HDQRS. 7TH PROV. REGT., ENROLLED MO. MILITIA,
Mount Vernon, Mo., May 23, 1864.

GENERAL: I have just returned from my scout below. I found no force of rebels. There were about 75 or 80 rebels passed between Newtonia and Neosho on the 18th instant. Captain Ritchey had 2 scouts out during the day, and both scouts saw the rebels; one reported 75, the other 80, seen at different places near the same time. There was a lady came in who had seen them and reported about 160, and that she heard heavy musket firing in the direction of Neosho, which was the case; the troops at Neosho fired their guns that day in order to clean them up and reload. Immediately upon receiving Captain Ritchey’s dispatch, I sent one company direct to Newtonia with Captain Roberts. I moved west with two companies through Sarcoxie, and then in the direction of Neosho, until I was opposite Granby, then direct to Granby. I was informed at that place that the rebels had passed, going north. I went that night to Newtonia and learned there that all was quiet at Neosho. I remained there until morning, when I was joined by one more of my companies and 100 men from Cassville; their horses not being fit for service I left them at Newtonia. I moved with my command on the 20th to Neosho. Major Burch and myself concluded to take a scout into Arkansas, but, just on the eve of starting, I received information of the rebels robbing the citizens on Spring River, some 8 miles above Carthage, and that they intended staying in that neighborhood some days. I had information of some 40 or 50 being in that country. We turned our course for Carthage; on arriving there we learned that the large bunch had passed in 2 miles of Carthage, and sent word to Captain Rohrer to come out and fight them, but when he went they were gone; the captain not having men enough did not follow then very far. We then separated. Major Burch went in the direction of Sherwood and Fidelity, and then returned to Neosho. I divided my force into three squads; sent one squad north to the Dry Fork of Spring River, thence up that stream to the head, and thence to camp; one squad south to Center Creek, thence up said stream to Sarcoxie, thence to Cave Spring to camp; and I went up the river with the other squad to where the robbing was done, and found the trail of about 25 or 30. Followed the trail north to the prairie to where the home guards had a fight with them the night before, but no damage done. I found that they had returned to the river again. I camped for the night. The next day I searched the river bottom thoroughly for about 10 miles; found where they had camped, and followed their trail until they dispersed, and then I searched the hills but made no further discoveries. We camped at Cave Spring. I directed Captain Stotts to send an infantry scout.

Major Burch and I have agreed to take a scout into Arkansas; it will require 200 men, and I find on my return that there are small bands in the country stealing and robbing the citizens. I will not be able to furnish more than 50 men and do the citizens justice here. If you can furnish about 75 men with Major Cosgrove or some other, I think we can find out what force of the enemy is in Northwest Arkansas. We propose starting from this place Saturday for eight days’ scout southwest.

I am, general, your obedient servant,

JOHN D. ALLEN,
Col., Comdg. Seventh Prov. Regt. Enrolled Mo. Militia

SOURCE: OR, Series I, Volume 34, Part I, Pages 940-941.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo., May 21, 1864.

Lamar was attacked by 100 rebels about daylight yesterday morning, who were repulsed by our troops with the loss to us of a few horses killed only. Enemy’s loss not reported. This is no doubt the same force that passed through Granby the night of the 18th instant. There are quite a number of rebel troops north of the Arkansas River, and they are constantly moving north in bodies of from 50 to 125. It seems utterly impossible with my reduced stock to intercept them or bring them to an engagement; still I will keep trying. No attack was made on Neosho, and the troops there pursued this force north until their horses gave out.

JOHN B. SANBORN,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.

SOURCE: OR, Series I, Volume 34, Part I, Pages 941-942.

FORT SCOTT, KANS., May 20, 1864, 10.30 a. m.

This a. m. at 4 o’clock the rebels attacked Lamar, Mo., 40 miles from here, and took the place, it being garrisoned by about 25 State militia and the same number of citizens. My orderly and one of my scouts were just outside of town in the edge of the woods, saw the fight, which lasted less than five minutes, and then started for here. As far as they could hear anything, they heard firing in the town, supposed to be the rebels murdering the soldiers and citizens. The officer at Lamar, in the night, last night received a dispatch from the commanding officer at Newtonia, Mo., 80 miles from here, that at that place they had fought Marmaduke and 500 men all day yesterday, and asking help. In five minutes two companies will be on the road from here to see about the matter. I will keep you advised.

CHAS. W. BLAIR,
Colonel, Commanding First Brigade.

FORT SCOTT, May 20, 1864.

I neglected to add to my former dispatch I do not believe it is Marmaduke who is at Newtonia, but if it is, the 500 men are only his advance, as he is not likely to move with less than 5,000 or 6,000.

CHAS. W. BLAIR.

FORT SCOTT, May 21, 1864.

It was Adair that attacked Lamar, and after they got clear into the town, the militia rallied and drove them out at 10:30. My troops and the militia are still in pursuit south of that place. Nothing further heard from Newtonia.

CHAS. W. BLAIR,
Colonel, &c.

SOURCE: OR, Series I, Volume 34, Part I, Page 942.

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