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THE BATTLE OF DUG SPRINGS.
Below is an illustration of the BRILLIANT CHARGE OF THE UNITED STATES CAVALRY ATTACHED TO GENERAL LYON'S ARMY upon an enormous force of rebel infantry, at the BATTLE OF DUG SPRINGS, on 1st August. The dispatch from Springfield, Missouri, dated August 2, says : On Thursday news reached here that the enemy were advancing on us, in three columns, with a force numbering 20,000 men. General Lyon immediately set out to meet them with the Second and Third Missouri regiments from this city, the First and Second Kansas regiments, and the First Iowa regiment ; also with two or three companies of regular infantry and two or three companies of regular cavalry from Camp M'Clellan. About twelve miles west of here General Lyon encamped that evening, on Tyrel Creek, and on Friday advanced to Dug Springs, about nineteen miles southwest of Springfield, where he obtained intelligence of the enemy. A fight took place between four and six o'clock that afternoon. A party of two hundred and seventy of General Lyon's cavalry, as previously reported, were crossing a ridge of high land, partially inclosed on the east by a valley, and, when descending the hill, came upon a large force of the enemy's infantry, variously estimated at from two thousand to four thousand, and being unable to retreat, they charged and cut their way through with the loss of only five men. The lieutenant commanding the cavalry was killed, after killing eight of the rebels. Meantime the enemy appeared in large numbers moving along the valley, but they were put to flight by our artillery. Our infantry was not engaged. The rebels retreated southward, to a place called M'Cullough's Store, on the Fayetteville Road. The number of rebels found dead on the field amounted to forty, and some forty-four wounded were picked up. The correspondent of the Herald thus describes the affair : About nine in the morning, after a march of seven miles, a picket guard of some fifty mounted men was seen, and a shell was thrown among them as a gentle reminder that the Union troops were around. They at once made good time toward the main body, some two miles ahead. Near a place called Dug Spring, about nineteen miles from Springfield, our advanced pickets met those of the enemy and exchanged a few shots. Our cavalry formed in line at the right of the road, and Captain Steele, with two companies of infantry, took the left. Captain Plummer, with three companies of First Infantry, supported by Captain Tatten's battery, held the centre. The enemy was posted in a wood crowning a gentle slope, and covering it to the foot, where the road for half a mile ran through a valley between low hills, or rather "swells" of land, covered with a scanty growth of oak bushes, from one to five feet in height, interspersed with a few small trees. As the rebels' position and numbers were concealed by the wood, General Lyon did not deem it prudent to advance the column within range, as a masked battery might at any moment open upon it with considerable effect, while at the same time our strength would avail us nothing. For upward of an hour nothing was done save the exchanging of a few shots among the pickets, and at length General Lyon gave the order for the column to fall back and encamp in the vicinity of the spring. This movement was considered by the rebels to be a retreat, and as soon as we were in motion their cavalry made its appearance from the wood and passed to the front of a corn-field which covered their extreme left. Their number was not far from four hundred, and they formed in a solid square preparatory to charging. Just as they were on the point of rushing forward, Captain Totten sent a twelve pound shell from his favorite howitzer ; but the elevation was too great and the missile passed over its mark. A half minute later another shell followed with better success, bursting directly in the centre of the cavalry and emptying some twenty saddles. The whole body made a retreat for the timber in " precipitous and tumultuous haste." Captain Steele was still on the left, and a body of nearly eight hundred infantry, with a few mounted men, came forward from the enemy's right with the evident intention of engaging and surrounding the Captain's two companies. Company C, of First cavalry, was in the rear (lately front), near Captain Steele and Lieutenant M. J. Kelly, with twenty men from this company, made a Balaklava charge right in the face of the bullets and bayonets of the whole rebel infantry. Four of the twenty were killed and six were wounded, but they succeeded in breaking the infantry and putting them to flight. Four horses were wounded so badly that it was necessary to kill them—one receiving nine, and another eleven rifle balls. one of the men—Sergeant Sullivan—received three terrible, though not fatal, wounds. As he was falling from his horse he waved his sabre, and shouted "Hurrah for the old Stars and Stripes!" When brought to camp he seemed to forget his wounds in his joy at having struck a blow for the Union. one of the enemy's wounded inquired of Lieutenant Kelly, with great earnestness, "Are your cavalry men or devils!" ** The lieutenant replied that it was possible they might be a composition of both. " Well," said the man, "we can't stand such a charge as that. You can whip us all out if you've got a decent army of such soldiers." One of our wounded, a private named Jacobs, who was captured by the rebels, was knocked from his horse while a prisoner by a blow from a musket, and left for dead. He was found on the field the next morning and carefully attended to. He will probably recover. The enemy did not again appear that day, and the command encamped and passed the night in quiet. The utmost care was taken to prevent a surprise during the night by posting pickets in all directions, and arranging the camp with special reference to a defense in the darkness. Major Sturgis was particularly active at all hours, and if the enemy had made an attack they would have met a warm reception.
**They were silly savages!
Harper's Weekly, August 24, 1861. [Official reports follow illustration.]
AUGUST 2, 1861.--Skirmish at Dug Springs, Mo.+
REPORTS.
No. 1.--Brig. Gen. Nathaniel Lyon, U. S. Army.
No. 2.--Capt. Frederick Steele, Second U. S. Infantry.
No. 3.--Brig. Gen. James S. Rains, Missouri State Guard (Confederate.)
No. 4.--Capt. James McIntosh, C. S. Army.
No. 1.
Report of Brig. Gen. Nathaniel Lyon, U. S. Army. HDQRS. U. S. TROOPS, McCULLA'S FARM,
24 miles from Springfield, Fayetteville Road, August 4, 1861.
SIR: on the 1st instant I found the enemy advancing upon Springfield,
and, so far as my information went, it was his intention to center upon
it three columns, and this road being the one on which was the largest
force and most advanced, I started out to meet it, in hopes to drive it
back in time to turn upon other points to the west, where the other
points to the west and northwest, where the other columns are expected.
I reached Wilson's Creek, about 10 miles out, on the first day, and on
the second moved about 6 miles, and found an advanced party about 1
mile on from Hayden's farm. Having little else than meat for my troops,
and for nearly three weeks past having less than half rations of
everything but beef, which has caused considerable diarrhea, my
command of volunteers, badly disciplined and clothed, were unfit to
march forward and drive in the enemy's advance, and proceed to the
only camp in advance where water could be obtained, some 4 or 5 miles
farther on, and where the rebel forces under Rains were some 3,000
strong, and who must be dislodged before we could camp for the night.
I therefore stopped at Hayden's. The rebels' advance perceived my halt, and being mostly mounted,
became bold, and threatened me from various points, though in small
force-though about 1,000 infantry advanced pretty well forward at one
time under an advance of cavalry force. My advance guards of infantry
opened fire upon them, and without orders from me, by a spontaneous
emotion, the advance guard of my cavalry charged and drove back the
rebels, but lost 4 killed and 5 wounded. Cavalry again advanced, but
were driven back by my artillery, under Capt. Totten. Yesterday (3d) I advanced to this point, where Gen. Rains, of
Jackson's forces, had his headquarters, and from which he retired
without resistance. I cannot say with definiteness how far in advance the
main body is, but without supplies, and the danger of being turned by
a force to cut off our communication with Springfield, I deem it
impracticable to advance; and now, as I determine to fall back upon
Springfield, I perceive evidence of an attempt on the part of the enemy
to reach Springfield, by a road to the north of us, in advance of our
return. I hope the forces in Springfield will be able to hold out till our
return. But, painful as it is to announce, I fear much my inability to
retain position in Springfield, for the enemy, mostly mounted and very
numerous, will cut off our means of obtaining flour, and we shall be
forced to retire. I should still hope to retain Springfield and hold out
against the enemy in this region but for the expiration of the term of the
three-months' volunteers, of whom Col. Bates' First Iowa Regiment
claiming discharge on the 14th instant, Col. Salomon's Fifth
Missouri Regt. at different periods by companies from the 9th to the
18th instant, and a considerable portion of Col. Sigel's regiment in
a similar manner by which my force will be reduced to about 3,500 men, badly clothed
and without a prospect of supplies. Prudence seems now to indicate the
necessity of withdrawing, if possible, from the country, and falling upon
either Saint Louis or Kansas. Saint Louis via Rolla will most likely be
selected, with a view to re-enforcements and supplies. My forces are
now nearly as follows, which I make up from recollection, not having
returns for some time past, in consequence of the troops having been
scattered around in the vicinity of Springfield:
First Brigade, Maj. Sturgis'.
Four companies cavalry ..................................................... 250
Four companies First U. S. Infantry (Plummer's) ................. 350
Two companies Second Missouri Volunteers ...................... 200
one company artillery (Capt. Totten's battery)...................... 84
----------------------------- 884 Second brigade, Sigel's. Third Missouri Volunteers ................................. 700
Fifth Missouri Volunteers ................................... 600
Second Artillery (battery) ................................... 120
---------------- 1,420 Third Brigade, Lieut.-Col. Andrews'. First Missouri Volunteers ......................................... 900
Four companies infantry (regulars) ............................ 300
one battery artillery ................................................... 64
--------------------- 1,264 Fourth Brigade, Deitzler's. Two Kansas regiments............................................. 1,400
First Iowa Regiment (Colonel Bates)......................... 900
---------------- ---- 2,300 Grand total................................................... 5,868
I have made every exertion to ascertain the enemy's forces, and though
this is very difficult, I am satisfied it will reach 15,000, and in an
attempt to surround and cut me off there may be gathered 20,000, most
of whom will be ill-conditioned troops, collected from Missouri and
Arkansas, with such fire-arms as each man may have, and being
mounted, have the means of threatening and annoying my command. In
addition to the above will be of the enemy's forces the organized forces
of McCulloch, of Texas, supposed to be 4,000, well-armed, and
prepared for effective service.
In fact, I am under the painful necessity of retreating, and can at most
only hope to make my retreat good. I am in too great haste to explain at
length more fully. I have given timely notice of my danger, and can
only in the worst emergencies submit to them. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. LYON,
Brig.-Gen., Cmdg. Capt. JOHN C. KELTON,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the West, Saint Louis, Mo. ----------- No. 2. Report of Capt. Frederick Steele, Second U. S. Infantry. CAMP NEAR ROLLA, MO., August 18, 1861.
CAPT.: In compliance with instructions from headquarters, I have
the honor to make the following report in regard to the affair at Dug
Springs on the 2d instant:
The advance guard was composed of Totten's battery and my battalion
of four companies. About 9 o'clock in the morning a scouting party of
the enemy's cavalry was discovered a hundred yards in advance on the
road. Two companies of my battalion were deployed as skirmishers, one
on either side of the road, to act as flankers through the bushes. A shell
from Totten's battery dispersed the enemy, and we saw nothing of him
for several miles, when some shots were fired at our cavalry flankers
two or three hundred yard on the left of the road. Two companies of my
battalion were again sent out as flankers, one on each side of the road. After advancing about a mile and a half, the enemy's cavalry, in
considerable force, was discovered crossing and recrossing the road in
front, where it ascended a hill, and was lost from our view in a dense
forest. The road passed through a narrow valley, and on the left was a
succession of spurs, sparsely covered with scrubby oak, and running
perpendicularly to it, up to about a mile from the enemy's position.
Along the ridge of the last spur was Company E, Second Infantry,
deployed as skirmishers, under command of First Sergeant. G. H.
McLaughlin. on the next spur, in rear of this position, was Lieut.
Lothrop, with his company of general-service recruits, acting as a
reserve. on the right of the road the company of Mounted Rifle recruits,
under Lance-Sergeant Morine, was deployed to skirmish thorough a
corn field, and Company B, Second Infantry, commanded by First
Sergeant Griffin, acting as a reserve. Capt. D. S. Stanley's troop of
cavalry was a short distance in rear, on the right of the road. Gen. Lyon left me with this force, and drew off the remainder of the
command a mile and a half to the rear, in order to encamp near water.
I was directed to hold this position unless too hotly pressed by the
enemy, when I was to retire, holding him in check. From our position
the valley sloped towards that of the enemy up to the foot of the hill,
where it turned off to their right. From behind the hills, on our left, was
a deep ravine, running towards the enemy's position. The bed of a dry
stream ran along to the left of the road, and in places was deep, and
skirted with tall, thick brush-wood. on the right of the road (the
enemy's left) was a deep ravine, running perpendicularly to the road. In
a country of such conformation it was impossible for us to form any
estimate of the enemy's strength. Two small field pieces were in
position on the slope of the hill on either side of the road. For several
hours they took advantage of their hiding places to annoy us with
random shots, none of which took effect. About 5 o'clock p. m. Sergeant McLaughlin's line of skirmishers was
attacked on the left and front by a large body of cavalry, some 200 or
more of whom were on foot and about the same number mounted. At
the same time the enemy was seen advancing upon us along the road in
column, with two pieces of artillery. Sergeant McLaughlin gallantly
repulsed the first attack, but was soon overwhelmed with numbers and
obliged to retreat upon the reserve, and all fell back into the road,
where I came to their support with the other two companies of my
battalion. We then advanced upon the enemy, driving him rapidly back.
Capt. Stanley, with his troop, took position on a commanding spur on
our left and front, to prevent our flank from being turned. The enemy was now in complete rout, a part of Capt. Stanley's troop
having gallantly charged and cut though his line. While we were
pursuing the enemy, who had fled, leaving over 200 cavalry horses
tied in the ravine, I received orders from Gen. Lyon to retreat. We
could easily have captured all those horses, but I supposed we were
being cut off by the enemy's column, which was concealed from our
view. We fell back in good order upon a position chosen by Gen.
Lyon, occasionally fronting towards the enemy, but without being
molested by him. The enemy expended a large amount of ammunition,
but aimed too high to do the infantry much harm. Private John Buskirk,
of Company E, Second Infantry, received a severe wound in the hand. The strength of the battalion in this skirmish, excluding the guard in
charge of prisoners, was about 200. The following is Capt. Stanley's report of the number of his troop
engaged, killed, wounded, &c.* Conspicuous in the fight, First Sergeant
Coates, Sergeant Sullivan. About 800 of the enemy's cavalry, in column, followed us up to within
600 yards of Gen. Lyon's line of battle, and were soon dispersed by
a sharp practice from Totten's battery. It is impossible for me to make an accurate report of the enemy's loss
in this affair, but from the best information that I can obtain it is
probable that their loss was about 20 killed and 50 wounded, including
their loss from the shells thrown by Totten's battery. Some of the
enemy's wounded men, found in a house near the field, told us it took
three six-mule wagons to carry off the dead, and that their loss in killed
and wounded was over 70. Very respectfully, captain, your obedient servant, FRED'K STEELE,
Capt., Second Infantry, Cmdg. Detachment. Capt. G. GRANGER, Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen. ----------- No. 3. Report of Brig. Gen. James S. Rains, Missouri State Guard (Confederate). HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION MISSOURI STATE GUARD,
August 3, 1861.
SIR: In consequence of the conflicting rumors which have reached
headquarters regarding the action yesterday between the advance guard
and the forces of Gen. Lyon, I have the honor to report the following
facts in the case: About 9 a. m. our pickets reported that they had met the advance guard
of the enemy, and had fallen back before them after receiving two fires
from their artillery. I immediately ordered the whole advance guard not
on duty (amounting to nearly 400 men) forward, and at a point about 3
miles from our encampment I found the enemy in position. Their forces
were covered by the timber and brush, in which they could occasionally
be seen deploying. At short intervals they threw out reconnoitering
parties, which were checked and driven back by a party of
sharpshooters, picked for that purpose. After having thus kept them in
check for about five hours Col. McIntosh arrived on the ground with
a force of 150 mounted men, which, by my direction, he kept
concealed. In person he reconnoitered the enemy, and reported to us at
the result that there were not more than 150 of them on the
ground, which he presumed we were able to keep in check, and
therefore withdrew his forces from the field. In a short time the enemy attempted to outflank us on the right. I sent
Col. Cravens, with 150 men, to check them, and they soon were
engaged, driving the enemy back in the utmost confusion. I immediately
sent a messenger to report to Col. McIntosh that we were engaged
with a large force. The enemy, re-enforced by the regular U. S.
Cavalry, renewed the attack on Col. Cravens' command, when the
conflict became severe and hand to hand. I then took the remaining
portion of the guard with the view to cut off the attacking party on the
right, when, on reaching them, the enemy opened upon us with two
batteries, dispersing the mounted men, a portion of whom became
panic-stricken and retired in the utmost confusion. I had been led to
expect re-enforcements of infantry and artillery at McCulla's Spring,
and not finding any, fell back, in accordance with instructions, to the
main army.+ I found from two of the wounded enemy, one a captain, that we were
attacked by the army under Gen. Lyon, over 5,000 strong, with eight
pieces of artillery, which we held in check for seven hours. I have to report a loss of 1 officer (Lieut. Northcut) and 5 men
wounded, while the loss of the enemy, as far as can be ascertained,
amounts to 14 killed on the field. I cannot speak too highly of the gallantry of the officers and men,
particularly that portion who acted as infantry; but to notice individual
instances of bravery would occupy too much space. I have the honor to be, respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES S. RAINS,
Brig.-Gen., Cmdg. Advance Guard. Col. THOMAS L. SNEAD, Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen. ----------- No. 4. Report of Capt. James McIntosh, C. S. Army. HDQRS. McCULLOCH'S BRIGADE,
Camp on Crane Creek, August 3, 1861.
GEN.: I was sent forward yesterday by your order with 150 men
to ascertain the position of the enemy, who it was reported were
attacking an advance guard of 500 men under Gen. Rains. I marched
rapidly 7 miles and met Gen. Rains' adjutant-general, who told me
Gen. Rains was engaging the enemy in front. I screened my men and
rode forward with the adjutant-general, and found Gen. Rains with
his command. He reported that the enemy were immediately in front. I
could see nothing, and told him that I did not believe that they were in
force. I then rode forward to reconnoiter the enemy. From a hill I had
a good view of the road in advance, and saw either a train or an
encampment near it. I reported the fact to the general, and told him
repeatedly that he was not sent forward to engage the enemy if in force;
that all required of him was to find out their position and strength, and
late in the evening to fall back to his position of the night before, take
a strong position, and, if attacked, that he would be re-enforced. Having
obeyed your instructions, I returned. When about
3 miles from your camp, the command of Gen. Rains, as I expected,
came down upon us in full flight and in the greatest confusion. I drew
up my men across the road, and rallied the greater portion of them and
sent them on in regular order. Gen. Rains had engaged the enemy
unadvisedly, and had sent for my small command to re-enforce him,
which I respectfully declined, having no disposition to sacrifice it in
such company. I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant, JAS. McINTOSH,
Capt., C. S. Army, and Adjutant-Gen. of Brigade. Brig. Gen. BEN. McCULLOCH, Cmdg., &c.
*+The inexact nomenclature for Civil War combat events is made clear here - was this a battle, a skirmish, or an affair?
* Nominal list omitted shows 42 engaged, 4 killed, and 6 wounded.
+ See, also, Gen. Price's report of battle of Wilson's Creek, August
10, post.
OR, Ser. I, Vol. 3, pp. 47-52.
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