posted2/23/04 Col.
Huckabee Commander
1st Arkansas battalion
Sir, I have the misfortune to inform you that in your absence
the
battalion was unable to repel an advance of the enemy near
Round Mountain, Indian Territory. Command of the battalion fell
to
me with the unfortunate delay of yourself and and Ltc. Sanders.
The commanders of the 16th Ark, 22nd Ark, and 26th Tex
Dismounted Cav agreed to serve under my command. The enemy,
whose size was not known, advanced towards our location and I
was forced to move the battalion forward to meet them. Our first
indication of the enemies presence was the sound of fire along
the
skimish line I placed forward of the battalion. This consisted
of the
26th Tex. The opening rounds were quickly followed with the
sound of artillary fire! The artillary at this point was inaffective.
My
line of march was the 15th Ark, 16th Ark, and the 22nd Ark. I
was
able to detremine that the enemy skimishers were being pushed
into an open field and ordered the 22nd Ark to move to our right
and find the enemies flank. It was reported to me about this time
that the skmishers were Cherokee Indian Scouts and they put up
a stubborn fight. The 26th Tex did accomplish moving the enemy
into the open and the 22nd Ark hit and rolled up their flank.
This
silenced the artillary. The 2nd Ark moved past the three artillary
pices and into a stand of woods. I moved the remaining two
companies forward into the field and awaited developments.
The 22nd Ark received heavy fire once in the woods and I moved
the 15th Ark forward to their right in support. A lively fight
soon
developed and the 22nd and 15th were pushed back into the field.
I placed them on the right of the 16th. The 26th secured our left
flank and two gun artillary section supported from our rear. The
enemy infantry supported by his indian scouts moved up to his
artillary support and poured a devestating fire into my ranks.
I
was forced to begin a gradual withdrawl to the south. During this
movement I received heavy pressure on my left and reposisitoned
the 22nd to the left of the 26th who were taking many casualties
were soon rendered inaffective and forced to withdraw. This
opened a gap in my battle line that the enemy was able to exploit
and I was again forced to withdraw and leave the field in the
hands
of the enemy. I wish to commend the commanders and men of all
the companies of the battalion under my command this day. They
exacuted all commands given with speed and agressiveness that
is the trademark of the 1st Arkansas Battalion. I could not have
asked for men to command.
I remain you most humble servant,
Capt. David N. Alexander
Commanding, 1st Arkansas Battalion
