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Re: Marmaduke's Raid AAR
Well here goes. It has been over a week since the event and my body is just now getting back to normal. Let me start out with the trip to the site. Dave, Nancy, Brian, Char and Skip made our way uneventfully down on thursday through the beutiful winding valley's of Missouri. We arrived at aboout three and got the ladies cart set up. They moved down a path that had many felled trees because of the post Ivan invasion and did not make it to where they wanted to be. We then lugged our loads to the camp area and Marse Cawls told us where he wanted the equipage. The boys then went to the marina and waited to see who showed up. We greeted everyone and began some of the organization. At this point the US was very low on numbers but that steadily improved throughout the night. After a chilly night we arose to do final prep for the mail call and sanitary commision box. We had officers call and sgts call and the men commenced to drilling. The companies did a fine job at school of the soldier, company and skirmish drill and we even got an hour of battalion drill in. At one we marched up the road in a column with cavalry screeing us and arrived at the fort with only a few stragglers. The men were then formed into details to go on guard, fatigue, patrols and rest. The sound of trees being felled filled the air as the fort became erected. Our front was built friday and our patrols filled the valley.
Chawls had a hearty meal ready for the men and some displaced merchants were found by the camp and invited in to do business with the men. The telegraph was set up, lines were strung and our hilltop became our home. With sinks dug and the streets laid out the men set down to an uneasy night not knowing where the enemy was. A guard company was formed under the wactchful eye of the adjutant and sgt. major and were deployed. The night was pitch black and rounds were very difficult to do for all posts, but the men worked tirelessly and effectively.
Saturday dawned clear and cool, the sun then turning the day very hot. The men realized that the area on the hill grew one thing very well, ROCKS. They were everywhere. The ground was very unforgiving but the men were more than up to the challenge. Works were completed on both flanks and redoubts built to our rear. We wished we had two more company's to properly man the works as we were stretched thin. Private Lyodd came over and sent out messages to our main force and received what few messages that came in. Mail and a box from the Sanitary commision were passed out and some of the men got new quilts. Bushwackers were seen in the valley during the morning and our patrols were sent out after them. As each patrol came back the maps were then readjusted and plans were made. A citizen was found wondering around in the afternoon apparently ill and trying to find shelter. When questioned it was concluded he was a lead miner trying to find new sources of ore. He was made as comfortable as possible and given food. Our guide,a young boy from the area was very useful to us as far as knowing the countryside even though some had apprehensions of his loyalty. I made him a home near the HQ and he worked in the commisary for a part of the day. Shots rang out and it became apparant we were being set upon by the rear. The men behaved valiently, and even though we had two wounded the enemy was driven off. We captured one of them, a sgt. Green of Texas. It was then we realized that these were not Missouri irregulars or bushwackers, but CS troops under the command of Marmaduke. He was questioned and seemed resigned to the fact that the war was over for him. He was fed and watered and put under guard.
In the midafternoon the patrols came back and stated that they had found a rebel force down the valley. A force was assembled with the 1st platton of company A and the second company F. Second platoon of company A was to sweep around the flank and come in behind the rebs while we attacked the front. Our two forces started out and I formed the men into a line in the valley opposite the rebel stronghold. We had heard cannons all morning but didnt realize that it anchored the center of their line. As we pushed back their infantry, the artillery they had opened up with telling effect. Just at the worst moment for us some of their reserves came up on our right flank and forced us to retire. We had first platoon Co. A very badly mauled by the artillery and flank fire and they lost many men wounded and one captured. A reb officer then appearred wearing citizens clothes. I didnt know what rank he was but we parlayed and he asked for a prisoner exchange. Shots were heard during the parlay and I berated the reb officer asking him why his men were firing. He asked his command and they said they were not engaging us at all. It was not until later that I found out the grim facts.I sent a runner to the fort to bring back sgt. Green,whom we had left shackled as we left. He was exchanged for private Wickham and we deployed a rear guard and retired up the valley to the fort. A very tired and demoralized column reached the fort and rolls were called. It was then that Lt. Owens arrived with what was left of second platoon. His command was set upon by irregulars in overwhelming numbers and three of his men were captured. The rest retired to the fort and took up positions. It was then I realized that I must do something to get these men back. It was reported at first they were taken by Mossbacks and knowing that they set upon reb and US alike I thought I might have some leverage with the CS commander to find them. I had our cavalry saddle three horses and with their escort we all proceed mounted down the valley. Providence must have shown on us at that moment for drums were heard and shots rang out in the fort, just as we reached the valley floor. My men and I came down the road and directly onto the flank of a rebel attack. My mens Spencers and pistols were used with telling effect and the attack scattered an fell back. At that time a spent ball hit my horse and he reared up landing me on the ground then stepping on my legs. I painfully remounted and carried on, this time with a white flag of parlay. We were stopped by rebel picketts and they asked what we wanted. The story was told and the same reb officer that I had met before stated that they had our men, not the Mossbacks. He stated that they didnt have food for them and would be happy to parole them without weapons. This done we retired to the fort and reports were made. Mrs Barnhouse berated me on my return stating that she had warmed my meal three times and I should not be going out on such recklas foray's. The Adjutant and Sgt Major and Senior Captain did a fine job in the defense of the fort. Private Lyodd then received a message stating that we had Marmadukes entire command of 5000 men in front of our three undersized company's and Col. Davisson wanted us to retire with all haste to Pilot knob as reenforcements. The picketts were out and my leg was looked at by the steward. He stated that it would be very painful for the next few weeks. I took solace in the fact that my leg did not hurt as much as my back because of all the rocks I slept on.
After officers call we turned in for a short respite.
Iwas up at four on Sunday, with the rest of the staff and more reports buzzed on the telegraph. It stated that we were to burn everything we could not take with us so as not to let anything fall into the hands of the rebels. The men were woken with fife and drum and the camps were struck. It seemed such a shame to abandon such a formidable position we had worked so hard on. But we had orders and if we had stayed we all would have perished. Forms and extra stores were burned or destroyed. The men were formed up and with our cavalry as a rearguard we headed to Pilot Knob. As we had marched about a mile and a half down the valley we heard shots fired. I had the men go Into Line Faced to the Rear and we formed a line of battle to await the onslaught. I put out skirmishers to our front and in a short while they reported hearing sounds from the fort. It apears that the johnnies found what we had not destroyed. Just then the skirmishers to the right and left detected movement on the ridges. I had second platoon comapny A extend in a line up the ridge to our right and company's D and F to our left. The rebs were brining up their artillery in our front but were kept at by by the terrain and accurate fire of our men.
I heard a shout to my right from the adjutant, stating our right was being turned. I asked how many they had and the reply was 6 men. We had 24 men on line on that side so I told him to drive the outnumbered enemy and press them back. The command was also given on the left flank and D and F went forward on the ridge with a yell. Our men captured 6 rebs on the left and many more on the right along with the fine rebel officer I had met yesterday. It appears taht his irregulars enjoyed themeslves to much in my mess chest and were not up to guarding his flanks.
I called a parlay with the confederate officer that was guarding the gun in the center. He had about 9 men plus a gun crew with him. After telling me he was loaded with double canister and would send me to hell If I advanced, I asked him to look on the ridges to his left and his right and to see the 60 rifles pointed down at them. I also told him we had captured his Commander and after describing him he asked me how long he had to decide. I stated 10 minutes. Five minutes later he came back and told me he accepted my proposal. Company's D and F then formed up and went back to the fort, reformed the battalion with company A and the event came to a close.
Afterwards the raffle was done and everyman there helped take equipment to the road. I am going to say this in a lump statement. THANK YOU EVERYONE on the federal side for doing such a FANTASTIC job at this event. Thanks you Frank for all your hard work putting this on. To all the Rebs, Mossbacks and Citizens, BULLY job.
If you want to know who the heroes of this event were just look at the registraion list for the event.
The drive back was painful and my leg is still swelled twice its size and has the most woderful three shade purple blue and green color. It sort of looks like something Chwls made for supper one time. but it should be fine.
I cant wait for Piney Woods. Boys it was my HONOR to serve with you. If you liked Marmadukes I implore you PLEASE register for Piney Woods. We want to field six to seven federal company's. Lets keep this battalion going!
Cheers:D
Terry Sorchy
akaGustavus Eberhart Major 32nd Iowa Infantry
Well here goes. It has been over a week since the event and my body is just now getting back to normal. Let me start out with the trip to the site. Dave, Nancy, Brian, Char and Skip made our way uneventfully down on thursday through the beutiful winding valley's of Missouri. We arrived at aboout three and got the ladies cart set up. They moved down a path that had many felled trees because of the post Ivan invasion and did not make it to where they wanted to be. We then lugged our loads to the camp area and Marse Cawls told us where he wanted the equipage. The boys then went to the marina and waited to see who showed up. We greeted everyone and began some of the organization. At this point the US was very low on numbers but that steadily improved throughout the night. After a chilly night we arose to do final prep for the mail call and sanitary commision box. We had officers call and sgts call and the men commenced to drilling. The companies did a fine job at school of the soldier, company and skirmish drill and we even got an hour of battalion drill in. At one we marched up the road in a column with cavalry screeing us and arrived at the fort with only a few stragglers. The men were then formed into details to go on guard, fatigue, patrols and rest. The sound of trees being felled filled the air as the fort became erected. Our front was built friday and our patrols filled the valley.
Chawls had a hearty meal ready for the men and some displaced merchants were found by the camp and invited in to do business with the men. The telegraph was set up, lines were strung and our hilltop became our home. With sinks dug and the streets laid out the men set down to an uneasy night not knowing where the enemy was. A guard company was formed under the wactchful eye of the adjutant and sgt. major and were deployed. The night was pitch black and rounds were very difficult to do for all posts, but the men worked tirelessly and effectively.
Saturday dawned clear and cool, the sun then turning the day very hot. The men realized that the area on the hill grew one thing very well, ROCKS. They were everywhere. The ground was very unforgiving but the men were more than up to the challenge. Works were completed on both flanks and redoubts built to our rear. We wished we had two more company's to properly man the works as we were stretched thin. Private Lyodd came over and sent out messages to our main force and received what few messages that came in. Mail and a box from the Sanitary commision were passed out and some of the men got new quilts. Bushwackers were seen in the valley during the morning and our patrols were sent out after them. As each patrol came back the maps were then readjusted and plans were made. A citizen was found wondering around in the afternoon apparently ill and trying to find shelter. When questioned it was concluded he was a lead miner trying to find new sources of ore. He was made as comfortable as possible and given food. Our guide,a young boy from the area was very useful to us as far as knowing the countryside even though some had apprehensions of his loyalty. I made him a home near the HQ and he worked in the commisary for a part of the day. Shots rang out and it became apparant we were being set upon by the rear. The men behaved valiently, and even though we had two wounded the enemy was driven off. We captured one of them, a sgt. Green of Texas. It was then we realized that these were not Missouri irregulars or bushwackers, but CS troops under the command of Marmaduke. He was questioned and seemed resigned to the fact that the war was over for him. He was fed and watered and put under guard.
In the midafternoon the patrols came back and stated that they had found a rebel force down the valley. A force was assembled with the 1st platton of company A and the second company F. Second platoon of company A was to sweep around the flank and come in behind the rebs while we attacked the front. Our two forces started out and I formed the men into a line in the valley opposite the rebel stronghold. We had heard cannons all morning but didnt realize that it anchored the center of their line. As we pushed back their infantry, the artillery they had opened up with telling effect. Just at the worst moment for us some of their reserves came up on our right flank and forced us to retire. We had first platoon Co. A very badly mauled by the artillery and flank fire and they lost many men wounded and one captured. A reb officer then appearred wearing citizens clothes. I didnt know what rank he was but we parlayed and he asked for a prisoner exchange. Shots were heard during the parlay and I berated the reb officer asking him why his men were firing. He asked his command and they said they were not engaging us at all. It was not until later that I found out the grim facts.I sent a runner to the fort to bring back sgt. Green,whom we had left shackled as we left. He was exchanged for private Wickham and we deployed a rear guard and retired up the valley to the fort. A very tired and demoralized column reached the fort and rolls were called. It was then that Lt. Owens arrived with what was left of second platoon. His command was set upon by irregulars in overwhelming numbers and three of his men were captured. The rest retired to the fort and took up positions. It was then I realized that I must do something to get these men back. It was reported at first they were taken by Mossbacks and knowing that they set upon reb and US alike I thought I might have some leverage with the CS commander to find them. I had our cavalry saddle three horses and with their escort we all proceed mounted down the valley. Providence must have shown on us at that moment for drums were heard and shots rang out in the fort, just as we reached the valley floor. My men and I came down the road and directly onto the flank of a rebel attack. My mens Spencers and pistols were used with telling effect and the attack scattered an fell back. At that time a spent ball hit my horse and he reared up landing me on the ground then stepping on my legs. I painfully remounted and carried on, this time with a white flag of parlay. We were stopped by rebel picketts and they asked what we wanted. The story was told and the same reb officer that I had met before stated that they had our men, not the Mossbacks. He stated that they didnt have food for them and would be happy to parole them without weapons. This done we retired to the fort and reports were made. Mrs Barnhouse berated me on my return stating that she had warmed my meal three times and I should not be going out on such recklas foray's. The Adjutant and Sgt Major and Senior Captain did a fine job in the defense of the fort. Private Lyodd then received a message stating that we had Marmadukes entire command of 5000 men in front of our three undersized company's and Col. Davisson wanted us to retire with all haste to Pilot knob as reenforcements. The picketts were out and my leg was looked at by the steward. He stated that it would be very painful for the next few weeks. I took solace in the fact that my leg did not hurt as much as my back because of all the rocks I slept on.
After officers call we turned in for a short respite.
Iwas up at four on Sunday, with the rest of the staff and more reports buzzed on the telegraph. It stated that we were to burn everything we could not take with us so as not to let anything fall into the hands of the rebels. The men were woken with fife and drum and the camps were struck. It seemed such a shame to abandon such a formidable position we had worked so hard on. But we had orders and if we had stayed we all would have perished. Forms and extra stores were burned or destroyed. The men were formed up and with our cavalry as a rearguard we headed to Pilot Knob. As we had marched about a mile and a half down the valley we heard shots fired. I had the men go Into Line Faced to the Rear and we formed a line of battle to await the onslaught. I put out skirmishers to our front and in a short while they reported hearing sounds from the fort. It apears that the johnnies found what we had not destroyed. Just then the skirmishers to the right and left detected movement on the ridges. I had second platoon comapny A extend in a line up the ridge to our right and company's D and F to our left. The rebs were brining up their artillery in our front but were kept at by by the terrain and accurate fire of our men.
I heard a shout to my right from the adjutant, stating our right was being turned. I asked how many they had and the reply was 6 men. We had 24 men on line on that side so I told him to drive the outnumbered enemy and press them back. The command was also given on the left flank and D and F went forward on the ridge with a yell. Our men captured 6 rebs on the left and many more on the right along with the fine rebel officer I had met yesterday. It appears taht his irregulars enjoyed themeslves to much in my mess chest and were not up to guarding his flanks.
I called a parlay with the confederate officer that was guarding the gun in the center. He had about 9 men plus a gun crew with him. After telling me he was loaded with double canister and would send me to hell If I advanced, I asked him to look on the ridges to his left and his right and to see the 60 rifles pointed down at them. I also told him we had captured his Commander and after describing him he asked me how long he had to decide. I stated 10 minutes. Five minutes later he came back and told me he accepted my proposal. Company's D and F then formed up and went back to the fort, reformed the battalion with company A and the event came to a close.
Afterwards the raffle was done and everyman there helped take equipment to the road. I am going to say this in a lump statement. THANK YOU EVERYONE on the federal side for doing such a FANTASTIC job at this event. Thanks you Frank for all your hard work putting this on. To all the Rebs, Mossbacks and Citizens, BULLY job.
If you want to know who the heroes of this event were just look at the registraion list for the event.
The drive back was painful and my leg is still swelled twice its size and has the most woderful three shade purple blue and green color. It sort of looks like something Chwls made for supper one time. but it should be fine.
I cant wait for Piney Woods. Boys it was my HONOR to serve with you. If you liked Marmadukes I implore you PLEASE register for Piney Woods. We want to field six to seven federal company's. Lets keep this battalion going!
Cheers:D
Terry Sorchy
akaGustavus Eberhart Major 32nd Iowa Infantry
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