Ladies & Gents-
I am helping a friend with some research on the 3rd Iowa Cavalry at the Battle of Pea Ridge. He is wanting to read a 24 page piece written on the battle by Cyrus Bussey called "Pea Ridge Considered" written by him in 1905 for MOLLUS. It is out of print and very hard to find apparently.
An on-line search says the following institutions (see list below) have the piece but they are quite a distance from where I live. Would anyone here be able to photocopy or scan the article for me? Or perhaps someone with more research abilities than myself know where it is and send me a link to the article. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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Wheaton College - Buswell Library
Buswell Memorial Library
Wheaton, IL 60187 United States
Expired Image Removed Book286 miles
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2.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Ottenheimer Library
Little Rock, AR 72204 United States
Expired Image Removed Book476 miles
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3.
Western Reserve Historical Society
Research Library
Cleveland, OH 44106 United States
Expired Image Removed Book621 miles
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4.
Library of Congress
Washington, DC 20540 United States
Expired Image Removed Book895 miles
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5.
United States Military Academy
USMA Library
West Point, NY 10996 United States
Expired Image Removed Book1000 miles
Library infoAdd to favorites
6.
Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens
Your friend probably already has this, but just in case:
Pea Ridge, AR after action report:
No. 12.
Report of Col. Cyrus Bussey, Third Iowa Cavalry.
HEADQUARTERS THIRD IOWA CAVALRY,
Pea Ridge, Ark., March 14, 1862.
SIR: I have to report that, in compliance with orders received from
you, I, on the morning of the 7th instant, proceeded with Companies A,
B, C, D, and M, of the Third Iowa Cavalry, under command of
Lieut.-Col. Trimble, numbering 235 men and officers; the Benton
Hussars, under command of Col. Nemett ; four companies of the First
Missouri Cavalry, under command of Col. Ellis; two companies of
the Fremont Hussars, under command of Lieut. Howe, and three
guns of Capt. Elbert's battery, from your camp, towards Leetown, to
attack the advancing column of the enemy, myself and the force under
my command acting in connection with the infantry and artillery of
Gen. Osterhaus' brigade, and subject to his command. My column
left camp in advance of the other force of Gen. Osterhaus at about
9.30 o'clock a. m., and proceeded cautiously west about a mile and a
half to a large open field beyond Leetown, and which was about a
quarter of a mile wide from east to west and running south about 2
miles, but which was intersected by fences, dividing it into smaller
fields. The field first entered by my force was surrounded on the east,
north, and west by a thick wood of small oaks and underbrush. Here
I sent two companies of the First Missouri Cavalry to reconnoiter the
woods surrounding this field. At the same time, about 2 miles to the
south, the wagon train of the enemy could be seen moving in the direction
of Bentonville. As my immediate command was proceeding across
this field in a westerly course Gen. Osterhaus in person overtook us,
and immediately ordered the three guns to the front, they having up to
this time been in rear of the First Missouri and Third Iowa Cavalry.
We advanced in this new order across the field and entered the woods
on the west side by a narrow road going west. Following this road
about a quarter of a mile we came upon a small prairie extending 300
yards west and about 150 yards wide to the north. On the south open
fields under fence extended for a quarter of a mile to the west. This
prairie was surrounded on the north and west by timber and low brush.
At this point we came in full view of the enemy's cavalry passing
along about a half mile distant to the north. No other force being discovered,
the three guns were immediately advanced by Gen. Osterhaus,
who was present and in command, about 200 yards, and immediately
opened fire on the cavalry of the enemy on the road to the northwest.
One company of the First Missouri Cavalry was in line of battle on
the left of the guns and one company of the same troops on the right.
The companies of the Third Iowa Cavalry were formed in line of battle
in rear of the guns, parallel with the road and facing to the north.
While forming the Benton Hussars in line on the right of the Third
Iowa Cavalry and facing the west, I was ordered by Gen. Osterhans
to send two companies of the Third Iowa Cavalry down the road to the
west, to charge the enemy's line at a point supposed to be about a half
mile distant. This order was communicated by me to Lieut.-Col.
Trimble, who immediately advanced with columns of fours, which
was necessary, the road leading along a fence on the south and thick
brush and woods being on the north. The Benton Hussars were now
in line about 100 yards to the right and rear of the battery of three
guns, and the Fremont Hussars were yet in column of fours at the edge
of the prairie, having just arrived on the ground. The Third Iowa
Cavalry galloped down the road, and going beyond the edge of the
woods or timber on the west side of the prairie they unexpectedly found
themselves in front of several lines of infantry heretofore unseen, and
who were drawn up in line to the front and right of our men, at short
musket range. This large force I afterwards learned from rebel officers
who were taken prisoners was the divisions of McCulloch, McIntosh,
and Pike, and consisted of several regiments of Arkansas, Louisiana,
and Texas troops, who were concentrating there, evidently intending to
attack your camp from the direction of Leetown.
The companies of the Third Iowa Cavalry were immediately wheeled
into line facing the enemy, it being impossible for them to advance in
column farther, when they at once received a deadly fire from the near
and overwhelming numbers of the foe, who were also partly concealed
and protected by the woods and brush. A large number of my men and
horses were here killed and wounded, and Lieut.-Col. Trimble,
at the head of the column, was severely wounded in the head. This fire
was returned by the Third Iowa Cavalry from their revolvers with
considerable effect.
Just at this moment a large force of the enemy's cavalry charged
from the north upon different portions of our cavalry line, and, passing
through the lines, went into the fields in our rear. The Third Iowa
Cavalry companies now charged this cavalry force, and an exciting running
cavalry fight ensued between these forces, the enemy fleeing and being
pursued by my men to the south. The enemy was followed in this direction
by the Third Iowa Cavalry alone to the brush on the other side
of the large open fields. The loss of the enemy in this running fight
was very heavy, and estimated by me, from the most reliable information
I have been able to obtain, at 82.
In this same charge of the enemy's cavalry a portion of them came
in the direction of the three guns, and the companies of the First Missouri
Cavalry being compelled to give way, I ordered the Benton Hussars
to charge, which they failed to do, but fell back. The Fremont Hussars
being in rear and not in position, were compelled to give way. The guns
were thus left unsupported, and were taken by the enemy and burned.
These cavalry forces, failing to rally, fell back through the woods to the
large open fields through which we had first marched, when they met
the infantry and artillery of Gen. Osterhaus in line of battle. Being
left on the field of the first action without any force (the cavalry in
reserve having failed to obey my orders), I followed to the open field,
where I found two companies of the First Missouri Cavalry being
formed in line by Maj. Hubbard. After seeing the cavalry mentioned
in line, I sent Adjutant Noble, who had remained with me on the field
during the whole time, to bring up the companies of the Third Iowa
Cavalry to our new position, they having pursued the enemy through
the fields as above stated and not yet made their appearance. He soon
returned with all the companies, having met them coming in perfect
order to the place desired, the companies having returned towards the
camping ground, Maj. Perry being in command (Lieut.-Col.
Trimble having been wounded early in the engagement, as heretofore
mentioned). The enemy immediately advanced to the western edge of
the field in which our new position was taken, when a general engagement
ensued. At this time I ordered the First Missouri Cavalry to
take position on the extreme left in the woods, which was on the east of
our main position. A force of the enemy made their appearance here,
evidently attempting to turn our left flank. I sent the Third Iowa
Cavalry to support Col. Ellis. When our force appeared the enemy
withdrew, were followed by Col. Ellis about 2 miles, and did not
again show themselves in this quarter. The Benton Hussars and Fremont
Hussars, having reformed, remained on the field to the left of the
batteries until the close of the engagement, having, however, been several
times sent to ascertain the position of the enemy. This duty they
performed satisfactorily. The Third Iowa Cavalry were then formed
in line of battle immediately in rear of the artillery, and maintained
this position until the close of the action, when they were ordered to
conduct a battery to re-enforce Gen. Carr, who was still engaged on
the right. I went with them, leaving the remainder of the cavalry force
under command of Gen. Osterhaus. This was at 5 o'clock p. m.
The accompanying report of the killed, missing, and wounded of the
Third Iowa Cavalry is hereby referred to as a part of this report.* The
loss of the other forces will be reported to you by their immediate
commanders. The three guns, after falling into the hands of the enemy,
were not spiked nor taken from the field, and have been recovered,
except the carriages, which had been burned, as heretofore mentioned.
On reporting to Gen. Carr, in pursuance of the order requiring me
to do so, my companies took position on the right in rear of our batteries,
where we remained until after the darkness of night closed the
action of the 7th.
On the morning of the 8th, pursuant to order, I went with my command,
now being the five companies of the Third Iowa Cavalry, into the
field on the road leading to the Elkhorn Tavern, and was then ordered
to take position on the right flank, where the enemy was expected to
attack. This position was held by my command, with other cavalry
Forces, until the retreat of the enemy after the middle of the day.
In pursuance of your direct order, my command, at 2 o'clock p. m.,
started in pursuit of the enemy towards Keetsville, on the road leading
east, and continued to be thus engaged until night. I took 59 prisoners,
with some horses and arms, on this expedition. Among the prisoners
was Maj. Rucker, First Missouri Volunteers, who was slightly wounded.
On the morning of the 9th I proceeded, in command of the Third Iowa
Cavalry companies, Bowen's cavalry, with four pieces of mountain
howitzers, and one battalion of First Missouri Cavalry, under command
of Maj. Hubbard, on the road to Bentonville. After advancing on
the Bentonville road about 6 miles I found where the enemy had encamped
the night before in large force. We followed on until I reached
Bentonville, near which place we overtook a party of the cavalry of
the enemy, who fired upon us and fled. My advance guard pursued,
killing 1 man. We reached Bentonville at 2 o'clock p. m., and entered
the town. Seeing a small party of cavalry at some distance beyond the
town in the brush, I ordered Maj. Bowen to fire on them
with the howitzers. Two shots were fired, the enemy retreating in
great haste. Here we learned the enemy in force had left the town a
few hours before our arrival, taking the road leading to Elm Springs.
The horses of my command having been for three days without anything
to eat, it was not possible to pursue the enemy farther. Therefore,
having seen to the wounded who had been left in the town, I
returned to camp. There were taken on this expedition about 50 prisoners,
with some horses and arms. This march, close upon the heels
of a force largely superior in numbers to our own, was not unattended
with great risk, and I have to express my admiration for the promptness
with which my commands were obeyed by all the troops and for
their general good soldierly conduct.
In conclusion, I beg leave to express my satisfaction with the conduct
of my own men, who, in their first action, having been the first
and most directly of the cavalry forces engaged with the enemy, and
suffered a severe loss from a near and unexpected fire, yet evinced
great coolness and courage in their attack upon the foe; and although
the loss of my command is greater in proportion to my force than perhaps
any other engaged, being 24 killed, 17 wounded, and 9 missing
out of 235 men and officers, yet it was retaliated upon the rebels by
loss to them of double the number. You will perceive that 8 of my
men were scalped. That their brave comrades, fighting in support of
our national banner, the emblem of all that is good and great in the
present civilization of the world, should thus be butchered and mangled
by rebel savages has excited among my men an indignation that
will, I assure you, exhibit itself on every field where they may in future
be allowed to engage the enemy, in a relentless determination to put
down the flag that calls to its support bands of rapacious and murdering
Indian mercenaries.
I have to acknowledge valuable assistance rendered me on the 7th
by Adjt. John W. Noble, who acted that day as my aide, and of the officers
who came under my notice I mention Capt. T. I. McKenny, assistant
adjutant-general, of your staff, whose conduct was that of a general,
and a brave one, and whose valuable service contributed, in my
opinion, much to the success of our arms at the battle of Leetown.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CYRUS BUSSEY,
Col., Third Iowa Cavalry.
Maj. Gen. SAMUEL R. CURTIS,
Commanding Army of the Southwest.
The killed were buried on Saturday, after the battle was over and
the pursuit ended. Hearing it reported by my men that several of the
killed had been found scalped, I had the dead exhumed, and on personal
examination I found that it was a fact beyond dispute that 8 of
the killed of my command had been scalped. The bodies of many of
them showed unmistakable evidence that the men had been murdered
after they were wounded; that first having fallen in the charge from
bullet wounds, they were afterwards pierced through the heart and
neck with knives by a savage and relentless foe. I then had the bodies
returned, each in a separate grave, properly marked.
By order of Col. Cyrus Bussey:
JOHN W. NOBLE,
Adjutant.
Source: Official Records
CHAP. XVIII.] PEA RIDGE, OR ELKHORN TAVERN, ARK. PAGE 232-8
[Series I. Vol. 8. Serial No. 8.]
..................................................................................................................................
Cyrus Bussey
Residence
Bloomfield IA; a 27 year-old State Legislator.
Enlisted on 8/10/1861 as a Colonel.
On 8/10/1861 he was commissioned into Field & Staff
IA 3rd Cavalry
He was discharged for promotion on 4/10/1864
On 4/10/1864 he was commissioned into
US Volunteers General Staff
He was Mustered Out on 8/24/1865
Promotions:
* Brig-General 4/10/1864
* Major-Gen 3/13/1865 by Brevet
Other Information:
born 10/5/1833 in Hubbard, OH
died 3/2/1915 in Washington, DC
Sources used by Historical Data Systems, Inc.:
- Roster & Record of Iowa Soldiers in the War of Rebellion
- Generals in Blue, Lives of the Union Commanders
- Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the US: Biographical Sketches
- Heitman: Register of United States Army 1789-1903
- Dyer: A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
(c) Historical Data Systems, Inc. @
www.civilwardata.com
CYRUS BUSSEY
Bussey, Cyrus, brigadier-general, was born in Hubbard,
Trumbull county, Ohio, son of a Methodist minister. Commencing
business life at the age of sixteen, after two years, experience
in a drygoods store at Dupont, Ind., he studied several hours
daily, and for two years studied medicine with his brother.
Having removed to Iowa in 1855 he was elected to the state
senate as a Democrat in 1858, was a delegate to the convention
which nominated Stephen A. Douglas for president, and at the
outbreak of the Civil war came out strongly in favor of the
Union. He was appointed by Gov. Kirkwood to command the militia
in the southern part of the state with the rank of lieutenant-
colonel, and on Aug. IO, I86I, became colonel of the 3d Iowa
volunteer cavalry, which he had raised, and joined the Army of
the Southwest. He commanded a brigade in the battle of Pea
ridge, participated in the Arkansas campaign of 1862, leading
the 3d brigade of Steele's division on July IO, commanded the
district of eastern Arkansas from Jan. II, 1863, until the
following April, and then took charge of the 2nd cavalry
division of the Army of the Tennessee. He led the advance,
under Gen. Sherman, at the siege of Vicksburg and in the pursuit
of Johnston, overtaking and defeating the Confederate general at
Canton, Miss., and forcing him finally to retreat across Pearl
river. He was made brigadier-general, for "special gallantry,"
Jan. 5, 1864, and shortly afterwards was given command of the
district of Western Arkansas and the Indian Territory where he
soon broke up corruption and restored proper discipline. He was
brevetted major-general of volunteers, March I3, 1865, and,
after the war, resumed his business as a commission merchant,
first in St. Louis and then at New Orleans, where he was
president of the chamber of commerce for six years, and was
instrumental in securing an appropriation for the Eads jetties
at the mouth of the Mississippi river. He was a delegate to the
Republican national convention of 1868, was an active supporter
of Blaine for president in 1884, and in 1889 was appointed
assistant secretary of the interior. Gen. Bussey served in the
interior department until 1893, and then opened in Washington an
office for the carrying on of a general practice of law before
the district courts, the departments and congressional
committees, in which he has been successful.
Source: The Union Army, vol. 8
Bringing the