Matthew Arthur, Signal Quartermaster, United States steamer Carondelet, at the reduction of Forts Henry and Donelson, February sixth and fourteenth, 1862, and other actions, most faithfully, effectively, and valiantly performed all the duties of a Signal Quartermaster and captain of rifled bow-gun, and conspicuous for valor and devotion.

and company K, Captain Whiting, and company pleasant, cheerful way of fighting, losing few G, Lieutenant Lampson, with a detachment of shots and inspiring his gun's crew with his mancompany B, under Lieutenant Parker, and a de- ner. tachment of company A, under Lieutenant Trowbridge. As they were about to embark, the rebels dashed down upon them with a force five hundred strong, consisting of cavalry and infantry. A brisk skirmish ensued, and braver men never used a musket than our boys proved themselves to be on that occasion. They fought with admirable bravery, and the rebels fled before them. The extent of the damage to the rebel side is not yet known. Our troops then embarked, and we proceeded down the river about a mile and a half, and then encountered another battery of four guns, which opened a brisk fire upon us. Two balls struck the John Adams, one of which killed two men. The Enoch Dean was struck seventeen times with shot and shell, beside the grape and canister. The boats then proceeded back to Beaufort. The rebel lieutenant who was captured was taken by a negro, who, after firing his gun without effect, seized the horse by the bridle, and with his other hand grasped firmly the rebel, who was armed with sabre and carbine, and pulled him off his horse.

Doc. 29.

MEDALS OF HONOR TO SEAMEN.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 10, 1863.

GENERAL ORDER, No. 17.

John Mackie, Corporal of Marines, United States steamer Galena, in the attack on Fort Darling, at Drury's Bluff, James River, May fifteenth, 1862, particularly mentioned for his gallant conduct and services and signal acts of devotion to duty.

Matthew McClelland, first-class fireman; Joseph E. Vantine, first-class fireman; John Rush, first-class fireman; John Hickman, second-class fireman, United States steamer Richmond, in the attack on the Port Hudson batteries, March fourteenth, 1863, when the fire-room and other parts of the ship were filled with hot steam from injury to the boiler by a shot, these men, from the first moment of the casualty, stood firmly at their posts, and were conspicuous in their exertions to remedy the evil by hauling the fires from the injured boiler-the heat being so great from the combined effects of fire and steam that they were compelled, from mere exhaustion, to relieve each other every few minutes until the work was accomplished.

Robert Anderson, Quartermaster in the United States steamers Crusader and Keokuk, exhibited in the former vessel, on all occasions, in various skirmishes and fights, the greatest intrepidity and devotion. In the latter vessel, during the attack on Charleston, was stationed at the wheel, and when the shot penetrated, scattering the iron, desired to cover his commanding officer with his

THE following-named petty officers and others have been recommended to the Department, agreeably to the requirements of General Order No. 10, of April third, 1863, in such terms as, in the opinion of the Secretary of the Navy, to entitle them to the "Medal of Honor," authorized by an act of Congress approved December twen-person. ty-first, 1861, to be bestowed upon "such petty officers, seamen, and marines as shall most distinguish themselves by gallantry in action and other seamanlike qualities during the war."

George Bell, captain of the after-guard, United States frigate Santee, was pilot of the boat engaged in cutting out the rebel armed schooner Royal Yacht from Galveston Bay, November seventh, 1861, and evinced more coolness in passing the four forts and the rebel steamer General Rusk than was ever before witnessed by his commanding officer. Although severely wounded in the encounter, displayed extraordinary courage under the most painful and trying circumstances. William Thompson, Signal Quartermaster, United States steamer Mohican, in the action at Hilton Head, November seventh, 1861, steered the ship with a steady hand and a bold heart under the batteries; was wounded by a piece of shell, but remained at his station until he fell from loss of blood. Leg since amputated.

John Williams, Boatswain's Mate, United States steamer Mohican, in the action at Hilton Head, November seventh, 1861. Captain of eleven-inch gun; was conspicuous for his cool courage, and

Peter Howard, Boatswain's Mate; Andrew Brinn, seaman; P. R. Vaughn, Sergeant of Marines, United States steamer Mississippi, in the attack on the Port Hudson batteries, night of March fourteenth, 1863. Commended for zeal and courage displayed in the performance of unusual and trying services, whilst the vessel was aground and exposed to a heavy fire.

Samuel Woods, seamen, United States steamer Minnesota, but temporarily on board the United States steamer Mount Washington, Nansemond River, April fourteenth, 1863, fought his gun with the most determined courage; plunged into the stream and endeavored to save a shipmate who had been knocked overboard by a shell, and was conspicuous for his tender care of the wounded.

Henry Thielberg, seaman, United States steamer Minnesota, but temporarily on board the United States steamer Mount Washington, Nansemond River, April fourteenth, 1863, conducted himself with the highest coolness and courage, and volunteered to go upon the pilot-house to watch the movements of the enemy, which position he did not leave until ordered down, although the

*

balls flew thick around him, and three struck be transmitted upon application being made within a few inches of his head. through their commanding officers respectively. GIDEON WELLES,

Robert B. Wood, Cockswain, United States steamer Minnesota, but temporarily on board the United States steamer Mount Washington, Nansemond River, April fourteenth, 1863, behaved with a courage and coolness that could not be surpassed; did not leave his post, although he had received a severe contusion on the head from a partially spent ball, and ventured in an open boat to carry a hawser under a heavy fire.

Robert Jourdan, Cockswain, United States steamor Minnesota, but temporarily on board the United States steamer Mount Washington, Nansemond River, April fourteenth, 1863. Performed every duty with the utmost coolness and courage, and showed an unsurpassed devotion to the service. Thomas W. Hamilton, Quartermaster, United States steamer Cincinnati, in an attack on the Vicksburgh batteries, May twenty-seventh, 1863, was severely wounded while at the wheel, but afterward returned to "lend a hand," and had to be sent below.

Frank Bois, Quartermaster, United States steamer Cincinnati, in an attack on the Vicksburgh batteries, May twenty-seventh, 1863. Coolness in making signals, and in nailing the flag to the stump of the forestaff under a heavy fire.

Thomas Jenkins, seaman; Martin McHugh, seaman; Thomas E. Corcoran, landsman; Henry Dow, Boatswain's Mate, United States steamer Cincinnati, in an attack on the Vicksburgh batteries, May twenty-seventh, 1863. All conspicuous for coolness and bravery under a severely accurate fire. "These were no ordinary cases of performance of duty."

John Woon, Boatswain's Mate, United States steamer Pittsburgh, in an engagement with the batteries at Grand Gulf, April twenty-ninth, 1863, had been confined to his hammock several days from sickness, yet insisted on and took command of the gun of which he was captain, fought it for over two hours, and only left it when no longer able to stand. Conduct uniformly good.

Secretary of the Navy.

Doc. 30.

FIGHT AT CABIN CREEK, I. T.

A NATIONAL ACCOUNT.

LEAVENWORTH, KANSAS, Monday, July 20, 1863. THE news from the district of the frontier is quite cheering. We hope soon to have intelligence of that triumph which has always followed in the path of General Blunt. A small Federal force has gained quite a triumph over a rebel command of equal numbers, posted in a very advantageous position.

Let me give the particulars as I glean them from letters and persons who were eye-witnesses to the conflict, and such knowledge of the ground as I possess.

A subsistence train with paymasters and sutlers, numbering over three hundred wagons in all, left Fort Scott for Colonel Phillips's command, at Fort Blunt, on or about the twenty-fifth ultimo. The escort consisted of three companies of the Third Wisconsin cavalry, one company Sixth Kansas cavalry, company I, Ninth Kansas cavalry, Captain Stewart, (escort to the paymasters,) and six companies of the Second Colorado volunteer infantry, a part of which was temporarily mounted on horses and mules, being taken to Fort Blunt for the purpose of replacing the stock captured several weeks since in the rebel attack upon Phillips's position. The Colorado volunteers were under Lieutenant-Colonel Dodd, and train escort under Captain Moore, Third Wisconsin. This force, with the centre section of the Second Kansas battery, Captain Smith, and a twelve-pound mountain howitzer attached to the cavalry, numbering about eight hundred men, composed the escort. At Neosho, Mo., they were met by Major Forman, Third regiment Christopher Brennen, seaman, United States Indiana brigade, with five hundred Indians, sent steamer Mississippi, (but belonging to the Colo- by Colonel Phillips to escort the train. rado,) in the capture of Forts St. Philip and Jack-ter's Spring, the First regiment Kansas colored volson, and New-Orleans, April twenty-fourth and unteers, with two guns, served by detailed negro twenty-fifth, 1862, by his courageous example to soldiers, under Captain A. J. Armstrong, comthose around him, attracted the particular atten- pany D, joined the train. The regiment numbers tion of his commanding officer; was the life and eight hundred men, under Colonel J. M. Williams. soul of the gun's crew. By the way, the guns attached to the regiment and now served by the negroes, were formerly used by the rebels against us, being a couple of those captured by Grant at Fort Donelson. This addition made our force about one thousand six hundred strong, with four twelve-pounders, two of them rifled, and two howitzers, Major Forman's command having brought one.

Edward Ringold, Cockswain, United States steamer Wabash, in the engagement at Pocataligo, October twenty-second, 1862, solicited permission to accompany the howitzer corps, and performed his duty with such gallantry and presence of mind as to attract the attention of all around him. Knowing there was a scarcity of ammunition, he came up through the whole line of fire with his "shirt slung over his shoulders and filled with fixed ammunition, which he had brought two miles from the rear."

A Medal of Honor" is accordingly awarded to each of the persons above named, which will

At Bax

On the thirtieth of June the train reached a point seven miles from Cabin Creek, a branch of the Grand, on Neosho River. The advance, composed of the Indians, came suddenly upon a scouting-party of thirty Texans. A fight ensued. The rebels stood their ground, not seeing any

force but Indians. After the loss of three killed, four wounded, and three captured, they concluded to leave, which they did before our reenforcements arrived.

From the prisoners we learned that Colonel Stand Waitie, the Cherokee rebel leader, with one thousand two hundred men, about half of whom were Texans and the remainder Indians, was posted on the south bank of Cabin Creek, in a most advantageous position. From this information and other we learned that the movement had been planned for the purpose of cutting off this train. Stand Waitie crossed the Arkansas River, above the mouths of the Grand and Verdigris Rivers, and took position at the Creek. General Cabell was to and did leave Arkansas with two thousand men and six guns, and moving across the Territory, until he got in the rear of our train, which Stand Waitie was to hold at the crossing of Cabin Creek. The plan was well laid, but sufficient margin was not made for contingencies. Cabell got to the Grand River on the night of the thirtieth ultimo, but was not able to cross on account of the high water.

After the picket fight the train encamped for the night. Colonel Williams sent scouting-parties forward to the creek. They found the rebel pickets strongly posted in the timber on the north of the creek. The main body were very advantageously posted behind high banks on the south side. The timber is about a mile across, the larger portion being on the north.

regiment moved on the double-quick to the creek, and under the fire of the opposing forces dashed into the stream with their Colonel at the head. But they could not cross; the stream was too deep. The men followed their leader till they commenced to swim, when Colonel Williams reluctantly ordered them to fall back. All the time, while the bullets spattered on the water like hail, the negroes preserved the most perfect order, and re-formed on the bank of the creek.

The remainder of the day was consumed in skirmishing, with occasional shelling of the rebel position. On the morning of the second, the stream having fallen considerably in the night, it was determined to attempt the crossing. Major Forman assumed command of the party, which consisted of the Indians, five companies of the colored regiment, the mounted men of the Colorado Second, and Captain Stewart's company, Ninth Kansas. They moved down to the creek, and, under cover of the shells and musketry, prepared to cross. Major Forman, followed by Captain Gritz, of the Third Indian, advanced into the stream, with the view of ascertaining its depth. In the attempt, he was severely wounded in the back and neck.

Colonel Williams took command of the column, and, at the head of the troops, dashed into the stream. The water was above the waist of the infantry, yet the men, holding their guns and cartridge-boxes above their heads, followed their gallant leader, who, with waving sword and ringOn the morning of the first of July, the training shouts, was cheering on his men. They got advanced to the edge of the timber and corraled. across with little loss, and charged on the rebel The cavalry was pressed forward, and a portion position. They fled from the centre precipiof the First colored regiment deployed as skir-tously when the negroes and Colorado boys mishers. The north side of the river was found charged, leaving arms and accoutrements scatterclear, but when the troops reached the streamed as they went. To Captain Stewart was inthe fire became so warm as to cause the cavalry to fall back hastily. The skirmishers, taking positions behind trees, etc., continued the fight. The negroes made their mark, and whenever a head showed they blazed away. Their fire had effect, according to the report of the prisoners taken on the next day. The stream was deep and swift, and the crossing under the heavy rebel fire impracticable. The artillery was placed in position, a section on each flank and the howitzers in the centre. The south bank was then shelled, the fire being rapid and heavy. Under this shelling and the effective fire of the colored skirmishers, Colonel Williams directed the advance of the Third Wisconsin cavalry, for the purpose of attempting the crossing of the stream.

trusted the attack on the right of the enemy's position, where their fire was the best sustained. As our cavalry advanced, the enemy fell back from the timber to the edge of the prairie, when they fired as our men advanced. The Texans numbered four hundred, and their firing was deadly and rapid. Captain Stewart, ordering his men to draw revolvers and reserve their fire, rode rapidly upon the foe. His whole force was less than one hundred. When within thirty or forty yards, the order to fire was given, and volley after volley came crashing from their heavy dragoon Colts. On they rode, and the Texans fled in disorder, leaving eighteen dead, and three prisoners. The wounded got off. Captain Stewart had fifteen men wounded and two killed in that dashing charge. Five of the negroes were severely wounded, and this, with Major Forman's wound, completed our casualties. Forty of the enemy were buried on the field, and nine prisonniggers or In-ers taken. These stated that three wagons juns" to do the work. But in obedience to or- were loaded with those wounded by our shells, ders he started out to the bank of the creek, and and removed the night before. About half the hastily retreated under the sharp fire of the ene- force had fallen back, and the Texans, numbermy. On reporting to Colonel Williams, that ing seven hundred, were left to contest our adofficer, who is well known as brave even to rash-vance.

A little incident occurred at this stage, showing the pluck and elan of the negro soldiers. The officer in command of the troopers was a ProSlavery Democrat, and thought it would be more appropriate to send "the

ness, declared that "he would find men to make The enemy's position was found to be formi the attempt." Five companies of the colored dable, and well chosen for its purpose. The

After the customary smoking with the chiefs, and a grand dance by men and squaws, I ordered the distribution among them of a small quantity of bacon, flour, and sugar. The conference was With the design of finding a practicable route satisfactory, and the exhibition of the force at for a wagon-road through some pass in the mounmy command in that far-off region, as well as our tains, whereby a more direct course could be made, safe march through a country rarely travelled by I sent Lieutenant Clark with a detachment of whites, had a good effect. I learned from them twenty-five men, with five days' rations, and orthat Pocotello, the great chief of the hostile Sho-ders to cross the Blackfoot near its source at the shones, had gone a large distance off on the Lower Snake, probably in the vicinity of the Humboldt, and that Sagnitch, one of the leaders, who escaped wounded from the battle of Bear River, was somewhere in the south, near the Mormon settlements of Cache Valley, and San Pitch was still further east.

The region immediately about the Snake River, at this ferry (which is about ten miles east of old The site was surveyed immediately east of the Fort Hall) is a dry, barren, sand plain, the road Springs, as was, also, one square mile for a milito the ferry being exceedingly heavy and difficult tary reservation, adjoining on the east the town to travel. Grass, of tolerable quality and quan-site, in latitude about forty-two and a half degrees