The Smoky Hill and Republican union. [volume] (Junction City, Kan.) 1861-1864, 1864-01-30
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WALDRoN, Ark, Dec. 80, 1868.
MAJ. BIxKEIY Thinking brief account
Of the part taken by the boys'of tis Second in
the great struggle for national existence might
not prove uninteresting to your readers, send
you statement Of recent skirmish with the
guerrillas.
-Rstxsea twelve and anas o'clock On the aaosDe
ing of the 29th inst Major Gibson, c. s. A.,
with about one hundred men, attacked our out
post on the Fort Smith road, three ind . half
miles from this place, consisting Of ab6dt thir-
" men from companies T. and 4. commanded
by Capt John Gardner, of company E. 9oV
Thefrst intimation We had Of the attack,
was the firing Of the guards in front, Of the
camp, followed by a charge Of Gibson's whole
force, shooting through the tents as the men
rushed out with their arms. They were, met
with .yolleys from our. carbines and reyolvers
that sent the Southern chivalry flying back in
confusion. Three times Gibson rallied his
men, and tried to fire the house in which part
of the men were ,quartered; each time they
met with showers of lead that sent them back.
On the last charge Gibson fell, and the terrified
chivalry fed in confusion from the field. e. q +,
Company lost William Walker, killed. Go.
E had six wounded, viz: Marion Harper, Ord
erly Sergeant, mortally wounded, since, died;
A. N. Bratton, ) ohm Curtis, John Cummings
and Allen Chapman, severely wounded; and
G., Z. Beates slightly wounded. The Rebs lost
Major Vim. Gibson, killed; Thomas Skaggs,
mortally wounded, since died.. The number OF
rebels wounded has not been ascertained.s One
company Of thirty men had seven wounded,
and ). is thought the others lost ~ many.7i= .a
Capt Gardiner deserves much credit for his
coolness and bravery in repulsing the enemy,
over three times his number, when the fact Is
taken, into account of his being attacked while
the whole camp were asleep except the guard
The gallant captain presented quite alaughable
appearance by moonlight, dressed in Texas
costume, vizs . shirt collar and psir Of spurs
with dragon revolver in each Asnd: '1h %.
Major Gibson was the leading spirit IS well
IS commander Of the hguerrillasssf Southwest
ern Arkansas. His loss cannot fail to'serious-
ly affect the rebel bushwhackers in :this vieini:
ty. He was to Southwestern Arkansas what
Livingston was to Southwestern Missouri. 81
Among the trophies captured was their Reb-
el Flag, which the company desire to present
to you as Slight testimonial OF their esteem
for you for your fearless advocacy Of the vig-
orous prosecution Of the war, and the disinter-
ested friendship you have. shown for our Regi-
ment, while summer friends have deserted a,
for eleventh hour converts to the, Union cause
f'.l 7l' 81 SOLDIER
P. S. Later reports bring US the news Of
three more rsbs who have died from the effect
of wounds received in the skirmish. 4 IS.
The bestowal upon our humble self Of . tes-
timonial Of regard by the brave boy OF the
noble old Second, in the shape of trophy Of
war which was so dearly earned, and paid fol
with the blood Of gallant and patriotic men.
comes unexpected and we are at loss for words
to express our thanks When we look upon it.
folds of treason, We shall be reminded Of the
many noble hearts which have ceased to beai
by reason of the crime Of which it is tho EN-
blem, and unbidden tears shall start to Jthei1
memory; for the safety Of the defenders Of th'
Union and our liberties we. shall, ever have {
prayer and shall hopefully look to the Ged o
Battles for the safe and speedy return Of oul
brave volunteers from South reclaimed 70 th'
Union, Brave boys, accept our thanks, ant
what We do for you will be limited only BY ou'
talents and our purse. i,ss,72eco I'D B. i