The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1896-03-19
CAPTURE OF FORT SMITH.
Following Blunts Lead Through Indian Ter
ritory and Arkansas.

4
ritory and Arkansas.
EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: Col. E. G..
Catherwood, with about 400 men of the 9Th
| Mo- Cav. and q section Of the Sd Ind. bat
terry, left Springfield, Mo-, July 90, 1868,
under orders to reinforce Gen. Blunt at Fort
Gibson, Ind. Ter. The General was con-
| fronted by the rebel forces, under Gen.
Cooper, and in great danger of being driven
out of the Territory.
On arriving at Neosho, Col. Catherwood
was informed by scouts that the Confederate
| Gen. C0ffey was in camp at Pineville with
his command of rebel cavalry. Believing
that he could not pass them without bat
tie, the Colonel at once decided to make
forced march and surprise the force under
Gen. CeGey.
We left Neesho July %, arriving at Pine
vile the next morning. Just as the head of
our main column got into the town we heard
heavy firing in front. BY the time we were
formed in line just south of the town, our
two pieces of artillery being planted in the
road, our advance came running in in great
confusion, saying that they had met heavy
force of the enemy, who were now in close
pursuit.
The enemy's advance soon came in sight,
and, being within good rifie-range, our entire
line, including the artillery, opened on them
at once. Evidently This was unexpected by
the Johmnies. They fell into complete con-
fusion, retresting in disorder. Col. Gather
wood directed Capt. Birch, of Co. F, to take
Co. and deiachments from other COM
panies, in all 100 men, and charge before
they had time to form. He stood ready to
support him with the rest of the command.
Capt. Birch came UP wish the enemy while
in the act of forming their line Our bugles
sounded the charge and with wid cheer
our men dashed forward, breaking the ene-
my's line and routing them. Close pursuit
was made for five miles. until the enemy
had been completely dispersed. In this
action the enemy's loss was 75 killed and
wounded left on the field
The way being now open, we continued On
our march to Fort Gibson, arriving there
late in the evening of the 9th. We were
considerably surprised here at seeing several
Indians riding round the fort dressed in cur
ants sbouldeT-straps, indicating their rank |
in the Union army. We learned that two |
regiments of Indians were among our forces |
with Gen. Blunt, who was in camp some so |
miles southwest of Fort Gibson. Early in |
the morning of the 2Sth we were on the |
march, crossing the Arkansas River and |
moving in southwesterIy course, arriving
at the camp Of Gen. Blunt late in the even
ing. The writer, then II years of age, was
sent with 10 men to stand picket
Our post was on the outer line and about |
three nHies from camp. Our orders were to
abandon the post at daylight, or as seen as
we heard the enemy getting ready to march.
1t was about sunrise when we returned to
camp. Our regiment, the 9th Mo-, was just
forming on the east side of and facing the
man road. Taking our place in line at once
and looking across on the west side of the
road we saw regiment of colored infantry
drawn up in line ready to march.
Just ut this time twb regiments Of Indian
cavalry galloped past their faces painted in
the most hideous colors, and their scalp-locks
held erect by bands Of bristiin9 feathers.
They raised the war-Whoop, and the colored
soldiers, taking off. their caps answered in
their desp, broad voices. Probably such
of sound has seldom been
heard. 1i-1y
The whole army was soon on the march,
nOvNg atarapid Fa,e6ver beautiful prairie
country with groves of timber along the
streams. The enemy was camped about 10
niles in our front but retreated after q
'iIpub WIFI VII dufdUcts we puT- I
ued them at a rapid fate, going on quick
rot almost the entire day until o'clock
}. M, when the enemy made stand at
oerryvife, on the Canadian River. Here
hey had extensive salt works of great value
o them. But after a sharp action with our
'dvance division they fired the town and
etreated. ,
We camped here for the night. Gen.
Blunt did not pursue farther. as it was re-
ported that large reinforcements were coming
o the enemy from Pexas.
The next move was to capture Fort Smith,
Ark. Turning in that direction we arrived
ear the fort on Aug. 5. After heavy Skin 8
nishing on the next evening and follow i,
ng morning. the enemy evacuated the fort.
Ne pursued them the next day for about
% miles, when they made a stand at what
vas called the Devils Back bone. This battle
vas fought in Trick timber. We dismount-
d for action. The fight lasted from o'clock ;;
}. IN. until near 6 o'clock, when the enemy
etreatsd, leaving their dead and wounded :
n the field.
Our force in this battle was commanded
y Col. Cloud, of the I'd Kan. Cav. We re- :.
urned to Fort Smith, remaining there for
he next 10 days; then by easy marches
rent back to Springfield, Me. We had no !,
atoms, but lived off the country-DAvID ..
. TODD, Sergeant, Co. G, 9th Mo. Cav, :
Mo.
For COUGHS, ASTHMA AND THROAT Dis 8