t, with a detachment of the 14th Kansas Cavalry,
on my right, and detachments of the 2nd and 6th Kansas
Cavalry on the left flank. I also sent orders to Capt.
Duncan, commanding the 18th Iowa Infantry, to so dispose of
his regiment and the cavalry and howitzers which came out
with him as to protect the rear of the train, and to keep a
sharp lookout for a movement upon his rear and right flank.

'Meanwhile a movement of the enemy's infantry toward my
right flank had been observed through the thick brush which
covered the face of the country in that direction. Seeing
this, I ordered forward the cavalry on my right, under
Lieuts. Mitchell and Henderson, with orders to press the
enemy's line, force it if possible, and at all events to
ascertain his position and strength, fearing as I did that
the silence of the enemy in front was but for the purpose of
drawing me on to the open ground which lay in my front. At
this juncture, a rebel rode into my lines and inquired for
Col. DeMorse. From him I learned that General Price was in
command of the rebel force and that Col. DeMorse was in
command of the force on my right.

'The cavalry had advanced but four hundred yards, when a
brisk fire of musketry was opened upon them from the brush,
which they returned with true gallantry, but were forced to
fall back. In this skirmish many of the cavalry were
unhorsed, and Lieut. Henderson, of the 6th Kansas Cavalry,
fell, wounded in the abdomen, while bravely and gallantly
urging his command forward.

'In the meantime I formed five companies of the 1st Kansas
Colored, with one piece of artillery, on my right flank, and
ordered up to their assistance four companies of the 18th
Iowa Infantry. Soon my orderly returned from the rear with a
message from Captain Duncan, stating that he was so closely
pressed in the rear by the enemy's infantry and artillery
that the men could not be spared.

'At this moment the enemy opened on me with two
batteries,--one of six pieces, in front, and one, of three
pieces, on my right flank,--pouring in an incessant and well
directed cross-fire of shot and shell. At the same time he
advanced his infantry both in front and on my right flank.

'From the force of the enemy--now the first time made
visible--I saw th