8th Missouri Cavalry CSA

Missouri Trip & 8th MO historical sites

2010-06-14T12:27:00.006-06:00

Well, it has been a great while since I've taken the time to make a post. Life gets that way sometimes. But I get to take a trip back to the St. Louis for the back end of June to visit family. And an even better treat - my wife is now able to come along! So that is great.

The plan is to visit a lot of family history sites with my Dad. Of course, we plan on seeing several 8th MO CAV sites as well. When I get the pics, I will make another post. Until then, hang tight and keep riding!

Marmaduke's First Raid into Missouri - JAN 1863

2010-01-22T18:13:00.003-07:00

Well, the boys of the 8th Missouri Cavalry didn't waste much time trying to get back to home soil and beat back the invading Federal forces once they re-mustered to Confederate service on 11 December 1862 at Pocahontas, Arkansas. Of course, many of the troopers already had about a year of experience under their belts from their time in the First Division of the Missouri State Guard. But under Colonel William L. Jeffers, they had formed a new Cavalry Regiment, the 8th Missouri, CS. Approximately 900 strong, these troopers were ready to save their families, homes and really their hopes, dreams and Constitutional rights of self-government and determination. I can only imagine that their spirits were high as they stepped off to attack enemy strongholds.

The Battle of Hartville was the first action of the newly formed 8th MO Cavalry Regiment. Here is one synopsis of the battle. Another description is here for your historical pleasure. The red county is Wright County Missouri. Greene County, where Springfield is located, is depicted in the map to the right.

If you follow the links above there are some pretty fair descriptions of the importance of this battle. Perhaps this bit from Wikipedia on the battle sums it up the best:

" Elements of both sides observed the other withdrawing from the field as night approached, and both claimed victory as a result. The real results were mixed. From the Union command's perspective they had repulsed Marmaduke's assaults inflicting heavy casualties, but the Federals had been forced to leave the field. From the Confederate perspective Marmaduke had united his force and secured his line of withdrawal. He set up a field hospital in town and could claim to control the field briefly. However, he was compelled to make a rapid retreat into Arkansas and then an arduous trek to winter camp. Additionally, the frontal assaults had resulted in the death or mortal wounding of several senior CSA officers including: brigade commander Col. Joseph C. Porter, Col. Emmett MacDonald, Lt. Col. John Wimer, and Major George R. Kirtley.

The raid itself caused great disruption of Federal forces in the region and a number of small outposts had been overrun, destroyed, or abandoned. However, the other major objective, the depot at Springfield, remained in Union hands. The successful escape of the raiding party did foreshadow the vulnerability of Federal Missouri to fast-moving expeditions."

Indeed, this was not the last raid that Brigadier General Marmaduke undertook with his fine cavalry units. In reality, the units involved, including the 8th Missouri Cavalry Regiment, were very much alive in the fight in the often over-looked Trans-Mississippi Department throughout the entire portion of the War of Southern Independence. In fact, just a year and half or so after this battle under Major General Sterling Price, the largest cavalry movement on the American continent would occur - albeit with far more grandiose aims than taking an armory in Springfield - Price's Raid of Fall 1864 with the Army of Missouri.

Too bad MG Price didn't learn the lesson from this movement in early 1863 - the merits of a fast moving expedition. That ill-fated expedition bogged down until they barely made it back to the safety of their territory. There is a great thesis written by a MAJ Dale Davis which discusses some methods MG Price could have used to win in Missouri (I recommend you read it...). But that is the subject of other posts on this blog!

Forgotten Trials of Liberty & Peace

2009-11-21T11:00:00.014-07:00

Here is another post regarding MG Price's last effort to secure Missouri not just in the hearts of its citizens, but also militarily, for the Confederacy. Since I've discussed both Fort Davidson (Pilot Knob) and now the Battle of Westport, I think I'd like to share a few more words from LT John A Bennett of Co. D.

I often think of this time of year, and what the 8th MO CAV REG might have been doing on this day, so many years ago. From Bennett's diary from Campaigning With Marmaduke by James McGhee, we can gain a glimpse of the thoughts and hardships of the day. Without further adieu, here are some of his entries during that last great campaign of the fighting men of the Confederacy from Missouri, Arkansas and Texas - to free their home state and protect their neighboring states - from the tyranny of an invading and rest their homelands to liberty and peace - indeed their goal was a 'glorious victory' to this end.

31 OCT - "...The road runs part of the time in Arkansas and part in Cherokee Nation. Country passed over today nearly deserted. The houses are mostly burned and farms destroyed. The whole of the country traveled over from Jackson County, MO., to this point is deserted or nearly so. Towns burned, houses burned, and everything going to decay. The heart of the philanthropist can not help bleeding as he sees the destruction along this line of march and the misery it has caused thousands who once lived here in affluence and ease, but are now wanderers in exile from their once happy homes. God of mercy, stop this unholy war and let peace once more reign in the unfortunate country, is my prayer."

3 NOV - "Snow last night; quite gloomy this morning. Some snow throughout the day."

5 NOV - "Marched southeast; beautiful day. Camped in Cherokee Nation; very hungry at the time of writing this and no prospect of anything to eat. We have had no breadstuffs issued to us for two weeks past, living on broiled beef."

10 NOV - "My horse gave out yesterday about 12 o'clock, so I left him and had to foot it...we could travel much faster afoot than the command, as they had to stop and graze their animals to try to get them through, but hundreds are giving out every day and are left on the prairie. We have had no corn or forage of any sort to feed our animals for several hundred miles. The men have had no bread issued to them for 18 days and a hundred miles to march yet before we can get forage for horses or bread for men. The army is living on beef without salt..."

13 NOV - Morning beautiful and serene. Nothing to eat last night or this morning; very weak and loath to move on, but we are here in the wilderness and no one living nearer than 50 miles; all the settlements evacuated, therefore we are compelled to travel or starve. Six wagons met us this evening from Boggy Depot with rations of salt and flour. The ration was very short - only half a pint of flour to the man and about a thimble full of salt."

20 NOV - Cool, ground frozen; crossed a small stream early, below a mill; pulled of my boots and waded across; the cold water and rocks made my feet very cold...."

25 DEC - "Marched up the Red River 10 miles and camped at the winter quarters used by Gen. Gano's command last winter. This Christmas makes four that I have spent in the Confederate service. The Christmas of '61 I spent in camp near New Madrid; the Christmas of '62 I was on the Van Buren scout and made my dinner on a cold piece of cornbread; the Christmas of '63 I spent in Camp Ewing, Ark.; my dinner that day was something better than before - I had chicken, flour bread cooked on a board and beef roasted over the fire. What another year may bring forth is hard to tell. Where I am another Christmas, and what I may have for dinner, is too far in the future and the times too fluctuating to say what and where. I hope peace may be made before another year rolls around. That the soldiers of the Confederacy may return to their families and friends and enjoy once more the sweets of social society is my prayer."

31 DEC - "...Today closes the year 1864, and still the great war, commenced in 1861 is raging in all its savage fury. In 1860 we had peace at home and peace abroad. All things seemed to be in a prosperous condition....All things calculated to make man prosperous and happy were approximately to perfection. But lo, the contrast today! The despoiler came and in his ambition has brought ruin and desolation on our once happy country....We were once happy and resting quietly beneath our own vines and fig trees in peace; but now we are engaged in one of the most frightful wars recorded in the annals of time. Oh, that some person could come forth and set out a plan that an honorable peace could be ratified between the contending parties. Such a person's name would be honored to the latest generation. But we must look higher than man to see this war closed. We must look to Him who can calm the billows of the tempest-tossed ocean to bring peace and quiet to our country. When He has chastened the country for its neglect of duty, and not till then, will we have peace."

I don't think I can add much to his words that described his feelings and events of the day. The reality of war and the often deprivations of that of a soldier...even a cavalry soldier. God Bless all those that have, do and will sacrifice for freedom, peace and prosperity - especially that among this choice Nation of United States!!

Battle of Westport-CSA's Last Gasp in MO

2009-11-20T23:13:00.012-07:00

Due to my new assignment in the US Army (Executive Officer...a position normally held by experienced 1st Lieutenant, not a brand new 2LT!...rough sledding here at first) I've been too busy to put up a post. I've been wanting to, but I'm a bit behind the time frame of one a month per new post.

Well, I'll pick up where I left off....discussing the last major attack into Federally held Missouri during the War of Southern Independence -"Price's Raid" to liberate Missouri from the invading host.

In the previous post, you will see the major engagements of the actions taken. Just click on that hyperlink to learn a little more of these mostly forgotten battles. I'd like to delve a little more specifically on the Battle of Westport, which occurred on 23 OCT 1864.

Gen. Joe Shelby and His Men at Westport

The above print is by the outstanding artist, Andy Thomas. He has a lot of great artwork depicting the Trans-Mississippi Theater. I really appreciate his efforts to tell more of the story of the fighting men on both sides of the conflict in these battles so many years ago.

Westport, which is on the south side of the modern day Kansas City, MO was really the last gasp of MG Price's Army of Missouri on that fateful expedition. Some call this the Gettysburg of the West (I'm not sure why...maybe in a small sense it is similar, but those comparisons don't speak of the larger mission objectives I believe). But to be sure it is one of the largest battles fought in Missouri with over 30,000 men engaged. Someone made a very comprehensive description (at least from the point of view that a blog should take!) of the Battle on Wikipedia.

The 8th MO CAV REG was engaged at Byram's Ford. Often in the War of Southern Independence, fords were important terrain features which were access points to key terrain...areas that are critical to hold or use to allow the battle to be successful. The Federal units had more manpower and maneuvered them successfully, in a series of frontal- and then - flanking attacks. I think had BG Shelby and his Iron Brigade been sufficiently supplied, the day might have gone differently. But regardless, this was basically the same story through the entire war. The Confederacy often was poorly supplied and armed, which then led to them not accomplishing their expedition mission aims.

There are some nice pictures of this well preserved battlefield in Kansas City, MO from the Civil War Album. I'd like to visit the site someday and see in person BG Jo O. Shelby and many of his hard fighting Iron Brigade (CAV) burial sites and memorials.

Confederate Monument on site at Westport Battlefield & Cemetery.

MG Price's Raid in Missouri - Fall 1864

2009-09-06T18:42:00.015-06:00

Major General Sterling Price

MG Sterling Price's Missouri raid, depending on what one considers to constitute a raid, is the longest raid of the Civil War at 1,435 miles. In comparison, Gen. Morgan 's R aid into Kentucky, Indiana, & Ohio was just over 1,000 miles. Considering that lasted from 29 AUG to 2 DEC, I'm not sure one could really consider it a raid, but if one chose to, Price's raid to liberate Missouri would be the longest of the War. One might more accurately call it an expedition.

Expectations were high for all of Old Pap's forces. Here is a quote from James E. McGhee's book, Campaigning With Marmaduke, from the diary of 2LT John A. Bennett, Co. D at the beginning of the Raid.

"Recruits are daily coming into our army, filling up its ranks to overflowing. Our prospects are bright. Every one looks forward to a glorious victory and a speedy termination of this horrible war. May God speed the day of a glorious peace."

So started Price's Raid from Camden, AR on 29 AUG 1864. By the 19 SEP, Price's Army of Missouri was crossing the state line. Troop totals were between 12,000 & 15,000, with probably half of them armed. Of course, when opportunity presented itself, small arms & ammunition would be secured for the unarmed soldiers. The Raid started off well enough. Victory in APR 1864 in Southern Arkansas in forcing MG Steele (US) back into his Little Rock headquarters of the Army of the Frontier set the stage for this last heroic charge to secure Missouri firmly for the Confederacy.

MG Price had on hand as his leaders:

Major General John S. Marmaduke

Brigadier General James F. Fagan

Brigadier General Joseph O. Shelby

A series of skirmishes occurred leading up to Pilot Knob from the Missouri border. Colonel Jeffers engaged General McNeil's forces on the Bloomfield/Sikeston Road near the Castor River on 21 SEP 1864. It was a rout, with a fair amount of supplies secured, despite the efforts of the Yanks to hastily destroy them.

On 24 SEP, COL Jeffers band left Bollinger's Mill (present day Zalma, MO) according to LT Bennett's account and "marched in the direction of Jackson, Cape Girardeau County, MO. We charged into Jackson about sunset, captured 18 prisoners and about 40 horses. We got one man wounded." On 26 SEP they linked back up the main column.

COL William F. Jeffers

Then on 27 SEP, the fateful battle at Ft. Davidson began. Basically, a series of frontal attacks, while bold, turned out to be largely ineffective. I'm not sure what else could have done. Maybe doing a better job of reconnaisance and developing a solid plan. Old Pap had at least 10 to 1 advantage. But speed was of the essence...long story short, CS losses were estimated 1,000-1,500 while US losses were only 184. And to boot, BG Ewing and his men slipped through Confederate pickets that night to escape a sure defeat the next day, as Price's men were constructed ladders. Talk about a loss of command and control out there on the pickets! Such it goes sometimes.

This map shows the the path of the raid. Basically, St. Louis the primary goal of the raid. With a brutally costly victory at Pilot Knob/Ft. Davidson, attack on St. Louis was pointless. The secondary aim of the mission was then to try and secure the state capital, Jefferson City, in the hands of the Confederacy. Hot pursuit from Federal forces prevented that. From that point forward, MG Price's forces were bleed little by little as they had to turn back to friendly territory. From there the battles went as follows:

Battle of Glasgow - 15 OCT
Second Battle of Lexington - 19 OCT
Battle of Little Blue River - 21 OCT
Second Battle of Independence - 22 OCT
Battle of Byram's Ford - 22/23 OCT
Battle of Westport - 23 OCT This battle also known as 'Gettysburg of the West'
Battle of Marais des Cygnes - 25 OCT
Battle of Mine Creek - 25 OCT
Second Battle of Newtonia - 28 OCT

As you can see on the map, he pushed through Kansas and Indian Territory as fast as possible before returning to Arkansas on December 2 with only 6,000 survivors. He reported to LTG Kirby Smith that he "marched 1,434 miles, fought 43 battles and skirmishes, captured and paroled over 3,000 Federal officers and men, captured 18 pieces of artillery ... and destroyed Missouri property ... of $10,000,000 in value." He claimed the loss of 1,000 men, but it was closer to 6,000 over the three-month adventure.

In hindsight many look at his mission as a failure. True, mission aims were not completely met. But surely one must look at his audacious efforts and praise him for at least hazarding a move. For the majority of the War, the Trans-Mississippi Department simply didn't have enough manpower to mount a legitimate attack on Federal forces to remove them from the region. Consequently, they just played a defensive action throughout the War, slowly losing ground in Arkansas & along the Mississippi River valley. And while loss of manpower was high, at least he inflicted a respectable loss on the enemy as well. With the exception of the frontal attacks on Ft. Davidson, the raid was executed fairly well, considering the manpower and resources disparity. Then the inevitable complete eviction of the Confederate soldier in Missouri occurred. The noble fighting men under 'Old Pap' had to end the War on a sour note. But their accomplishments were great and will always be remembered in the best light!

Battle at Old Fairgrounds in Jackson

2009-08-02T18:45:00.014-06:00

On 3 June 2009 the Cash-Book Journal published an article on the account of the Battle at the Old Fairgrounds in Jackson. This running skirmish was a great example of many of the battles that occurred in Missouri. Jackson is a town near to Cape Girardeau, Missouri, my hometown. This is also the home area of many of the men of the 8th MO CAV Regiment. The account below is from that article on 3 June and is taken from the perspective Luther Jenkins from Co. F of the 8th MO CAV Regiment. If you want to read a very in depth description of the activities that day so long ago, follow this link written by Kirby Ross. Also, there is a Federal perspective of the accounts of that day in the news article, but due to length of post and time chose not list it here.

Jenkins Brothers - Co. F 8th MO CAV Regiment

Luther, Edward Jr., James R. and John H
(John is a past Cape Girardeau County Sheriff)

"Two of us followed soon after and, and Lt. McGuire was being chased out Fulenwider's Lane, and Tom Wheeler had jumped in bed at Turnbaugh's Hotel and feigned sickness and actually escaped capture. I was told he did some tall groaning when the soldiers went to look at him. Two of our numbers left without horses just below father's house, which made 22, the number of the scouts.
"Now that pretty spring morning we marched afoot into Jackson to see our friends and we had a jolly day. A number of us went to Mr. Welling's for dinner and let me tell you, it was a dinner to make a soldier smile all over his face. I remember when we came out my haversack had a big pound cake put in it by some of the young ladies, and my hat had been ornamented with a splendid black plume put there Mrs. LaPierre. Wonder if she remembers it?
"When we got to the public square, everything was so still and no one in sight we knew in a minute there was something wrong. When we got to Mr. Schumke's corner we stopped to get a fine bridle-bit he had given me. They told me the command was gone, and Capt. Jeffers left word for us to come on to the Fair Grounds and the Yanks were coming. Well, we lit out, and were doing some lively walking (we were too proud to run) and saw no one till passing Mrs. Brown's when Mollie (God bless her memory) called, 'Lute, run! Look yonder!' and looking up we saw the lane full of blue coats coming down the big hill from toward fathers.
"But I turned and said, 'We don't run, Mollie.' But let me tell you confidently, after we got out of her sight, well we struck just the high places to the Fair Grounds, and we were there none too soon.
"Just as we passed where the old stand was we heard horses' feet coming down the creek, and looking up we saw a citizen on a sack of meal, and we supposed just from the mill, and he was making the best time I ever saw a mill boy make.
"And right after him were three Federal cavalrymen. As they came in range Dick Medley and I opened on them and wheeled and rejoined their command. Then Capt. Jeffers called us and for the first time we knew where our boys were....behind a poplar log about a hundred yards further up the hill.
"So going there we took our position. In a few minutes here they came. Their advance guards were allowed to pass. Lt. Hummel was leading the command that followed closely. When they reached the right place we opened on them and down went Lt. Hummel and his horse on him and nearby another soldier badly wounded. (note...CPT Jeffers ordered the men to hold their fire until his first shot. Lt. Hummel was not seriously wounded, but the other soldier William Brawner, died from his wounds.)
"The Federals immediately wheeled and formed along the old Russel fence and commenced playing marble with us pretty lively. Things looked squally. They were too far back for our buckshot, so the captain ordered a charge, which we did in true Rebel style, yelling every jump and firing as we advanced.
"Capt. Flentge's (US) boys said, 'If this is the kind of friendly reception you are going to give us, we will leave,' and leave they did full tilt. And we were real glad to see their horses' tails sailing up the creek.
"We then returned and pulled the horse from off Hummel and let him up. 'Becky' Moore said, 'ess kill him.' But it was jut to frighten Hummel. (note: and it reportedly did!) But 'Becky' was mad that day, and when he was mad enough to grin, better give him plenty of room.
"We then pulled the other soldier out of the road and I put a chunk under his head for a pillow, for which he thanked me kindly. Having no horses to follow the fleeing and disorganized enemy, we started to camp.
"When about half way father overtook us and ask Capt. Jeffers for Lt. Hummel. Said he would be responsible for him. So taking the lieutenant up behind him, he took him to brother Maple's at the academy where he remained till the next morning, when father hitched up to his buggy and took Hummel to the Cape, and (carrying out Jeffers instructions) exchanged him for Capt. (Sam) Lewis of our command who had been a prisoner for sometime. And the joke was on us. Lewis did not come back to us. This is the only instance that I know of where a civilian acted as an exchange officer during the war.
"Now while this was part of the show was going on at the fair grounds, two side shows were having their attractions. Right over the hill from us the advance guard (which we let pass us) butted up again John Craig, who had been to see his best girl and was on his way to the command and they had it hot and fast, and that is where the Federal was found that was carried to the Turnbaugh Hotel.
"Then away out on the gravel road there went one of the most gallant soldiers who espoused the lost cause, fleeing on horseback and two blue coats right after. But let me tell you, they had no idea who they were following, for no man, without want for a finish would dare follow 'Butt' McGuire. (note, actually 3 riders followed each Confederate soldier. Craig took out 2 with his first rounds of the double barrel shotgun (casualties, not mortalities). The third rider missed with his rifle, and Craig hit him fleeing through the leg with his pistol. He also captured all their small arms and saddles! McGuire hit one soldier square through the head, killing him instantly. The other two riders saw enough and promptly wheeled about and ran for it!)
"Now, Mr. Editor, print this just as I write it and will stand the blame. And I think that crowd wanted anything very sensational. One of them never came back, but stark and still he was found. The man who died at the McGuire House was a local Methodist preacher. Of the Confederates not a man received a scratch." 'Yours truly, L.E. Jenkins'

This battle was a Federal rout, even though the Federal forces had a 69 to 22 man advantage. CPT Flentge never employed his whole group in force, nor were the attacks coordinated. Surely if he had take more time to organize a plan, instead of losing command and control, the outcome may have been completely different. Heck, he might have taken the future COL William Jeffers out of the fight...who knows? Instead CPT Jeffers went on to organize the 8th MO CAV Regiment later that year in December 1862.

Colonel William Jeffers

8th Missouri Cavalry Regiment

Battle Analysis for Poison Spring

2009-07-18T21:41:00.007-06:00

Here is a powerpoint presentation that I recently did for my Basic Officer Leaders Course III at Ft. Bliss, TX for Air Defense Artillery. It did not have to be an ADA battle, but the idea was to discuss pertinent effects of the battle and how they would apply to battle today. It had to be an a unit size that close enough to relate to what a 2LT would be expected to be able to control. So our instructor said we needed to study to a regiment size element of the battle or smaller. So I thought, what regiment do I know better than the 8th MO CAV REG?! So I focused on the 8th MO at the Battle of Poison Spring on 18 April 1864. They were a part of the charge of Missourians formed under COL Colton Greene that day who busted the center of the Federal lines. Once the Missouri CAV units of the 3rd, 4th, 7th and 8th MO (Co. B only of the 8th - the other companies were down in Louisiana with MG Kirby Smith) went in, the battle fully turned into a rout.

Well, here is my slide show...it tells the story well enough. But there are several bullet points later in the show where I simply talked on the point. So you'll have to do without my description of say, how agility was displayed during the battle from a leadership perspective. If you wish to know more, feel free to contact me and I'll go in more detail. I very much enjoyed going over the tactics of this battle as it is one of my favorite things to do...to discuss tactics and decisions made and 'what if' this decision would have been made', etc...

'Grandpap' is Paroled - 7 June 1865

2009-06-07T18:43:00.010-06:00

For quite some time, I thought it would be neat to try and find where my 3rd Great-Grandfather, Joseph G. Lewis, was paroled from the service of the Confederate States of America. My dad was told from his Grandpa Lewis that this occurred in Shreveport, LA. We are blessed enough to have a copy of the actual parole paper that my grandfather, LT Joseph G. Lewis signed.
I think it is great that I have his signature on this very important document. In case you don't read the whole parole, the key part says, "do hereby give my solemn PAROLE OF HONOR, that I will not hereafter serve in the Armies of the Confederate States, or in any military capacity whatever, against the United States of America,"....

And then it is signed, this very day in June, 1865. That was 144 years ago.

Well, on my way to Ft. Benning, GA in early April this year, I stayed the night in Shreveport. I went to pay for the night at the hotel, and in the lobby, there were pamphlets of places of local interest. Well, I saw one that had historical sites on it. I wondered if perhaps there was some sort of memorial to the Confederacy there in town. And lo and behold, there in the pamphlet, was a picture of a Confederate monument that was on the sight of the last Confederate flag being flown in town, and it was dated 26 May 1865. Needless to say, I felt it had to be the place where Joseph and the rest of the 8th MO Cavalry Regiment signed those parole papers and went back home a few days later.

So the next day, I excitedly rose and got ready to leave. I went to the site in downtown Shreveport. As one might surmise it was on the sight of the court house, which was used as General Kirby Smith's headquarters for much of the War. The old court house burnt down and a new one is built on the same location. But I lingered quite a while on the site of the monument. It is a beautiful monument.

Here is the monument with a Confederate Soldier on the top, and Generals Lee and Jackson (repsectively) looking on. General P.G.T. Beauregard and Govenor Henry Allen round out the busts on the monument.

The local United Daughters of the Confederacy (as I recall) paid for the monument and had it erected in the early 1900's. I can't recall exactly when it was put up. From the picture it looks like 1905. But that figure of the young women is writing with her hand on the monument her gratitude to the men of the Confederacy for their sacrifices in search of liberty for their families back home during the War Between the States.

Here is a bust of General Robert E. Lee with the 3rd Confederate National Flag
waving in the background.

As you can see from the pics (sorry for the quality...all I had was the camera on my phone) it was a beautiful spring morning. Perfect in fact, for such a visit. As I stood there, I thought about those men who surrendered there during that time. I felt their presence there that day. I especially felt the presence of my Grandpa Lewis, and his brother Eli Lewis and other family relations and friends of theirs who served with them in the 8th Missouri Cavalry Regiment. It was a special time for me, and an honor to visit the monument that day and think on those men. I gave my dad a call and talked with him a bit and read the inscriptions to him. I knew he would have very much liked to have been there with me. And even though he couldn't be there personally that day with me, he got to share in the moment with me a bit.

My respect goes thankfully goes out to those men who finally on 7 June 1865 laid down their weapons of war after so much sacrifice and blood shed on behalf of their homes, friends and families back in Missouri for four long and dreadful years. Praise be to God for the men of the 8th Missouri Cavalry Regiment!!

Camp Jackson Massacre - 10 May 1861

2009-05-16T23:54:00.020-06:00

I'm a bit late with the anniversary of this post, but since I've been quite busy and away for almost 8 weeks at the 'Ft. Benning Army School for Boys', you'll just have to forgive me for my lapse in posts! So here are the circumstances leading up the Camp Jackson Massacre.

Missouri Governor Claiborne F. Jackson, rejected President Lincoln's request that Missouri supply enough men for 4 regiments. Governor Jackson replied,

"Sir: Your dispatch of the (April) 15th instant, making a call on Missouri for four regiments of men for immediate service, has been received. There can be, I apprehend, no doubt that the men are intended to form a part of the President's army to make war upon the people of the seceded states. Your requisition, in my judgment, is illegal, unconstitutional, and revolutionary in its objects, inhuman and diabolical, and cannot be complied with. Not a man will the State of Missouri furnish to carry out such an unholy crusade."

Governor Claiborne F. Jackson

You see, most of the delegates to the special convention of 18 February 1861 voted to keep Missouri in the Union conditionally. That is, Missouri should remain in the Union so long as her rights were protected by Constitutional guarantees. Another strong concern was that there was no desire to have Federal forces move throughout the state.

To make a long story short, Francis P. Blair, a Missouri congressman and outspoken Republican party leader in Missouri, got President Lincoln to secure the transfer of Captain Lyon to manage the arsenal in St. Louis. There was a great stand of weapons at the arsenal (which contained 60,000 muskets, 90,000 pounds of powder and 1,500,000 ball cartridges) and Lyon managed to move all these precious small arms to Illinois.

Franics P. Blair, Jr.

Nathaniel Lyon

But Governor Claiborne did not sit idly by as men worked to bring armed force into his state. On 20 April he quietly had men secure the arsenal at Liberty, Missouri. Then on 2 May he called a special session of the legislature to assemble & discuss duties of protecting the people of the state and that secession was a strong choice to make. He also asked to mobilize and grow militia forces within the state. Next he instructed the state guard to meet in camps throughout the state, beginning 3 May, for 6 days of training.

One of these camps was Camp Jackson in St. Louis. To shorten the narrative here, a force under General Daniel M. Frost of 800 men or so, were drilling at Camp Jackson. On 9 May, Captain Lyon came into the camp disguised as a women (an appropriate outfit for him - obviously it was quite convincing as he came and went undiscovered!) and noted that there were some arms (intelligence suspected they were sent by the Confederate Government from an arsenal in Louisiana, as General Frost was a close friend of President Davis) on hand, as well as the men drilling.

General Daniel W. Frost

So on 10 May 1861, Captain Lyon came into Camp Jackson with a force of over 7000 men. Of course, General Frost had no choice but to surrender, and peaceably did so. But at this point, a crowd had formed.

The crowd was angry at the "Dutch" (really most of the troops were of German descent) troops and started to taunt them for capturing the men. The German troops called themselves the "Die Schwarze Garde". The crowd started calling them 'The Black Guard' and other insults. Then debris started to reign in on the troops from the crowd. Even a few random shots are purported to have rang out from the crowd toward the troops. The nervous & undisciplined troops, temporarily leader-less (Lyon got off his horse to square things away and got kicked unconscious by his horse!) got antsy and fired back.

This atrocity resulted in upwards of 28 civilians killed and injured (depending on the report you read). Several youth were killed. A mother with her child in her arms was slain by these ungoverned soldiers. This horrible & needless act divided the once neutral State. Captain Lyon's unprofessional leadership and rash decision making caused tens of thousands of Missouri men to enter battle and die, often fighting against one another. The destruction of property ran into the millions. Countless families were interrupted from their normal routines and forced to flee the state, or somehow try and scratch out a living in a war zone.

Captain Lyon can be held utterly responsible for the Camp Jackson Massacre. Additional violent repercussions happened in St. Louis later that day and into the next. Fear abounded and efforts were taken on both the Union and Secession side of thought. Civilians feared destruction and left their homes and fled to Illinois. They were turbulent times indeed after the Camp Jackson Massacre instigated by Captain Lyon.

On 30 May 1861, Blair also got President Lincoln to remove the neutrally mannered General William S. Harney from command of Missouri forces. After a visit from Washington, General Harney made an attempt to smooth over the heightened feelings of Missourians by making the Price-Harney agreement.

General William S. Harney

This agreement basically said that General Harney would not move troops about the State. Price agreed to keep order in the state and to protect the interests of all. But Blair and Lyon did not approve of this arrangement at all. So they had Harney removed and Lyon was inserted in his place. Lyon was now a Brigadier General, despite his horrible handling of the situation at Camp Jackson. His unacceptable actions as an officer of the United States of America took a neutral state and turned it into a state divided. Consequently, Missouri went to have the 3rd most battles in the Civil War. But Lyon got his due portion coming to him for this horrible deed. He was killed in the battle of Oak Hills/Wilson Creek a few months later that year.

Repulsing Steele's Tentative Advance-Spring 1864

2009-03-17T21:44:00.002-06:00

You might recognize much of this post from about this time last year. But it tells the story well, so why reinvent the post?! Enjoy reading about how the men of the 8th MO Cavalry under Major General Sterling Price gave their Yank counterparts under their reluctant leader General Frederick Steele, all they wanted and a bit more.

Well, starting March 23, 1864, General Frederick Steele's 'Frontier Division', begrudgingly started south to assist Gen. Banks for work against Shreveport. It took an order from the newly appointed Lt. General U.S. Grant who said, "Move your force in full cooperation with General N.P. Bank's attack on Shreveport. A mere demonstration will not be sufficient." Steele preferred inaction from his Little Rock HQ, but south he marched all the same.

General Frederick Steele

So 'Old Pap' was ordered by Gen. Kirby Smith of the Trans-Mississippi Department to stop Steele's advance - if he could do so without much loss. "Do not risk a general action unless with advantage to yourself. You fall back toward reinforcement."

General E. Kirby Smith

So Pap sent in parts of General Marmaduke's Brigade who was to harass Steele. They got right to work. To make a long story short, although the tallies below look like the 8th MO Cavalry was on the losing side of the battle, the fact is, Steele's so-called Camden Expedition didn't go at all liked planned nor hoped by anyone...except those on the Confederate side. In fact, Steele's Frontier Division just barely made it back to Little Rock before General Kirby Smith and gang could destroy them in detail. So after a little over a month, Gen. Steele was right back where he stated, and much worse for wear. Truth be told, this is considered hands down the worse Union loss in all the engagements of Arkansas during the War.

Of particular note though, on March 14, the day before Grant's telegraph came to him, General Steele did oversee by military force, the vote of the "reconverted 'loyal' ten percent of the state's voters" that would allow Arkansas to be represented in the Federal Congress. This was a recent development of President Lincoln to restore the Union called the Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction in December of 1863. Of course, much of the other 90% of the voters were out fighting with General Price throughout the state, but hey, wishful thinking is always a good thing, right?! This was a worthy accomplishment by Gen. Steele to cut him some slack.

So, it would have been good if Steele would have just 'stayed home' like he wanted to, because even though he was numerically superior, he was not able to overcome the superior fightin' man in the ranks of the Confederate force that awaited him under Pap Price!

Major General Sterling "Old Pap" Price

Operations Against Steele’s Expedition from Little Rock to Camden, Arkansas Mar. 23 – May 3, 1864

Elkins’ Ferry (Okolona) Apr. 3-4 - Loss
Prairie D'Ane (Gum Grove, Moscow) Apr. 9-13 - Loss
Camden Apr. 15
Poison Spring Apr. 18 - WIN

Marks' Mill Apr. 25 - WIN
Princeton Apr. 28
Jenkins’ Ferry Apr. 30 - Loss

NOTES - Much of the quotes of the post came from Shelby Foote's, The Civil War - A Narrative, Vol. VII

December/January Actions of the 8th MO Cav

2008-12-18T12:01:00.011-07:00

I had a moment here near the end of my Officer Candidate School course, so I thought I'd post a blog. It has been several months since I have been able to do so since I joined the United States Army. It is an honor to be nearly ready (graduation is 08 Jan 2009) to walk that stage and take the Oath of Office as an officer of the United States Army.

Brent L. Harty at Officer Candidate School
30 Nov 2008
Ft. Bragg, GA

Joseph G. Lewis, Civil War veteran
My 3rd Great Grandfather
Circa 1910

CPT Jacob Cossairt
8th MO State Militia Cavalry, US
My 3rd Great Grandfather
Circa 1864

The Civil War is a fascinating time to study and try to apply in life today. Not only from a military history point of view, but the social impact of the War. This looking back at ancestors and why they did what they did at the time is important for me personally to seek out understanding. And hence, much of the reason for this blog!

At any rate, below you'll find some actions of the 8th Misssouri Cavalry Regiment, CSA in December & January months of the Civil War. I hope you enjoy the post. I also hope it causes you at this time of the year to honor our Savior Jesus Christ more especially than you may normally, that you may think on those who followed His example. There were many who were willing to sacrifice themselves to preserve their rights of government throughout our entire history as a Nation and people. There were many who were willing to sacrifice themselves to preserve the benefits of Union. Of course, protecting one's family is always a chief reason for nearly all who have or will serve this Nation. All those ideas are worth fighting and possibly dying for. I hope your heart goes out not just to the men of the 8th MO, but all those who made this Nation what it is today.

Well, there wasn't a whole bunch of fighting that occurred in these months, but there was some interesting action. Marmaduke's First Raid began by starting from Pocahantas, Arkansas, (which is in Northeast Arkansas) on New Year's Eve, 1862. He drove Northwest of that position to just east of Springfield to a town called Hartville, Missouri. His forces took a garrison there on the 9th of January, and then looked for more. Brigadier General Merrill, US, came out to put a stop on the action. Although his Yanks were pushed back to Marshfield, they dug in and inflicted a great deal of casualties (329 Confederate dead to 79 Union dead). But in the end, after over 4 hours of fighting, the Yanks under Merrill chose to retreat from the field, thereby handing General Marmaduke the victory. But, fearing to be cut off in enemy lines, he retreated back into Arkansas. Not a whole lot was accomplished by this action, really. It was designed to take the heat off the other Confederate forces in Arkansas, but it didn't affect this much at all.

Just a few days before this raid, the 8th Missouri was formed on Christmas Day, 1862 near Van Buren, Missouri in South-Central Missouri in the beautiful Ozarks. I bet it was a crisp, early winter day that 25th of December, but it surely was a bleak time for the good citizens of Missouri. They didn't even get a chance to enjoy Christmas with family that year! I'm sure the boys brought their own gear, horse and of course clothing. Families and sweethearts were left behind to defend them from the depredations of an invading host.

It appears that Marmaduke was rip roarin', ready to go to put the newly formed force in action, so as to atone for the loss at Elkhorn Tavern in March earlier that year. I bet they were hoping for a battle or two that would come out something like Oak Hills. I'm sure all the boys of the 8th MO were eager to defeat and expel them blue bellies from Missouri! But it never quite worked out like they all hoped for in the 8th, but they sure did all they could to bring it to pass.

4th of July - 1863

2008-07-01T12:03:00.005-06:00

The Battle of Helena has been noted as desperate of a fight as there was in the Civil War. Largely unknown by many Americans, it occurred on the same day as the surrender of Vicksburg, and of course, a day after the Confederate defeat at Gettysburg. But it is important to not forget those who died trying to capture Helena, as well as those Union soldiers who did such a great job of defending the garrison at Helena, Arkansas. Losing both Vicksburg AND Helena on the Mississippi on the same day was a crippling defeat for the Confederacy. It was especially hard on Gen. Kirby Smith's department, who was now left totally to fend for themselves west of the Mississippi River.
One interesting and sad note is that General John Marmaduke was furious with another commander, Brig. General Marshall 'Marsh' Walker, due to his failure and unwillingness to come up and support Marmaduke's flank. The action would have helped along Marmaduke's efforts that day, but would have likely done little to help the task along to victory. Nonetheless, Walker paid for this failure with his life, in a duel with Marmaduke on September 6 later that year. The next day, General Walker's wife rode in haste to see her dying husband at Little Rock, and subsequently gave birth to a son, Lucius Marshall Walker, Jr. What a sad tale!

Here are a few lines from the Wikipedia entry on Walker:
Walker felt that he had been unjustly accused of cowardice and challenged Marmaduke to a formal duel. “I have not pronounced you a coward,” Marmaduke wrote, “but I desire to inform you that your conduct as commander of the cavalry was such that I determined no longer to serve you.” Maj. Gen. Sterling Price ordered both officers to remain in their quarters in an attempt to prevent the duel. However by an unfortunate series of mishaps, the orders were not delivered to Walker.

At dawn on Sunday, September 6, Walker and Marmaduke squared off with Colt Navy revolvers on the north bank of the Arkansas River near Little Rock. Both fired and missed. Marmaduke then recocked and fired a second time, mortally wounding Walker in the right side, just above the beltline. Walker forgave Marmaduke when the latter offered his assistance.

In light of the short supply of strong, trained & capable Confederate leaders, this seemed to be unthinkable that such action occurred. But it was indeed a different world back then, and apparently was acceptable. Nonetheless, it was surely a very sad loss for all involved.

The following excerpts come the site, www. civilwarbuff.org:

For the Confederates, the battle had been a disaster. Of the 7,646 men involved, 173 were killed, 687 wounded, and 776 missing or captured for a total of 1,636. Nothing had been gained, and desperately needed men had been lost. A Union soldier summed up the battle in a letter to his father: "The general opinion here now is that the enemy fought desperately and with a bravery and determination worthy of a better cause." Years later, a Confederate officer who had lost both hands on Graveyard Hill to a shell from the Tyler wrote, "Since that day at Helena I tell the boys I would rather buck against a voodoo than to try to down Old Glory on the Fourth of July... Yes, the union is good enough for me on the Fourth of July and every other day in the year, and I don't regret the price I paid for finding out!"

A Wisconsin soldier who visited the area around Graveyard Hill shortly after the battle wrote, "The battlefield is no pleasant place to visit, covered with men wounded in all ways-some with brains exposed, others shot through the body with grape shot, or a larger ball still sufficient to nearly cut the body in twain. But if there is anything that calls on the sympathy of a man it is to look upon a wounded man, with deathlike and pale face, groaning and wreathing with the greatest possible pain." Another Wisconsin soldier wrote to his father, "[J]ust to see the rebels lying in piles where they charged up the hill. It was awful. I never want to spend another such a "Fourth of July."

The demoralizing effect that the defeat at Helena had on Arkansas's Confederates was compounded by the news that Lee had been repulsed at Gettysburg on July 3 and was retreating south into Virginia. Even more devastating was the news that Vicksburg had surrendered to Grant on July 4. Fontaine Richard Earle fully understood the significance of this turn of events. He wrote to Amanda, "This Department is now fully cut off from the Eastern portion of the government, and we must stand or fall alone. No helping hand can be extended across the Mississippi River to aid us.... The varying war-cloud is now growing dense and dark, but hope looms beyond.", As the late summer of 1863 approached, even hope was coming to be in short supply.

Battle of Ditch Bayou, AR - June 6, 1864

2008-05-21T22:25:00.004-06:00

After sending General Steele's Army skedadlin' back to Little Rock, the boys of the 8th MO got to work elsewhere in Arkansas. They traveled down to southeast Arkansas to harass watercraft coming to and fro on the Mighty Mississippi. Below is an account from Jim McGhee's Book, Campaigning With Marmaduke.

"From here (Jenkins Ferry) we drifted south until we went into camp on Old River Lake in Chicot County, and perhaps one mile south of where Ditch Bayou emptied into the lake. Here we remained fishing and fighting mosquitoes until the 6th of June. On the morning of that day the Federals ran up a marine fleet and twelve or fourteen transports loaded with soldiers and batteries. Very soon they commenced unloading them for the purpose of giving us battle.

Our fighting force did not exceed over two thousand men, while that of the enemy was at least three times that many. When the Federals commenced moving on us, we fell back across the bayou and destroyed the only bridge that was over it. Here we made our stand.

For several hours the fighting was fearful. The enemy would move on us column after column through the field, and when they would get near the bayou, firing opened on them from our lines, and such slaughter for the short length of time was ever witnessed. Very soon the enemy began throwing pontoons across the bayou above us for the purpose of making a flank movement and surrounding our forces. Then the retreat was ordered, and we fell back through Lake Village and across Bayou Mason where we called a halt."

McGhee has in his footnotes a few notes about this operation.

"During the operations in southeastern Arkansas, Colonel Colton Greene commanded Marmaduke's Brigade. Between May 23-June 2, 1864, Greene reported having attacked 21 boats of all descriptions on the Mississippi River, with the result that his forces had disabled 5 gun-boats, and badly damaged 5 transports, while also sinking 1 transport, burning 2 and capturing 2 others. Greene's activities seriously interfered with the navigation of the river which prompted the Federals to take action. {10,000 Federals on 26 transports were dispatched} to bring Greene to battle. After landing on June 6, 1864, the Federals expected to make quick work of Greene. In this they were sorely surprised, as Greene fought them to a standstill, aided by a torrential rain that fell during the battle and the advantage of terrain. The Federals suffered as many as 250 casualties before Greene yielded to vastly superior numbers and ordered a retreat. Greene reported loses of less than 40 out of the 600 cavalrymen he had available to contend with the Federal command."

Colton Greene was a very interesting character and went on to successfully re-build his substantial financial loses of the War, and became one of the leading citizens of Memphis. You can read a little about him at this link. General Basil Duke, brother-in-law of General John Hunt Morgan said, "I never knew a better man or a more thorough gentlemen."

And I think we'd all like to have similar things said of us.

New Site Banner

2008-05-08T13:59:00.010-06:00

Well, since I first made the site, I didn't have revolvers, or a McClellan saddle, or anything of the sort to place in the banner. I had to use what I had on hand. Now that I have that stuff, I've been wanting to re-do the banner for sometime to reflect the changes.

From left to right, there is:

Brigadier General John S. Marmaduke
Major General Sterling "Old Pap" Price
1st Corporal Eli C. Lewis, Co. A (combined Co. A & B)
2nd Lieutenant Joseph G. Lewis, commanding Co. A (combined Co. A & B)
Colonel William Jeffers, 8th Missouri Cavalry Regiment

As stated in several parts of the blog, Lt. Lewis is my 3rd Great Grandfather. And Cpl. Lewis is his youngest brother. And Col. Jeffers is related by marriage. In just the 8th MO Cav. Regt. alone, I have 26 total relatives (including Col. Jeffers by way of marriage). So maintaining the site is not just one of interest and preserving our National history, but one of honoring my ancestors as well.

I hope you like the new banner. Thanks go to my Sweetie Pie, my wife Bethany, for helping me get reacquainted with Photoshop so I could make it.

Here is the original pic. You may notice the Missouri Battle Flag and the Confederate Battle Flag. It is tough to see because the McClellan saddle is black (made in 1918 btw), but you will note a Remington New Army pistol, my holster with a my '51 Colt Sheriff in it, a rope used for the pickett line, my period double barrel 12 gauge shotgun. It is still a bit aways from live fire. Someday...

Above the shotgun you'll see my spurs, and then you'll see the borrowed bridle from my pal, Merle Collins, who has gotten me into the cavalry side of reenacting, and furnished much of what I needed to get started and continue to this day. And then there is gray wool blanket I use for the saddle blanket.

And here is the original banner so you can compare if you wish. I like the new one a lot. But the original was fine too!

Marmaduke's 2nd Raid Into Missouri-1863

2008-04-23T07:08:00.012-06:00

Well, as of April 21st, 145 years ago General John S. Marmaduke started his 2nd raid into Southeast Missouri. His aim was to take steps to help loosen the grip of the Yankees Invaders out of the home state of the men under his charge. I'm sure the men were rip roarin' willing to get underway and to exert protection over their families in Cape Girardeau, Bollinger, Scott and New Madrid Counties. Taking over Southeast Missouri (if other forces could have been brought up to keep it that is!) was sure to come about!

The raid started off pretty darn good. Marmaduke came up out of Arkansas and approached the Union garrison at Bloomfield, MO. They took the site seemingly without much of a fuss, as Union General McNeil retreated back to the much stronger fort at Cape Girardeau. I think at this point, the Yanks still weren't sure what Marmaduke's intentions of his 2nd Raid into his homeland were.

On Sunday, April 26th, the battle began. Prior to the fight on Saturday night, Gen. Marmaduke under a flag of truce, asked Gen. McNeil to surrender. Marmaduke had a signed paper from Gen. Price stating he had 60,000 men in the area. McNeil said, "We are not doing that kind of business now." (quite a deep and witty response...). So the fight was seemingly on. At 3 am Marmaduke asked him to surrender again, but Gen. McNeil said, "That he had no time to swap jack-knives, or exchange tin plates; that he was in for a fight."

So at 10:30 am, the battle began. Marmaduke sent his first wave right down the middle (I think I would have preferred to flank, especially if I had the numbers on my side, but hey, he was the general, not me!). After 3 hours or so of fighting, Marmaduke pulled his force out and headed south. Apparently, the Yanks thought he might make another go of it, but it was not the case...he was headed back to Arkansas.

From the lopsided Union victory, I'm not sure what Gen. Marmaduke was thinking. It seems he had the numbers...the account said he 2,000 men engaged to McNeil's 300 engaged. But Marmaduke's command took a fair amount of casualties and seemingly Gen. McNeil's command took almost none. To be fair to Marmaduke, Cape Girardeau was well defended with 4 separate batteries. And McNeil was well prepared. But it almost seems that Marmaduke didn't plan the attack as well as he could have. Hard to say I guess. If I recall from other stories, (as well as the New York Times article) it appears that from the garrison at Pilot Knob there was a sizeable force under General Vandever on its way that forced Marmaduke from his original plan. It was a gallant plan...it just seemed to lack sufficient resources to make the plan stick. After all, it was a raid! Ah, the common story line of the War for the Confederacy and boys from Missouri!

Here are a few links for you.

Lt. Colonel Baumer of the 1st Nebraska Infantry's report of the battle
Battle of Cape Girardeau - April 26 - A thumbnail sketch of the attack
Battle of Chalk Bluff - May 1-2
Actual New York Times article a few days after the battle

Technically the raid ended with a win, but the win was getting back across the St. Francis river to keep from being wiped out by Yankees, so I don't figure any of the men of the Marmaduke's Brigade figured this engagement a win. So Marmaduke's 2nd Raid of Missouri started with much promise, but ended with the harsh reality of entrenched Federal opposition in Missouri. During the rest of 1863 and much of 1864 would find the armies in the Western Theater trying to keep from getting completely squeezed out of existence in Arkansas. It is amazing they held on as long as they did against long odds of every kind.

PS...that McNeil brute seems to be a pretty shady character. If there is any doubt to his character, he was with that idiot 'so called' General Nathaniel Lyons during the Camp Jackson Massacre. Also he was the man who carried out the order of executing 10 Confederate soldiers, known as the Palmyra Massacre. For his deeds there, McNeil has the nickname of the Butcher of Palmyra. He also was seemingly good friends with Lyons, and was handpicked by the former to take over his command. That should tell you all you need to know about this McNeil scoundrel!

Standing Against Steele's Advance-Spring 1864

2008-03-15T21:16:00.008-06:00

Well, starting March 23, 1864, General Frederick Steele's 'Frontier Division', begrudgingly started south to assist Gen. Banks for work against Shreveport. It took an order from the newly appointed Lt. General U.S. Grant who said, "Move your force in full cooperation with General N.P. Bank's attack on Shreveport. A mere demonstration will not be sufficient." Steele preferred inaction from his Little Rock HQ, but south he marched all the same.

General Frederick Steele

General E. Kirby Smith

So Pap sent in parts of General Marmaduke's Brigade who was to harass Steele. They got right to work. To make a long story short, although the tallies below look like the 8th MO Cavalry was on the losing side of the battle, the fact is, Steele's so-called Camden Expedition didn't go at all liked planned nor hoped by anyone...except those on the Confederate side. In fact, Steele's Frontier Division just barely made it back to Little Rock before General Kirby Smith and gang could destroy them in detail. So after a little over a month, Gen. Steele was right back where he stated, and much worse for wear. In fact, this is considered hands down the worse Union loss in all the engagements of Arkansas during the War.

Of particular note though, on March 14, the day before Grant's telegraph came to him, General Steele did oversee by military force, the vote of the "reconverted 'loyal' ten percent of the state's voters" that would allow Arkansas to be represented in the Federal Congress. This was a recent development of President Lincoln to restore the Union called the Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction in December of 1863. Of course, much of the other 90% of the voters were out fighting with General Price throughout the state, but hey, wishful thinking is always a good thing, right?! This was a worthy accomplishment by Gen. Steele to cut him some slack.

So, it would have been good if Steele would have just 'stayed home' like he wanted to, because even though he was numerically superior, he was not able to overcome the superior fightin' man in the ranks of the Confederate force that awaited him under Pap Price!

Operations Against Steele’s Expedition from Little Rock to Camden, Arkansas Mar. 23 – May 3, 1864

Elkins’ Ferry (Okolona) Apr. 3-4 - Loss
Prairie D'Ane (Gum Grove, Moscow) Apr. 9-13 - Loss
Camden Apr. 15
Poison Spring Apr. 18 - WIN

Marks' Mill Apr. 25 - WIN
Princeton Apr. 28
Jenkins’ Ferry Apr. 30 - Loss

NOTES - Much of the quotes of the post came from Shelby Foote's, The Civil War - A Narrative, Vol. VII

Colonel Jeffers Memorial

2008-02-17T20:19:00.004-07:00

I've been aiming to put a new post on for some time, but was searching for something appropriate. So I turned to Jim McGhee's book, Campaigning With Marmaduke, for inspiration. And lo and behold, something jumped right out at me!

On February 15, 1903 William Lafayette Jeffers passed away in Corpus Christie, Texas. He went there to try and recover from poor health. His remains are interred in Jackson, Missouri, which was his home just prior to the Civil War.

So just a few days ago, this was the 105th year of this date.

So in remembrance to this gallant Missourian, here are a few words from Jim's book from the words of a Jenkins of the Eighth MO.

"I am certain that there are few who knew Colonel Jeffers intimately but admired him. Ask one of his regiment and I doubt not but nine of ten would speak of him in the highest praise, both as a man and as a soldier. He was a disciplinarian, but mild and just. He was a great admirer of a true soldier, but had no use for the fraud, or one who shirked his duty. He sympathized with his men on long and tedious marches, and always took 'pot luck' with them. The ground was his bed, and his McClelland saddle his pillow. This was one reasons his soldiers loved him. His regiment was never known to desert him under the most trying of circumstances, and it went through a good many experiences when it took all of a fellow's pride to keep him from showing the enemy the bottom of his feet."

"The writer was acquainted with Colonel Jeffers before the war, and always admired him; and it was my pleasant duty to nominate him for captain of the company he organized at Jackson in '61. He being a veteran of the Mexican War and having seen service gave him a high standing with his men from the very first, and we confidently expected him to lead us on to victory or death, for none of us expected anything less, as we felt that each of us was a match for at least 4 Yankees. We drilled with great enthusiasm, but I shall never forget a remark he made to us one evening as we rested a few minutes. "Boys, this is nice, but when we get to stopping bullets it won't be so pleasant," and I remember yet the little cold chill that ran down my back. I felt it on many occasion afterwards."

(The company organized at the Cape Girardeau County courthouse in Jackson on March 7, 1861 was known as the 'Swamp Rangers'. It eventually became Company A, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Division, Missouri State Guard.)

"Captain Jeffers disbanded his company at New Madrid in the winter of '61-62 (December 27, 1861)" Most of the men remained in the area until the 8th MO Cavalry Regiment was mustered into service at Pocahontas, AR on December 12, 1862. "...and the old company lost its idol, for Captain Jeffers was elected colonel. While we rejoiced to see him promoted, yet we were loath to part with him as our captain. From this time on it was forward, retreat, scout, poor beef, parched meal coffee, with perhaps only a frying pan with which to cook bread and meat and then make meal coffee in. But with hearts of flint, with the black plume ever in front of us, no man talked or thought of showing the white flag. Jeffers never forgot his old company, but would often come to see how we were getting on, when we would sing:

"You may talk about your Annie-
but give me some honey,
Some biscuits so nicely buttered o'er,
Some hot smoking java-it makes my mouth lava,
I wish I had some in me now, don't you?

Come, come, come rain, come
Float to the top of my boots.
Come rain and thankee,
And drive back the Yankee,
Until our ranks are filled up with recruits."

"Yes, he was ever our true friend, and we marched and fought and went hungry - but always in front waved the black plume." "It was never 'Go on,' but 'Come on, boys.' Few men ever left a more devoted regiment of men to mourn his loss."

"He sleeps his last sleep,
He has fought his last battle.
No sound can awake him
to glory again."

The Empty Chair - Band of Brothers

2008-01-20T07:57:00.000-07:00

Please excuse, if you will, the World War II video on this site. But the sentiment is quite appropriate. Here is a video that my brother, Nathaniel, just recently composed. I thought it appropriate for Veterans Day, which wasn't too many weeks ago. I also thought of both my grandfathers who fought in the European Theater. Both saw extensive action and 'lived' to tell the tale. As my mother's mom, Maxine Elizabeth Frix Buckley used to say, something to this effect, 'my Robert died in the War. He came home, but he was a different person, never quite the same.'

Also, in honor of Robert E. Lee's 201st birthday yesterday, January 19th and Thomas J. 'Stonewall' Jackson's 184th birthday tomorrow, January 21st - I thought this video to be appropriate as well.

Surely, they both felt this way often during the War Between the States, and General Lee must have often missed one of his most prolific generals. I believe our Heavenly Father took General Jackson home when he did in May 1863, or the Confederacy would have surely won! And although I love the men of the Confederacy and their patriotism that they supported by often paying the ultimate price - their lives - we surely became the Greatest Nation on the Earth because we became a Nation after the Civil War.

At any rate, nice job on the video, Fan!

Artwork of the 8th Missori Cavalry

2008-01-11T11:40:00.000-07:00

This is a piece of art that I did for my Dad for Christmas. It depicts our direct ancestors, from left to right, Captain Jacob Cossairt, Co. I, 8th Missouri State Militia Cavalry Regiment, US and of course, 2nd Lieutenant Joseph G. Lewis, 8th Missouri Cavalry Regiment, Cos B & A, CSA.

You'll note the Missouri Battle Flag, or Price's Flag, above Joseph. Not sure exactly what flag he went under, but he was a part of Price's Raid in late 1864. At any rate, it is known as the Missouri Battle Flag. So it works. Maybe, Mr. Jim McGhee, you can comment further on this...

2nd Lt. Joseph G. Lewis, Cos. B & A

In this picture, you can see the grain of the myrtlewood under neath. The piece is a mixed media, done with India Ink and acrylic paints. It is kinda in between a sketch and a painting. I can do these fairly quick (it took about 8 hours to do). A full painting or drawing takes a long time. I get bored with that. Most folks get the gist from a simpler piece anyhow. So the extra effort is wasted in my opinion.

Captain Jacob Cossairt, Co. I, 8th Missouri State Militia Cavalry Regiment, US

December/January Battles

2007-12-16T16:09:00.000-07:00

Well, there wasn't a whole bunch of fighting that occurred in these months, but there was some interesting action. Marmaduke's First Raid began by starting from Pocahantas, Arkansas, (which is in Northeast Arkansas) on New Year's Eve, 1862. He drove Northwest of that position to just east of Springfield to a town called Hartville, Missouri. His forces took a garrison there on the 9th of January, and then looked for more. Brigadier General Merrill, US, came out to put a stop on the action. Although his Yanks were pushed back to Marshfield, they dug in and inflicted a great deal of casualties (329 Confederate dead to 79 Union dead). But in the end, after over 4 hours of fighting, the Yanks under Merrill chose to retreat from the field, thereby handing General Marmaduke the victory. But, fearing to be cut off in enemy lines, he retreated back into Arkansas. Not a whole lot was accomplished by this action, really. It was designed to take the heat off the other Confederate forces in Arkansas, but it didn't affect this much at all.

Just a few days before this raid, the 8th Missouri was formed on Christmas Day, 1862 near Van Buren, Missouri in South-Central Missouri in the beautiful Ozarks. I bet it was a crisp, early winter day that 25th of December, but it surely was a bleak time for the good citizens of Missouri. They didn't even get a chance to enjoy Christmas with family that year! I'm sure the boys brought their own gear, horse and of course clothing. Families and sweethearts were left behind to defend them from the depredations of an invading host.

This Christmas 2007 will mark the 145th Anniversary of the formation of the 8th Missouri Cavalry Regiment. Of course, it is my aim to keep their memory bright and valor honored for many years to come. As long as the United States of America is still a Nation, it is critical that we remember how that came to be. Before the Civil War, we were not really united. After the deaths of 620,000 of America's best, and loss of billions in infrastructure and the ruination of countless families - we became a Nation. At the close of the 19th century, we were well on our way to becoming the greatest Nation that God ever established upon the face of the earth!

It appears that Marmaduke was rip roarin', ready to go to put the newly formed force in action, so as to atone for the loss at Elkhorn Tavern in March earlier that year. I bet they were hoping for a battle or two that would come out something like Oak Hills. I'm sure all the boys of the 8th MO were eager to defeat and expel them blue bellies from Missouri! But it never quite worked out like they all hoped for in the 8th, but they sure did all they could to bring it to pass.

Within almost 3 years time, the 8th MO Cavalry Regiment would do its final action to free Missouri from Union control. Price's Raid into Missouri would be completely done by 2nd of December 1864, with the last large engagement ending in defeat at Mine Creek, MO.

Remembering My Calvary Ancestors

2007-11-15T20:10:00.000-07:00

It has been a dream of mine for a while to get to do cavalry reenactments in honor of my great-Grandpa, Lt. Joseph G. Lewis. CSA And of course, you can't forget my great-Grandpa, Cpt. Jacob Cossairt US. Nor all my ancestors in the just the 8th MO Cavalry alone, including Joseph's little brother Cpl Eli Lewis.

So here are a few pics of me finally in the cavalry and having a great time!

Good 'Ol Missouran!

2007-11-15T19:21:00.000-07:00

You may have heard the old-time song, Good 'Ol Rebel. Well, I found a few of lyrics a bit distasteful, so I made up my own version of the song! It is, of course, heavily slanted with a Southeast Missouri flavor. I hope you like it...

Good Ol’ Missouran

Words Adapted by Brent Harty – Sept. 2007

Oh, I’m a good ol’ Missouran
And that’s just what I am
And to them meddlin’ Yankees
I wish they’d turn and scram
I’m glad I fought against ‘em
I only wish we’d won
I ain’t asked them no pardon
For anything I’ve done

I rode with Colonel Jeffers
And his band of Southern horse
There never were no Yankees
Who could beat us force to force
No, they never did defeat us
But we never could evade
Their dirty foreign politics
Or cowardly blockade

Well we met their lines at Oak Hills
And we broke ‘em plumb in two
And we showed them bully Yankees
Just what we aimed to do
And all across Missouri
We followed “Old Pap’s” flag
We drove them Bluecoats ragged
But I ain’t here to brag

Well we hadn’t any powder
And we hadn’t any shot
We hadn’t any money
To buy up what we ain’t got
So we rode on worn-out horses
And we ate on plain cornmeal
And we licked ‘em where we caught ‘em
With Southern guts and zeal

Well there ain’t as many left of us
That rode out from the start
And then there are the weary
Weakened body, sad of heart
We fought a fight to tell about
And I am here to say
I’ll climb my horse and run ya out
If you’re figuring here to stay!

Repeat 1^st Verse

October Battles of the 8th MO Cavalry

2007-10-25T18:10:00.000-06:00

Well, there were a lot of battles that the 8th Missouri Cavalry was engaged in. Most were during Price's Raid of 1864. Well, here are the battles...

Pine Bluff, AR- October 25,1863 - Loss This was a very interesting battle where hemp bales were used for protection by the Yankees in the town square. This would be a neat one to see re-enacted!

Price's Raid - Fall of 1864
Leasburg, MO Oct. 1 - This was the first engagement past Pilot Knob defeat.
Union, MO Oct. 1
Washington, MO Oct. 2
Miller’s Station, MO Oct. 3
Hermann, MO Oct. 4
Boonville, MO Oct. 10
Glasgow, MO Oct. 15 - WIN
Lexington, MO Oct. 19 - WIN
Little Blue, MO (Westport) Oct. 21 - WIN
Independence, MO Oct. 22 - WIN
Big Blue, MO (Byram’s Ford) Oct. 23 - Loss
Mine Creek, KS Oct. 25 - Loss

These two last defeats spelled the end of Price's Army and their efforts to free Missouri. I surely appreciate the efforts of the 8th MO Cavalry to protect their families and their beliefs of self-government in true Jeffersonian style.

I also appreciate those who fought for the Union, as the same can be said of their efforts. Well, except that little bit of local vs. federal government. I don't agree with that, but all that is neither here nor there!

September Battles of the 8th MO CAV

2007-09-14T12:06:00.000-06:00

September was an active month for the 8th Missouri Cavalry. Unfortunately, it was not a winning month for the 8th usually (well, I guess this depends on your perspective as if it was good or bad that the 8th lost those battles!)

At any rate, follow the links to the following battles fought in September.

Bayou Forche (Little Rock) - September 10, 1863

Pilot Knob (Ft. Davidson) - September 27, 1864

Of course, Pilot Knob is the well known battle. Technically, it was a Confederate win, but the cost to secure the retreat was so high, it must be termed a loss. I am also pretty sure that Colonel William Jeffers of the 8th MO Cavalry was captured here at Pilot Knob as well.

Happy Birthday, Joseph Guild!

2007-08-12T23:54:00.001-06:00

August 10th was Lt. Joseph Guild Lewis's 171st birthday (if he were still alive!!). Four years ago, we had our 4th child, a son, and when it looked like his birthday was going to fall on the same day, we decided to name him after my 3rd great grandpap...none other than Joseph Guild Lewis!

So today, on August 12th, we celebrated Joseph Guild Harty's 4th birthday. We have told him for some time where he got his name. And he is learning some things about Grandpap. At our last reenactment event, he came off the sidelines of the battle, and said to my wife, "I'd rather die than talk to a Yankee!"

While we thought it was very humorous, and pleased that he is taking pride in honoring the Confederate side, we were of course a bit perplexed as to where he got such an idea. We figured it was just the little boy in him, but we also realized that we need to do a bit better in delivering Grandpap's Promise to Little Joe.

So Grandpap, in honor of your birthday, I promise to continue to explain to your grandsons the lessons that you learned about the War Between the States. How happy I am to know that such great Americans, on both sides, went forth to preserve the freedom and liberty of this country! I promise to make sure that my sons understand that neither side was completely right or wrong, but that both fought valiantly to make America what it is today.

Regimental Horse Supply

2007-07-29T21:50:00.000-06:00

Here is a list of the Regimental Horse Supply in 1863 (courtesy of James McGhee's book Campaigning With Marmaduke). It is interesting, for as Mr. McGhee said,

"Such information, while not definitive, clearly reveals the serious problems connected with maintaining and effective cavalry unit when the rigors of campaigning, and every day usage, deprived troops of usual mounts....Additionally, when horses were unavailable, the soldier was normally required to find a replacement himself or risk be transferred to the infantry, a fate worse than death to many, with the results and desertion rates soared....when the dearth of horses caused many to be transferred to Col. Robert E. Lawhter's Temepory Discmounted Cavalay Regiment. While some few of the troopers located a mount and returned to the regiment, most did not."

Jan. 1863 Regimental totals: 465
May. 1863 Regimental totals: 465
Jul 1863 Regimental totals: 304
Sep 1863. Regimental totals: 326

Below are pictures of my sons Tom and Jacob with this beautiful Percheron/quarterhorse mix named Chappy. He was a great horse. Also, here are his owners Mr and Mrs Brown from Northern Illinois. They are in their fancy dress garb for a marriage vows renewal ceremony at the last re-enactment we attended.

Battle of Prairie Grove-December 1862

2007-07-14T22:38:00.000-06:00

Well, while it does not appear as though the 8th MO Cavalry Regiment was involved in this engagement, their general for much of the War, John S. Marmaduke sure was. The push was designed to regain some lost ground after Elkhorn Tavern. The 8th must have been in transit (as at this point, they were recently organized from the Missouri State Guard), but if they weren't with Marmaduke yet, they were soon to be in the area.

In either case, these are interesting battle stories that fill the gap after the Elkhorn Tavern repulse and the battles around Little Rock, and eventually, the Battle of Helena. General Marmaduke was sent by General Thomas C. Hindman to harrass the Yanks under General James Blunt. But Blunt heard of the movement, and went out to meet Marmaduke under his own terms. The Battle of Cane Hill occurred, followed a few days later by the Battle of Prairie Grove.

General Thomas C. Hindman

But long story short (as with much of the War) the Confederate forces just didn't have enough reserve men to bring up, ammunition or other supplies to hold and pursue the fruits of the first day of fighting. And so the Trans-Mississippi Army was pushed further in Arkansas, and of course, Missouri was further from being 'secure' in the Confederacy.

The Borden House at the Battle of Prairie Grove
Where Union Forces were Repelled

Enjoy the history of the battles of Cane Hill and Prairie Grove!

Helena, Arkansas - July 4th, 1863

2007-07-01T14:43:00.000-06:00

I thought it would be helpful to make an entry near the historical date of a battle so as to better remember the sacrifices of the 8th Missouri Cavalry. So in commemoration, in just a few days, on July 4th, 144 years ago, the 8th Missouri and other Confederate forces under supervision of General Holmes and General Price, suffered at great and crippling defeat in Helena, Arkansas.

For a pretty good narrative of the battle, check out this link: Just make sure you scroll down the page a bit for the account of the battle.

One of the neat quotes in this story demonstrates the sentiments of a Confederate officer that was badly wounded that day.

Years later, a Confederate officer who had lost both hands on Graveyard Hill to a shell from the Tyler wrote, "Since that day at Helena I tell the boys I would rather buck against a voodoo than to try to down Old Glory on the Fourth of July... Yes, the union is good enough for me on the Fourth of July and every other day in the year, and I don't regret the price I paid for finding out!"

Strong words from that veteran. Surely it is a lesson we all can learn, but hopefully keep all our body parts intact in the process!

Here are some quotes of some Union soldiers who surveyed the damage later that day.

A Wisconsin soldier who visited the area around Graveyard Hill shortly after the battle wrote, "The battlefield is no pleasant place to visit, covered with men wounded in all ways-some with brains exposed, others shot through the body with grape shot, or a larger ball still sufficient to nearly cut the body in twain. But if there is anything that calls on the sympathy of a man it is to look upon a wounded man, with deathlike and pale face, groaning and wreathing with the greatest possible pain." Another Wisconsin soldier wrote to his father, "[J]ust to see the rebels lying in piles where they charged up the hill. it was awful. I never want to spend another such a Fourth of July."

In Memory of the 8th MO Cavalry Revolvers

2007-06-25T23:08:00.001-06:00

Here I am with my recently purchased (used at a very nice good price!) Colt 1851 Navy Sheriff revolver. I like this pistol a lot. It may have been in the hands of the 8th Missouri. It is hard to say, as many soldiers brought their own pistol from home, if they were to have any firearm at all.

If not, it is likely that the standard Navy revolver (slightly longer and heavier than the "Sheriff" model pictured) was even the 1861 Navy. Both are .36 caliber. I haven't fired the weapon yet, but look forward to doing so soon. I must saying the holding this Colt, I find it very pleasant and seemingly a joy to use. I like my Enfield rifle too, but the pistol just seems more natural to me. Maybe it is that cavalry blood from my ancestors flowing in my veins!

Memoirs of a Private in the 8th

2007-06-24T23:28:00.000-06:00

Here is a great memoir furnished by Jim McGhee (thanks much!) that shows a little glimpse into the life of those who laid their lives on the line in defense of their country from the 8th Missouri Cavalry Regiment. I'm surely glad that Private Autrey survived the ordeal of surviving near death due to sickness. It was great that their were kind folks nearby. This story must have likely occurred in early November 1864. At any rate, here is his memoir...

Memoir of Private Richard Jacob Autrey, Co. K,

8^th Missouri Cavalry Regiment, C.S.A.

My greatest suffering during the war was Price’s raid from Arkansas up thru Missouri and back thru eastern Kansas down thru the Indian Nation into Texas. I was taken sick in the mountains between Little Rock, Ark. and Dardenell on the Arkansas River and was reported dead by one of my comrades by the name of Galafa Horrell of my regiment who found me on the side of the road as he was passing after he had got able to travel as he had been left behind sick also. He went and got me some water and then left me and went on until he came to a house and got the lady who lived there and a Negro man and the three came back and got me, put me on my mule, one walking on each side of the mule; and the lady led the mule until we got to her house, when they began to doctor me. Her husband, who was a doctor in the Confederate Army at the time, took care of me. I stayed at her house until I was able to ride and she was afraid the Mountain Boomers would find out I was there and come and kill me and burn her house. She told me she was afraid I would never reach the Army – that if I fell into their hands they would certainly killed me, but I escaped meeting any of them and overtook the Army at Dardenell where they were waiting to cross the Arkansas River. When the Army moved they put me in one of the Headquarters wagons and hauled me over the mountains, which were so rough that they had to take the wagons down by hand in some places. Our doctor dosed me with calomel and I was salivating so bad that I was unable to eat, if there had been anything to eat, which was not the case most of the time. These are a few of the trials I had during the days I was trying to win our lost cause and feel I am fortunate to be here today and able to meet the few remaining comrades that have been spared to meet together this day.

Records of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Missouri State Archives, Jefferson City, Missouri.

Dardanelle is just south of Russelville, AR Northwest of Little Rock along Interstate 40. They left him for dead...just amazing that he survived. Can you imagine the rigors of laying on the side of the road with little to no aid during early November?!

On a lighter note, It reminds me a bit of the Monty Python skit from The Holy Grail where the old man says, "I'm not dead yet." I guess his buddy just figured he was close enough. Thankfully he didn't club him on the head like in the movie!

Setting History Straight on a Stellar Cavalry Officer

2007-06-17T01:44:00.000-06:00

This a great article found by my brother Nathaniel on Nathan Bedford Forrest and how his name is regularly marred. It is isn't right, and I find it my duty to set history straight. Besides, this is a site about Confederate Cavalry, right?! So enjoy!

History Tells Real Story of Forrest

By MICHEAL KELLEY

Recently with the situation and discussions at MTSU (Middle Tennessee State University) about the demands of an "insulted" student to change the name of the Forrest ROTC building several Letters to the Editor and op-eds in the DNJ have discussed Forrest in terms of the folk legend that has come to be accepted as history. Even people writing in support of Forrest have made the same fundamental errors.

What is presented as "history" is instead what is necessary for scholars to be published. Just as it is easy to be published praising Lincoln and virtually impossible to be published criticizing Lincoln it has come to pass that getting published repeating old lies about Forrest is a lot easier than publishing the truth.

In 1871 at the height of Radical Reconstruction William Tecumseh Sherman chaired a Radical Republican Congressional investigation into the KKK and its activities. Among the former Confederate officers investigated and interviewed was N.B. Forrest since his name was used in forming and recruiting the original Klan.

Sherman was never a friend or ally of Forrest, referring to him as "That Devil Forrest," and was noted to have stated before the investigation convened that, "We are here to investigate Forrest, charge Forrest, try Forrest, convict Forrest and hang Forrest."

The congressional committee completed its investigation — which included revisiting the alleged "Ft. Pillow Massacre" — and concluded that while Forrest's name had been used in forming the Klan that it was likely done without his permission and that his only activities related to the Klan were his persistent and public efforts to compel it to disband. They concluded he was not the founder or first leader of the KKK.

The congressional investigation also found that there was no evidence of a "massacre" at Ft. Pillow (see http://37thtexas.org/html/grandfab.html) with "isolated incidents along the riverbank" which Forrest stopped as soon as he arrived on-scene. The Federal Official Records document that a Union lieutenant, not Forrest's men, set fire to Union barracks with wounded Union soldiers inside. Forrest transferred the 14 most severely wounded United States Colored Troops to the U.S. Steamer Silver Cloud — hardly the act of someone having committed a "massacre."

While Forrest was a slave dealer prior to the war he was known for humane policies. When the war started he then owned 45 black men and had to consider their fates.

"Forty-five of Forrest's own slaves, indeed served through the war with him as teamsters. 'I said to forty-five colored fellows on my plantation...' Forrest told a Congressional committee after the war, 'that I was going into the army; and that if they would go with me, if we got whipped they would be free anyhow, and that if we succeeded and slavery was perpetuated, if they would act faithfully with me to the end of the war, I would set them free. Eighteen months before the war closed I was satisfied that we were going to be defeated, and I gave those forty-five men, or forty-four of them, their free papers, for fear I might get killed.'" — "'First With the Most' Forrest" by Robert Selph Henry, Indianapolis, Ind.: Bobbs-Merrill, 1944, page 14.

How did these men serve in Forrest's comand? The most reliable military resource concerning the Civil War documents their real roles.

"The forces attacking my camp were the First Regiment Texas Rangers [8th Texas Cavalry, Terry's Texas Rangers, ed.], Colonel Wharton, and a battalion of the First Georgia Rangers, Colonel Morrison, and a large number of citizens of Rutherford County, many of whom had recently taken the oath of allegiance to the United States Government. There were also quite a number of negroes attached to the Texas and Georgia troops, who were armed and equipped, and took part in the several engagements with my forces during the day." — Federal Official Records, Series I, Vol XVI Part I, pg. 805, Lt. Col. Parkhurst's Report (Ninth Michigan Infantry) on Col. Forrest's attack at Murfreesboro, Tenn, July 13, 1862.

On July 4, 1875, Forrest gave the following speech when he was invited to speak by the Jubilee of Pole Bearers, a political and social organization in the post-war era comprised of black Southerners:

Memphis Daily Avalanche, July 6, 1875, 1.

"July 4, 1875 - Memphis, Tennessee -

Miss Lou Lewis was introduced to General Forrest then presented him with a bouquet of flowers and said: 'Mr. Forrest — allow me to present you this bouquet as a token of reconciliation, an offering of peace and good will.'

Gen. Forrest received the flowers with a bow, and replied:

'Miss Lewis, ladies and gentlemen — I accept these flowers as a token of reconciliation between the white and colored races of the South. I accept them more particularly, since they come from a colored lady, for if there is any one on God's great earth who loves the ladies, it is myself.

'This is a proud day for me. Having occupied the position I have for thirteen years, and being misunderstood by the colored race, I take this occasion to say that I am your friend. I am here as the representative of the Southern people — one that has been more maligned than any other.

'I assure you that every man who was in the Confederate army is your friend. We were born on the same soil, breathe the same air, live in the same land, and why should we not be brothers and sisters.

'When the war broke out I believed it to be my duty to fight for my country, and I did so. I came here with the jeers and sneers of a few white people, who did not think it right. I think it is right, and will do all I can to bring about harmony, peace and unity. I want to elevate every man, and to see you take your places in your shops, stores and offices.

'I don't propose to say anything about politics, but I want you to do as I do — go to the polls and select the best men to vote for. I feel that you are free men, I am a free man, and we can do as we please. I came here as a friend and whenever I can serve any of you I will do so.

'We have one Union, one flag, one country; therefore, let us stand together. Although we differ in color, we should not differ in sentiment.

'Many things have been said in regard to myself, and many reports circulated, which may perhaps be believed by some of you, but there are many around me who can contradict them. I have been many times in the heat of battle — oftener, perhaps, than any within the sound of my voice. Men have come to me to ask for quarter, both black and white, and I have shielded them.

'Do your duty as citizens, and if any are oppressed, I will be your friend. I thank you for the flowers, and assure you that I am with you in heart and hand.'"

It is clear when one considers the factual records of the period without three or four layers of academic interpretation that much of what is considered "accepted fact" about Forrest is instead "accepted fallacy."

If we are to consider Forrest and the merits of his name let us consider him as a man and as a soldier but let us consider him based on the facts rather than hysteria and folk legend.

Michael Kelley, of Pascagoula, Miss., is a member of the 37th Texas Cavalry Confederate re-enactment group. More information can be found about it at 37thtexas.org.

Flag Day...wave 'em proudly!

2007-06-14T23:18:00.001-06:00

We need to wave the flags of our heritage proudly...even if you aren't a Civil War Reenactor! I also, of course, fly our 'Star Spangled Banner', our glorious and beautiful Stars and Stripes, on a daily basis. A lesson learned clearly from the Civil War was that men on both sides of the conflict were patriots...not fighting some attacking foe from foreign soil, but indeed repelling or supressing (whatever the perspective may have been!) other similar men - Americans - who were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice regarding their beliefs of government. Here is a great quote that sums up the idea nicely from General John Gordon, CSA.

"...It will be a glorious day for our country when all the children within its borders shall learn that the four years of fratricidal war between the North and the South was waged by neither with criminal or unworthy intent, but by both to protect what they conceived to be threatened rights and imperiled liberty:

That the issues which divided the sections were born when the Republic was born, and were forever buried in a ocean of fraternal blood."

The Swamp Fox of Missouri

2007-06-14T16:23:00.000-06:00

Owing to the fact that some of my ancestors were a part of the 1st Division of the Missouri State Guard, I had to include the great bio by Jim McGhee about M. Jeff Thompson, the Swamp Fox.

General Thompson was some character wasn't he?! I wish Americans today had just an ounce of the drive that M. Jeff Thompson had to do what he felt was right for his family, neighbors and countrymen in protecting America!

Missouri State Guard-1st Division

2007-06-14T15:13:00.000-06:00

This is from a recent thread from the Missouri In The Civil War Message Board that Jim McGhee provided in response to a question from me.

Brent: Here is the brief record I have of Joseph Lewis' service in the 1st Division, MSG:

Lewis, Joseph G.: (Cape Girardeau Co.) Age: 26. Sworn into service as Pvt, Co A (Swamp Rangers), 2nd Cav Regt at Jackson on 15 Jun 1861. Horse appraised at $120. Discharged on 24 Dec 1861 at New Madrid. His biography may be found in Goodspeed’s History of Southeast Missouri, pp. 1040-1041.

In light of this service record, I do not believe that he served at Wilson's Creek. At the time of that battle, 10 Aug 1861, Lewis' company was operating in Scott Co, MO, in anticipation of an attack on Cape Girardeau. That attack, of course, never developed, and the units of the 1st Division, eventually retired to New Madrid and later moved to Belmont.

Thanks, Jim for the clarifying information. It appears they were not far from home instead of way on the other side of the state.

Early Battles for Missouri

2007-06-10T01:11:00.000-06:00

There may have been men from SE MO engaged in the Missouri State Guard in 1861 to August 1862. So here are a few important battles in Missouri that you may also be interested in. By the way, the paintings are by Andy Thomas. He does paintings for the National Parks...I'd love to see his work in person there at Pea Ridge and apparently coming to Pilot Knob as well.

Oak Hills (Wilson's Creek) - WIN

Elkhorn Tavern (Pea Ridge) - Loss

Again, a good account from the Civil War Home

Battle of Lexington, 1861 - WIN

Camp Jackson Massacre

A very good account from the Museum Gazette at Jefferson Barracks, MO

Battle History of the 8th

2007-06-07T23:05:00.000-06:00

Here is a listing of the engagements of the 8th MO Cavalry from James A. McGhee's Book, Campaigning With Marmaduke. Thanks again, Jim, for the permission to publish this list here! You'll also find many of these engagements with links to descriptions of the battles. The names in parenthesis are the battle names from the Union perspective.

Unfortunately, our boys in the 8th lost many of these engagements, but I know they gave it their all to fight against higher odds in number and equipment in battle. I would daresay that the 8th MO Cavalry got the best of them Yankees for their part of the fight in the majority of these engagements!

Chronology of the Eighth Missouri Cavalry Regiment

Near Van Buren, Missouri Dec. 25, 1862

Marmaduke’s First Raid into Missouri Dec. 31, 1862 –Jan. 25, 1863
Hartville, Missouri Jan. 11, 1863 WIN

Chalk Bluff, Arkansas Apr. 9-11, 1863

Marmaduke’s Second Raid into Missouri Apr. 21 – May 2, 1863
Cape Girardeau Apr. 26 - Loss

Chalk Bluff, Arkansas Apr. 30 – May 1 - WIN

Taylor’s Creek, Arkansas May 11, 1863

L’Anguille Bridge, Arkansas May 13, 1863

Helena, Arkansas Jul. 4, 1863 - Loss

Operations Against Union Advance to Little Rock, AR
Aug. 1 – Sept. 14, 1863

Brownsville Aug. 25
Bayou Metoe Aug. 26
Reed’s Ridge Aug. 27
Shallow Ford Aug. 30
Bayou Fourche (Little Rock) Sept. 10 - Loss

Pine Bluff, Arkansas Oct. 25, 1863 - Loss

Operations Against Steele’s Expedition from Little Rock to
Camden, Arkansas Mar. 23 – May 3, 1864

Elkins’ Ferry (Okolona) Apr. 3-4 - Loss
Prairie D'Ane (Gum Grove, Moscow) Apr. 9-13 - Loss
Camden Apr. 15
Poison Spring Apr. 18 - WIN

Marks' Mill Apr. 25 - WIN
Princeton Apr. 28
Jenkins’ Ferry Apr. 30 - Loss

Campti, Louisiana Apr. 4, 1864

Operations on the west bank of the Mississippi River May 29-30

Ditch Bayou (Old River Lake), Arkansas Jan. 6, 1864 - Loss

Price’s Expedition into Missouri Aug. 29 – Dec. 2, 1864

Dunklin County Sept. 19
Sikeston (nearer Bloomfield) Sept. 22

Jackson Sept. 24
Pilot Knob (Fort Davidson) Sept. 27 - Loss
Leasburg Oct. 1
Union Oct. 1
Washington Oct. 2
Miller’s Station Oct. 3
Hermann Oct. 4
Boonville Oct. 10
Glasgow Oct. 15 - WIN
Lexington Oct. 19 - WIN
Little Blue (Westport) Oct. 21 - WIN
Independence Oct. 22 - WIN
Big Blue (Byram’s Ford) Oct. 23 - Loss
Mine Creek, Kansas Oct. 25 - Loss

Memorial Day Remembrances

2007-05-27T21:31:00.000-06:00

Here on Memorial Day weekend, I wanted to take this opportunity to honor all those who fought in the War Between the States, for the the Union and the Confederacy. I can say with certainty that almost all were willing to die to preserve or build their country as they felt was best. And I respect that uprightness and strength of character about these men and their families.

In a search I was doing, I came across Traveller, and I thought it appropriate to remember him as well. After all, the 8th Missouri was a cavalry unit, and I'm sure many of the men felt a good connection with their mount as well. I wanted to include a quote from General R.E. Lee regarding Traveller that I really enjoyed.

If I was an artist like you, I would draw a true picture of Traveller; representing his fine proportions, muscular figure, deep chest, short back, strong haunches, flat legs, small head, broad forehead, delicate ears, quick eye, small feet, and black mane and tail. Such a picture would inspire a poet, whose genius could then depict his worth, and describe his endurance of toil, hunger, thirst, heat and cold; and the dangers and suffering through which he has passed. He could dilate upon his sagacity and affection, and his invariable response to every wish of his rider. He might even imagine his thoughts through the long night-marches and days of the battle through which he has passed. But I am no artist Markie, and can therefore only say he is a Confederate gray. – Robert E. Lee, letter to Markie Williams

That is pretty neat stuff...you can tell what the good General thought of his horse. Here is a nice poem written later about Traveller.

And now at last,

Comes Traveller and his master. Look at them well.

The horse is an iron-grey, sixteen hands high,

Short back, deep chest, strong haunch, flat legs, small head,

Delicate ear, quick eye, black mane and tail,

Wise brain, obedient mouth.

Such horses are

The jewels of the horseman's hands and thighs,

They go by the word and hardly need the rein.

They bred such horses in Virginia then,

Horses that were remembered after death

And buried not so far from Christian ground

That if their sleeping riders should arise

They could not witch them from the earth again

And ride a printless course along the grass

With the old manage and light ease of hand.

— Passage from Army of Northern Virginia, by Stephen Vincent Benet

Old Times Not Forgotten

2007-05-23T22:15:00.000-06:00

As Dixie says, "Old Times There Are Not Forgotten". Well, by hosting this blog, it is my attempt to make sure that the Missouri 8th Cavalry Regiment is not forgotten. That is also why I do Civil War re-enacting. Here I am at a recent event in Naperville, IL. I antiqued the pic a bit ...to make it a bit easier to 'not forget' those who have sacrificed so much for our great Nation.

Grandpap is Looking for You!

2007-05-17T00:07:00.000-06:00

I hope you enjoy the site. I'm especially hoping that this site works as a way to reach out to those seeking information on their War Between the States ancestors. 'Grandpap' is looking for you!

Cool Cavalry Private drawing & charge

2007-05-17T00:01:00.000-06:00

Here is a real neat Cavalry charge drawing. I thought you might like it. I'm on the hunt for questions and comments from 8th MO Reg. Cav. descendants. Please leave a post, a question, say 'hi'...etc, if you visit the site. Please enjoy the site and feedback is welcome.

Jacob' Robert E. Lee presentation

2007-05-02T20:16:00.000-06:00

Here is my oldest son, Jacob, doing a presentation at his school about his selected American hero, Robert E. Lee. He did a very good job on this limited format. He portrayed a wax figure and students would come up, push a button, and he would do his presentation. He not only dressed up in costume, but he had a few other artifacts. He had a little toy cannon, that spoke of R.E. Lee's artillery prowess, a painted Lee's Headquarter flag, and a real Confederate Battle Flag.

Cool stuff for a 4th grader, eh?!

Campaigning With Marmaduke book

2007-05-01T21:50:00.000-06:00

Just so you all know, much of the critical work on this blog comes from historian James McGhee. His book Campaigning With General Marmaduke, Narratives and Roster of the 8th Missouri Cavalry CSA is a great book to have in search of your family and the history of the 8th MO Cav. Reg. Jim is a lawyer and does this history bit on the site, but his efforts are great and all folks to connect with lost family from so long ago.

You can find a site that sells Jim's book...here it is...Campaigning With General Marmaduke. It is a great read.

Keep up the super work, Jim! bh

Additions of 8th Roster and Jeffers Biography

2007-05-01T21:37:00.000-06:00

Thanks to my brother, Nathaniel Harty, it is now available to view the 8th Missouri Cavalry roster in alphabetical order, as well as Colonel Jeffers biography. Ultimately, the thanks must go to James McGhee, who provided both bits of information. Without his dedicated work as a historian, I would have little to put on this site.

Thanks again for all your support, Jim!

Now one can scroll the page and find out a bit about your ancestor. Thanks, Nathaniel for breaking the page up easier to be viewed, than having to scroll all the way through the document. Both these additions are very important historical pieces, especially the roster. I hope all who seek it are able to use the information to find their family and learn abit more about the past.

Remembrance Day - Camp Douglas Prison Camp Memorial Service

2007-04-29T14:57:00.000-06:00

On this Sunday, April 29th, about 50 people gathered at the monument to all those Confederate soldiers who were imprisoned and died at Camp Douglas in Chicago Illinois. Not only does this monument stand over the largest mass burial in the entire Western Hemisphere, but it stands as a memorial to those who were horribly mistreated & tortured while imprisoned near Lake Michigan in Chicago, Illinois.

I could go on and on, but suffice it say that this prison was every whit as horrible as Andersonville in the South. Only difference is that the officials in Chicago withheld aid and proper treatment on the basis of cruelty, as opposed to Andersonville, which in most cases, just didn't have the supplies to do an adequate job. If you think it is okay to deprive men of clothes and blankets during the Chicago winter, then you'll likely agree with the procedures of prison officials at Camp Douglas. Click on the picture for a link to more information about this horrid and shameful chapter of American History in Chicago, Illinois.

Here are some pictures that were taken at the Remembrance Day event. The 2nd Kentucky Cavalry dismounted and the 26th North Carolina Co. G (that is my group!) were asked by the local Sons of Confederate Veterans post to serve as the honor guard. We were honored to do so.

One of the best moments in the service was when those who were descendants of veterans of Confederates States could come forward and spread a handful of the soil of that state near the base of the monument. I got to go forward in honor of my family from Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina and of course, Missouri. Out of all the reenactors present, I went forward the most to represent my veteran family members. One of the guys from our group joked that he figured I was going to need to go up for every state as I likely had family from each one. And I bet there were a few more I could have went forward in behalf, but I didn't know for sure.

I took these pictures at home in front of my cool banners since I didn't get many pictures at the monument. Suffice it to say, I did my own little Remembrance Day Service at home!

Updated List of Ancestors From the 8th

2007-04-28T23:57:00.000-06:00

Thanks to historian Jim McGhee for providing the list of the entire Regiment, and to my Dad Paul H. Harty Jr for identifying family, I now have listed my ancestors who fought to preserve the rights of Missourians during the War Between the States. In total, there are 25 who he has identified to be members of the 8th Missouri Cavalry. You will find this list over on the top right area of the blog. If anyone has pictures of any of these individuals, I would greatly appreciate seeing them and adding the pictures to the blog.

Goodspeed's History of Southeast Missouri

2007-04-28T23:49:00.000-06:00

I recently purchased this CD history from Hearthstone Legacy Publications. In it one can read histories on individuals of the 8th Missouri Cavalry, including Joseph G. Lewis and Elisha Launius. For those seeking more history of your ancestors from Stoddard and Cape Girardeau Counties, look no further. You can purchase this CD from their website for less than $12 including shipping. That ain't too bad!

I also added a link on the side that has Wilson's History of Stoddard County from 1875. It is a very good read. You'll also find this link in the sites listed to the side of the blog.

Eli Cooper Lewis

2007-04-22T22:19:00.000-06:00

Jeff Lewis, my dad Paul Harty's cousin in the same generation, is also an avid family historian. He has many Lewis artifacts in his possession. When recently viewing this new webpage, he commented:

Brent,

I like the web page a lot. I think you have one of the pictures identified wrong. The picture of the fellow on the banner that is identified as Andrew J Copper is really Eli Cooper Lewis, He was Joe Guilds younger brother. He was a First Corporal in Co. A., 8th Mo. cavalry along with Joe.

Good work,
Jeff Lewis

Thanks Jeff for the clarification. So that everyone now knows, there are two Lewis's in the banner. Of course, Joseph Guild Lewis, my 3rd great grandfather, as you may recall, and now Eli Cooper Lewis, Joseph's younger brother. You will notice Eli in the upper left-hand corner of the banner. Both men were in Co. B (later merged to Co. A) and both returned home to SE Missouri after their surrender in Shreveport, LA on 7 Jun 1865.

It is nice to see, that only after having this site up for a few weeks, there are clarifications made in family history that weren't known (at least to myself and my Dad) to some of the descendants of the Lewis family. This was one of the aims of the site. Thanks, Jeff, for fixing a sizable error on my part and setting history straight...I'm sure Eli and his descendants thank you for it at the least!

Chapter pictures from Grandpap's War

2007-04-17T17:16:00.000-06:00

For your viewing pleasure, here are the original artwork that make up the drawings for the chapter headings for Grandpap's War. If you are super familiar with period sketches and paintings from the Civil War, you may see a resemblance to some of those works. But all the drawings were redone and adapted by myself, so all indeed original, though very much...inspired we'll say...from some other artist's work. In all seriousness, I greatly appreciate the original pieces. Without the work of the period artists, I could in no way have produced appropriate artwork for the book. My thanks goes out to them...whoever they are!

End of Each Chapter and the Book

Cover of Grandpap's War

Chapter 1 - Anger Erupts at the Neighborhood Hog Butchering

Chapter 2- Neighbor Against Neighbor

Chapter 3 - Grandpap Gets Pushed Into the War

Chapter 4 - The Battle of Wilson's Creek

Chapter 5 - Raid on Alton Prison

Chapter 6 - The Gray Ghost of Stoddard County

Chapter 7 - The Round Pond Massacre

Epilogue

Questions? Comments? Post 'em Here!

2007-04-17T14:42:00.000-06:00

If you have questions about the 8th Missouri Cavalry Regiment CSA that aren't answered here, or would like to share a family story, or post a picture, etc...this is the spot to get a hold of me to do so. As this is a blog, and not its own web address, I do not have all the functions that one might associated with the Internet. Regardless, just put your idea or need in the comment section. If you wish me to contact you, please email me at bnbharty@yahoo.com.

I hope to have this site be an aid to those seeking history - for their own general knowledge or to find out more on their family. So I look forward to seeing your requests in the comment section below. Thank you for your interests in the 8th Missouri Cavalry, CSA!

Grandpap's War

2007-04-17T12:42:00.000-06:00

This is a book that my father, Paul Hampton Harty, Jr, the great, great-grandson of Joseph Lewis, wrote. It is a collection of stories that he heard from his grandfather, Simeon English Lewis, as a young boy in Stoddard County, Missouri.

Simeon Lewis heard them from his grandfather, Joseph G. Lewis, who, of course, fought in the 8th Missouri. Not only does it have stories about various engagements, but the stories are told in such a way to teach his grandsons about the War Between the States. Although he and others were basically forced into protecting their families and homes, they did not wish to fight and would have preferred to live in peace.

At any rate, I edited the book for Dad, and did the artwork for the book. Frank Kriegseis, a friend of mine, helped me lay out the book, and it is currently in the final printing stages. So enjoy the book, here in pdf format.

Cover Art for Grandpap's War

You will need to right click the picture and then 'Save Target As' or 'Save Link As'. You must do this in order to then save the pdf to the destination of your choice on you pc.

Note on "Tell My Father"

2007-04-17T11:42:00.000-06:00

This awesome little slide show to music was made my wife, Bethany Harty. I helped a bit in the editing process (mainly to make sure that there was at least one picture of me in it!), but she deserves all the credit. Quite a few of the pictures were taken by us, several Bethany found online (particulary of Yankee re-enactor groups, as we portray the Confederacy of course!) and many, especially those of the fallen brave, are of course real portraits taken at the time. Many are from Gettysburg.

As you listen, you'll notice the singer talks about "tell him how I wore the blue". This is obviously from the perspective of a Union soldier singing. But I feel that, of course, this song applies to men on both sides of the War Between the States. I feel that surely, these feelings were felt by men on both sides, and were very American sentiments. And could even really apply to soldiers in all American conflicts.

The song is from the Civil War-The Nashville Sessions, 1998. It is sung by Kevin Sharp and written and produced by Frank Wildhorn. This presentation can be a bit of a tear-jerker, so be forewarned! Enjoy!

Joseph Lewis's Home in Stoddard County

2007-04-15T00:07:00.000-06:00

Here is Joseph Lewis in front of his house about 1895. He is the man on the far left of the fence row. If you look closely, you can make out a rifle in his left hand. We believe the others in the photo to be his son George L. Lewis, wife Mary and oldest daughter Alma. If you look real close, you'll see a puppy next to Alma!

Lt. Lewis Parole Paper

2007-04-14T23:46:00.000-06:00

Here is a copy of the actual parole paper for Lt. Joseph G. Lewis. I find this real fascinating, not only for the language of the paper, but also because it has Joseph's handwriting and signature.

Stoddard County Confederate Monument

2007-04-14T22:19:00.000-06:00

Attached is a link to the Stoddard County Confederate Monument. Although Joseph G. Lewis was originally from Cape Girardeau County, he ended up settling for good in Stoddard County. He is buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery, near Zaddock, Stoddard, Missouri. This monument is in the cemetery in Bloomfield, Stoddard, Missouri. An interesting note...another direct ancestor and 3rd great grandfather, Jacob Cossairt, was a Captain of the 8th Missouri State Militia Cavalry...but for the Union! You'll see my dad and I posing at his grave site, which is just feet for the Stoddard Confederate Monument. Pretty ironic, eh?!

Stoddard County Confederate Monument

Commanders of 8th Missouri CSA

2007-04-14T21:59:00.000-06:00

Here are some pictures of some of the commanders of the 8th Missouri, namely Colonel Jeffers, Maj. General Marmaduke and Maj. General Sterling "Ol Pap" Price. You'll also find a brief link on their basic history should you wish to follow it.

Colonel William L. Jeffers

Major General John S. Marmaduke

Major General Sterling Price

Men in the Banner

2007-04-14T21:50:00.000-06:00

The men in the banner from left to right:

2nd Corporal Eli C. Lewis, Co. B, 8th Missouri Cavalry Regiment
Major General Sterling Price, Army of the West, C.S.A.
2nd Liet. Joseph G. Lewis, Co. B, 8th Missouri Cavalry Regiment
Colonel William L. Jeffers, Commander of 8th Missouri Cavalry Regiment
Major General John S. Marmaduke, Division Commander, C.S.A.

You'll notice the Missouri Battle Flag, or Price's Flag as well as the Confederate Battle Flag. That is also my 1853 Enfield rifle laying across the flags. At present, I do not own cavalry weapons, such as pistols or sabers, etc, but am involved in an infantry group, the 26th NC Co. G, at present. That is why the Enfield is shown. But I guess since the 8th MO was largely used as dismounted infantry, some of the guys could have used Enfields in their operations.

Pictures of my ancestors

2007-04-14T21:20:00.000-06:00

Joseph Guild Lewis
2nd Lieutenant Co. B
Paroled 2nd Lieutenant, Commanding, Co. A (combined A & B)
Shreveport, LA 07 Jun 1865

Eli Cooper Lewis
Younger Brother of Joseph G. Lewis
4th Corporal, Company B
Paroled 1st Corporal Co. A (combined A & B)

Shreveport, LA 07 Jun 1865

Remembering My Civil War Ancestors

2007-04-14T20:54:00.000-06:00

Welcome all! This website's aim is initially designed to do several things. First and foremost, it is to honor my direct ancestors who fought in the 8th Missouri Cavalry, Company B, Confederate States of America. Specifically these men were 2nd Lieutenant Joseph Guild Lewis, his younger brother 2nd Corporal Eli Cooper Lewis and Privates Andrew Jackson English and Matthew Holley English. Other relatives include their nephews Christopher Columbus English and Joel R. English, as well as cousins Robert Morrison English and Thomas W. English. These cousins fought mainly in Company F of the 8th Missouri. Also, there is a complete listing of cousins in the sidebar who fought in the 8th Missouri in various companies.

All these men were from Cape Girardeau County, Missouri. I also was born in Cape Girardeau County, so many years later.

But I feel a great respect for their sacrifices that they made to preserve their rights as Missourians. And not just did they do this for themselves, but I believe they went to fight and possibly die (indeed, Matthew H. English did die in 1863) so that their children, grandchildren, and even 3rd great-grandsons, could live in a better world.

For that, I stand in awe and am grateful for their sacrifices for me. Not only will this page help me remember them, but I hope it will help my family, friends, and those I don't yet know, to remember them and the thousands of men like them.

Secondly, I hope this will stand as a forum for all interested in this age to share stories, pictures and ask questions that will aid them and others in the research of their family. Also, I expect there will be those interested in the history of that time. I hope this to be a helpful forum as others visit and post comments.

Lastly, this site will serve as a clearinghouse of like information and items that I find of interest as a student of the Civil War. Myself and family have recently taken up the hobby of reenacting. I expect others that may visit this site to share like interests. So I will post everything from my favorite sutlers, to recent event pictures, to interesting links about the War Between the States, particularly those of the Western Theater.

I look forward to seeing all your posts!

Brent L. Harty and younger brother Nathaniel Joseph Harty, October 2006. Nathaniel's middle name is in honor of
Joseph G. Lewis.

The Harty Family October 2006
James, Bethany, Brent, Thomas, Jacob, Joseph and Emeline. Joseph is name for Joseph G. Lewis as well.

In Remembrance of all Missourians who rallied to fight to defend their State from Yankee Invaders!