Col. Sanders
1st Arkansas Battalion

Sir,
It is my honor to provide this report on the recently completed
operations in the Indian Territories on the 11th and 12th, this
instant. The battalion fought three engagements over the two days and I
had to privilege of commanding the left wing. Early on the 11th the
battalion moved into an area in the Indian Territory where it had been
reported that Rebel forces had be seen. As the battalion advanced
across an open field we came under fire from a woodline to our right.
The Right Wing was sent to the right and my wing was sent further to
the left. This movement took us up a slight rise and we encountered a
fence row along which skimishers had taken station. We advanced and
engaged these people and forced them to withdraw. We were able to gain
control of a gate through which my wing advanced. We immediately moved
to our right to let our cavalry advance. While they engaged the
recently departed enemy I spied Rebel forces to my right front. I had
my wing extend their line and move across a dry creekbed and into the
woods. We continued our advance firing as we went and forcing the enemy
to continue his withdraw. Our forward progress was hindered by the
thick woods but I was aware that our sister battalion had moved onto
our left flank and was under heavy fire. I soon found the main Rebel
force but had a major obstacle before me. I was able to find away
across and took part of my force forward and engaged enemy skirmishers.
A part of my force was attacking to my left after they had turned over
several captured Rebels to our follow on forces. The men with me were
forced to withdraw but were able to move to our left, marry up with the
rest of my wing, now in skimisher order, and advance. As we moved
forward the Right Wing under LTC Griggs made its appearence on our
right and was pushing hard towards the Rebel's main body. The enemy
forces to my front continued to fall back towards their main body.
Fighting soon ended and we moved to a bivouac site. Our casualties were
slight and were soon returned to duty.
After a short rest the battalion once again moved out behind our
sister battalion. Soon our cavalry was engaged and we were placed in
line of battle and advance across and open field and over a slight
rise. We were soon able to see the entire Rebel force blocking the road
with infantry, cavalry, and artillary. Our artillary was soon engaged
as was our cavalry and the order for our continued advance was given.
We moved down hill under heavy fire and I was forced several times to
refuse our left as Rebel cavalry threatened it. Our advance was not to
be stopped and the fighting intensified. After several attempts to
hold, the enemy made an attempt to escape along the road it had been
blocking. I recieved permission from COL. Sanders to take the Left Wing
to cut this attemp off. My wing responded to my orders quickly and at
the double quick we were able to cut off thier retreat. I wish to
commend, in particular, the 22nd Ark. for its rapid responce to this
movement. With the battlefield ours we established our camp and made
preperations for the next day. We were sure the Rebel's were not
through fighting and we wanted to be ready.
Sunday dawned and after a restful morning we were called to arms when
our cavalry was again attacked by the Rebels. We were soon in line of
battle and the 1st Ark Bn advanced upon an enemy force supported by at
least five cannon and a sizable cavalry force. We were forced to attack
uphill and after a short fight withdrew towards our sister battalion
who were placed on our left. The entire line attacked and took many
casualties and was forced back onto our lone cannon. We continued to
fight but were also forced to give ground time and time again. My last
orders were to take my wing to a ditch on my left which I did. Our
sister battalion also moved into the ditch on my left and our Right
Wing moved onto my right and with our remaining force we engaged in a
fierce struggle. We lost many a good soldier that day but I am sure we
will recover our strength to fight another day.
I wish to commend the Left Wing of our battalion as they were able to
respond quickly and without hesitation to all orders I gave them. Finer
soldiers are not to be found anywhere and it was an honor to command
them.
Your most humble servant,
Major David N. Alexander
1st Arkansas Battalion