Head Quarters 77^th Regt O.V.I.

1^st Brigade, 3^d Division,

Arkansas Expedition

Little Rock, Ark., Sept 11, 1863.

 

My very dear Wife

                        We are already in the Capital of the State of Arkansas, having driven Gen. Price and his rebel army from the city yesterday afternoon. We took possession of the city last evening, amid the shouts of our soldiers—and while we could yet hear the thunder of our cannon in the advance was to be plainly heard in pursuit of the retreating rebels going in a South-westerly direction. The majority of the citizens who remain in the city are Union people, and rejoice at our arrival. When we were within an hour's march of the city, and our Cavalry and Light Artillery already on the west side of the river, the rebels set fire to a large gunboat and to several steamboats and railroad cars and left in a great hurry. / They had pontoon bridges across the river, and extensive fortifications on the east side; but when they found that we were marching upon them on both sides of the river, they did not stop long to return our fire. After an hour or two of cannonading, our Cavalry made a charge upon them, driving them from their positions, and capturing a number of pieces of Artillery. We had a few killed—not to exceed a dozen I am informed—and between fifty and seventy-five wounded, mostly of the 10^th Illinois Cavalry. None of the 77^th were hurt.

 

            We have captured a large number of prisoners. Some reports put it at 1500. Our Cavalry and Artillery are still in hot pursuit—sending back prisoners by the hundred. It is believed the rebel army west of the Missippi will be annihilated. They are terribly demoralized, and will hardly be able to make another stand. Nearly half of one Arkansas Brigade deserted them when they left Little Rock. Gen. Mar- / maduke's Division threatened to leave in a body, and go home to Missouri, quit the rebel service and live in peace under the Federal flag, unless Gen. Price released Marmaduke from arrest—in which he had been placed for killing Gen. Walker in a duel.

 

            Sept 12—8 P.M.—We have got notice that a mail leaves in the morning, so I finish the letter I have been keeping open. We have got no letters since we left White river; but are still hoping for some soon. I am in excellent health. We are camped on the river bank, on a sandy plain. It is raining now, and cooling the air finely. I have just heard that our Cavalry has captured 27 wagons and teams, and all the prisoners they know what to do with. We expect to stay in this city a while, and you will direct to Little Rock, Ark., instead of Helena.

 

            I will write you a good long letter after I get yours, and have something to answer. 

 

Col. Mason is much better. He wrote to his wife this evening; so you need not keep his accident a secret.

 

            Lt. Smithson and West and Capt M^cN are well. Also, Capt. Chandler, Lt. Fisher, Lt. Scott and others of your acquaintance. Capt Robinson has been very sick, but is now about well. He was left at Brownsville, given up to die, but is here now.

 

            Col. Mason told Lt. Smithson that when there is a new field officer to appoint, he will recommend me—even if I am not the ranking Captain. I have never said a word to him since Stevens' appointment, on any such subject.

 

            I hope you will not feel lonesome in Marietta while I am gone. Try to be cheerful. Our girls will come to see you often I know. We may be marched soon to Arkadelphia, a place some 75 miles from here towards Texas, where it is said Kirby Smith is penned up, by our troops under Gen. M^cPherson. More likely we will remain here a week or two. The importance of the capture of Little Rock can hardly be overestimated.

 

            We will soon have the railroad from here to Duval's Bluffs in running order, and can then send our mails in two hours where it now takes two days. Write often.

           

Dearest love, as ever yours,               

A. W. M^cC.

SOURCES