January 16, 1864, Capt. Ritchey received orders to proceed with his company to the vicinity of Keetsville, Mo., and protect the telegraph communication from Springfield, Mo., to Fayetteville, Ark.  This was an arduous undertaking, and the company was in many skirmishes.  The company was engaged in this campaign until February 19, when they returned to Newtonia.  They had accomplished the object of their enterprise, and driven the band of rebels from that part of the country.  The country was infested with bands of guerrillas and partisan bands, and Capt. Ritchey was in many engagements with them.  His experiences at that time would fill a volume.

SOURCE:  Biographical Appendix, Goodspeed's History of Newton County, Missouri (1888), page 399.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI,
Springfield, Mo.. January 26, 1864.

Captain CAMERON,
Commanding Cassville, Mo.:

Is there anything new since last evening from the field?  Two hundred men and one section of artillery were started to Cassville during the night, some of which will arrive by 9 a. m. to-day.  Captain Ritchey’s company and one other were ordered from Newtonia to Keatsville two days ago.  Detain these two companies at Cassville until further orders.  If they have arrived at Keatsville or are on the way there, order them to Cassville.  How many men has Captain Duff at Berryville?  If he is not strong enough to hold his position, let him fall back slowly.  How are the fords?  If things continue to look the same, I think I will come to Cassville to-night.  Answer.  The forces arriving at Cassville should be sent forward to Berryville as soon as possible, or in that direction.

JOHN B. SANBORN,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.

SOURCE:  OR, Series I, Volume 34 (Part II), Page 162.

Home: Historical Items from Barry & Newton Counties, Missouri

© 2005 Robert O. Banks, Jr.  All Rights Reserved