt Pecks special agent is implicated arrest him immediately.

Capt. Peck is Carroll R Peck of the 68^th EMM, 12^th MSM, and 5^th MSM, Assistant PM at Ironton and son-in-law of Col. James Lindsey. Doushett is thought to be Zephyr Doucet of St Francois County, formerly a soldier, now disabled for full time duty, but works part time for Peck, guiding patrols made up of members of the 7^th Kansas.

Extracted from Report of the Adjutant General of the State of Kansas, Vol. 1. - 1861-1865. Leavenworth, Kansas: Bulletin Co-operative Printing Company, Chicago. 1867.

Private	Wilhite	Joseph	Leavenworth	Dec. 31, '61	Dec. 31, '61	Re-enlisted Veteran.
Private	Armstrong	William W.	Leavenworth	Jan. 5, '62	Aug. 31, '63	Re-enlisted Veteran.
Private	Parent	John H.	Leavenworth	March 14, '64	March 14, '64	Deserted, Omaha, N. T., August 9, 1865.
Private	Poteet	Henry	Leavenworth	FEb. 20, '64	FEb. 20, '64	Mustered out with regiment September 29, 1865.
Private	Newman	Daniel H.	Mound City	Sept. 1, '61	Oct. 12, '61	Re-enlisted Veteran.