[528] to start. We were afraid if we staid till night, they might attack us again, and clean us out. So we started for Cassville, which was about thirty-five miles from Neosho. We travelled about ten miles, and camped in a large prairie, so that if they attacked us we could have a fair chance at them; but they never made their appearance. We reached Cassville last night about five o'clock, having been gone six days instead of three. We had taken about seventy-five prisoners, one hundred horses, twelve or fifteen mules, and shotguns, rifles and pistols in abundance. We were met in town by Major Black, commanding the Thirty-seventh Illinois. They gave us cheer after cheer, until the air was rent with their noise.I forgot to mention some of the incidents of the battle. When they charged on us, Lieut. Williams, myself and two others, were in the lead. We came to an Indian lying down, as we supposed, wounded, but just as we were about to pass on, he raised up and fired at Lieut. Williams, the ball just grazing his head. He turned and shot the savage through the head.
When they ran as we charged on them, about one hundred and fifty of them ran down into the town, thinking we would not fire into the town, but they were mistaken. The Major ordered the cannon to be loaded with round shot and shell and fired into them. The shot passed through the steeple of the church, and wounded some four or five of them. The shell passed through a smoke-house, cutting a side of bacon in two, and killing three and wounding ten or twelve of them. It came near killing a woman.
I have some trophies which I took on the field, which I will send home by Lieut. Brach. The rebel force was headed by Cols. Stainwright and Coffey, and Major Russell.
Yours, etc.,
W. R.
