In July 1861, the rebels under Martin Green and Harris were organizing in North East Missouri. Union men were driven out and much alarm felt by the citizens of the southern border counties of Iowa. Col. Cyrus Bussey was serving as Aid de Camp to the Governor of Iowa and was specially entrusted with the safety of the southern border. He procured arms and ammunition and organized various companies in the Counties of Lee, Van Buren, and Davis. Col. David Moore with a force of about 400 “Home Guards” were attacked at Athens Missouri on the Des Moines River on the 6th of August by 1500 rebels under Martin Greene. The engagement was severely contested on both sides. The militia companies from Keokuk were sent out and rendered important service. The rebels were defeated with considerable loss. The news of this battle spread with great rapidity and was much exaggerated, causing the people for one hundred miles in the interior of Iowa to flock to the scene of the engagement with everything that would make war. Col. Bussey reached Athens the morning of the fight and found a large force concentrated and about ready to march into Missouri. Many of the people of Iowa were opposed to “invading the sacred soil” of Missouri. Col. Bussey therefore visited Maj. Gen. Fremont, at that time commanding the Dept. of the Mo., for the purpose of obtaining authority to use the Militia of Iowa in Missouri. in the event of their being such necessity, which arrangement was at once affected. During the interview with Gen Fremont, Col. Bussey was requested to raise a Cavalry Regiment at Keokuk, Iowa for United States Service the organization of which, it was believed, would have an influence to keep the country on the Southern border of Iowa and Northeast Mo. quiet. Col. Bussey, after some hesitation, consented to undertake the responsibility, which he could only do at considerable pecuniary sacrifice having a large business at home demanding his attention. He went to work with a determination calculated to ensure success and on the 13th day of August issued a call for volunteers requesting each volunteer to bring with him a good cavalry horse to sell to the Government. He left Keokuk on the morning of the 14th having arranged for the organization of a Company at Keokuk and visited Farmington, Keosauqua, Bloomfield, and other points and wrote to influential men in other Counties and on the 28th of August had one thousand 100 [sic]men and horses in rendezvous. In this two weeks he had, after visiting Bloomfield, returned to Keokuk, arranged for the construction of barracks and feed troughs for the horses, provided camp kettles, mess pans, etc., for the men, made arrangements for wood, water, and forage for horses, provided temporary arrangements to subsist the men at the expense of the State until they could be mustered into United States Service, attended to the duties of his office as Aid de Camp which required much of his time, attended to a large correspondence, telegraphed to Maj Gen Fremont for a mustering officer, forwarded requisitions for the complete equipment and Arms for his Regiment, and on the 26th of August was in Davenport conferring with the Governor in reference to the Officers to be appointed for his Regiment. And, after a session of six hours from 9 P. M. until 3 A.M., was ready to return to Keokuk having received from the Governor the Commissioners for the Field and staff of his Regiment. Had the mustering officer been present to muster the Regiment, Col. Bussey's requisitions could have been filled. The 3d Iowa Cavalry could have left Keokuk for the field on the 1st day of Sept. with eleven hundred men and horses. Col. Bussey had no assistance whatever and yet he organized his Regiment in sixteen days - several of the Companies having been raised one and fifty men from the rendezvous. The Regiment were put in camp and the Army Regulation adopted as the guide and enforced strictly to the letter, greatly to the advantage of the Regiment as was soon discovered when going into the Field. Officers and men understood their duties. The month of Sept was spent perfecting the organization of the Regiment and instructing the men in drill. Having no equipment for horses the men were drilled on foot. On being commissioned on the 10th day of August, Col.. Bussey was ordered to report to Brig. Gen. John Pope, Commanding Dist of North Missouri. Hd. Fro[?] at St. Louis on the same date Gen. Pope ordered Col. Bussey to assume command of all the United States forces or Honer [?] Guard Organization in North-East MO. This order embraced the troops under Col.s Moon, Woodyard, and Bishop. The two former were consolidated and formed the 21st MO Infantry the latter the 7th Mo Cavalry. About the 1st of October Col. Bussey sent an expedition of 400 men into Missouri for the purpose of driving out a force of rebels reported concentrating in the countries of Lewis and Clark. The expedition returned without finding the enemy. Another expedition was sent to Canton, Mo. to cooperate with Col. Glover in scouring the country for rebel bands known to be in the country. This force were absent two weeks and accomplished much good. Col. Bussey vainly endeavored to procure any arms or equipments for his Regiment. He had visited St. Louis in person and his Quarter Master had remained ten days without affecting anything and could get no promise for the future. The men were in a suffering condition. The weather was becoming very Cold and they had no blankets and many of them were destitute of comfortable clothing. The services of the regiment was much needed in the Field. Gen Pope frequently telegraphed, urging the equipment of the Regiment as he was authorized to do by Gen Fremont. He therefore visited Chicago and examined the equipment, clothing & c. being furnished to Illinois Regiments ascertained the lowest prices and contracted for Clothing, Blankets, Horse Equipments and Tents all to be of regulation patern [sic] and subject to Inspection of the Quarter Master Dept. and to be delivered at Keokuk in 30 days. The contract was forwarded to the Quarter Master at St. Louis and approved by him. The equipment clothing & c. arrived the latter part of October and proved to be superior to any we have ever since received. The Regiment was now ready for the Field and only required Arms. On the 4th of Nov. by order of Brig. Gen. Prentiss Commanding Dist. N. E. Mo. Col. Bussey embarked his command on steamers and arrived at Burton Barracks on the 6th. Arms could not now be had. Col. Bussey now gave his whole attention to the drill and discipline of his command and in a few weeks had the best drilled Regiment in the Camp, so said Gen Sherman who commanded at Burton Barracks in reply to Gen Hallack who inquired ‘What Regiment is best drilled and best ready for the Field. At that time there were six cavalry regiments at Burton Barracks older than the 3d Iowa. Col. Bussey spared no pains to procure arms and on the 1st of Dec had obtained Revolvers and Sabers. Carbines could not be obtained. On the 12th of Dec., Col. Bussey was ordered to send One Battalion of the 3d Iowa Cavalry to Jefferson City. Maj. H. C. Caldwell in command of the 2nd Batt left Burton Barracks on the 12th. This proved a very unfortunate order as the Battalion remained detached from the Head Quarters of the Regiment for nearly two years. The remaining Eight Companies were kept on drill until the 4th of February when they were ordered to Rolla, Mo. where they arrived on the 6th of February. About the 4th of Feb., 1862 Col. Bussey received ordered to proceed to Rolla, MO with the remaining eight companies of this command. On the 6th, the troops were all embarked on cars[?] and arrived at Rolla without accident. A pleasant camp was established a short distance from the town of Rolla, then commanded by Col. John B. Wyman. There were but few troops at this place, Gen. Curtis having advanced to Lebanon, 65 miles south west of Rolla, and was expected to advance to Springfield to attack Gen Price, who was at that place with an army of 1500 rebels. Col. Bussey was ordered by Gen. Halleck to report to the Commanding Officer at Rolla and to Station two companies of his command at Salem MO, twenty five miles from Rolla, the County Seat of Dent County, at that time infested with guerillas and rebel bands who were recruiting for the rebel Army. This order looked like leaving the 3d Iowa Calvary for Post Duty at and near Rolla, but Col. Bussey was anxious to join the Army under Gen. Curtis for active service in the field and on the 10th sent to Gen. Curtis the following dispatch. Rolla Mo Feb 10th 1862 To Brig. Gen. S. R. Curtis, Commanding Army of the South West. “I am here with eight full companies of my Regiment, well armed and equipped. I am anxious to join you.” On the 11th Col. Bussey received from Gen. Curtis the following dispatch dated “Marshfield 30 miles SW of Lebanon Feb 10th” “To Col. Bussey 3d Iowa Cavalry. “Come on by short route. Make forced marches to overtake me.” The Regiment prepared to leave Rolla the next morning but Col. Wyman objected and telegraphed Gen. Halleck to detain the regiment at Rolla. After delaying two days, Gen. Halleck telegraphed that “Col. Bussey would occupy Salem as directed.” Maj. William. C. Drake with Companies I & K were immediately ordered to Salem to garrison the place and as Gen. Curtis had said “Come on” the remaining six companies under Col. Bussey left Rolla at daylight on the morning of the 14th. The weather was cold and the roads almost impassable. The wagons were lightly loaded, but were soon left far behind. The regiment arrived at the Little Piggy Creek about noon. The roads were so bad that Col. Bussey determined to leave his train to follow on as fast as possible and push on himself by forced marches to overtake the Army, then on the march and one hundred miles in advance. An ambulance was brought up with ammunition, the men all supplied and, without wagons or baggage of any kind, the command pushed forward and arrived at Waynesville, 35 miles from Rolla at 8 o'clock p.m. Just before reaching this place an accident occurred. Two brothers named Padget of Co. A. while carelessly handling a revolver discharged it & severely wounded one of them. He was sent back to Rolla where he died some time afterwards. The country was destitute of forage or supplies. Two hours was spent preparing coffee and resting the horses and at 10 PM. the bugle sounded to horse and the men were on the march. The night was cold and the deep stiff mud rendered the traveling slow. The moon shown bright and silently the men moved forward. At 3 am they reached the Gasconade (river) where the men dismounted and lay down by the roadside for an hours sleep. The next morning the weather turned bitter cold, freezing the roads, which now became so rough that traveling was difficult. At Lebanon, forage was procured and some flour for the men. A tedious march of one day and night until a.m. brought us to Springfield, which had been evacuated by the rebels several days before and where we found a small federal garrison, Gen. Curtis having pushed on after Price and was then reported at Cassville. The commander of the post at Springfield had orders from Gen. Curtis to detain the first troops that arrived to aid in holding the post. Col. Bussey was advised that it was useless to go forward as Gen. Curtis could not subsist his army in the Ozark Mountains and that he would be compelled to return to Springfield with his Army in a very few days. Col. Bussey determined to go forward and after detaching one Company (L) to garrison Springfield advanced with the remaining five companies of his regiment. The men were without rations and the horses without full rations of forage but pushed forward until the sound of the cannon told that the Armies were engaged. The anxiety to reach the Army before the battle was fought had nerved both officers and men to bear this terrible march and now that we were within hearing of their artillery, Col. Bussey determined to report to Gen. Curtis before he slept. At the close of the fourth days march from Rolla the regiment reached the Headquarters of Gen Curtis encamped at Sugar Creek Ark., more than two hundred miles from Rolla. This unparalleled march towards the enemy in the middle of winter was so well conducted by the commanding officer that not one horse was lost on the way. Col. Bussey had pressed a wagon into service [during] the last day's march, which was sent off to a mill and loaded with flour which arrived at camp late in the night. But for this good fortune, the Regiment would have been without rations of any kind; Gen. Curtis' Army were destitute and the country being sparsely settled afforded but limited supply. After rising at Sugar Creek [for] two or three days, Gen. Curtis' Army moved to Osage Springs and Cross Hollows. The 3d Iowa Cavalry went into Camp near Gen. Curtis Hd Frs [Headquarters ?] at Osage Springs. The Regiment was without Camp equipage of any kind, the wagon not having arrived and did not for nearly two weeks after the arrival of the Regiment. Feb 22nd: An expedition was organized under the command of Brig. Gen. Asboth to make a reconnaissance [investigation] towards Fayetteville about 2 o'clock P.M.. Col. Bussey with 3d Iowa Cavalry had the advance. When near the town a force of enemy were discovered. A charge through the town resulted in killing one rebel and capturing forty or fifty more. Here we learned the rebel army were at Boston Mountains, nineteen miles distant, Fayetteville being their advance. We remained one day at this place and returned to camp at Osage Springs. Col. Bussey visited Fayetteville three times with his regiment during the next week without anything of special importance occurring & the regiment was kept constantly on the march, endeavoring to learn the struggle and intentions of the enemy. On the 4th of March were ordered back to Sugar Creek where Gen. Davis was encamped. The rebels were not expected to advance. Gen. Curtis' army was not large enough to extend his line of communications farther and determined to enable him to advance to do this, it was necessary to draw from the country as much as possible. The mills on this route had all but been destroyed by Generals Price and McCulloch and it was necessary to scatter the army to enable them to procure supplies from the country. Gen. Sigel was ordered to Bentonville, fourteen miles west of Cross Hollows, where Gen. Curtis had established his Head Quarters and where Gen. Carr was encamped with his division. Gen. Davis' division was encamped at Sugar Creek, twelve miles northeast of Cross Hollows and eighteen miles from Burtonsville, while Col. Van Dever was encamped at Huntsville, more than 30 miles from Cross Hollows. On the morning of the 5th of March, a private soldier of Co. M, 3d Iowa Cavalry named William Miller, called on Col. Bussey, and requested permission to go to Gen. Price's army as a spy. Miller stated that he lived near Lexington, MO and that he was a member of the 1st Ill. Cavalry, was captured and paroled at Lexington by Price, and that he had enlisted in the 3d Iowa Cavalry under the name of William B. Miller, that he was acquainted with the Missouri troops in Prices army and was anxious to go there. Col. Bussey determined to send him. A “butternut” suit was immediately procured and with a few dollars in Confederate money in his pocket and without arms he set off on his perilous journey. Col. Bussey sent him on horseback six miles beyond Gen. Curtis Head Quarters. When he passed the pickets, he dismounted and proceeded on foot, a soldier having been sent with him to bring back the horse. Miller had traveled but a short distance when he met a small force of rebel cavalry whom he informed that he was just from Lexington, Mo. on his way to Boston Mountain to join a regiment in Price's army. After some hesitation, they believed his story and told him that he would find Price's army with Van Dorn & McCullough at “Burnt Mills” where they would camp that night and which place was only about eleven miles from Gen. Curtis' Head Quarters. He informed Miller that the rebel army was 40,000 strong and that they were going to attack Gen. Curtis the next morning and whip his army in detail, before it could be concentrated. Miller professed to be greatly rejoiced at this information and hastened on until out of sight of his rebel grounds where he turned about and made his way with all haste to inform Gen. Curtis, who listened attentively to the information Miller had to give and, like a wise General, acted upon it promptly. Carr's division with Gen. Curtis Head Quarters moved immediately back and the next morning found them mito[?] Gen. Davis'division at Sugar Creek. Lieut. Curken doll[?], with 20 men of Co. D, 3d Iowa Cavalry, traveled to Huntsville - a distance of 40 miles, on the night of the 5th to inform Col. Van Dever, who reached Sugar Creek on the night of the 6th. Gen. Sigel was ordered to move back to Sugar Creek on the night of 5th, but delayed starting until the morning of the 6th and before he was early on the march the enemy were upon him. A severe engagement ensued, Sigel sustaining considerable loss, but he fell back to Sugar Creek on the evening of the 6th, closely pursued by the enemy, who believed the army of Gen. Curtis to be in full retreat for Springfield. On the morning of the 7th, the Army of the South West were in position on Sugar Creek, expecting an attack from the direction of Fayetteville. The Quarter Master and commissary supplies had been sent back four miles to Elk Horn Tavern for safety, while the wagon trains of the Army were moved back two miles and parked out of the range of the enemy's artillery. While these preparations were being made the enemy were not idle. During the night, he [Price?] had moved up on a road two miles west of Gen. Curtis' position, at Sugar Creek, removed obstructions placed in his way, the trus[?] having been filled to block up the road and by 7 o'clock on the morning of the 7th, Gen. Price, with 15,000 men, was marching up from the direction of Springfield to attack Gen. Curtis' army in the rear. The first information received by Gen. Curtis of the presence of this force was that his commissary supplies sent to the rear for safekeeping had been captured. While Price was marching to the attack on the rear, McCulloch and McIntosh were closing in on the right with 20,000 Texas troops. About 8 o'clock Gen. Curtis ordered Col. Carr's Division to meet the enemy at Elk Horn Tavern while Col. Bussey with a crigade of cavalry, and a thru[?] pieces artillery was ordered to march to the road on the right on which the enemy were known to be passing to the rear and attack the enemy. Gen. Osterhouse was ordered to follow Col. Bussey with our brigade of Sigel's command while Gen. Sigel, with Asboth's Division and one Brigade of his own division, was held in reserve at Sugar Creek, expecting an attack from that direction. Gen. Curtis' rear now become his right while his front became his left. The engagement commenced as soon as Col. Carr had reached the enemy's position near Elk Horn Tavern. Col. Bussey moved through Leetown, a distance of one mile from Gen. Curtis' Headquarters, where the enemy were discovered passing around to reinforce the troops engaged with Col. Carr. While Col. Bussey was reconnoitering the woods in his front to ascertain the position of the enemy, Gen Osterhouse arrived on the ground in advance of his brigade and ordered the battery with Col. Bussey into position in a small open field surrounded by thick brush. Col. Bussey formed his command in line of battle to support the guns, which immediately opened fire on the enemy 800 or 1000 yards distant and in plain view on elevated ground. Before a single shot was fired, Gen. Osterhouse ordered Col. Bussey to send forward a detachment of his cavalry to attack the enemy, if practicable. The 3d Iowa Cavalry were in front, followed by the Benton Hussans [?] & the Fremont Hussans [?]. While the 1st Missouri Cavalry Col. Ellis were in line of battle on the right and left of the battery, Col. Bussey communicated Gen. Osterhouse's order to Lieut. Col. Frimble who was in Command of the 3d Iowa Cavalry and immediately ordered the Benton Hussans [?] into line of battle to supply the place of the 3d Iowa, in support of the battery. No force of the enemy had been discovered, except the rebel column passing a half mile distant and when the 3d Iowa were ordered forward, it was not to charge as it was believed the Commanding Officer would have ample time to discover the position of the enemy and make such disposition of his forces as might be necessary. The regiment advanced along the road on the left of which was a rail fence and on the right thick brush. They had proceeded but a short distance, not more than two hundred yards when a heavy volley was fired upon them from a heavy body of infantry advancing though the brush and only a few yards distant. At the same time the rebel cavalry, led by Gen. McIntosh and supported by Pikes Indians, charged the battery and before but three shots had been fired, one from each gun, the overwhelming force of the rebels had swept over the battery and through the column of the 3d Iowa Cavalry and were engaged in a hand to hand struggle. Col. Bussey ordered the Benton Hussans[?] to charge to support the 3d Iowa and if possible, recover the guns. The charge of the enemy was irresistible and the Hussans 1st Mo, and Fremont Hussans were compelled to fall back. The 3d Iowa Cavalry were now confronted by a large infantry force before which command could not live five minutes, while the rebel cavalry had effectively cut off their retreat. Lieut Col. Frimble was wounded by the first fire of the enemy from the ambush and before he had given a single command the men saw they must surrender or cut their way out and without commands from any one, they drew Revolvers and commenced the work of death. The rebels were poorly armed, having inefficient carbines and single barrel[?] horse pistols and short knives of home manufacture. The 3d Iowa drew saber when their revolvers were all discharged and soon drove the rebels from the field and succeeded in joining the main column, which were now being formed in line by Col. Bussey a short distance in rear of the present engagement. The five Companies of the 3d Iowa, A. B. C. D. & M numbering 235 men in this charge lost 50 men. Twenty-Five killed. 17 wounded and eight missing. The loss of the enemy was at least one hundred killed and two hundred wounded. All this transpired in five minutes from the time Col. Bussey's command arrived on the field when the engagement occurred. The command of the 3d Iowa Cavalry now devolved on Maj. C. H. Perry, who was in the regiment through the engagement. The enemy advanced in force to attack the new line formed by Col. Bussey, which was now in position in the edge of the timber with a large open field between them. Gen Osterhouse's Brigade had arrived and taken position and reinforcements sent for, as it was now evident a large force of the enemy were advancing on this new position. The enemy opened on our forces with Artillery with some effect, but did not advance their Infantry until Gen. Jeff. C. Davis arrived with Pattison's Brigade of his Division and two Batteries of Artillery. The enemy endeavored to drive back the flanks of Gen. Davis' line, and partially succeeded, but were finally driven back. Col. Bussey's Cavalry held position on the left and drove back the advancing column of the enemy who endeavored to pass around to attack the rear. Fighting continued on the field until after 4 o'clock, when the enemy were finally repulsed and driven in great confusion, leaving their dead and wounded in our hands. Gen. McIntosh was killed in the charge on Col. Bussey's command and Gen. McCullough was killed late in the day by the Infantry. About 5 o'clock ,Gen. Sigel, who had not been engaged during the day, made his appearance on the victorious field of Leetown when the enemy had been routed. The engagement still continued at Elk Horn. The roar of artillery and musketry plainly indicated that the battle was a desperate one. Col. Bussey with his cavalry and a battery of artillery was ordered to reinforce Carr who had been engaging the enemy all day with Dodges and Van Devers Brigades, supported by Gen Asboth's Division, which came up from Sugar Creek about 3 pm and at once moved on the enemy. Heavy fighting continued until late after night, when the armies ceased firing and lay on their arms in line of battle. The troops of McCullouch when defeated in the action at Leetown moved to reinforce Price at Elk Horn who had fought with great desperation and with considerable success, having forced back our lines, thereby gaining some important advantage in position. The prospect was anything but favorable to our armies[?] on Friday night. Our losses had been quite heavy during the day and from a captured rebel information was had showing the forces of the enemy to be not less than 35,000 men with 70 pieces of artillery, while Gen. Curtis' army numbered less than 10,000 fighting men. Gen. Curtis was cut off from retreat had he desired to do so, since to have been defeated on the field of Pea Ride would have been followed by the capture of Gen Curtis' army with all his trains -there being no road not held by the enemy. Saturday morning at daylight found our army in a line of battle near Elk Horn Tavern where they had ceased fighting the night before. Gen. Sigel and Den? Davis with their commands had formed on the left and right of Col. Carr's Division and with the dawn of day the enemies artillery opened on our line, the first shell from his guns falling within fifty yards of Gen. Curtis' headquarters. The enemy had advanced his line during the night and opened the engagement with such a deadly fire that our cause seemed hopeless. A feeling of despondency had prevailed in our army during the night and but little confidence felt in our ultimate success, but our gallant boys responded to the first discharge of the enemies artillery with most deafening and prolonged cheering, which send a thrill through our whole Army, dispelling all fear and proclaiming defiance to the enemy. Our men fought with great gallantry. The command of Col. Bussey was formed on the extreme right and effectually guarded the right flank from the assaults of the enemy. About two o'clock p.m. Gen. Curtis ordered a charge along his eutin[?] front which was most gallantly executed, the enemy flying from the field in the wildest confusion. The victory was complete. Col. Bussey was ordered to follow up the enemy who had retreated towards Springfield but was delayed by Gen. Curtis until he could write his dispatches. He observed a prisoner of war passing along the road on the “double quick”, followed by a mounted trooper. The prisoner proved to be William Miller, the soldier who had started for Price's Army. After giving Gen. Curtis the information he had received from the rebel cavalry, he returned towards the Camp of Gen. Price when he was arrested on suspicion and placed in the ranks under strict guard and was compelled to remain under the fire of his own friends until the defeat of the enemy when he took advantage of the confusion and made his way to our forces where he was at once arrested as a prisoner of war. Miller received from the Government a voucher for $50 for the Secret Service performed by him. Some months after he received a furlough to visit his family in Missouri where he was killed by guerillas at his own house. He leaves a wife and three children who are entitled to the consideration of the Government. Col. Bussey, with about one hundred and fifty men of his regiment, pursued the enemy until night of Saturday, capturing a large number of prisoners, horses, and arms. Gen. Sigel followed the enemy with his command until he found he had left the Springfield road. Finding the way open to Springfield, Gen. Sigel was disposed to give us a specimen of his ability to retreat and accordingly wrote to Gen. Curtis whom he had left at Pea Ridge as follows “I am nine miles of [sic] the road to Springfield. The way is open. Come on.” Gen. Curtis was not disposed to follow this advice and immediately wrote Gen. Sigel, “They who sleep upon the battlefield are known to be victors. – you will return here without delay.” Gen. Curtis well knew that had he left the field and marched his army to Springfield, the rebels would have been called back by their surgeons left to take care of their wounded and a glorious Confederate victory would have been proclaimed as was down at “Wilson Creek.” On the morning of the 9th, Col. Bussey, with his brigade and a light battery of Artillery, was ordered to pursue the enemy in the direction of Fayetteville. His command was much exhausted, the horses having been under the saddle for three days and nights with but two ears of corn for each horse in three days. The men were worn out having passed through a three-day battle without sleep. Col. Bussey's command moved out at an early hour and not withstanding the rain pounding down in torrents they made no halt until coming up with the enemy's rear guard near Burtonville. The 3d Iowa Cavalry were in advance; the enemy formed in line and fired a volley without effect when Col. Bussey ordered a charge which sent the rebels in every direction leaving some of their number dead on the field and about one hundred prisoners in our hands. The route of the enemy was kept up through and beyond Burtonville when the enemy had again formed in line of battle in the edge of the woods. The artillery was brought up and masked behind the cavalry until ready for action. Then the cavalry moved to the right and left and our artillery sent Grap[?] and cannister into their ranks causing him to again fall back. The roads were very heavy and the tired horses could go no further without rest and feed. There being a good supply of corn near by, the command dismounted and rested for a couple of hours. When the march was continued and some prisoners and a part of their trains captured, the enemy were so much harassed that the Division of Gen. Green's 4,000 men left to guard their train. After going into camp 12 miles from Burtonville on the Fayetteville road were driven out about sundown and compelled to travel all night, reaching Fayetteville at day light next morning. Col. Bussey returned to camp at Pea Ridge with his prisoners and a large quantity of arms, horses, etc., having accomplished as much as was possible with his worn out command; the men were in the saddle for five days and nights and performed their whole duty without a word of complaint. When the command had rested for a few hours, Col. Bussey visited the battlefield to look after his dead who had been buried as soldiers are two frequently: a pit had been dug into which 25 dead bodies were piled and covered with dirt. The bodies were all taken up and examined by Col. Bussey who found that eight of them had been scalped by the enemy. The bodies were reburied in separate graves four feet apart and permanent headboards placed on which are inscribed with the name, company, and regiment. For list of killed and wounded see Official Report of Battle of Pea Ridge in Adjutant Generals of Iowa Report for 1864. Dead Field Officers 2d – Col. Baker, LtCol. Mills. 7th LtCol. Neutz 8th LtCol. Ferguson 11th Major Foster 13th Maj. Walker 14th LtCol. Newcomb 19th LtCol. McFarland 21st LtCol. Dunlap 23d Col.. Kinsman 24th Col.. Milos 30th Col.. Terrence 32d LtCol. Mix 33d Col.. (Gen.) Rice 38th Col.. Hughes 39th LtCol. Redfield 1st Cav. Col.. [Gewer? Gower? Gerver?] 3d “ Maj. Drake 4th “ “ Rector 5th “ “ [Boemstein? Bverustein? Boumstein?] 8th “ Col.. Dorr Immediately after the Battle of Pea Ridge, Companies D & M, 3d Iowa Cavalry were ordered to Rolla to assist in guarding prisoners sent up under the command of Capt. Coll, whose companies returned from Rolla to Springfield to command the post. Capt. Colle with his company (D) joined Col. Bussey on the march to West Plains. Companies L & M under Maj. Perry remained at Springfield and were subsequently ordered to Lebanon where Maj. Perry commanded the post with entire satisfaction to the department commander. His command were kept constantly employed scouting and guarding trains from Rolla to Springfield and during the summer had several important skirmishes with the enemy, all of which were successful. Maj. Wm. C. Drake with Companies I. & K. reached Salem, Missouri on the evening of the 12th of Feb. when they were ordered to permanently garrison the place. On the 11th Lieut. & Adjutant H.D.B. Cutter with 25 men of Company K. left the main force four miles from Rolla and made a detour of about 50 miles to the head of the “Merrimac” and to the rear of Salem for the purpose of routing a band of rebels known to be in that vicinity. Lieut. Cutter met the enemy and defeated him and captured sixteen prisoners, arms, etc. Our loss was one horse killed. About the 20th of February Maj. Drake with his command started on an expedition to West Plains, Missouri, where Col. Coleman with a force of 200 to 300 rebels were in camp and from which place they scoured the country burning the property of Union men and perpetrating outrage on the people. Major Drake encountered the enemy in their camp, which he charged immediately on coming in sight, killing 15, wounding 15, and capturing 60 prisoners. The rebels were taken completely by surprise and made but little resistance. Maj. Drake returned to Salem, forwarded his prisoners to Rolla and immediately set out on an important expedition towards the Arkansas line. McBride, Coleman and Fairchild were all raising regiments for the rebel army and had over one thousand men in camp with recruiting parties through the country. Maj. Drake was joined by a Battalion of the 6th Missouri Cavalry while in pursuit of a rebel force. Lieut. H.D.B. Cutter while riding alone some distance in advance of the main column came upon a party of seven armed rebels who were on a scout watching the movements of the “Federals” known to be in that neighborhood. On discovering Lieut. Cutter they fired a volley at him, wheeled their horses in the road and made off as rapidly as possible, evidently thinking the main column was upon them. Lieut. Cutter was armed with two army revolvers, one of which he drew and charged after the enemy who were mounted on inferior horses. He, riding a fast horse, soon overtook the rear man, whom he shot from his horse and proceeded on, overtaking the men in detail and either killed or wounded all of them. The rebels kept the road and endeavored to reach the main force to give them warning of the approach of the enemy. They, finding themselves pursued, did not have time to ascertain by what force and as they had discharged their guns, their only safety was in flight. The chase continued for four miles before the last man was overtaken. Maj. Drake who [heard?] the volley fired by the enemy, moved forward as rapidly as possible and found the dead and wounded rebels about half a mile apart. No more gallant deed has been performed during this war. Lieut. Cutter came near riding into the camp of the enemy who were only a short distance from where the chase ended. The main force succeeded in making their escape before Maj Drake came up. On the 28th of February our forces had reached the Arkansas line driving before them the forces of Coleman, McBride, and Fairchild who were now concentrated and numbered over one thousand men. The rout and defeat of Coleman at West Plains only a short time before had intimidated the enemy, who now took refuge with overwhelming forces in a swamp near Salem Arkansas. Our men were compelled to dismount and advance on foot. They were supplied with Missouri Mountain Howitzers, which were of immense service. The fight was a spirited one and lasted for several hours when the enemy retreated. Our men were now out of ammunition and forced to return to Salem, which they did by way of West Plains and Houston, taking with them a large number of prisoners, horses, and arms; the loss of the 3d Iowa in the engagement was six men. During the month of March Maj. Drake remained at Salem, Missouri with his command, scouting the country or fifty miles, defeating the enemy in several skirmishes and making the name of the 3d Iowa Cavalry a terror to rebels. On the 1st of April, Maj. Drake with his Companies I. & K. joined Col. Bussey between Forsythe and West Plains. These companies were never again detached from the Regiment. Major William C. Drake remained in command of the 3d Iowa Cavalry until about the 1st of November, when he went to his home in Corydon, Wayne Co Iowa on surgeons certificate where he died on the 24th of Nov 1862. Lieutenant Martin Chemi [?] and A. H. Griswold of Co K and Lieutenants E. F. Horton and McDavid of Co I. and Adjutant H.D.B. Cutter were most faithful in the discharge of their several duties. The men were always ready for duty and evinced a gallantry amounting to rashness; Immediately after the battle Gen Curtis Army advanced twelve miles towards Bentonville, where they remained for sometime Caring for the wounded and Col.lecting [sic] supplies. during the month of March the 3d Iowa Cavalry was kept busy scouting and Col.lecting [sic] forage which had to be hauled a great distance. On our expeditions the Regiment traveled from 40 to 50 miles per day, visiting Fayetteville and thence to the Indian Country and returned after an absence of Seven days. About the last of March the Regiment under Command of Capt O H Scott made an expedition to Huntsville Ark. which was successful. Early in April, the Army moved [illegible] Cassville Mo to Forsythe Mo over the worst road in the South West. The 3d Iowa encamped on Bull Creek where they had great difficulty in procuring forage. On the 20th of April were ordered to march with the Army towards West Plains Mo. The roads were almost impassable. The trains could make but three miles the first day and many wagons were mired down in the deep mud. The march was continued from day to day over mountains and Rivers, through a country almost barren for more than two hundred miles, the route passing through Douglas Co Mo. West Plains and thence via Salem Ark. to Batesville. When they arrived on the 1st day of May, Forage on the whole route was very scarce. Foraging parties scoured the country for fifteen miles on either side of the road and carried on horseback nearly all of that was obtained. The 3d Iowa Cavalry was the first Regiment to enter Batesville when they met a force of the enemy who retreated across White River, leaving a few prisoners in our hands. The Regiment was kept in line of battle surrounding the town from daylight (at which time they mched[sic] the town) until 2 Oclock PM when they were ordered to Jacksonport to occupy the place. The 3d Iowa alone advanced to Jacksonport. the rest of the Army remained at Batesville. On the 3d of May Brig Gen Steele arrived at Jacksonport from Pilot Knobb via Pocahontas. The 3d Iowa remained at Jacksonville until the last of May when they were ordered to Batesville. During the month they had made several expeditions into the country but met no considerable force of the enemy. Usee note on margin of this Page [NOTE ON MARGIN:] About the 25th fellas[?]. Capt N.W. Cook with his Company (D) were ordered to Rolla to guard a train and bring back some horses when near Hustoy[?] Mo an attack was threatened by Col.eman with 300 men who had Captured and burned a train only a few days before but who upon learning the train was guarded by a detachment of the 3d Iowa Cav. had not the courage to attack notwithstanding the guard numbered but 40 men, Col.eman had seen enough of the 3d Iowa under Maj Drake to satisfy him. Capt. Cook made the trip to Rolla and back to Batesville without encountering the enemy or sustaining any loss.[END NOTE] On the 30th of May the 3d Iowa Cavalry made an expedition to Sillamon 50 miles above Batesville on the River where they engaged a force of the enemy, Killing and wounding a number and Capturing 25 Prisoners, 50 Horses, and other valuable property in this engagement Maj Wm C. Drake commanded the Regiment. Captain I Anderson of Co C was badly wounded. Joseph French Co A severely wounded and Sadler Sergeant S. B. Miller non commissioned staff was killed. This expedition was successful in breaking up the rebel organization at that place. On the 22nd of June returned to Jacksonport where they remained until the 25th when Gen Curtis arrived, having evacuated Batesville. Gen Steele having reported to Gen Curtis the Army was reorganized. Gen Steele was assigned to the command of the 1st Division to which Col., Bussey was assigned with his Regiment. On the 26th Gen Steele's Division advanced to Village Creek, Six miles south from Jacksonport. On the 27th Lieut. Griswold, of CO K, 3d Iowa Cavalry, with 20 men of his Company, was ordered to guard a forage train being sent out for supplies for the Division. All supplies in our rear having been exhausted, it was necessary top forage in our front, which is always hazardous when the enemy are near. The train was also supported with an Infantry guard. The wagons were loaded ten miles from Camp and were returning when they were fired upon by a large rebel force concealed in ambush near the road side. The first fire Lieut. Griswold was shot from his horse and while his face was covered with blood from the wound in his head rallied his small force and drove off the enemy and saved the trains, but in doing so, lost his life. Seven balls having entered his body, Corporal Thomas Wasson + Private Leike Co K were also killed, and Five others of same Co wounded. No braver Soldier, or pure hearted Gentleman has fallen in this war than Lieut. A. H. Griswold, who with the two others killed, now lie buried just 50 yards distant (at right Angl) from the south end of Village Creek Bridge. As soon as information reached Camp, Col. Bussey started with his Command to rescue the train. When he arrived on the ground the enemy was supposed to have fled. The trains was moved towards camp but had proceeded only a short distance when an engagement commenced some distance in the rear. Col. Bracket with the 9th Ill Cavalry who had gone after forage was fired on by a larger force of the enemy. As soon as the firing commenced, Col. Bussey turned his command about and hastened to reinforce Col. Bracket. When arriving in sight He took a road which led towards Col. Bracket and on which He expected to flank the enemy. He soon encountered obstacles which rendered it impossible to pass to the rear of the enemies position and hastened forward on the main road. When he reached the position, the enemy had fallen back. The Command reached Camp at a late hour in the night. July 1st Gen Curtis Army evacuated Jacksonport and marched for Clarendon said to be in possession of our troops. Our Army were without supplies, except four days rations hard bread. Gen Steeles Division in advance marched 17 miles encountered the enemy late in the afternoon killing six men. July 2nd remained in Camp at Picket farm to remove obstructions in the road which had been blockaded by the enemy. July 3d Continued the march. had proceeded but a short distance when we found the road blockaded by the rebels, who had been laboring for several weeks with all the Negroes in the country falling timber in the road for miles. Men were put to work and soon opened a road for many miles the roads were blockaded and bridges burned in obidense to orders of Gen T. C. Hurdman[?], rebel commander in Arkansas. Gen Curtis confiscated all negroes he found who had aided in obstructing the roads. The number flocking to our lines daily number hundreds. reached Augusta on White River on the evening of the 3d. July 4th The Army remain at Augusta. The troops cellebrate the Anniversary of our Independence. a National Salute fired and speeches delivered by Gen Benton, Col. Bussey, and others. The 3d Iowa Cavalry were sent out on an expedition met a small force of the enemy and captured some tents, horses, and supplies. July 6th The Army again advanced the 3d Iowa Cavalry advance guard, marched 16 miles by 10 oclock A.M. and reached Casche[?] River. Here Col. Bussey found the road again blockaded The heavy timber was felled in every direction for several hundred yards above and below the ford. Being several miles in advance of the Infantry, Col. Bussey dismounted his command to await their arrival. almost immediately after dismounting a body of rebels appeared coming out of the blockade not more than 75 yards distant from Col. Busseys Col.umn. On discovering which they fired a volley and retreated. Col. Bussey had sent Capt Thos. J. Taylor Co I with 13 men of his Company to penetrate the blockade and find the Ford. Capt Taylor reached the Ford just before the rebels came galloping up and secreting himself until they were in short range, opened fire on them, killing and wounding nine men and some horses. The 3d Iowa Cavalry had no Carbines only a single Cilts[?] navy revolver. had the men been armed with Sharps Carbines, not one man would have escaped. The firing caused no little apprehension for Captain Taylor's safety. It was feared he had fallen into an ambush. Col. Bussey hastened to his assistance with Two Companies of his command dismounted, but was aggreably surprised to find it was the enemy who had been ambushed, camped at the blockade. July 7th Matthew D. Williams of Co C. was killed this morning while watering his horse in Casche River within three hundred yards of the Camp by a rebel who crept through the swamp on the opposite side of the River. He was buried near the road side on the north side of the River. Col. Hoveys[?] Brigade of Gen Steele's Division crossed the Casche this morning and advanced four miles, where they encountered a large force of the enemy. Firing was distinctly heard at the River. Col. Bussey was ordered forward with his Regiment to reinforce Col. Hovey. when he arrived on the ground he found the enemy falling back, having been defeated, leaving a large number of dead in wounded in our hands. The enemy were pursued several miles and driven across White River. The Army came up to the battle Field and camped for the night. The entire command were destitute of anything to eat and their was nothing in the country to be had except beef, which was eaten without bread. Hard crackers commanded one dollar each. July 8th The Army crossed the Bayou Diview[?] and camped. it was now 28 miles to Clarendon when a Brigade of Federal troops with Guns Boats were supposed to be with supplies for our Army. The weather was inersly[?] hot. The dust in the roads six inches deep and no water to be had except from the Swamp on which was a green scum that would float a hat. Our men were entirely out of rations and on the 9th marched 28 miles and reached Clarendon at 11 oclock P.M. Imagine their disappointment when they found The Federal Transports Troops and Gun Boats had all left for the Mip River at 10 oclock AM that day. The heavy Artillery fired several shots down the River with the hope of calling them back, but in vain. Had Gen Curtis obtained supplies at this place, he would have gone to Little Rock which place he could have captured with his army. The rebels had prepared to evacuate the place on his approach. The Army were in a starving condition and on the 10th parties were sent out to drive in some Beef on which the Army subsisted unti lthey reached Helena[?]. On the 10th of July Gen Steele reorganized his Division and Col. Bussey assigned to the Command of the 3d Brigade. On the 11th the army marched towards Helena which place was reached on the 14th. The advance on Little Rock was for the present abandoned. The Army settled down and remained inactive during the entire summer. Vicksburg was at the time Gen Curtis reached Helena occupied by a very small rebel force with no fortifications of consequence. Curtis Army could have taken the place without a Battle and saved the Government almost One year of war and the lives of many thousand men. Curtis asked permission to do so and urgently recommended the measure to his superiors but was prohibited from moving. In consequence of the inactivity of the Army through the sickly season at Helena hundreds of our gallent soldiers died of disease. Col. Busseys Regiment was encamped near the town of Helena and received from the Commanding Generals the praise of having been the best disciplined Regiment in the Army. Col. Bussey was fortunate in the selection of the Officers of his Regiment, who were universally men of good character. The Regiment was employed scouting and foraging until the 10th of Sept when it was transferred to the 1st Brigade of the 1st Division (Gen Benton Col. Bussey was assigned to command the Brigade, consisting of the 3d Iowa Cavalry, 8th + 18 Indiana Infantry, and 1st Indiana Battery, which command he retained until the 1st of October. Gen Curtis had been assigned to the Command of the Department of the Mo and Brig Gen Steele left in Command of the Army at Helena. About the 1st of Oct Gen Steele was ordered with his Old Division. The 1st to Pilot Knobb Mo. The Cavalry of this Division were not included in the order and remained at Helena. Gen Carr assumed command of the Army. The 3d Iowa Cavalry was assigned to the 3d Brigade 4th Division and Col. Bussey assigned to command the Brigade. Major Wm C. Drake Commanded the Regiment. Lieut. Col. H. H. Trimble resigned about the 1st of Sept he having been absent from the Regiment since the 19th of March. During the months of Oct + Nov Col. Busseys command were constantly on duty and made several expeditions into the interior on several of which a number of prisoners were captured in several spirited skirmishes. On the 3d of Dec Col. Bussey was assigned to the Command of the 4 Division, Army of the South West. Brig Gen A. P. Hovey heaving succeeded to the command of the army sometime in November. Gen E. A. Carr having been ordered to St. Louis for duty. About the 25th of Nov Brig Gen Steele arrived at Helena to take command of the Army, his division having been left at Pilot Knobb under Brig Gen W. P. Benton. On the 9th of Dec. Brig Gen W. A. Gorman arrived at Helena and superceeded Gen Steele in command of the Army which was reorganized and Gen Steele assigned to command the 1st Division. While Brig Gen Alvin P. Hovey was in command at Helena, the Rebels were fortifying Arkansas Post on the Arkansas River and had established there a camp of instruction. late in Nov. Gen Hovey planned an expedition against the rebels at Arkansas Post, and from there across the Mipsissippi[sic] River and into Mip. to Grenada, for the purpose of destroying the Raid Roads in the rear of Gen Prices Army, their holding the line of the Tallehatchie River to which point Gen Grant had driven the enemy. Gen Hovey's Command consisted of 5000 Infantry and artillery under Gen Washburn and 2000 picked Cavalry, under command of Col. Bussey. The troops embarked on transports and proceeded to the mouth of White River NOTE: Along the left side approximately 1/3 the way down the page is written “see page 16 ½”, which refers to page 23 (because he renumbered all the pages) Captain Thomas J. Taylor of Co I died July 24th on board Steamer Silver Wave enroute home on furlough. His body was buried at Cairo and information forwarded to his family who resided in Unionville Iowa. Captain Taylor was a good officer and estimable gentleman. Lieut. E. F. Horton was promoted to Captain + D. B. Cutter 1st Lieut.. Maj H. C. Caldwell was promoted to Lieut. Col. Spet 5th and Captain George Duffield to Major Same date. Majot C. H. Perry resigned in October and Captain O. H. P. Scott promoted to major. Major Wm. C. Drake died Nov 24th and Lieut.enant + Adjutant John W. Noble promoted to Major For Dates of resignations and promotions of Officers of 3d Iowa Cavalry see Adjutant Gen Bakers Reports for 1862-63 +64. when they arrived on the 22nd of Nov Gen Hovey found the River so low that the large Boats could not get up and ordered Col. Bussey to disembark his Cavalry at Montgomeries Point and march across to Prairie Landing on White River Twenty five miles distant and await further orders. While the Infantry would proceed up White River on the Smaller Transports Col. Bussey commenced disembarking before daylight and after considerable delay was on the march. The road led through Swamps and Cambrakes[?] and was in a horrible condition, owing to heavy rains. The Howitzers were got along with great difficulty. Night Came in when the Cavalry had arrived with in five miles of the River. The road was now through a Continuous swamp. The water knee deep to the horses and Cypruss knees so thinck that it was with great difficulty the horses could get through. The dense forest through which we had to travel made the night so dark that the horses heads could not be seen by their riders. There was not a house or farm within ten miles and none in front. Believing the Boats were at Prairie Landing, Col. Bussey determined to reach them if possible, as his men had no forage for horses or supplies for themselves. He therefore continued the march single file, floundering through swamps, many of the horses miring down until 8 oclock PM he lost the road and got fast in grape vines. The advance guard had reached the river not more than a mile distant and found the Boats had not arrived. Then men dismounted in water ankle deep tied their horses to the trees and prepared to pass the night. Before nine oclock a heavy rain came on and continued without intermission during the entire night. The water pound down in a flood, submerging the whole country, raising the water in the swamp until not a foot of ground could be found above water. The night was very Col.d. No fires could be made and the men were without blankets or shelter of anyknid[sic]. Col. Bussey waited until 10 A. M. of the next day and received no tidings of Gen Hovey Longer delay would have made it impossible to get his horses out of the swamp as they were without forage and had been for 18 hours knee deep in water and exposed to a Col.d rain. The artillery could not be taken out of the swamp after the heavy rain of the night before. Col. Bussey therefore placed the guns on board the ferry Boat (which he had captured with the guard of Confederates)and placed fifty men on board as a guard and set the Boat a-float under Charde of an Officer, with instructions to reach the Mip River if possible. Arkansas Post was but Eight miles distant. The Rebels were advised of our movements, but owing to the heavy rain of the night before, could not approach the River and our guns reached the Mipissippi [sic] in safety. After waiting until 12 oclock, Col. Bussey mounted his command and started for Montgomeries Point where he arrived late in the night, having great difficulty in getting his horses through the swamp. The Boats were laying at that place, White River being so low that it was impossible for any of the Boats to get up. Gen Hovey returned to Helena. Brig Gen Steele having arrived to take command of the army sent orders for the return of the expedition. The 3d Iowa Cavalry accompanied Col. Bussey on this expedition. Gen Grant was preparing to advance on the rebels at Tallehatchie and requested Gen Steele to co operate with him by sending an expedition to Grenada Mip. for the purpose of destroying the Rail Roads. Gen Hovey with the Troops of his expedition to White River on their arrival at Helena immediately started for Grenada. Crossing the Mip River at Friars Point Mip. The Infantry advanced as far as Col.dwater River, while the Cavalry pushed on to the Rail Roads near Grenada which they destroyed. A rebel force was encountered near Grenada which was defeated. In the engagement the 3d Iowa Cavalry lost four men captured. The presence of this federal force in Prices rear caused him to abandon his position on the Tallehatchie and fall back towards Col.umbus Mip. There was Captured on this expedition a large number of horses mules and other property and a large number of able bodied Negroes brought in. The Army was reorganized Dec 16th by Gen Gorman and Brig Gen C. C. Washburn assigned to command the 2nd Cavalry Division Army of the Tenn. embracing Eleven Cavalry Regiments. Col.onel Bussey was assigned to command the 2nd Brig of this Division, embracing Six Regiments on of which was his own. Col. Busseys command was kept on active duty scouting but were unsuccessful in meeting the enemy in force. Small parties were dispersed and the country kept quiet. About the 25th of December Gen Steele joined Gen Shermans Army at Chickasaw Bayou with a Division of 12000 men and took part in that engagement. The Army at Helena under Gen Gorman had been largely reinforced and put in readiness for active Service. Gen Gorman left Helena on the 10th of Jan 1863 with about 10000 men to advance on and permanently occupy Little Rock. Col. Busseys Regiment were ordered to accompany this expedition, but at the hour of starting were ordered to remain at Helena. Col. Bussey having been assigned to command the District of Helena. Col. Bussey assumed command on the 10th and at once set to work to regulate and put in order his not unimportant commant. The troops were organized into two Brigades. The Sick numbering thousands who had been left by the Regiments of Gens Steeles + Gormans Armies were cared for and houses appropriated for hospitals. The contrabands numbering thousands who had been neglected were Col.lected and a surgeon appointed and supplied with medicine. The traffic in contraband horses and mules was effectually broken up and larger numbers seized for the Government. The Commissary Department and Saloons were ordered to cease the traffic in bad whiskey and a general improvement was manifest in every department of the Army. Col. Bussey exhibited superior qualifications for his position and so successfully managed the affairs of his District as to attract the attention of the Govt and on the 25th of Jan his name was sent to the Senate at the head of a long list of nominations for Brigadier Generals. There being a larger number nominated than could be confirmed, Col. Busseys appointment was not acted upon, he having no person in Washington specially interested in his case. During the occupation of Helena by the Army from 1st Sept. until Col. Bussey took command at least 8000 horses and mules either belonging to the Govt or confiscated in the name of the Govt were shipped north by speculation and sold to the Govt at St. Louis to be reshipped to supply the demands of the Army. Col. Bussey was the first commander cut short by the return of Gen Gorman who had failed to carry out his programme for the capture of Little Rock and returned to Helena about the 25th of Jan. The weather during the time this expedition was absent was very Col.d, with heavy snow. The exposure of the men on this winter campaign of two weeks cost the country the lives of at least 2000 men died from disease. The Regiments were mostly new and had suffered severely with measles, when the Army moved it was believed to not to return and many of the Regiments had in an Evil moment eventually destroyed their comfortable winter quarters. On the return of Gen Gorman, Col. Bussey resumed command of the 2nd Brig 2nd Division Army of Tenn. During the month of February this Brigade were kept on active duty. The 3d Iowa Cavalry was under command of Major O. H. P. Scott, Maj John W. Noble commanding one Battalion. These Officers were frequently sent out in command of expeditions from Col. Busseys Brigade and frequently met the enemy. The country from Helena to Clarendon, St. Charles, and St. Francis River was frequently visited and on several occasions encountered the enemy and was always victorious. On the 5th of March a portion of Col. Busseys Brigade made an expedition up the St. Francis River. The enemy was encountered in considerable force near Madison Ark and routed with considerable loss, our forces capturing a number of prisoners about one hundred horses and arms, and a smugglers train enroute from Memphis to Little Rock. On the 4th of April, a detachment of the 3d Iowa Cavalry made an expedition up the St. Francis River. On board Steamer for the purpose of capturing a steamer supposed to be near Mitsburgh[?]. The expedition advanced more than 200 miles up the River near to the Missouri line. The Boat was found sunk. On returning the enemy had concentrated at Madison to capture the Boat. A chain was placed across the River at the Bridge and the rebels were secreted behind breastworks near the Bridge, ready to fire on our men when the boat struck the obstruction. A Negro hailed the boat two miles above the town and informed the commander who at once landed his Cavalry under Lieut. Niblack Co D3d Iowa Cavalry who was ordered to proceed to the rear of the enemies position and engage him, while the boat proceeded on down the stream. Lieut. Niblack had only 25 men. came up with the enemy and at once charged with a yell, which stampeded the enemy who lost two men killed and wounded and 56 prisoners. The ballance of the rebel force of over one hundred men made their escape in this gallent charge. Lieut. was severely wounded. We captured one hundred and twenty one horses and a large umber of arms and other property. The boat was got around the Bridge, the water being high and reached Helena in safety. Col. Clayton of Col. Busseys Brigade with a detachment of Infantry to guard the Boat were in charge of the expedition. Lieut. Niblicks men were highly complimented by the commanding General for their Gallentry. Maj Gen Prentice was at this time in command of the army at Helena, he having superceded Gen Gorman sometime in March. On the 6th of April Major Gen Washburn was relieved of the command of the 2nd Cav Division, Army of the Tenn and Col. Cyrus Bussey assigned to the command the rebels were concentrating on White River in force for the purpose of attacking Helena. Col. Bussey at once went to work to put the troops under his command in readiness for defence. Maj Scott of the 3d Iowa Cavalry was charged with removing obstructions in range of the Forts and clearing out and falling the timber. 200 men with axes were detailed daily to report to Maj Scott who contributed more than any other man to the preparation, which enabled our forces to repulse the overwhelming force of the enemy who attacked the place on the 4th of July. The Rebels in large force were frequently reported in the vicinity of Helena and on the 12th of April Col. Busseys command encountered and defeated a rebel force in Philps couty, wounded a number and took some prisoners. Sixty able bodied Negroes who had been Col.lected [sic] by the rebels to send south and about 50 Horses and mules. Information was brought in everyday of the enemies being reinforced and about to march on Helena. Dobyms[?] with one thousand men were in camp on Big Creek and made frequent attacks on out Pickets at Helena. Several expeditions went in pursuit of him, but he managed to evade our forces by hiding in the swamps. One the 21st of April Maj Noble in command of the 3d Iowa Cavalry met a part of Dobyns command near the St. Francis River and gallantly charged him, routing the enemy who left our near dead on the Field and retreated in confusion. On the 27th of April, Maj Noble with his Regiment again encountered the enemy near Big Creek and defeated him On the 1st of May The 3d Iowa Cavalry under command of Capt J. Q. A. DeHuff engaged the enemy at Lagrange Ark. See official Report of Capt. J. Q. A. DeHuff, 3d Iowa Cavalry in Adjt Genl of Iowa Report for 1864. See also list of killed and wounded in same Report. On the 6th of May Col. Clayton of Col. Busseys command was sent to find the enemy with one thousand cavalry. Maj Noble with 3d Iowa Cavalry accompanied the expedition. Marmaduke Division was encountered between Cotton Plant and Madison and badly defeated, the enemy losing a large number in killed and wounded. On the 25th of May a detachment of the 3d Iowa Cavalry under command of Lieut. S. J. McKee encountered the enemy at Polk's Plantation, near Helena. see official report of Lieut. McKee in Agjt Gen of Iowa Report for 1864. Vicksburgh was now the theatre of Gen Grants operations and attracted the attention of the country. Col. Bussey had made repeated application to be relieved of command of the Cavalry at Helena and sent with his regiment to Vicksburgh where he could find a more active field. After repeated refusals, Maj Gen Prentiss commanding the District of Eastern Arkansas consented as a personal favor to gratify Col. Busseys request and on the 4th of June he was ordered with his Regiment to report to Gen Grant at Vicksburgh where he arrived on the 8th and was ordered to report to Maj Gen Sherman and was at once assigned to duty as “Chief of Cavalry”. The 3d Iowa Cavalry disembarked at Hains[?] Bluffs and established temporary camp at Snyders Bluffs. The enemy under Joe Johnson were concentrating an army on the line of the “Big Black” for the purpose of attacking Gen Grant Army in the rear. The enemies Cavalry Division under command of Gen Jackson were encamped at Vernon and made freqent demonstrations on our lines. Col. Busseys Head Quarters during the month of June were in the saddle, he having been specially charged to look after the enemy on “Big Black”. Col. Busseys command were kept moving from the 10th of June to the 4 of July during which time they have traversed every toad and path within 30 miles of Vicksburgh. (north of the Rail Road) Col. Bussey led the advance of Gen Shermans' expedition against Jackson Mip. See Report of Col. Bussey “Chief of Cavalry,” in Adjutant Genl of Iowa Report for 1864. This campaign was one of the hardest our men had ever passed through, traveling 35 to 50 miles per day for more than thirty days, in close proximity to the enemy, whose Cavalry largely outnumbered out own, much exposed by night travel and enduring the scorching heat of the mid day sun severely taxed the endurance of Officers and men. The most rigid discipline was enforced and the Cavalry brought up to a degree of perfection which attracted the attention of Gen Sherman who on various occasions acknowledged the valuable service they had rendered during the Campaign. Col. Bussey's Command encamped near Gen Shermans Head Quarters on Big Black on their return from Jackson. Immediately on their arrival in camp, the campaign having ended, Major Oliver H. P. Scott a most valuable and efficient Officer who commanded the 3d Iowa Cavalry during the campaign and for several months previous tendered his resignation, which was accepted. The Command of the Regiment now devolved on Major John W. Noble, who had proved himself an able + gallant officer. On the 12th of August The Cavalry under Col. Winslow 4th Iowa Cav. made an expedition to Yazoo City and thence to Grenada Mip., where they met Col. Phillips 9th Ill., who had reached Grenada from the north a few hours before, capturing a large number of Locomotives Cars +[illegible mark] which were destroyed. The forces under Col. Winslow pushed on to Memphis. When his Col.umn reached “Col.d water” they encountered the enemy. The 3d Iowa Cavalry under command of Maj Noble were in advance. The Regiment dismounted and a severe skirmish ensued. the enemy were defeated. The 3d Iowa lost Five men wounded. The Cavalry reached Memphis on the 24th. About this time an expedition was ordered by Gen Grany under Maj Gen Steele to advance on Little Rock Ark. Gen Steeles forces concentrated at Helena and moved to Clarendon, where they were joined by Brig Gen Davidson with the Cavalry Division Dept of the Mo in which was the Six Companies of the 3d Iowa Cavalry under Lt Col. Caldwell. Col. Bussey had vainly endeavored to have Lieut. Col. Caldwell's command ordered to join him at Helena or Vicksburgh, but now an opertunity[sic] to unite the Regiment presented itself and Gen Grant was requested to bring about that result. It not being expedient to take any troops from Gen Steele who was calling for reinforcements, Little Rock not yet having been taken Maj Noble, who was on board transport with his command enroute to Vicksburg, was ordered by Gen Grant who was on board to debark at Helena Aug 27th and report to Maj Gen Steele. Maj Noble proceeded to Little Rock and was assigned to the Cavalry Division, where the 3d Iowa Cavalry was again united, having been seperated nearly two years. Major Noble was appointed Chief of Cavalry on the Staff of Brig Genl Davidson and filled that position with ability. Col. Busseys Regiment having been ordered to Little Rock by Gen Grant, He was relieved by Gen Sherman and ordered to report to Gen Steele. He arrived at Little Rock about the 1st of Nov 1863 and was immediately assigned to Command the Cavalry Division, relieving Col. Lewis Merrill, Gen Davidson having returned to take command of the Cavalry Division, Col. Bussey was assigned to command the 1st Brigade stationed at Benton Ark 25 miles south west of Little Rock when he assumed command on the 28th of Nov. Benton was one of the most important outposts in the Dept of Ark and in constant danger of attack by the enemy. The troops were kept on duty scouting and foraging and had frequent skirmishes with the enemy. About the 20th of December Col. Bussey was ordered to evacuate the Post and move his command to Little Rock, it being impossible longer to obtain forage at Benton. See Report of Lieut. Col. H. C. Caldwell 3d Iowa Cav. in Adjutant Generals Report for 1864 for particulars of an expedition to Arkadelphia, +c. On the 1st of Jan the 3d Iowa Cavalry reenlisted as veteran volunteers. Over Six hundred men, being nearly all the men present able for duty. Being the first Regiment in Division to reenlist they were relieved from duty and ordered with their officers to Iowa to enjoy the 30 days furlough. Col. Bussey accompanied his Regiment and while the men were enjoying a reunion with their friends and receiving the plandits of a grateful people for their heroism and endurance and the devotion to their country displayed by reenlisting for another three years was busy procuring new arms and equipments and superintending the recruiting his Regiment. In all of these measures he was successful. Eight hundred men were enlisted an mustered into Service, filling the Regiment beyond the maximum, new carbines of improved patern, and complete new Horse equipments were obtained from the Arsenals at New York and Washington and the Regiment ordered to St. Louis Mo to be mounted. On the 5th of January 1864, “For Special Gallentry” on reports and recommendations of Commanding Generals, Col. Cyrus Bussey was appointed a Brigadier General. For some weeks after reaching St. Louis in the month of March He as assigned to special duty in the Cavalry Bureau, where he remained until the 1st of May, when he was ordered to Little Rock Ark to report to Maj Gen Steele. Lieut. Col. H. C. Caldwell was promoted to Col.onel of the 3d Iowa Cavalry and Major John W. Noble to Lieut. Col.onel. Captain Gilman C. Mudgett and Capt A. H. McCrary to Majors. It was Col. Busseys misfortune to have his Regiment severed and detached from the time of its first entering the Field until a short time before his promotion, but he now had the satisfaction of turning over the the [sic] 3d Iowa Cavalry to its new Col.onel, over fourteen hundred Strong, Magnificently Armed, Mounted, and equipped and on the first of may the Regiment left St. Louis for Memphis Tenn, where they were ordred to report to Maj Gen Washburn for duty. The 3d Iowa Cavalry was the best disciplined Regiment in the South West, from the time the Regiment left Benton Barracks in Feb 1862[?] to Jan 1st 1864, but two men were tried by Court Martial and but very few were ever reprimanded by their cuperior[sic] officers. A Regimental guard house was an institution unknown in the 3d Iowa. Major Genl Steele Says of the 3d Iowa Cavalry “This Regiment is not only remarkable for gallantry on the Field but for discipline and good order. I have herd[sic] no complaint of any member of this Regiment with one single exception” Again he says “The Good discipline of this Regiment is in my opinion mainly due to the excellent character of their commanding officer.” Many of the Officers of this Regiment deserve special mention for their invaluable Services. Officers who have Served the Government Since the Commencement of the war in subordinate positions requiring ability of no Ordinary character. Lieut. Horace D. B. Cutter, who has been mentioned in connection with on[sic] of the most gallant exploits of the war, Served for two years as Actg. Asst. Adjutant General to Col. Bussey, which position he filled with great ability and by attention to his office made himself master of all the duties and orders of the Adjutant Generals Office. He was commissioned Captain of his Company in the summer of 63, but declined the appointment, preferring to remain in the Adjutant Generals Office. He resigned on the 23d of Jan last to enable him to attend to important private business. Has been recommended by Gen Bussey to the War Dept for the Appointment of A. A. G. Lieut. Dudley E. Jones Served for 3 years as Actg Assistant Quarter Master and accompanied Col. Bussey in that Capacity through all the changes of that Office[r?]. When Col. Bussey was promoted to a Brigadier General, Lieut. Jones was assigned to duty with his as A. D. C. + A. A. Q. M., which position he now holds. He is one of the most competent, faithful, and worthy officers in the Service and has discharged his public duties with the greatest fidelity. No officer in the Services has contributed more to the public good in the discharge of their official duties than he. He has by emtering[?] labor and devotion to the interests of the Govt, saved hundreds of thousands of dollars that would have been lost by the majority of the worthless political A. Q. M.s who are wasting the money and property of the Government. Lieut. Jones has been recommended by Col. Bussey. Col. Myers Chf Q. M. Dept of Mo, Maj Gens Sherman, Steele, + others and his recommendations on file in Washington where they have been for nearly two years, while men from civil life who know nothing of the duties of the position are being appointed and sent out to curse the Army and the Country and fill their own pockets, men whose only recommendation has been to “bully” at the polls Lieut. Jones is qualified to fill any position from Quarter Master General of the Army down evidence of which has repeatedly been sent to Washington, but no response has been received. Rev. Pearl P. Ingalls Chaplain remained with the Regiment filling the office with great ability and satisfaction until Feb 1863 when [section missing] resigned in consiquence of ill health R. [section missing] ayman was appointed Chaplain about [section missing] 64 and died of disease in June la [section missing] Surgeons McGuegin, Biser, Orr, Carter and Maxwell were efficient officers. The two first named resigned Asst Surg Orr was promoted to Surgeon of 21st Iowa the others remain with the Regiment The line officers of the Regiment were all good men and efficient Officers. For changes since organization of Regiment consult Adjutant General Bakers Reports Lieut. Col. H. C. Caldwell with the Six Companies EFGHL + N remained in Mo until the fall of 63 They accompanied Gen Davidson from Pilot Knobb into Arkansas where they joined Gen Steele and participated in the capture of Little Rock and were the first troops to enter the City, which they did by charging the enemy. For some of the services of these Companies see Report of Major H. C. Caldwell in Adjutant Generals Report for 1862 + 63. I will endeavor to [section missing] a detailed statement of the services of these [section missing] anies sent you. Brig Gen Bussey arrived at Little Rock on the 17th of May and was assigned to duty with the 1st Division commanding the Cavalry Brigade embracing all the cavalry in the immediate vicinity of Little Rock. He was specially charged with the defences of the approaches to the City and to Keep the country free from rebels as far south as the Salem River. Gen Bussey at once set to work improving the discipline and efficiency of his command and in a short time the result of his labors were apparent. His command were kept constantly on duty made several expeditions to Jenkins Ferry and Benton and on several occasions engaged the enemy on one of which the Rebel Brig. Gen Holt was killed. On the 25th of July Gen Bussey was assigned to Command the 1st Division 7th Army Corps, which command embraced all the troops at Little Rock. He commanded this Division in Sept when Gen Price was supposed to be advancing to attack Little Rock and made every preparation to give him a warm reception. His Cavalry had several skirmishes with the enemy but were not strong enough to prevent his crossing the Arkansas River. Col. H. C. Caldwell resigned the Col.onelacy[sic] of the Regt sometime in June 1864 to enable him to accept the office of U. S. District Judge of Arkansas to which he had been appointed Lt. Col. Jno. W. Noble was promoted to Col.onel and Maj George Duffield to Lieut. Col.onel. The Regiment accompanied Brig Gen Sturgis in his unfortunate campaign to Gemtown[?] Mip and was the rear guard of the army on the retreat and gallantly held the enemy in check and saved a large number of stragglers from capture. The Regiment sustained heavy loss. They also accompanied A. J. Smith on his expedition towards Grenada, sometime after the Gemtown[?] disaster and on this occasion ment the enemy and were victorious. The Regiment under Command of Lt Col. Duffield accompanied Winslows Brigade from Memphis which place they left about the 1st of Sept and meved across to Brownsville Ark and from there were ordered to follow up Prices Army then enroute to invade Mo. I enclose Official reports of Col. E. F. Winslow + Lt. Col. Benteen with other Reports of the expedition in pursuit of Price from which you will see something in reference to 3d Iowa Cavalry.