rd's staff, and Adj't Mitchell, both deserve
mention for coolness and bravery.

Capt. Allen, personally distinguished himself, for which he received the
rank Brevet Lt. Col. at the close of the war.

Capt. Rankin deserves particular mention for entering the rebel column and
cutting off forty-seven men in the following manner:

Upon reaching the bluff and seeing the rebels mounting their horses and
moving down the railroad, wheeled his horse to the right, passed through a
gate, then to the left down a lane near the railroad ordering his men to
follow; Finding himself alone he halted for a few moments to wait for his
men, and on seeing there was some impediment in the way of the rebels
caused by a cattle dyke, which they were compelled to pass over or swim
the Licking river, he drew his saber and entered the columns cutting it in
two, using his saber right and left as he passed up the track to the dyke,
the enemy passing on either side, and thereby he cut off and held all that
had yet to cross the dyke, which proved to be forty-seven in number
together with their horses.

They did not however throw down their arms and surrender until four or
five men came to the Captain's assistance.

The above facts are verified by the affidavits of three reliable men.

Arrangements being made to take them to the rear, the Captain followed on
after the flying enemy--and nearing the town, crossed the Licking bridge
and passing down about six hundred yards on the opposite side of the
river.

Five rebels ran out of town, and taking refuge behind a shop which stood
on the bank of the river. On seeing them the Captain drew his revolver and
ordered them dismount and throw down their arms, which they did.

He then ordered them to the water's edge and to sit down, which they also
obeyed, where he guarded them until one of our men, who had been taking
prisoners to the rear came up when the Captain ordered him to take them to
the rear. (This making fifty-two men.) How are you "southern chivalry,"
with your "five to one."

This statement is also verified by the affidavit of James Thomas, at
present of Caldwell, Kansas, a justice of the peace.

There are others who are willing to file their affidavit to the above
statements but as the mouth of two witnesses establish one point further
proof is not deemed necessary, nor would I even asked this were it not for
the fact that there are always a few officers and men just bold enough to
follow