Letter, Brig Gen. James Blunt to Lt. Col. Bishop before Elk Horn
Object number2000.035.02
Date1862
Mediumpaper and ink
Dimensions7 3/4 x 10 in. (19.7 x 25.4 cm)
Credit LineOld State House Museum collection
Terms
1st Division Army of the Frontier
Camp Babcock
Nov 15th
7 o'clock
1862
To Comdg. Officer
at Elk Horn
I have reliable information that the enemy are in large force in front of me. Genl. Marmaduke with the advance consisting of 5000 Missouri troops & 4 {?} of artillery was at Rays Mill yesterday morning. Hindman with a large force is coming up from Mulberry Creek to join him and has probably done so before this.
I have chosen a strong position and await their attack. If there force does not exceed 20000 I can fight them sucessfully and I do not think that all the force they can bring against me will reach that number. They evidently intend to make a desperate effort to enter Missouri. They are now {?} three excelent [sic] mills this side of the M(?) [river?] from which they sustain themselves. If I had sufficient force I would attack them there but I cannot do it {?} safely and protect my transportation. If they were drawn from their mills they would be compelled to retreat across the M(?) [river?] which would be equivalent to disbanding their Army, at least the Missouri portion of it. I have no doubt they meditate an attack upon me in superior(?) force but I am fully prepared to meet them and shall not retreat one inch. I {?} you to scout thoroughly in the direction of Elm Spring, Fayetteville and White River. And keep me advised of all information you may obtain relating to the movements of the enemy. My camp is located on Lindsey P(?) 14 miles south of Maysoille(?) on the line road.
You will immediately telegraph copy of this communication to Genl. Schofield.
Respectfully your obediant servant
James Blunt, Brig Genl
Commdg
Status
Not on view
November 22, 1862
November 5, 1864
October 20, 1864
February 23, 1865