Wilson's Creek, Missouri

NOTE: although the 17th or 11th/17th Arkansas Infantry did not actually fight at the battle of Wilson’s Creek, Missouri on August 10, 1861, several of its members fought there in other Arkansas State Troop units such as Gratiot’s 3rd Arkansas Infantry (State Troops). Both John Griffith, then a Captain, and his brother Pvt. Benjamin H. Griffith were members of Gratiot’s 3rd Arkansas Infantry and fought at Wilson’s Creek. Soon after the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, the majority of the Arkansas soldiers voted to return to their homes since their initial enlistments as Arkansas State Troops had or would soon expire. Many of these soldiers, however, reenlisted as regular CSA troops in late 1861 or early 1862 -- just prior to the Battle of Elkhorn Tavern (Pea Ridge).

Battle Report of Colonel John R. Gratiot, 3rd Arkansas Infantry, re action at Wilson’s Creek, Missouri, August 10, 1861

From the O.R., Series I, Volume 3, Part 1, pages 123-124

BATTLE-GROUND UPON WILSON’S CREEK, Mo.,
August 11, 1861

Sir: Early upon the morning of the 10th of August my regiment was summoned by the report that the enemy had taken us by surprise and were upon us. As soon as the regiment was formed it was ordered to an adjacent hill, occupied by Captain Woodruff’s battery, to support it, where it remained some hours under a fire of shot and shell. At about 11:30 o’clock a.m. yourself in person gave orders for my regiment to move on to the scene of action and attack a battery and a large force then forming on the north side of Wilson’s Creek, on the ridge, and in the woods. I proceeded to execute the order under a heavy fire of shot and shell from the enemy’s batteries, crossed the creek, and marched up the ridge by a flank movement and in column of fours. I advanced until we came near the enemy. We then faced toward them, and marched in line of battle about fifty paces, when we were attacked by a large force of enemy in front and on the left flank.

At this moment a battery commenced playing upon our left flank, enfilading the entire regiment with grape, canister, and shell. So terrible was the fire, that my regiment was obliged to lie down, and then commenced firing in that position. We remained in this attitude for about thirty minutes, firing with deadly effect, silencing the fire of the artillery and infantry upon our left and driving the enemy in front. We remained upon the ground long after the enemy had fled and all firing ceased.

During the action, I am sorry to say, we were very much annoyed, and some of the casualties hereafter mentioned are to be attributed to the fire of our own friends, who formed behind us and lower down upon the hill, and fired through my ranks after the fire had ceased from the enemy. Attached herewith find a report of casualties, which will show the heavy fire under which we were placed.* (*See inclosure to report)

Of my regiment I must speak in the highest terms for their coolness, prompt obedience, and daring courage, and although but few of them had ever been upon a battle-field, they maintained their position for thirty minutes under one of the most galling fires ever delivered upon a regiment by 1,500 or 2,000 Federal troops, besides being enfiladed by a heavy battery. They stood their ground, delivering their fire with deadly effect and extreme rapidity.

I must here mention in terms of high approbation the conduct of my lieutenant-colonel, David Provence, for his coolness, skill, and gallant bearing during the whole action, his example having a powerful influence in keeping the men steady and cool. Major Ward behaved with great gallantry; also Captain Sparks and his company; Captain Hart and company; Captain Brown, up to the time of his death, and Lieutenant King, afterward in command of the company; Captain Bell, up to the time of his death. These companies bore the heat of the action, and distinguished themselves by their gallant conduct, and the conduct of the officers and men throughout was so universally gallant and courageous, that it is hard to make personal distinctions.

After my regiment had silenced all firing upon the north side of Wilson’s Creek, fears were entertained that the enemy were collecting in force with a view of attacking Woodruff’s battery, which yet remained upon the ground that it had occupied during the day. My regiment was again ordered to the support of this battery, where we remained until ordered into camp by General McCulloch. As Captain Woodruff’s battery was attached to my regiment, I feel it is my duty to say something in reference to the services of Captain Woodruff and his battery. The execution which this battery did in the enemy’s ranks was prodigious, and its influence was sensibly felt in achieving the fortunes of the day, men and officers behaving with great coolness and courage.

• 2nd [1st] Cavalry - 5 Killed, 18 Wounded, 2 Missing, 25 Aggregate
• 3rd Infantry - 25 Killed, 84 Wounded, 1 Missing, 110 Aggregate

  Woodruff's Battery

• 4th Infantry - NOT Engaged
• 5th Infantry - 3 Killed, 11 Wounded, None Missing, 14 Aggregate
• General Staff - 1 Missing, 1 Aggregate, Capt. Jefferson Captured
• Total:   33 Killed, 113 Wounded, 4 Missing, 150 Aggregate

JOHN R. GRATIOT

Colonel Third Regiment Arkansas Volunteers

Brigadier-General PEARCE

[Inclosure]

Consolidated report of casualties in the Arkansas State forces in the action of August 10, 1861.

A.H. CLINE,

Major and A.D.C.

Colonel Gratiot and the 3rd Arkansas Infantry were initially led to the base of “Bloody Hill” by Brigadier General N.B. Pearce but were joined by General Sterling Price, who personally guided them up the southwestern slope and placed the regiment in the desired position. General Price then supposedly told Colonel Gratiot: “That’s your position Colonel; take it and hold it whatever you do. I will see that you are not too hard-pressed. Don’t yield an inch”.

The Federal troops opposite Gratiot’s 3rd Arkansas Infantry were the 2nd Kansas Infantry (in front and on their left flank) and Sokalski’s section (2 guns) of Totten’s Battery (Co. F, 2nd U.S. Artillery). Sokalski’s cannons blasted Gratiot’s regiment with canister as they climbed up the hollow/ravine General Price had directed them to. The 3rd Arkansas Regiment was the westernmost Confederate unit assaulting Bloody Hill that day.

At the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, the Federals lost a total of 1,317 men out of 5,400 engaged: 258 killed, 873 wounded, and 186 missing (24% lost). The Confederates lost approximately 1,230 men out of 10,200 engaged: 279 killed and 951 wounded (12% lost). During the 30 minutes or so Gratiot’s 3rd Arkansas Infantry was actively engaged on Bloody Hill against Sokalski’s guns and the 2nd Kansas Infantry, it lost 110 killed, wounded, and missing out of 571 engaged. Company E of the 3rd Arkansas Infantry commanded by then Captain John Griffith had 2 killed: Henry Vaught and R.J. McClyter; and 8 wounded: Lieutenant Inge, J. M Brewer, J.W. Howell, J.A. Lemons, T.M. Smith, Eli Turnbaugh, R.W. Knight, and Captain Griffith’s younger brother, Benjamin H. Griffith.

On page 180 of the book Civil War On The Western Border 1854-1865 by Jay Monaghan (1955) there is a poignant image described concerning Gratiot’s 3rd Arkansas Infantry and its assault against Bloody Hill: “Once again the Federals poured a cataract of lead into the oncoming line and another billow of smoke rolled over it. The Confederates faltered but did not break, and the two lines writhed back and forth in a death grapple. Finally the Southerners retired down the ridge for the fourth time, a slave belonging to Ben Griffith staggering after them, carrying his wounded master”.

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