The War in Missouri

The Fight at Fredericktown

Pilot Knob, Oct. 18. -- Yesterday about ten o'clock A.M., the news came into Pilot Knob of a severe but short engagement having taken place near Fredericktown, between our forces and those commanded by Jeff. Thompson and Col. Lowe. It seems that Capt. Hawkins, commanding the Independent Missouri Cavalry, was ordered on Tuesday to proceed with a detachment of forty men to reconnoiter in vicinity of Fredericktown.

Having proceeded to within five and a half miles of town, his advance guard was suddenly attacked by the rebels, and two of his men taken prisoners, the enemy were how-ever driven within the lines. Wednesday morning his advance guard was again attacked and four of his men captured. They were however retaken. While awaiting reinforcements from Pilot Knob, Capt. Hawk-ins command was three times attacked by the enemy during the day, who each time was successfully repulsed and driven in.

Late in the evening reinforcements arrived, consisting of six companies of Major Gavitt's Indiana cavalry, and five companies of infantry under Col. Alexander of the 21st Illinois. Thursday morning at day-light, while on the march, the advance guard under Lieut. E. Francis, of Captain Hawkin's command, was soon among the enemy. Slight skirmishing commenced, Capt. Hawkins' coming up with the balance of his command, supported by the whole battalion of Major Gavitt, when there was some clean running done by the rebels. For two miles the road was strewn with blankets, saddles, shot-guns, rifles, hats, caps, & etc.

Near town the enemy were in consider-able force in the woods, thickets and brush, and attacked our main force, doing considerable damage before they were driven from their position. Major Gavitt, charged upon them, driving them in every direction, wounding many and killing three; also, several horses were taken.

In this charge Capt Hawkins' command sustained a severe loss. Lieut. Francis fell from his horse and was carried off mortally wounded. Several of his men were dangerously wounded, and it is thought will not recover. This company, with but few exceptions, were of raw recruits, never having been under fire before, yet they stood up like soldiers, receiving and giving volley after volley. In this attack Captain Hawkins received a shot in the knee; his horse was shot in twelve places. In this attack Major Gavitt had one man killed sad several wounded. The infantry having come up, and feeling confident of being attacked by a very superior force, Col Alexander ordered due command to fell back on more advantageous ground. As they were withdrawing they found the enemy were pursuing in force. Colonel Alexander then threw out three or four companies in ambush. The remainder then commenced a hasty retreat, and the enemy supposing a victory close at hand, ran into the trap, and were completely routed, leaving the road strewn with dead men and horses. It was impossible to ascertain the number killed of the enemy in the entire engagement, as they were scattered all through the woods, though it does not fall short of fifty. During the night the entire force of Col Alexander fell back to Pilot Knob. No advance has since been made in that direction; however, they are completely entrapped, it is supposed, by movements not best to make public. We are expecting-hot times in the South east soon.

Most respectfully, P. R.

The Crisis - October, 31, 1861

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