wounded--ninety-seven,
missing--one hundred and six.

'Many of those reported missing are supposed to have been
killed, others are supposed to have been wounded and taken
prisoners. The loss of the enemy is not known, but in my
opinion it will exceed our own. The conduct of all the
troops under my command, officers and men, were
characterized by true soldiery bearing, and in no case was a
line broken, except when assaulted by an overwhelming force,
and then falling back only when so ordered. The officers and
men all evinced the most heroic spirit, and those that fell
died the death of the true soldier. The action commenced at
10 A. M., and terminated at 2 P. M. I have named this
engagement the action of Poison Springs, from a spring of
that name in the vicinity.

'Very respectfully yours,

'J. M. WILLIAMS,

'_Colonel 1st Kansas Colored Vol. Infantry, Commanding Expedition._

'Capt. WM. S. WHITTEN, _Assistant Adjutant General._'

"On the 26th day of April following, Gen. Steele's command evacuated
Camden and marched for Little Rock. At Saline Crossing, on the 30th of
April, the rear of Gen. Steele's command was attacked by the entire
force of the enemy, commanded by Gen. Kirby Smith. The engagement which
followed resulted in the complete defeat of the enemy, with great loss
on his part. In this engagement the 1st Kansas Colored was not an active
participant, being at the moment of the attack in the advance, distant
five miles from the rear and scene of the engagement. The regiment was
ordered back to participate in the battle, but did not arrive on the
line until after the repulse of the enemy and his retirement from the
field.

"On the day following, May 1st, 1864, Colonel Williams was ordered to
take command of the 2nd Brigade, composed of the following Phalanx
regiments: 1st Regiment, commanded by Major Ward; 2nd Regiment,
commanded by Colonel S. J. Crawford; 11th Regiment, commanded by
Lieut.-Col. James M. Steele; 54th Regiment, Lieut.-Col. Chas. Fair; of
the Frontier Division 7th Army Corps.

"Colonel Williams never afterwards resumed direct command of his
regiment. It constituted for most of the time, however, a part of the
Brigade, which he commanded until he was mustered out of service with
the regiment.

"The regiment remained with the Division