CIVIL WAR MISSOURI, JUNE 1864, SKIRMISH NEAR NEOSHO

JUNE 3, 1864
SKIRMISH NEAR NEOSHO

Report of Capt. Henry D. Moore, Eighth Missouri State Militia Cavalry (Union), to General John B. Sanborn, Commanding District of Southwest Missouri

HDQRS. BATT., EIGHTH MISSOURI MILITIA CAVALRY,
Neosho, Mo., June 3, 1864.

GENERAL: This morning at about 8 o’clock 20 bushwhackers ran on 2 men of Company L, 3 miles from this place, killing 1 and capturing the other (Sergeant Ruark). I immediately started out a scout of 30 men under Captain Ruark, who overtook the rebels about 9 or 10 miles from here. The captain as soon as he came in sight of the rebels ordered his men to charge. After the fight was over 4 bushwhackers were found dead on the ground. Lieutenant Smith, of Company M, was pursuing a bushwhacker closely, who turned and shot the lieutenant through the head, killing him instantly. Sergeant Ruark was released, and his life no doubt saved by this speedy pursuit.

Your obedient servant,

H. D. MOORE,
Captain, Commanding Post.

SOURCE: OR, Series I, Volume 34, Part I, Page 966.

Report of Capt. Ozias Ruark, Eighth Missouri State Militia Cavalry (Union), to Captain H. D. Moore, Commanding Post

POST NEOSHO, MO., June __, 1864.

CAPTAIN: In obedience to your orders, on the 3d instant I took command of 30 men of Companies H, L, and M, Eighth Missouri State Militia Cavalry, and Captain Kelso and Lieutenants Hunter and Smith, of the same regiment, and pursued a band of guerrillas which, under command of one Goode, had skulked slyly within the vicinity of this post and killed 1 soldier and captured another. I struck their trail and followed them about 10 miles, and found them dismounted, and seeing that the prisoners in their custody were out of danger I ordered the men to charge, which they did promptly. The guerrillas were scattered in every direction, and 3 of their number, Steen, Hickey, and Linzy, were killed on the spot. We lost John T. Smith, second lieutenant Company M, Eighth Missouri State Militia, who was shot dead in the charge. Like a brave soldier he died at the post of duty and honor.

I am, captain, with great respect, your obedient servant,

OZIAS RUARK,
Captain Company L, Eighth M. S. M. Cavalry.

SOURCE: OR, Series I, Volume 34, Part I, Pages 966-967.

Back: Timeline of the Civil War in Newton County, Missouri

Home: Historical Items from Barry & Newton Counties, Missouri