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Union Orders, Reports and Letters Arkansas , page 2 |
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HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF MEMPHIS,
Memphis, Tenn., February 21, 1863.
CAPTAIN: In obedience to the orders of Major-General Hurlbut, I sent four companies of the Sixty-third Illinois Volunteers, under command of Captain Joseph K. Lemon, on board of the steamer Mill Boy, at 10 a. m. on the 19th instant, with orders to proceed, under convoy of the gunboat Cricket, to the village of Hopefield, on the Arkansas shore, and to burn every house in the place.
This duty was promptly performed, and Captain Lemon reported to me, with his entire command, on his return from the expedition at 5 p. m. on the same day. A lot of horses and mules were found in stable, unclaimed. They were brought over, and all delivered to Captain Walker, post quartermaster, to be held by him, subject to the claim of loyal owners, with one exception, which will be seen by reference to the report of Captain Lemon, here attached. I also append a copy of the order of Major-General Hurlbut, under which I acted, and a copy of instructions given to the officer commanding the expedition, and ask that they be considered a part of this report.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES C. VEATCH,
Brigadier-General.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF MEMPHIS,
Memphis, Tenn., February 19, 1863.
Commanding Officer of Expedition to Hopefield, Ark.:
SIR: By the within orders of Major-General Hurlbut, you are re-quired to destroy the village of Hopefield.
You will be vigilant and careful, and see that your men commit no depredations nor offer any insults to the in habitants.
Keep your guard well posted, so that no lurking band of guerrillas shall be allowed to approach without your knowledge.
As soon as you have executed the general's orders, you will return with your command, and report to these headquarters.
By order of Brigadier General James C. Veatch:
F. W. FOX,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
SPECIAL ORDERS,
HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Numbers 10.
Memphis, Tenn., February 18, 1863.
IV. Brigadier General J. C. Veatch will detail four companies, under a field officer, with 40 rounds of ammunition, who will proceed to-morrow, under convoy of the gunboat Cricket, to Hopefield, on the Arkansas shore. Upon landing at Hopefield, the place will be immediately covered by guards. The residents will be allowed one hour to remove their effects, after which every buildings will be burned, an the troops will return, reporting to General Veatch.
War of the Rebellion: Serial 032 Page 0232 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. Chapter XXXIV.
By order of Major-General Hurlbut:
HENRY BINMORE,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Numbers 3. Report of Captain Joseph K. Lemon, Sixty-third Illinois Infantry.
CAMP SIXTY-THIRD Regiment ILLINOIS VOL. INFANTRY,
District of Memphis, Tenn., February 20, 1863.
SIR: In compliance with your orders, I proceeded with four companies of the above-named regiment, viz, Company C, commanded by Captain [W. M.] Boughan; Company D, commanded by Lieutenant [J.] Isaminger; Company E, commanded by Captain [H. H.] Walser; Company F, commanded by Lieutenant A. Davis, and the gunboat Cricket, to Hopefield, Ark.; placed a strong guard around the village, and, after giving the inhabitants one hour's notice of the destiny of their village, the lighted torch was applied and the place was consumed. There were no depredations committed, neither were any insults offered to the inhabitants. In the livery stables I found 15 head of horses, 9 mules, and 10 saddles, and, as they were said to be owned by citizens of Arkansas, I took them under charge. I turned over 15 head of horses and 9 mules to the quartermaster, Captain Walker. One fine horse was kept by Lieutenant Cook, of General Hurlbut's staff, by order of Major-General Hurlbut.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOSEPH K. LEMON,
Captain, Commanding Expedition.
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