Col. Huckabee
1st Ark Bn
Indian Territory
Sir,
It is my honor to provide you with an account of the actions
of A Company NW 15th Ark on the 26th and 27th, this
instant. As you are aware the battalion was deep within the
Indian Territories a few miles north of the Canadian River.
While there we encountered enemy infantry supported by
cavalry and artillery. Our first engagement occurred while
my company was placed forward of the column as skirmishers.
We advanced across an open field and came under intense
fire from a wood line. I advanced my company while LTC
Sanders moved the 22nd Ark to our left and on line with us.
We were able to push this small cavalry force and we
continued our advance. We forced our way through a gap
in the trees and crossed terrain deeply cut by creeks. The
men maintained their skirmish order under very adverse
conditions and we continued to force the enemy to fall back.
As we continued our advance we heard gun fire off to our
right and soon received orders to move in that direction.
I put forward a section of skirmishers and kept the remainder
of my company together and we double quicked to the
sound of action. We were able to come upon the flank of
a section of enemy artillery that COL. Huckabee and the
remainder of the battalion was attacking and aided in the
capture of these guns. No sooner was this action over than
we received fire from an infantry unit and changed our front
to meet this new threat. Soon the entire battalion was
spread out in line and firing on this new force. COL.
Huckabee ordered me to take the 16th Ark and advance
through a wooded area and attack this force. My company
and the 16th Ark quickly made this move and came out of
the woods in front of a cannon that was unable to fire on us.
We captured this gun while to our right other
elements of the battalion captured another gun and turned it
on the enemy force firing on us. I ordered my combined
command forward and soon noticed the remainder of the
battalion doing the same. After a brisk fight the enemy
withdrew and we were ordered back to the trees we had
advanced through. With tired men, short on water and
ammunition, this respite was welcome. At this point COL.
Prater came over to my command and commended the
men on how well they moved during the recently completed
action. Unfortunately the enemy force returned and our
battalion was forced to yield the ground we had fought so
hard to take. We knew, however, that we would soon meet
his enemy again.
We were soon moving again with my company first in line of
march. As we advanced we spied an enemy force to our
front and maneuvered to meet him. Expecting the enemy to
await our attack we were surprised when he attacked us.
Making good use of his cavalry and artillery in support of his
nfantry our battalion was forced to give ground time and time
again. My company executed all orders correctly and
quickly but to no avail. We were forced to withdraw after
breaking contact with this well led enemy force, leaving
them in possession of the field.
The following morning, after a rousing speech by GEN. Beck,
our battalion advanced once again in order to find and
defeat the enemy force who had proved our equal the day
before. My company was ordered forward as skirmishers
and again we had the honor to lead the battalion. We were
soon under fire from the enemy drawn up in line of battle and
once again supported by artillery and cavalry. LTC. Sanders
moved the 22nd Ark to our right and placed them in
skirmish order and the entire wing advanced. To our left,
the right wing, under MAJ. Griggs, advanced in line of battle.
Our cavalry maneuvered across the battlefield keeping the
enemies cavalry away from us for the most part. The
artillery of the enemy, while numerous, was ineffective on this
day and our advance was relentless. My company over ran
a section of guns but pressed on as we knew the enemy
was off balance and had to be kept moving. In short order
the field was ours and the enemy was in full retreat.
I cannot express the pride I have for my soldiers. Space
does not permit me to place all tier names in this report.
Suffice it to say every soldier fought above and beyond the
call of duty during the two day engagement with a
determined enemy force.
I remain, your humble servant,
Captain David N. Alexander
Commanding, A Company
NW 15th Ark Vol Infantry
