EXPEDITION INTO OREGON COUNTY

The Jackson USA Signal's continuing series on the Civil War in Missouri continues with this report of Maj. James Wilson, Third Missouri State Militia Cavalry commanding expedition to Oregon County. Bernard Schaper of Jackson received these Civil War officer's reports from the estate of Raymond McNeeley. McNeeley received these from State Rep. Lewis Simpson of Oregon County in the 1960s. Rep. Simpson researched these reports at the archives in Jefferson City. The following report was taken from "War of the Rebellion; Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies" Series 1, Vol. XXII, pages 682-683.

Union Headquarters Third Missouri State Militia Cavalry

Pilot Knob, Mo., October 28, 1863

Colonel: In compliance with your instructions of the 28th of September, I placed my command in order, and moved out on the following morning with 200 men of the Third Missouri State Militia Cavalry; encamped at night near Centreville, Mo.

On the 30th ultimo, I detached Captain (G.L.) Herring, with 70 men, directing him to move via Eminence, and to rejoin me at Alton as soon as practicable. Commanding the main force myself, we followed the Van Buren road, encamping at night near what is known as Henpeck Creek.

October 1, I ordered another detachment of 60 men, under command of Captain (H.B.) Milks, to take a lower route, cross Eleven Point River at Boyce's Mill, and to proceed to Alton. The main force on this date crossed Current River; encamped at the head of Pike Creek, and on the morning following in the direction of Alton. Upon arriving at Falling Springs, I detached Captain (J.W.) McFaden, with 30 men, with orders to go by way of Boyce's Ford and meet us at Alton, and with the remainder of the force I crossed the river, about 8 miles east, at a place known as Simpkins' Mill, and also arrived at Alton that p.m.

Captain McFaden's command encountered a party of guerrillas, under one Lieutenant Duckworth, whom they routed, as well as capturing several horses, saddles, &c. My immediate command captured 4 guerrillas, with their horses, arms and equipments.

From Alton, on the 3d of October, I sent out three scouts, respectively, to Boyce's Mill, Simpkins' Mill, and Boyce's Ford, with instructions to scour the country for guerrillas. Captain (C.W.) Rushs, commanding one of these detachments, fell in with the command of Duckworth, whom he succeeded in routing again, besides capturing several horses, camp equipage, &c.

All of the several detachments having reported to me at Alton, on the 4th of October I started for Arkansas with 140 men (leaving Captain McFaden with 60 men), proceeding in a southeasterly direction to Jaynes' Creek, Arkansas; thence west to Spring River; thence Southeast to Strawberry River and to Evening Shade, on Piney Creek. At Evening Shade we captured 35 prisoners, including 1 captain and 3 lieutenants, as well as all their horses, arms, and equipments.

On the morning of October 7, we moved east, on the Smithville road, 15 miles; thence north, crossing Strawberry River, near its mouth, to Mill creek; thence northeast to Jaynes' Creek, returning to Alton on the 9th instant. Captain McFaden, with an escort, was then sent with what prisoners we had taken, to report to you at Pilot Knob. I remained at Alton, sending scouts into the surrounding country frequently, and wherever I could hear of any guerrillas, until the 18th instant, when, my provisions being nearly exhausted, we started to return to Pilot Knob, but met Captain McFaden on the 20th, with re-enforcements, provisions, &c., for us.

In pursuance of your further orders, we returned to Alton, and remained there until the 21st instant, when, with 120 men (sending the remainder of my force, under command of Captain (G.L.) Herring, to Pilot Knob, in charge of prisoners, and to escort a train of refugees from Oregon County), I moved west to Thomasville, scouring the country thoroughly en route.

Learning that Alton had been burned since our departure, we hoped to intercept the rascals by traversing the northeastern portion of Oregon County, but in this we were unsuccessful. We then returned, via Delaware Creek and Jack's Fork, arriving at Pilot Knob October 26, after an absence of twenty-eight days.

As the result of our expedition, we have killed 1 captain, 4 men, and wounded 2 others. Captured 1 captain, 3 lieutenants, and 76 men, as well as about 70 horses, a lot of arms of various kinds, horse equipments, &c. This list does not include men who had been previously in the rebel army, and who voluntarily surrendered to me. I ordered all such to report to the nearest provost-marshal, and to comply with the law concerning their cases. We lost 1 man captured and paroled (Joseph Shram, Company G, Third Missouri State Militia Cavalry), and had another wounded in the left arm (Martin D. Gray, Third Missouri State Militia Cavalry).

I have to speak in the highest terms of all the officers and men under my command, and to report that I have conformed to the requirements of Circular No. 1, District of Southeastern Missouri.

I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAMES WILSON,

Major, Commanding Expedition

Col. R.G. Woodson,

Commanding Post of Pilot Knob, Mo.