The following reports are transcribed from the The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume III, Chapter X, pgs 40-41

 

Report of Colonel Robert F. Smith, Sixteenth Illinois Infantry.

HDQRS. SIXTEENTH REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS,
Monroe Station, Mo., July 14, 1861.

SIR: In accordance with your order, on the 8th of this month I left my headquarters at Palmyra, Mo., with Companies F and H, of the Sixteenth Illinois Regiment, and Companies A, F, H, and K, of Third Iowa Regiment, and Company A, of Hannibal Home guard, and one 6-pounder, and proceeded to this place. A heavy rain-storm coming on retarded our further progress. Early on the morning of the 9th I started south in search of the rebel force under Harris. At 4 o'clock p. m., when about 12 miles south of Monroe, our advance guard was fired into by the enemy, concealed in a clump of timber and brush, the first volley severely wounding Captain McAllister, of Company G, Sixteenth Illinois Regiment; also Private Prentiss, of Company A, same regiment, and slightly wounding a private of the Iowa regiment. I immediately ordered a charge, and drove the enemy from their cover. As they were all mounted, it was impossible to follow them farther with advantage. We found one of their men mortally wounded, and have reason to believe several more shot and carried off by their friends, and captured seven horses, saddled and bridled. We made camp near this place for the night.

On the morning of the 10th, having heard rumors of trouble at Monroe Station, moved my command back. On coming in sight of Monroe, found the station outhouses, seventeen passenger and freight cars, and other railroad property in flames, and found the enemy collected to the umber of three or four hundred on our left. On nearing them they began to move off, when I brought forward the field piece and sent a few round shot into their ranks, scattering them in all directions. The only damage done here that I know of was one horse killed.

After coming into Monroe, I took possession of a brick building known as "The Seminary," and inclosed grounds adjoining, its position answering my purpose for defence, if necessary, and the apartments good quarters for the men, who were without tents. During the day we made several advances on the enemy, without being able to get near enough to do much damage.

On the morning of the 11th the enemy began to collect from all quarters, and by noon we were surrounded by from 1,500 to 2,000 men.

At 1 o'clock p. m. they opened fire on us from one 9 and one 6 pounder, at a distance of about a mile. Their firing was very inaccurate, only three shots out of the first twenty-seven striking the building, and they did very little damage, my men being well covered by a breastwork they had thrown up. After throwing the first six shots, they moved their cannon some 400 yards nearer and opened fire. I immediately answered with the 6-pounder, dismounting their smaller gun, which made a general scattering, and caused them to carry their 9-pounder to a safer distance. Their firing from this time had little or no effect.

Much credit is due Captain Fritz, of Company F, Sixteenth Regiment, for the able manner he led his men throughout our little expedition. Also to Gunner Fishbourn, who planted his shot among them every time, but who had to deal sparingly, as he was almost out of shot when we were relieved. I was also much pleased with the officers and men generally for their coolness and obedience to orders throughout.

At 4.30 o'clock p. m. of the 11th a train was seen coming from the east with re-enforcements. It proved to be Major Hays, of my regiment, with Companies D, B, and a, of the Sixteenth Illinois, and one 9-pounder field piece. The enemy now began to move off, and by dark had left the field entirely, since which time they have been skulking about the country in squads, burning wood-piles, small bridges, and culverts, when opportunity offered of doing so without danger.

On the morning of the 12th we were again re-enforced by Colonel Palmer's Fourteenth Regiment, who returned to Quincy to-day, leaving us in a worse position than ever, with the exception that we have more ammunition.

Colonel Palmer brought two brass field pieces with him, which he has again taken away. Something of the kind would be very acceptable here just now, as there is a slight probability of their being useful.

I have the honor to be, very obedient servant,

ROBERT F. SMITH.

Brigadier-General LYON.

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