CIVIL WAR

Sketch of the Village and Fortifications--The Guns of the Fort Dismounted by Shots from the Gun-boats--Two days' Fighting and Final Surrender--Sketch of the Rebel Commander, etc.

MOUTH OF THE WHITE RIVER, ARK., Jan 11, 1863--After the repulse of General Sherman's army and the assumption of the command by General McClernand, it was decided to withdraw from the Yazoo river. It was at first ordered for the army to debark at Milliken's Bend and go into encampment there, preparatory to the adoption of new plans for the campaign. Before the troops had been placed on shore the order was changed, and the expedition started up the river as far as Montgomery Point, opposite the mouth of White river. It was generally suspected that we were to attempt the capture of Arkansas Post.

The military and naval fleet reached Montgomery Point on the morning of the 8th, and remained throughout that day quietly at rest. On the morning of the 9th the boats commenced the ascent of White river, the gunboats Louisville and Pittsburg taking the lead, followed by the Marmora and the transports. The latter were headed by the steamer Tigress, the flag-boat of General McClernand. It was expected that we might be annoyed by Rebel batteries on the banks of the White; but none were discovered, not even a solitary guerilla made his presence manifest.

The White river is a narrow though deep stream, navigable for boats of ordinary draught through most seasons of the year for nearly two hundred miles of its course. Thirty miles from its mouth it becomes so narrow that our large transports are unable to turn around, but are obliged to back out of the stream with great care. On the upper portion the scenery is peculiarly wild and attractive, and its pellucid current finds its way over a clear, gravelly bed.

The transports, preceded by the gun-boats, ascended the White, and on reaching the cut-off pushed steadily forward, and were soon ploughing the red waters of the Arkansas. This stream, for the last three hundred miles of its course, is exceedingly tortuous and is full of snags and sandbars. From these causes our progress was neccessarily slow, and it was nearly night before we arrived at Belleville, a small town on the south bank of the river, and about ten miles below Arkansas Post by the course of the stream. This place had been selected as a point of rendezvous, preparatory to the attack on the Post. The boats of one division were tied up to the south bank, while those of two other divisions of the army fastened to the north bank, about a mile above, and commenced throwing troops ashore.

One division had gone up the White river, without passing through the cut-off, and landed on the west bank of that stream, so as to come in on the road leading from Arkansas Post to Little Rock, and thus secure the line of the Rebels' retreat to the interior of the State. With our forces thus disposed of we felt certain of capturing the enemy's position. We determined to leave them no opportunities to flee, and by cutting them off in all directions to make our success complete.

This is the oldest settlement in the State of Arkansas, and was founded by the French in 1685. For many years it was a frontier trading post, and was the resort of the hunters and trappers of the Arkansas river and the then almost unknown Indian Territory. It is situated on the first high ground on the Arkansas river, and is on a bluff about eighty feet high. Back of the town is a sloping strip of alnd about half a mile in width, extending to a forest on the edge of the bottom land reaching to White river. In a high-stage of water this land is overflowed, but at present is comparatively dry. The bluff and the sloping ground are cleared, while the bottom land is for the most part covered with a dense cypress forest.

The river here makes a sharp bend to the northward, forming a complete U. The bluff strikes the outside of the bend, and the town of Arkansas Post, containing less than five hundred inhabitants, is situated on the bluff, near the river. Just below it, in a position looking for three miles down the sweep below the bend, the Rebels more than a year ago erected the fort which it was now our endeavor to capture. This fort was of rectangular shape, built so as to repel an attack from any quarter, and on each side mounted two heavy guns. Those looking down the river were long sixty-fours, while the remainder were thirty-twos. On the sweep looking down the river was a finely finished 100-pounder Parrott gun, that the Rebels confidently hoped would be able to sink any boat having the temerity to approach.

Around the fort is an extensive range of rifle-pits, extending along the bluff so as to encircle the town. Outside of these is a long line of abattis, rendering it difficult to approach the works. In the construction of these defences the Rebels showed especial care. All the roads excepting the one to Little Rock had been obstructed by felled timber, and only the ingenuity of our soldiers prevented their finding them formidable obstacles in the way of a movement. The garrison of the fort had been reported at about seven thousand strong, commanded by Brigadier-General Garland.

An attempt was made in October last to capture Arkansas Post, but it did not prove a success. Gen. A. P. Hovey, with a force of ten thousand men, was sent from Helena with that object in view. The White river was ascended to near the entrance of the cut-off; but the stage of water was not sufficient to allow the boats to pass through. A cavalry force was sent within two miles of the fort, frightening the garrison into preparations for decamping. Failing to find sufficient water to proceed, General Hovey returned to Helena. As in that instance the Rebels were preparing to leave, it was thought they would attempt it at the present time. General McClernand accordingly made his preparations to prevent such a movement.

As rapidly as the troops and artillery were put on shore they were moved forward to positions in the rear and to the south of the enemy's position, proviously assigned them by General McClernand. Each division commander was supplied with a chart of the country, with his particular position clearly marked upon it, and he in turn was directed to so order and instruct his brigade commanders, that there should be no conflict or mistakes. Thus was easily avoided much of the difficulty that led to our disgraceful failure at Vicksburg, where less regard was paid to order and discipline.

The debarkation of the troops and artillery at the different points was covered by gun-boats, and, during the debarkation at the upper landing, several ironclads were sent forward to within a mile and a half of the fort, and opened a vigorous fire upon it to restrain any premeditated assault upon us.

By one o'clock on Saturday afternoon the entire force had been put ashore, and had moved away to secure their positions. The men were in the highest spirits, being led by a captain in whom they had the fullest confidence, and all animated with a firm prosentiment of a sure and speedy victory.

General McClernand had laid his plans to make his victory not only sure, but decisive. To this end he had disposed his forces so as to completely circumvent the Post and prevent any egress from it in any direction whatever. It has been previously mentioned that one divison debarked on the south side of the Arkansas. This was designed to prevent any escape by crossing the river. Another division, instead of following the main force into the common rendezvous at Belleville, continued directly up the White river about twenty-five miles, where they debarked on the west side of the stream, whence by pushing their way through the (unreadable) distance of three miles, they would emerge into higher land and upon prairie, continuing thus until they again entered the woods skirting the Red river, about three miles back of the Post.

The distance across by this route was but ten or twelve miles; and, although no well constructed roads existed, or in fact any roads, the timber was so open and free from underbrush that but little difficulty was met with in getting through. This division sturck what is called the White river road--running nearly north and south--about two miles and a half from the Post. Following this road about three-quarters of a mile, to avoid an extensive marsh or swamp lying northeast of the town, they filed off by their right flank through a piece of woods, until their right came upon the main turnpike leading up the Arkansas river to Little Rock, and took possession of a small bridge on this road, across a creek leading from the north into the Arkansas, about a mile and a half from the town, thus cutting off all retreat from the Post in this direction.

The two divisions that had debarked on the north side of the river, below the Post, deployed into line with their extreme right resting upon the left of the division from the White river, and their left coming...(the rest is unreadable)

OMER R. WEAVER CAMP, OF LITTLE ROCK, ARK.

The Omer R. Weaver Camp, No. 354, U. C. V., of Little Rock, Ark., through its Committee on Memoirs, George Thornburgh, chairman, reports the following deaths:

W. W. Boles.

Comrade W. W. Boles was born in Fluvanna County, Va., May 11, 1832. He removed to Arkansas prior to the War between the States and in March, 1861, enlisted from Chicot County as a private in Company G, 23d Arkansas Infantry. He was wounded and captured at Port Hudson July 9, 1863. Three days after his capture he was released and returned to his command. He was discharged in October, 1864. His rank at his discharge was that of second lieutenant. He was a farmer and in later years made his home at Arkansas City. He was elected a member of Omer R. Weaver Camp March 8, 1906. His death occurred on May 15, 1915. His devoted wife survives him, with one daughter, Mrs. Amburn, who lives at Lake Village, Ark.

Dr. John B. Bond.

John B. Bond was born at Gettysburg, Pa., November 24, 1836; but in his early life his parents removed to Missouri, where he enlisted in the Missouri State Guards in August, 1861. He was assistant surgeon in Milton's Battalion and afterwards served as surgeon in Brace's Regiment, Missouri State Guards. After the battle of Lexington, Governor Jackson commissioned him surgeon, and he served as such in Price's bodyguard. He became division surgeon in Little's Division in the Confederate army. Later he was appointed medical purveyor for the district of Arkansas, serving until the close of the war. Comrade Bond was captured at Iuka Springs in 1862, but was soon released. He was paroled in June, 1865, with the rank of major.

Dr. Bond was married to Miss Julia Sterling, of Little Rock, July 18, 1863. At the close of the war he went to St. Louis and completed his course in medicine, then with his family located at DeValls Bluff, Ark., later going to Little Rock, where he lived until his death. He was one of the organizers of this Camp and ever remained a faithful member.

In 1872 Dr. Bond established a drug store in Little Rock, which he continued successfully until 1908. He was active in building up the medical profession in Arkansas and was one of the organizers of the Arkansas Association of Pharmacists. For fifteen years he was President of the State Board of Pharmacists and for thirty-two years was a member of the American Pharmaceutical Association, serving on various important committees. He served four terms as coroner of Pulaski County.

Comrade Bond died at Warren, Ariz., while on a visit to his daughter, Mrs. Hollis, July 16, 1915. Of his immediate family, there are left his widow, one daughter, and two sons.

R. B. Carl-lee.

Reuben B. Carl-Lee was born December 31, 1841, at Ripley, Va. He went to Arkansas in early life and was a pioneer citizen of this State. He enlisted in the Confederate army May 6, 1861, in Company H, 1st Arkansas Volunteer Infantry, and served in the armies of Virginia, Tennessee, and the Trans-Mississippi Department. He was wounded several times at Shiloh and other places; was captured at Arkansas Post January 11, 1863, and released May 2, 1863. He was promoted and served on the staff of Brig. Gen. A. Nelson until the latter's death and then on the staff of Brigadier General Deshlar until, owing to ill health, he was transferred to the Trans-Mississippi Department, to the command of General Holmes, and was on detached duty until the surrender. He was paroled at Little Rock June 17, 1865, with the rank of lieutenant.

Comrade Carl-Lee was elected a member of this Camp April 8, 1901. His home for many years was in Prairie County, where he was a prominent citizen and legislator. For several years prior to his death his home was at England, in Lonoke County.

The State never had a more faithful representative than Comrade Carl-Lee during his service in the legislature. By his intelligent investigation of State institutions he was instrumental in causing many reforms to be made, thus saving much to the State.

A gentle husband, a tender father, a good man, a useful citizen, and a true Confederate crossed over the river to rest under the shade when Reuben Carl-Lee departed this life.

Robert Potts Weaver.

Robert P. Weaver was born in Bridgeport, Pa., June 12, 1841, and died at the home of his sister, Mrs. E. S. Reed, in Batesville, Ark., October 26, 1915.

In early life Comrade Weaver learned the business of a printer and was employed in that avocation in the city of Washington, D. C., when the War between the States began, in the early spring of 1861. He left there at once and enlisted for twelve months in the 1st Regiment of Maryland Infantry, C. S. A., and served his term of enlistment in Virginia. A few years prior to 1861 his father's family had removed to Arkansas, locating near Batesville; and after Robert Weaver was discharged from his first service he went to Arkansas to join the other members of the family and again entered the Confederate service, this time in the Trans-Mississippi Department, serving under Gen. Joe Shelby in various capacities, ultimately becoming adjutant of the 40th Regiment of Arkansas Mounted Infantry, commanded by Col. W. O. Coleman, and he was serving as such when surrendered. Returning to Batesville, he brought back into civil life the reputation of having been a brave, reliable, and intelligent soldier and officer and entered the service of Burr, Reed & Co., general merchants, remaining with them three years. In 1868 he began traveling as a salesman for a wholesale house in Louisville, Ky., covering the State of Arkansas on horseback before the days of railroads. Later he traveled out of St. Louis. For twelve years past he owned and managed the Weaver Cotton Yard, in Batesville, enjoying the confidence and esteem of his patrons.

At the organization of Sidney Johnston Camp, No. 863, U. C. V., at Batesville, Ark., Comrade Weaver was elected Adjutant thereof and had been reelected every year since, his death terminating a faithful service of more than eighteen years. His comrades all admired and loved him and will cherish his memory as one who was faithful to duty as he saw it.
[James P. Coffin, Batesville, Ark.]

Source: Confederate Veterans, 1916; contributed by Tina Easley.

General Rice entered the United States service in the summer of 1862. He would have entered the army sooner; but he could not leave his large business without pecuniary sacrifice; and, besides, he did not believe at first that the war would be of long duration. He was commissioned colonel of the 33d Iowa Infantry, on the 10th day of August, 1862; and late in November left with his regiment for St. Louis. Early in February, 1863, he arrived with his command at Helena, Arkansas, the point where was organized the Yazoo Pass Expedition; and the first important services of the 33d Iowa were in clearing this Pass of obstructions, and opening it for the passage of our transports. For nearly three weeks prior to the starting of the expedition, the regiment was engaged in this fatiguing and dangerous work.

In the long list of battles that were fought in the South West from the 27th of December, 1862, to the 4th of July following, that of Helena, Arkansas, ranks high in point of importance, not simply because Helena with all its government property was saved from capture; but because the spirit of our troops caused the rebels, on the west side of the Mississippi, to despair of ever re-possessing their lost country. Colonel Rice had met the enemy before in skirmishes, but the engagement at Helena was his first battle. Here his brigade saved the place from capture, and his gallantry and soldierly skill made him a brigadier-general. The names of his troops deserve special mention: the 33d Iowa and 33d Missouri, who most distinguished themselves and suffered most severely, engaged the enemy at batteries C and D, near the Little Rock Road: the 29th and 36th Iowa regiments would have done as well and suffered as severely, but they were stationed on the hills to the right, near batteries A and B, and were not so severely engaged. The main attack of the enemy was made on the Little Rock road, where they staked every thing on forcing an entrance. They captured battery C, and so far succeeded; but the raking fire they received from the other batteries, and from the infantry and Fort Curtis, soon forced them to abandon their dearly- won prize. Our pickets were driven in at half past three in the morning, and the fight lasted till nearly 11 A. M., when the enemy retired precipitately. I have said his command saved Helena from capture; and I may add that his casualties amounted to more than half the entire Union loss. It should be stated that two regiments of his command—the 33d Iowa and 33d Missouri—were, during the engagement, under the more immediate command of General Solomon.

In August, 1863, Colonel Rice was appointed a brigadier general. He had saved General Prentiss and his command from defeat as a colonel; as a brigadier-general, he saved General Steele's army and train from capture at Jenkin's Ferry, on the Saline River; and, had he survived the injury he received in that engagement, he would, doubtless, have been made a major-general.

In General Steele's march against Little Rock, which left Helena on the 10th of August, 1863, General Rice commanded a division, and it was on this march that he received his appointment as brigadier-general. No great battles were fought on this expedition, and no opportunities offered for special distinction. With others he is entitled to equal credit for the success of our arms.

General Rice's coolness and bravery, and his ability as an officer were best illustrated in General Steele's Campaign into South Western Arkansas, which resulted disastrously to our arms, and gave new hope to the rebels. Here he held only a brigade command. Had he commanded the expedition, some have thought the result would have been different; but this is unjust to General Steele. The loss of a brigade and wagon- train at Mark's Mills might have been avoided; but, considering the difficulties under which General Steele labored, no one could have hoped for entire success. That the chief credit which attaches to this movement or rather to the battle at Jenkins' Ferry, belonged to General Rice, no one will dispute.

The expedition in question left Little Rock on the 23d of March, 1864. Between that point and Camden, the enemy were met at Terra Noir Creek, Elkin's Ford, Prairie de Anne, and six miles north-west of Camden. The sharpest of these engagements was that at Elkin's Ford, on the Little Missouri River. Colonel Rice, though not in command of the forces engaged, received a scalp-wound, while riding to the front but the great battle of the campaign was fought at Jenkins' Ferry, on the morning of the 30th of April, 1864.

On the evening of the 29th of April, the expedition had reached the Saline River, on its return to little Rock. That same evening, General Steele's rear-guard had been attacked by the enemy, under Price and Kirby Smith; and it was probable that on the following morning he would have to give them battle; for a pontoon-bridge must be constructed on which to cross, and the difficulties to be overcome were well-nigh insurmountable.

That night was stormy and dismal, and will be long remembered by Steele's old command. The floods of falling rain had swollen the Saline to the top of its banks, and covered the low bottom-lands bordering the river with water. But few slept that night: in front was a swollen river; in the rear a confident enemy, and under foot mud and water half-leg deep. Some collected piles of brush to rest on, and others passed the night on stumps and old logs. Day-light was longed for; and yet it promised little, for all believed it would be ushered in by an attack of the enemy. Some were cheerful, and cracked their jokes; but the great majority pulled their ponchos or blankets tightly about them, and remained quiet: they were thinking of their homes and friends, and of the comforts they had exchanged for these hardships.

But morning came at last, and with it the opening battle. Already General Rice's command was in line to engage the enemy, should he advance, and to defend the crossing: they were engaged promptly. The troops of his command, who met the first shock of battle, were the 29th Iowa on the right, the 50th Indiana in the center, and the 33d Iowa on the left. Of the position of the other two infantry regiments of his command (the 9th and the 28th Wisconsin) at the opening of the fight, I am unadvised. His battery (Captain Voglies') had been sent over the river. The enemy—four to one in the first onset—advanced fairly and squarely, confident of easy victory; but they were repulsed. And not only in this, but in each renewed assault were they repulsed; till finally, near noon, they withdrew and left our forces in possession of the field. At about two o'clock, the last of our infantry forces crossed the river; and after destroying the pontoon-bridge, resumed, unmolested, their march to Little Rock. We lost in this engagement about eight hundred men. The enemy lost, according to his own estimate, nine hundred and fifty; but it is known that his loss was greater.

That was a most gloomy hour for the Federal cause in Arkansas, and the enemy were every where jubilant over the "prospects of peace and independence." They boasted that Steele's army was defeated and disheartened, and that, if it escaped at all, it would do so as a disorganized rabble. They never seemed to doubt that Steele would be compelled to abandon Little Rock, and that the entire State of Arkansas would pass again under Confederate rule. They moved north and blockaded the Arkansas River, and threatened seriously the Little Rock Railroad. The Government became alarmed, and sent nearly two divisions from New Orleans to Steele's assistance. Indeed, for many months the post of Little Rock was little better than in a state of siege; and it was only after Price's reverses in Missouri that the hopes of the Federal cause in Arkansas again rose in the ascendant. But to return.

In the enemy's last charge, and as General Rice was riding down his left wing, he received the wound which resulted in his death. He was shot by a musket-ball "through the right foot, the ball passing under the instep, just in front of the ankle, and driving the buckle of the spur before it."

He left Little Rock for his home in Iowa, on the 18th day of May. For a considerable time after reaching his home, it was supposed he was convalescing; but, (I quote from the Oskaloosa " Herald") " the virus of his wound had permeated his whole system, poisoning the vital fluids, and putting his case beyond the reach of human aid." He died on the 6th day of August, 1864.

Excerpts from the biography of Brigadier-General Samuel A. Rice, transcribed by Barb Ziegenmeyer from "The Iowa colonels and regiments: being a history of Iowa regiments in the war," by Addison A. Stuart.

NAMES	RANK	DATE OF COMMISSION	REMARKS
G. M. Waugh	Lieutenant Colonel	March, 1864	From Second Lieutenant Company G, Second Kansas Cavalry
J. K. Klinefelter	1st Lieut. & Adjt.	April, 1864	From Sergeant Major Thirteenth Kansas Infantry
Ira D. Bronson	Captain	May, 1864	From Company K, Second Kansas Cavalry
M. A. Payne	1st Lieutenant	May, 1864	From Company F. Fourteenth Kansas Cavalry
Wm. W. Tibbs	2d Lieutenant	May, 1864	From Company B, Fourteenth Kansas Cavalry

NAMES	RANK	DATE OF COMMISSION	REMARKS
Horace L. Moore	Lieutenant Colonel	May, 1864	From First Lieut. Company D, Second Kansas Cavalry
H. S. Greeno	Major	September 8, 1864	From Captain Company C, Sixth Kansas Cavalry
Henry Wood	Captain		From Captain K, Second Kansas Cavalry
Wm. J. Hunter	Captain	July 29, 1864	From Company F, Sixth Kansas Cavalry
Howard Schuyler	Captain	December, 1864	From Company I, Eleventh Kansas Cavalry
Hugh Quinn	1st Lieutenant		From Company A, Second Kansas Cavalry
John Tenant	2d Lieutenant	October 16, 1864	From Company F, Sixth Kansas Cavalry