Note: These two men are my paternal great great uncles. My grandmother gave me this booklet to read when I was about eight the first time.

She was raised by Hugh L. And a sister. She died at 98 on one of the original homesteads two miles north of Crestline.

Mick Scott





Baxter Springs As a Military Post
Price 15 Cents Per Copy
WRITTEN FROM MEMORY BY THE ONLY MAN WHO WAS SENT THERE AT ALL TIMES WHEN THE U.S. TROOPS OCCUPIED THE PLACE.

HUGH L. THOMPSON,
Co. C 3rd Wis. Cav. Vols.,
and Camp Scout

Copy-righted. All rights reserved.

Dedication.To my Comrades, living and dead, who were at any time on duty here, or in the Battle and Massacre, Oct. 6th, 1863, the G. A. R., W. R. C. and Sons of veterans, this story is dedicated.

BY THE AUTHOR.

Press of Jerry Ward, Kansas City, Mo.

Preface.

In yielding to the wishes of many friends who have asked that a complete history of Baxter's Springs as a Military Post, be furnished for publication, I will say the aim has been to give a plain story of the settlement, and murder of the Rev. John Baxter, for whom the place is named, and the military occupation of the different epochs, separately and distinct, 1st, That of the summer of 1862, by the army advancing into the Indian Territory and after their return. 2nd. The epoch in May and June 1863. Then the 3rd and last epoch, from details, as near as possible, of all that happened to men sent out from this place, including the various fights and skirmishes with the bushwhackers around this vicinity, Sherwood, Mo., &c. attack on the camp and massacre of Gen. James G. Blunt's body guard, Oct. 6th, 1863. Under the circumstances it will be necessary for me to use the pronoun I very frequently. Some may think the repetition useless and vain, but after reading my story through, I hope the reader, whether friend or stranger, will not think I use it egotistically, but to make myself fairly understood according to the facts, and am willing to abide the decision of my comrades, who know about the various times this place was occupied, as to the truth of my story.

THE AUTHOR

CHAPTER I.

As this is a reunion in memory of days past and gone, I believe many of you would be glad to hear the true history of this place as a military post during the war. The very air we breathe is that of loyalty. No band of traitors ever occupied this place as a military post. The rebel camp in 1861 and the early part of 1862, was where Lowell now is. This place takes its name from the Rev. John Baxter. I knew him and his family personally; first, when I was a small boy in Dade County, Mo., where they then lived. He was then a minister of the Protestant Methodist Church. Afterwards removed to Newton County, Mo. Report said he embraced Spiritualism, but of this I know nothing, as he never talked it to us. His friends knew he was opposed to slavery, though not an extremist. He moved from Newton County, Mo., to this place about 1854 or 1855, having discovered this was government land to which no Indian had any claims, and was settling his children around him, and the public story about his murder, in the fall of1860, was that his widowed daughter, named Carr, had sold her claim to a man who, after obtaining possession of the place, under one pretext or another, had failed to pay for it, and after long waiting she had another opportunity to sell, so she with her family of small children could live, being dependent on her father and brothers for support. John Baxter with his son, Thomas, and the man who was wishing to purchase the claim, went to the house and told the man who had not paid for it, that Mrs. Carr had an opportunity to sell for cash, and that she was in great need of the money to live on. The man made no excuse, nor asked for more time, but with his son and another man, all of whom were in the house, began firing, shooting John Baxter, who walked a few paces before falling dead. As he fell, noticing that Thomas had his gun, (thinking he might have a chance to kill a deer Thomas had taken it along, the others were not armed,) he said "Why don't you shoot Tom?" With that Thomas fired into the house killingthe son and the man who was there with them. Thus was the murder of John Baxter avenged. Thomas surrendered and was taken to Ft. Scott for trial by the U. S. court, the guards evading a mob that had been raised to hang him. But, luckily for Thomas, when they took him in, Colonels Montgomery and Jennison with their bands of Free-State men had taken the place a few nights before Thomas was taken in, and after being held there several days he was released, as no one appeared to prosecute. It then came out that the man whose son had been killed had been a conspicuous figure in Border-Ruffianism along the Kansas border north of Ft. Scott, and dare not appear where Free-State men had control, for fear he would have to answer for his own crimes. Politics no doubt had a great deal to do with the murder, as John Baxter had he lived would no doubt have made a bright record for Loyalty. He was a man of strong convictions, and very determined. Soon afterwards the family of John Baxter sold their claims to a man namedPlummer, in Newton County, Mo., for just what they could get and started, as report said, for Texas; but a niece of Mrs. John Baxter told me that was a ruse to get away, and they really went north, and she received word during the war that Thomas Baxter (her cousin) belonged to an Illinois regiment. Their settlement, where they lived when John Baxter was killed was northeast of what has since been called the "The Maun Spring," the house was on the north side of the street running east from the spring in the park, carrying water from the spring first named, that being the true Baxter Spring, and as I was Post Scout here, at all times when any of our troops stationed here, I believe that of all persons now living I can come nearer giving the details, from memory, of all things connected to the three epochs of military occupation. Others may tell of some particular things of one or another time we were encamped here. But, so far as I know, I am the only person living who was at all the times connected with thisplace. As said before, there were three distinct epochs of military occupation. On or about June 2nd, 1862, Col. Doubleday, with his brigade composed of parts of the following troops, viz: 2nd Ohio Cavalry, (Doubleday's regiment), 6th Kansas Cavalry, 9th Wisconsin Infantry and Rabb's Indiana Battery, coming rapidly from Ft. Scott took possession of the former rebel camp. From there a detachment went to the Cowskin Prarie, where the rebels, under Colonels Coffey and Hunter, were then camped, running them out, capturing their camp and many things they could not get away with in their hurry, including a large number of horses and mules with some prisoners. On their return the camp was removed to this place, where it was soon joined by Col. Wier's brigade, coming from Humboldt, Kansas, composed of parts of the 9th Kansas Cav., 10th Kansas Inf., 1st and 2nd Reg'ts Indian Home Guards, with the 1st Kansas Battery; there may have been some other troops which I do not remember. A grand review and inspection was hadhere before marching into the Indian Territory, which they soon after did. I was present and believe there was not more than 6,000 men in line on review, though, for military reasons, the report was circulated that 10,000, or more, were present. This was the nucleus of the "Army of the Frontier," which afterwards whipped the rebels from the Northern part of Missouri on the Kansas border, south beyond the Arkansas river. There was a camp maintained here, or in this immediate vicinity, most of the time until about the 10th of Sept. 1862. The last leaving were the 2nd Indian Reg't. During that time many scouting parties were sent out, capturing prisoners and stock. These raids were very frequently made at night requiring an intimate knowledge of the country, coupled with the utmost caution on our part. I could give many details of these thrilling night marches, but will confine myself to this place as much as possible. As the camp was broken up in Sept. 1862, this ended the first epoch of military occupation,not being used even as a camping place any more that fall or winter, as our troops were encamped to the east and south, engaged on the campaign during which the battles of Newtonia, Fort Wayne, Cane Hill and Prairie Grove were fought. After that the army was at or near Bentonville, Ark. This brings us to the 2nd epoch of this place.

CHAPTER II

About the 4th day of May, 1863, Col. James M. Williams, with the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry Volunteers, (afterwards known as the 79th U. S. C. T.,) and Lt. John Knowles' section 2nd Kansas battery started from Fort Scott, Kansas, to locate a camp here, so as to establish a direct line of communication with our troops at Fort Blunt, (old Ft. Gibson), Ind. Ter., that place having been taken in the early part of April. On the 5th day of May Marshal M. Ehle, 2nd Lt. Co. C. 3rd Wisconsin Cavalry, and A. A. G. at Ft. Scott, Kansas, came to our campwith a detachment of Co. I, 3rd Wis. Cav., bringing orders for an additional detachment from our company, which he got under command of Sergeant Homer W. Pond of Fort Scott. We started out with the double object of making a scout to Sherwood, Mo., and vicinity, capturing all we could, and then going to Baxter Springs to escort the supply train on its return to Ft. Scott after Col. Williams should locate and unload at camp here. Lt. Ehle's force was only about 60 men.Overtaking Col. Williams in camp on the prairie between Coxe's creek and Cow creek, near where the town of Mulberry Grove now is, and went into camp with them. Next morning the cavalry started in the advance, aiming for Sherwood, Mo., before night, but arriving near where Waco, Mo, now is north of Spring river, above the Merrick Ford, we learned from rumor the bushwhackers, under Livingston, Harrison and other leaders, were entrenched on an island in Spring river, between the mouths of Cow creek and Centre creek; the details were given so minutely that it seemed impossible to be a fabrication complete. While it did cause the Lieutenant to hesitate and halt our command, the story failed of its purpose, i. e. make us skedaddle out of the country. After a full consultation, and learning all about the lay of the island and how best to reach it, from James McLahlan, (Jim Scotch), Walter Merrick and myself, Lieut. Ehle sent Corp. Oliver H. Carpenter, Rufus Griffin of my company, with me back to seek assistance fromCol. Williams; this was late in the evening. Orders were that in case aid would come, the two comrades, Carpenter and Griffin, should return and report while I should stay and pilot the Colonel with his command through, if not, all were to return. Arriving at the military road we found that the command had passed. Turning south we crossed Cow creek and soon overtook the command in camp and reported to Col. Williams, finding him at supper; he cordially invited us to dine with him while he asked questions regarding all the details as reported to us, the lay of the island, how to get to it, &c. After supper was over Col. Williams said to comrades Carpenter and Griffin, "you may return and say to Lt. Ehle, I will meet him at the place designated, i. e. the Nelin's Spring, with 100 infantry and one piece of artillery, and if the bush-whackers are on the island Lt. Knowles can soon shell them out." The comrades had scarcely got out of hearing when the Colonel looking at me with the utmost coolness said, "I have metyou before but cannot place you. Where was it?" I told him it was in April, 1862, when he was a Captain in the 5th Kansas cavalry, at Carthage, Mo., and on scouts connected with the occupation of that place. "Oh yes," said he, "you were raised in this part of the country and cannot be lost here. I shall detach you from your company and keep you at Baxter Springs as scout and guide for that post while I remain camped there." The 100 infantry were detailed. Capt's Jack. Armstrong and Ben. Welch, with three or four Lieutenants went with the detachment, also Lt. Knowles, with the piece of artillery. We started out between sunset and dark. On arriving at the place of rendezvous we found Lt. Ehle, with the cavalry. After resting awhile we crossed the river at the Island ford, above the mouth of Cow creek, the cavalry in the advance, moving cautiously so as to surprise the enemy and not be surprised ourselves. On arriving near where the rebels were supposed to be, we found they were not there, nor was there anysigns of their reported fortifications. By this time it was nearly daylight, so we marched down the edge of the timber towards the mouth of Centre creek. Some horses being discovered a charge of the cavalry was made, the infantry and artillery hurrying forward, expecting a battle. Lt. Ehle's horse ran away with him into the bush-whackers camp, in the fork of Centre creek and Spring river, ahead of the command. This caused them to stampede; they did not stand on the order of going, but went at once, our troops following fast as they could. We captured a rebel Lieutenant named Powers, with two men named Scott and Shearer. After the Sherwood fight Shearer was exchanged, Powers was killed trying to escape, Scott was taken to Ft. Blunt and there enlisted in the 14th Kansas cavalry and served till the war was ended, making a good soldier, so they said. How he came to be with such a band as he was when captured I never could see nor understand, as his relations at home, were reported as strong Union people. Thesethree men were all the prisoners captured, but we captured 85 head of horses and mules, with about 40 stands of arms and horse equipments. We only lost one horse with the equipments. Edward K. Jones of company C, 3rd Wisconsin cavalry, dismounted to fire at a running bush-whacker, his horse pulled loose from him and followed the bush-whackers. This was in the pursuit near Sherwood, and Corp. Edward Martin of the same company, was thrown from his horse but not hurt so as to prevent his keeping up with the command. We camped at Sherwood and scouted that part of the country thoroughly all that day. May 7th 1863, was truly a red letter day for us there, for three or four men could, and did, ride the country through as we pleased all day, the bush-whackers being scattered and hid out. The next morning Lt. Ehle took the cavalry, except myself, and started with the captured horses and mules for Fort Scott, except about 20 kept by Col. Williams for mounting scouting parties. The Colonel with his men, under myguidance, marched for Baxter Springs, where we found the command we had left on Cow creek, under Major Richard G. Ward, (Col. Ward of Sedan, Kansas), encamped in what is now the city of Baxter Springs, east of what has since been called Military Street, and south of the Maun spring. This camp was officially known as "Camp Joe Hooker." The command had arrived the evening of the day before. That evening after we reached camp a detachment of my company, under Corp. Edward Martin, (20 men), after seeing Lt. Ehle safe north of Cow creek with the captured stock, came into camp to escort the wagons back to Fort Scott. Before going the wagons were sent out for forage and a carding machine belonging to Mrs. Scott, (now Joslin,) at Grand Falls on Shoal creek. Major Ward went in command, with 100 infantry under Captain Grayton. The cavalry under Corp. Martin, with some batterymen mounted, under Sargeant Peter Teel, (now of Nevada, Mo.) Captain Armstrong, Lts. McFarland and Savors also accompanied the expedition.Arriving at Grand Falls every one there was placed under guard, including a woman and boy with a load of wheat, which was being made into flour for the bush-whackers. The infantry under Capt. Grayson stopped there in camp with the wagons to remove the carding machine, while all the mounted men went across northeast through where Joplin now is, crossing Turkey creek and coming out on the prairie at the Moses Archer place where some bush-whacker families from Granby were then living. We then turned west capturing about 20 head of horses and mules, dismounting two women who rode into our lines, leaving them at a house; these women rode into our lines while we were on the march and when asked what they were doing there very defiantly told Major Ward they were counting his men, so as to inform Major Livingston how many men he had. Major Ward told them we had 300 more men who would camp with us that night. So left them, directing a Lieutenant to take their horses and saddles, thus leaving them on foot to carrytheir information, if they delivered it, as they said they would. Next morning they came to our camp before we started and demanded their horses and saddles. Major Ward told them they would have to come to Baxter Springs to get them. As I was the only one they knew they turned loose on me and the curses they piled on "poor me" was both loud and deep. They promised I should be hung the first time Livingston's men got me, but if the rope to hang me was then made it is an old one now. We also captured a bushwhacker named Swanson. Camped at the house of R. R. Twitty, (now the Hargiss place), but did not find the gentleman at home, and in the morning loaded our wagons with corn and bacon. When we went into camp there that night the smoke house was locked and Mrs. Twitty had the key in her pocket, telling us there was no meat on the place. Of course we did not dispute her word, and as there was a nice fat calf in the yard we promptly killed it, and the veal was so nice. After cooking a part of it for supper shebragged on it and inquired where we got it. The man who had killed it never blushed nor changed a muscle on his face as he told her that he had run it about two miles, bringing it in off the prairie. Next morning found it was their own calf, then she demanded $5.00 to pay for it; she was very mad. We forced her to give up the key to the smoke house and there found about 3000 pounds of nice bacon and took that too. She made the air sulphurous as we rode off. Returning to the Grand Falls found everything ready and moved out for camp, not forgetting the wagon and ox-team with the flour, but letting the woman and boy go home. Arriving at camp without any mishap, feasted on our captured supplies for several days. Some days after an old gentleman came into camp for the oxen and wagon, claiming that he was a Union man, an old Constitutional Union man. During his conversation with Col. Williams said he wanted the constitution as it was before the war began; did not think the South had any right to secede, but afterthey had done so the North had no right to whip them back into the Union; that Abe Lincoln was not elected President according to the constitution and law, and thought it was a great outrage to steal our niggers and put them in the army to fight us, who was their masters. The poor old cuss did not own any slaves but talked long and loud about "our niggahs." After the Col. had drawn him out at considerable length; far as he wished to; he told him he was a constitutional ----- rebel, he could go home, but he could not have the oxen and wagon. This he was loth to do, and sat there for some time after the Colonel had turned to other business. After a while the Colonel looked around and seeing, him asked what he was waiting for, as he had with the Colonel and still claimed them as he was a Constitutional Union man. The Colonel finally threatened to have him shot before he left, a sadder if not a wiser man. We continued scouting the country. Capt. Ward, a brother of Col. Ward, Lieut. Ben. G. Jones and I went upShoal creek with J. J. Nichols of Co. H, 6th Kansas, to where his mother and sisters lived, on Sunday, May 17th. Nichols stayed all night, the rest of us returning to camp; he agreed to come in time to go with us to Sherwood, Mo., the next day. He came in on time but failed to go, and never gave any satisfactory reason to me for not going. This brings us to Monday, May 18, 1863, the Sherwood fight.

CHAPTER III.

'Twas a bright May morning in the long, long ago, What we were to suffer, 'tis well we didn't know. That well remembered day to us who lived through to suffer untold tortures.

On that morning a small party was detailed and sent with five wagons to the vicinity of Sherwood, Mo., after forage, under Major Ward. After this lapse of time I do not remember just how many were on the detail as some volunteered. Our force, (including four 6th Kansas cavalry going south with a train, the advance of which we met at Brush creek. Knowing that the train would camp at our camp for the night, Joe Fountain, now dead, wanted to go and see his mother, so he with three others, turned and went with us,) was only 60 men all told; 25 infantrymen with their muskets only, 22 batterymen with only one revolver to the man, they being for the time being mounted, 5 teamsters, as I understood it, unarmed, Major Ward, Capt. Armstrong, Lt. Edgerton and myself. We were a jolly party, mostly boys, having no thought of danger. Crossing Spring river just below the Boston mills, thence northeast direct to Sherwood, Mo., crossing Turkey creekjust above the mouth; passing on from Sherwood across Centre creek at the Mrs. Vivian ford, (upper one of Lehigh), passing the house went east on the south side of her field to the southeast corner, thence turned northeast, south of where Carl Junction, Mo., now is, to where a man named Hyden lived, (where Geo. W. Howard now lives). While the wagons and infantry were waiting at the foot of the hill, near where Howard's barn now is, the mounted men rode up to the house and while there we got a good view of Livingston's band of bushwhackers. My count of them was 97 in line, some of the boys made the count over 100. While there were but 30 of us in sight they ran away before we could get within long gun-shot of them. They were near where the Gulfton depot now stands. We then turned and went back to our wagons, and going up the creek to the Silvers ford, (now called Manlove ford), thence southeast through the timber to the edge of the prairie where a bush-whacker Captain named Finney then lived, (Mrs. Mullin nowlives there), and from there we went to the Johnathan Rusk place, and then turned west to the Rader place, (Hiram Snapp now lives there). Major Ward and Capt. Armstrong went in different directions to station pickets, three on each post. Those left at the edge of the timber behind had followed us in but we did not discover it until it was too late. I went into the house and found the women were jubilant. Coming out I called for the Major, but getting no answer I began to change horses, mine having got lame since leaving camp. The Lieutenant had had a wagon driven into the yard on the south side of the house, and no doubt unthoughtedly, sent 20 men, unarmed, up stairs to throw corn out of the windows into the wagon; their arms being stacked outside the house in the yard, these men never reached them. Just as I had saddled the other horse the Major and Captain rode up. Some one had reported that I had called for one or the other when I come out of the house, so they both rode up to me and inquired what Iwanted. Before I could reply shooting began in the rear, and almost instantly all around us. In surrounding us the enemy had cut off the six men on picket. Twenty unarmed men loading corn, and five teamsters also unarmed, leaving but twenty-nine men hemmed in a short, narrow lane with a gate at one end, with arms to fight our way out. Without knowing it we had rode into a trap. Quantrell's band with perhaps others, had come in the night before and camped at or near Pear's church in less than half a mile. Livingston knowing this had followed us and all joined together in their attack on our little party. Since then men who were there on the other side have told me they had more than 400 men against us, but the mounted men all went through, also some of those on foot. Considering the great disparity of the forces it has always seemed strange that any of us escaped. 13 men were killed, mostly, if not all, unarmed. Near the house Cameron Garrett, for whom our G. A. R. Post 115, at Carl Junction, Mo., was named,was captured in the pursuit and murdered. Corp. V. R. Hancock and Joe Endicott, both of the 2nd Kansas battery were also killed in the pursuit. I do not remember the names of the colored soldiers killed, but Haley Pipkins and David Whetstine of the battery with Thomas Akers, of the 6th Kansas Cavalry, with two negro soldiers, were captured. The white men were afterwards exchanged, while some time after the negroes were killed. After I had gone through their line about 100 yards I was dismounted with four or five bullets striking me, two or three of them lodging in my body, mostly there still, this was about 4 p. m., in falling I gave Livingston a shot in the right hand, at least he said so afterwards. I lay as I had fallen for some time, on looking up I saw a bushwhacker with a double-barreled shot gun pointed at the head of a negro soldier who had been shot in the face and was not armed. He asked the bushwhacker not to shoot him saying "Massa, don't shoot, I'll give up." Not expecting to escape any way Idrew my other revolver, not knowing the one in my hand had fired, but it had fired two loads, I raised on my left hand and knees, taking as careful aim as I could, fired for his heart; he dropped his gun, threw his hand up to the spot fired at, the blood flowing freely from his mouth and nose, he fell from his horse, as I believe, dead, and the darkey, casting one look at me, cut dirt for the timber. After firing I took a revolver in each hand and dropped down exhausted on my breast, laying across my carbine, which had missed fire three times when I had a good sight on Livingston's head. Shortly after a man on horseback came galloping up, jumped off and kicked me on the side of my head, using a vile epithet, told me to look up; as I did so he kicked me again, that time in my face. I carried the mark of his boot heel on my right cheek for three months. It was with great difficulty that I could speak, but I did so, calling him by his name, and asked him not to kick me any more as I was dying. I knew this wasnot true but he did not, so he mounted his horse and left me. His name was Richard R. Twitty, I had known him all my life, but have never seen him since. After laying there some time I looked up again and seeing no one moving I got up and started into the timber; going about one fourth of a mile I came in sight of two negro soldiers, one was the wounded one whose life I had saved and unarmed (name forgotten), the other, Sam Smith, had his musket. I handed the wounded man one of my revolvers and they helped me about one-quarter of a mile further, when I gave out and we all crawled into a fallen tree top. Finally I got them to understand I could not travel, and that one could hide better than three could, I gave them minute directions how to go. With my revolvers to take to camp they left me to the care of Him who cares for all, arriving safely at camp the next morning taking the word that I was badly wounded but had escaped. That night I experienced the song: "On the field of battle, Mother,All the night aloneI lay, Angels watching o'er me, Mother, Until the breaking of the day." I could hear the enemy, until long after mid-night, tramping through the woods, halloing to each other, and knew they were in search of my poor, bleeding body. Towards day I could no longer hear them; I then got up and moved farther away from them; gave out again, and laid down in the shelter of another fallen tree top, and then went to sleep. In the morning I woke and soon got among friends. Thomas Crowell concealed me first and then circulated the word among Union people. After he and his mother, the next to come and see me was his old grand mother and her brother, an old soldier of the war of 1812 who had been for several months in the prison pen south. Word was sent to my mother and sister where I was, and then he, i. e. Thomas Crowell, went to Baxter's Springs, carrying word into camp where I was. For a boy only 14 years old this was certainly a heroic and hazardous undertaking; expecting nothing but death if captured, he had noexcuse for expecting anything else; but he did it successfully, going and then returning so as to help care for me. He did all in his power. I lay there from the morning of the 19th until after night the 20th, surrounded all the time by my sister and sympathizing friends. Mother had gone to camp the evening of the 19th and did not return until the next morning because they expected that I would be brought in, as a word had been sent to the command immediately after Thomas Crowell had reached there with word where I was but for some reason they did not get the word until too late for them to get me, but they sent a woman in a buggy, but mother not being there all were afraid to move me. Then mother got lost in the dark and had to stop till daylight. When she came next morning she brought word from Col. Williams to the stay-at-home rebels that if I was not brought safely into camp that night he would come the next day and kill every man of them he found; this brought three men who had been in the rebel army, tomy assistance, and that night I was carried in a blanket for a mile or more, by four men. With the corners tied to a couple of fence rails on their shoulders, the women helping them to change shoulders as occasion required, and watching in every direction until they got out on the prarie near the Cottonwood spring, east of the present Steven's diggings, where they placed me in a wagon, when all bade me good bye, not knowing we would ever meet again in this life, except mother, sister and three other women, who risked all to take me to camp. Mother being the only one who knew the road, had to walk about three miles, ahead of the horses, so as to keep the road. Arriving at the house of Mrs. Smith, on Short creek, she and her two daughters came to us. Knowing that her three sons had been taken prisoners south, (one of whom had died from the treatment), two were concealed until an opportunity for them to get the family to Kansas, I asked for them to help me out, and they were heroes indeed, took it time aboutwalking ahead to keep the road the other driving; their names were Joseph R. and Marcus L. Smith, (they both afterwards tried to enlist in the Union army but the latter only was accepted on account of the treatment received from the rebels.) Just at daylight on Thursday morning, May 21st, we arrived safely in camp. I had been all that time, from about 4 p. m., Monday, May 18th, without my wounds being dressed. When my blouse was cut off me and the blood washed out 19 bullet holes were found in it, with three in my hat. As narrated on a former page, I was welcomed to camp with great rejoicing by all. Officers and men had given me up as dead, and had so reported. The Surgeons had no hope of my living and said so; but contrary to the expectations of all who saw me, I pulled through, considerably damaged it is true, but, thanks to a good constitution, freedom from all dissipation and good nursing, am still living, 32 years later. The Surgeons said I was the most contrary soldier in the army, and that had a greatdeal to do with my getting up. After getting into camp I learned our losses; in addition to the killed and prisoners were seven or eight wounded, among them Major Ward, Captain Armstrong, Serg't Peter Teel, who was in command of the battery boys, (and years after Joseph Fountain told me he too was slightly wounded but said nothing about it as he did not wish the enemy to find it out.) Our wagons and mule teams, (four of the mules were shot to stop their running, the 26 remaining were all afterward recaptured.) the arms of 29 men. Col. Williams had stopped the train going south, taking the cavalry escort, with all the men who could be spared from camp, and hastened that night to the battle- field, killed one man, burned Sherwood, Mo., with the houses, barns and other buildings on nine farms in addition. On Friday, May 22nd, 1863, Mrs. Fountain, (Joe's mother,) was sent into our camp by Livingston, she representing the Union side, with Joel Whaley to represent their side, bringing Haley Pipkins and DavidWhetstine of the battery, for exchange, and took out Shearer and Swanson. Shearer, with seven others from Jasper county, Mo., were afterwards hung by their own party, near Kentucky Town, Texas. Mrs. Fountain then told me that Tom Livingston had made her dress his hand on Monday p. m., as they returned from the pursuit, and he was badly wounded. While she was doing so he told her it was myself who had shot him as I fell, but that he had killed me. (Livingston was killed at Stockton, Mo., July 4th, 1863, while I am here still.) A few days before her death Mrs. Fountain was at our house and told me the same story again, saying when she left our camp she never again expected to see me alive.

CHAPTER IV.

Some days after Col. Williams went to Ft. Scott for mules in place of those we had lost. While he was gone the camp was removed into the timber, on the point of the hill east of where it had been, still keeping the Baxter Spring in reach of our muskets. Being slightly fortified from the head of one ravine to the head of another, facing towards the prairie southwest, and the name was changed to "Camp Ben. Butler." The timber was felled around the edge of the bluffs. The wagons were brought to Shawnee creek, north of where Crestline now is, by a detachment of my company, where they were met by a detachment of 25 men from our camp, under Capts. Martin and Welch. Lieut. Macy was with the wagons, so that officers and men there were 28, not including the 5 teamsters, who started for our camp next morning, and the cavalry returned to Fort Scott. When near the school house about one mile north of where Wm. H. Peters now lives, they were met by Livingston's band, about three men to one of them; then the fight beganand was a continuous one to Brush creek, when the enemy finding the Colonel with three companies of men was hastening up the road from camp in their rear, they broke and fled to the timber north of Lowell, leaving the road open to camp. One night soon after a picket of 20 infantrymen with one batteryman mounted, under a Sergeant, were stationed where the military road crossed Willow creek; near midnight mounted men, supposed to be bushwhackers, were discovered coming towards them from camp; on challenging them they left the road, going east. The Sergeant then ordered half his men to fire, the others to reserve their fire until the first could reload, but by some mistake all fired. The Sergeant was very quick to think and act, so he called out, "second platoon ready," and all went to loading, fast as they could, while the enemy made off fast as their horses could take them, without waiting for another volley. When the train that had camped at Baxter Springs May 18th and 19th, arrived at Ft. Blunt, they had hadto make a night march and then fight their way the last four or five miles to get in. My brother being there returned with it to our camp. Col. Williams made arrangements with him for a scout and guide in my place, to go and rout Livingston's band out of Southwest Missouri, near Sherwood, and started with one piece of artillery under Lt. Knowles, and about 500 infantry; after they were gone about two hours and were entirely away from camp, Livingston's band made a dash from the direction of the Valya ford and headed off the horses on herd, capturing all of them belonging to one piece of artillery and caisson, killing Wesley Gaines, a boy, who would not surrender, capturing Martin and Larkin, killing them some time later. James McLahlan who had come into camp after the command had left, followed and overtook them between where Boston Mills now are and the mouth of Turkey creek; they returned via Lowell, in hopes of intercepting the bushwhackers, but failed and came back to camp. Following the killing ofWesley Gaines and the capture of Martin and Larkin with the battery horses, there was some correspondence between the Colonel and Livingston relative to an exchange of prisoners but nothing came of it. A woman was the medium of correspondence. She would go out and be gone two or three days, and then bring an answer from Livingston, headed very pompously, "Headquarters Camp Ben. Buster," &c., our camp being known as "Camp Ben. Butler," we at that time, supposed it to be a parody on the name of our camp, but I have since learned the rebel "Camp Ben. Buster" was located in a gulch of Shoal creek, not a mile from where she lived and not five miles from our camp, so she could have gone and returned within three hours if she had tried, and there is no doubt but she kept them posted about everything going on in our camp. I am informed that she boasted that she did. Nothing in the way of fighting by any of the men belonging in our camp occurred after that time. About June 25th the camp was abandoned, Col. Williamstaking the two pieces of artillery, manned by a detachment of negro soldiers, going south to win laurels, which they did on many hard fought battle-fields. Fighting at Poisoned Springs, Ark., until 23 men of every 100 engaged were killed or wounded. It is classed by Col. Fox as one of the fighting 300 regiments. The battery boys, after turning over their guns and horses, returned on foot to Ft. Scott. I was sent back with them, in an ambulance, to the hospital, where we arrived in safety. This ends the second epoch of the military occupation of this place.

CHAPTER V.

Now comes the third and most fearful and bloody epoch of the war, the one this re-union is to commemorate. About July 27th, 1863, this place was again occupied and the camp was located very near where John Baxter's house had formerly stood, on the rise northeast of the Maun Spring, the low ground near the branch being occupied with fires for cooking. The troops were a part of companies C and D, 3rd Wisconsin cavalry, with a detachment of about 25 men of the 12th Kansas infantry, temporarily mounted and on duty with our company, (the greater part of the company being on the Honey Springs campaign in the Indian Territory.) All were under 1st Lieut. Jas. B. Pond. After locating the camp, naming it Ft. Blair, in honor of Col. C. W. Blair, then in command at Ft. Scott. On the next day after we came here a squad of men (about 20) were sent up Shoal creek, crossing to the north side at the Harlan place, thence to the most eastern point of Short creek timber, and then turned west, down the creek, past where Galenanow is, and thence down to the mouth of Shoal creek and played rebel on old man Crouse, a Dutchman who lived in the fork of Spring river and Shoal creek, opposite to where Lowell is now situated, so completely deceiving him that he convicted himself of being engaged in going to Ft. Scott and other places within our lines purchasing things for the bushwhackers and smuggling them through, which were contraband of war, such as arms, ammunition, &c. Soon after we left he found we had played off on him, and while under arrest told my mother I was a mighty bad boy, because I had told him I was a rebel and scared him so bad he did not know what he did say or do; but really, I presume, I was bad, because he had been deceived so that he acknowledged himself a rebel too. After staying a few days Lt. Pond left the camp in charge of 2nd Lt. John Crites with that part of Co. D, 3rd Wis. cav., your humble servant being left too, as scout and guide for the post. A few days afterwards while on a scout near Sherwood, Mo., welearned that a lot of rebel families had started south two or three days before. Going back to camp that night we were off early next morning, ten of us, to overtake them. Striking their trail at Tanyard Hollow we followed them to where Seneca now is situated. There we learned from Union people (women) that there was a guard of 75 or 80 bushwhackers, and not more than two hours ahead of us. After consultation we decided that ten men were not strong enough to make an attack on them successfully, so we returned to our camp that night, much to our chagrin and disgust, as Richard R. Twitty was with them, and all of us were anxious to pay him, with big interest, for the kick he had given me when I was down, wounded, May 18th, 1863, but failed to catch him. We had about 65 or 70 men in camp and had a good time generally, scouting, fixing up camp, plenty to do to relieve the monotony of camp life; hauled logs to build a block house, lumber for quarters, &c., trying to prepare for an attack if one should be made;thus time passed for several weeks with nothing unusual transpiring in camp. Occasionally dispatch bearers would be chased from the south into our camp, but never near to us. Some time in the latter part of September an order came for me to report to Ft. Scott as a witness before a military court. About this time company A, of the 2nd Kansas colored inft'y under 1st Lt. Cook, was sent as a reinforcement to this place. Wm. H. Warner, then 1st Ass't Surgeon of our regiment, (now of Girard, Kan.,) was also sent. The force was then about 150 strong, and all thought they were safe enough. When the court was done with me I came to the Drywood camp of my company, en- route to Baxter's Springs, but found the camp broken up and the company gone, with Lt. Pond in command to Ft. Blair, (I had before learned the company had returned from the Indian Territory with Gen. Blunt), i. e. Baxter's Springs. It being too late to ride through before night, and nothing urgent that I knew of, I went to a friend's house for the restof that day and night. Next morning, Oct. 7th, 1863, a man came there and reported the camp here was captured and burnt, every one killed, &c. I could not believe this, so determined to come and see; I had traveled the road alone, or with only one man, many a time before, and did afterwards, but must say it seemed longer and more lonesome that day than ever, and I thought I never would get through; but after all I came into camp between sunset and dark. Reinforcements came that night; all was in confusion; the wounded had been mostly brought in and were being cared for, the dead were, some of them, still lying where they had fallen. Shortly after my arrival my mother came in; she had came in that morning. Hank E. Bankson and Wm. Metcalf of company D had been out on a scout and learning the camp here had been captured burned and all killed, had turned and gone to Redding's mill, on Shoal creek, where mother and sister were stopping with the family of Abraham Hewett, (he had been killed in Oct. 1862), calledand told what they had heard, and mother went to camp ahead of them with a wagon to see if the report was true; found it was not and that we still "held the fort;" but as there was no word from the forage train which had gone out the day before, (Oct. 6th,) to Redding's mill, under Homer W. Pond, since they had started on their return, it was feared they too had been massacred, Lt. Pond had asked her to go and see if she could learn anything of them. Going out on another road she found the train standing in the road about three miles from camp, with no signs of any battle, and followed their trail to where Webb City now is. Becoming satisfied they had made their escape, and having no hopes of overtaking them she returned that night and they came in the next day, via Ft.Scott.

CHAPTER VI.

On looking around and going over the battle-field next morning I found a horrible sight and learned all the details, to-wit: On coming to camp Lt. Pond had brought a train with thirty days supplies for the three companies of men, viz: companies C and D 3rd Wis. cav. and the company of colored troops. Before sending it back to Ft. Scott had sent his brother Homer W. Pond, with about one half of companies C and D to Redding's mill, on Shoal creek, after forage, which left only the colored company with parts of the two cavalry companies, 150 or 160 men, in camp. The supplies had been stacked up on the north side, outside of the fort, the west side being opened to extend the same so there would be room for them all to get in in case of a fight. Details were sent out to get the necessary materials for this extension and quarters. Some had returned others were coming. Seeing men dressed in our uniform and carrying our flag, coming from the east, supposed it was a scouting party from Neosho or Newtonia, Mo., and hadno thought of danger until too late. Comrade Patrick McNary of Irwin, Mo., was with this party and they were taken prisoners but not killed, as the rebels did not wish to arouse those in camp. After the massacre was over the guards, not knowing the situation released these men. Those in camp knew nothing of this; all looked peaceful, some were eating their dinners, others waiting on the cook, all were happy, no fear of danger, when suddenly the scene changed. Lt. Cook of the colored company, with John Fry of company K, 3rd, Wis. cav., a dispatch bearer, had gone just outside of camp to the east, and fired their revolvers at a mark, to clean up and re-load. Two columns of men were seen, as stated before, in our uniforms and carrying our flag at the head of each column, one from the south crossing the branch just a few steps below the spring, the other from the east. Recognizing Quantrell, or some of his men, Lt. Cook called all to arms! to arms!! Quantrell! Quantrell!! He with Fry were instantly killed, beforethey could reach a place of safety; all was confusion but the men ran swiftly inside the fort, one side of which was open, and their fire made it so hot for the enemy that, after charging entirely around it, they drew off to the point of timber on the hill a little east of north from camp, and made frequent demonstrations as though intending to make another attack, but did not. Ten men were killed in this attack, (at least 4 after capture), two wounded, one woman shot in the foot, and one child (a little step-daughter of Rufus Griffin of company C 3rd Wisconsin cav., now of Liberty, Kan.,) shot through the shoulder. We had no means of knowing how many of the enemy were killed or wounded, as one with his horse was killed and he was found strapped to his saddle, and although he had been shot twice through the chest he still sat on his horse until it was killed too. Others may have been like him and carried off on their horses. Two others were found dead, making three they left in their attack on the camp. Butwith the plans for surprise so complete and with about four or five to one in the camp they failed to take it. Comrades, I have always been proud to know I belonged to a company that Quantrell could not take, even when surprised. They said a negro soldier was guarding the supplies outside of the fort when the attack was made, and when told to come inside answered "I's on guard," knelt down and continued loading and firing fast as he could as long as the enemy was in sight. Our company had a mountain howitzer but did not get to use it in the attack. After the enemy had passed two shells were fired which failed to explode. The men in camp did not know Gen. Jas. G. Blunt was nearer than Ft. Scott, and thought the firing over the hill towards Willow creek was a ruse to draw them out. From their maneuvering they in camp thought perhaps Quantrell's men had discovered that the west side was open and would renew the attack on that side; to prevent an entrance wagons were hastily drawn around to fill the gap and everypreparation made to give them the best they could in case they returned. After the firing had receded some distance from the fort over the hill to the northwest, two horsemen and three footmen were seen coming rapidly from towards where the railroad depot now stands. They proved to be Major B. S. Henning, of our regiment, Capt. Tuft, chief of scouts, Con. Maloney, Andrew J. Heaton and Bernard Ford, (the latter wounded.) The last three had been captured in the attack on the camp and re-captured by those officers as they were coming into camp. They reported that Gen. Blunt had started to move Department Headquarters from Fort Scott, Kansas, to Fort Blunt, Indian Territory, and had arrived just out of sight from the camp when he and his men were surprised by seeing mounted men coming at full charge, dressed in our uniform and carrying our flag, firing as they came. Gen. Blunt's force consisted of parts of company I, 3rd Wisconsin cavalry and A, 14th Kansas cavalry, who were his body guard at that time, his staffofficers, clerks at headquarters, our regimental band, (called brigade band), with some men from various regiments south, en-route to their commands, a few citizens, teamsters, &c., in all not more than 300 men; having no thought of danger, they were not well closed up, the head of the column being probably a mile ahead of the rear. Surprised as they were by the enemy coming en masse as they did, after the hastily formed line was crushed, their only safety depended on the fleetness of their horses, so they sought safety by flight, some never stopping until they reached Ft. Scott, where they reported everything lost, camp and all. When Major Henning and Capt. Tuft came in a mounted squad, (all that could be spared,) under Reuben W. Smith, our Orderly Sergeant, followed in pursuit. The enemy gave up the chase near where the Government Cemetery now is, turning to the west. Orderly Smith with his men, after a run of several miles, overtook Gen. Blunt with a few men, somewhere south of the present city ofColumbus, and escorted them into camp. Then came the horror; those taken prisoner were killed or left for dead, horribly mangled, wagons burned, and other property destroyed. Among those left for dead were Comrades F. D. W. Arnold, (of Lamar, Mo.,) Jack Splane and many others who were found horribly wounded but alive. While we had to mourn the loss of the gallant Major H. Z. Curtis, (son of Gen. Curtis), who was Chief of Staff and A. A. G., Lt. Farr, and many others, near and dear to friends, home, and country. When all was over there were 135 killed counting those at camp; of those 131 were buried here and four were taken to Fort Scott. Of the 135 killed 71 men belonged to the 3rd Wisconsin cavalry. Considering there were but about 144 men in the regiment present this was a very heavy loss besides the wounded, and if losses are necessary to establish the fighting qualities of men, surely those men should not be forgotten. On account of the fight at camp and massacre, even if they had never done anythingbefore or after, companies C, D and I of the 3rd Wisconsin cavalry are entitled to be placed with the lists of fighting heroes. Others were there too who should not be slighted either. All did their duty as best they could, and many died for our country. I was present when the dead were buried, near John Baxter's grave. After the confusion, incident to the time and circumstances, quieted down, Gen. Blunt returned to Fort Scott with most of the troops which had been hurried forward to reinforce this place. Some days afterward we moved our camp to the site of the old "Camp Ben. Butler," but before we were fairly located and fixed up, orders came to abandon the camp and make a night march back to Fort Scott, as it was feared that Shelby, who had made a raid to Boonville, Mo., and was on his return south, might strike one, or perhaps both places if the force was divided. This was on or about Oct. 20th, 1863. Everything for which we had not transportation was consigned to the flames, then a hurried march was madethat night and all the next day, arriving late at our old camp ground, on Drywood creek, 10 miles from Fort Scott, on the Missouri side of the State Line, in safety.

CHAPTER VII.

Before breaking camp Lt. Pond called your humble servant into his tent and told me that we had a night march ahead of us saying "you know the country, and you are to go with one man, not your brother, to Redding's mill this evening, and then turn north, if you find we are in danger of an attack while on the march you will report to me on the military road, but if not, you will report to Col. Blair at Fort Scott. Knowing that Henry E. Bankson of company D, 3rd Wis. Cav., could at all times be relied on for anything that might be met, I chose him to go with me. We started about 4 o'clock p.m., and went directly to Redding's mill, where mother and sister were still staying with Mrs. Hewett and family, we told our business and that the camp here was to be evacuated that night. We fed our horses and got supper there, then bade all good bye, not knowing we would ever again meet in this life. Crossing Shoal creek there we started north on our perilous ride, through what is now Joplin City, down Elm Hollow crossingTurkey creek at the Adams ford, just above the present bridge, and then out on the prairie. When near the Jonathan Rusk place we saw camp fires near the spring. As I knew the lay of the ground, I dismounted and crawled close to them and recognized several of them as a part of Livingston's old band of about 125 bushwhackers. It was a risky thing to do, but we were out for information and had to take chances. Bankson stayed with our horses but was getting uneasy for me when I returned. We then rode to the east and then north, coming into the road again about half a mile from their camp. We then followed the road passing the Crenshaw place and crossing Centre creek at the Dan. Smith place, about one mile up the creek from the Parkinson and Livingston place. Going north we crossed the road from that place to Minersville, (now Oronogo,) at the point where it left the creek bottom, south of where Pearl school house now stands. As we got up on the hill on an old road we discovered a picket post to the right of us onthe main road about 100 yards from us, going out a little farther we soon saw another picket post about the same distance to the left at a point of timber on a hill overlooking another road; each party had a small fire. Before we got to where the school house stands we saw a long line of camp fires, extending the whole length of the Twin Groves on the east side. About that time something disturbed those on picket to our right; hastily firing their guns thay mounted and came towards us at full speed. Whether they had seen us between them and the camp fires, or something else had disturbed them, we did not stop to see, our business was urgent in another direction, so we left the road and struck across the open prairie north striking Spring river two or three miles east of Galesburg, Mo., calling at rebel houses and playing rebel, we were informed that the camp we had passed was Quantrell's band, or a part of it, enroute to reinforce Shelby, who was then running south, with Gen. Ewing after him in close pursuit,and that another force was hourly expected from the south to help Shelby get away. We crossed Spring river above Galesburg, at an old ford, (the mill pond now covers it), and across North Fork; not wishing to leave the settlement until after daylight we went to a house where I could trust the people and got some bed quilts and went into the woods near and stopped until daylight; then struck out boldly across the prairie to a rebel house. The audacity of the act was no doubt our salvation, as before we got there we discovered and counted 25 horses with saddles on not more than one-fourth of a mile from us to our left, and only a mile from the house we were going to. Riding up boldly we ordered breakfast and our horses fed. As I had been raised in the southwest it was not difficult for me to play rebel, as I soon discovered they did not recognize me although they had known me since I was a small boy. So I played rebel to perfection, and when they asked my name I gave one, not my own, telling them I was justfrom Texas and never had been in the country before, and knew no one; were dispatch bearers hunting Shelby. They proposed to send and get a guide from the other house, 25 bushwhackers were getting their breakfast there. We thanked them for their kindness but declined the guide, preferring not to trust our command of 25 men, who were on the main road, to strangers of whom we knew nothing; the directions were plain and we thought we could find the road. Here we learned more about the number of troops, pieces of artillery, &c., where the men and guns were located at Fort Scott than we knew ourselves, and we thought we were posted on that point, but found we were not; what officers and men could be trusted by the rebels, also who were not considered safe to risk as a friend to their cause; as the reports coincided with our own knowledge of officers and men it was not difficult for us to believe they were fully posted. We went directly to Fort Scott and reported what we had learned as to men coming to Shelby'srelief. At General Blunt's headquarters they thought we had been misinformed and, for that reason, were mistaken, but about twelve hours later dispatches from Gen. Ewing confirmed our report, so Gen. Blunt himself told us the next morning. After that our reports were never doubted. Thus was this place abandoned, never again to be occupied as a military post. This is my story of Baxter's Springs prior to and during the war, and I leave it to my comrades to decide as to its merits as history. If any one can do the subject better justice than I have, no one will be more ready to acknowledge it than I will. I feel like making a pilgrimage to this place at least once a year, where 156 soldiers lost their lives, either here or while on duty here, viz.: 18 at Sherwood, Mo., May 18th, 1863, 3 when the battery horses were taken, and 135 at the camp and massacre of the body guard, Oct, 6th, 1863.

THE END

APPENDIX.

I have never seen the official reports of the fight at the camp nor the massacre, so there may be some difference as to their reports and my story as to the number killed, as the monument does not give so many names; but there are several names of men who I know were not killed here, some of whom were never on duty here. I presume the 21 names of the 3rd Wisconsin cavalry which should, but do not, appear on the monument, have the word "missing" written opposite their names on the company rolls. We who have fought the bushwhackers, know what that means. Every time the comrade did not afterwards appear, it means killed every time. I know the number given here is correct. As it is absolutely impossible to give the names of the men present Oct. 6th, 1863, I append the company roll of company C, 3rd Wis. cav., as shown at that time, and would the other companies if I had them: Capt., Edward R. Stevens; 1st Lt., James B. Pond; 2nd Lt., Marshal M. Ehle. Ist Serg't, Reuben W. Smith; Q. M. Serg't John McFail; Com.Serg't, Elwin Webber. 1st Duty Serg't, Wm. F. McKinzie; 2nd David N. Phelps; 3d, Homer W. Pond; 4th, Edward K. Vining; 5th, Oliver H. Carpenter. 1st Corp., Janes G. Palmer; 2nd, Ezra Boliou; 3rd Edward Martin; 4th, John J. Casey; 5th, Eli Austin; 6th, Jas. C. Pitts; 7th, Charles P. Nelson; 8th, Thomas Sornes. Bugler, John W. Boynton; Blacksmith, &c., John Davis; Saddler, Mathew J. Jenkinson; Wagoner, Thomas Leach. Privates--Ayers, Chas. B., Baker, Otha, Bartlet, Geo. W., Brayton, Wm. T., Bliss, Chas., Cartright, Smith, Cole, Albert W. Cook, Geo. N., Chapel, Thos. J., Croaken, James, Devaney, John, Demary, Chas., Ford, Bernard, Fitch, Henry A., Garber, John A., Gibbons, Edward, Griffith, Levi, Griffin, Rufus, Greenleaf, Alonso C., Hotchkiss, F. H., Hayward, Geo. W., Hanks, David A., Hildreth, Sylvanus, Heaton, A. J., Hartson, A. J., Howard, C. O., Hill, Bernard, Hunt, Eugene, Hutchings, Chas. A., Jones, E. R., Judge, M. C., Lloyd, Wm., McNary, Dennis, McNary, Pat, Merritt, Anson, Maloney, C., Mann, Zenas,McPhillips, Felix, Olger, J., Pitts, Geo. N., Pond, G. F., Preston, Wm. W., Parmarlee, O., Reardon, Owne, Rendiskould, A. F., Remmington, G. F., Ralph, H., Rockefellow, A., Sufelt, G. G., Smith, A., Staves, Wm., Shibley, D., Southwich, E. E., Stinson, P., Thomas, J., Tenney, S. B., Thompson, Hugh L., Thompson, A., Tunnecliffe, A. E., VanVolkenburg, D., Vining, W., Walsh, John, Williams, C., Wentworth, Henry, Whitehead, Wm., Worden, Heman.

Baxter Springs