Jno. F. Philips to William F. Cloupd, March 30, 1863

Col. WILLIAM F. CLoupD, Commanding Southwestern District of Missouri:

COLONEL: I have the honor to present to your consideration the condition of affairs hereabouts and the operations of my command.

It is manifest that there has been, in the last week, quite an influx of guerrillas in this vicinity, particularly to the west of Greenfield. Several new bands, but under old leaders, have appeared within the last few days, and they exhibit unusual activity and much familiarity with the country and their sympathizers. The Horse Creek region is 12 or to Bear Creek, in Cedar County. There the pursuit became so hot they were forced to stand, rather than scatter. We charged them immediately, but, owing to the dense brush and jaded condition of our horses, we were unable to fall on them precipitately. The result was, they scattered in great confusion, and every devil of them struck for his destiny. We ran one down and killed him outright, capturing his horse and arms; others seemed wounded, but the thick brush prevented pursuit, and it already being dark, they made good their escape. We bivouacked on the ground, and scoured the country thoroughly, but made no discovery. Our casualties were 1 horse killed and 1 saber lost, and about 6 horses run down in the chase.

Yesterday (Sunday) [ chased West and his gang until 12 o’clock at night. It seems impossible to catch him. My men have been on the move incessantly through the past week, until their horses are completely jaded. 1 have at least 25 men dismounted, and it is almost impossible to get horses here.

I wish very much, colonel, if you can possibly do it, that you would send the Second Battalion, at Linden, out here, to be divided between Colonel Crittenden and myself. We need. them, and can use them to good advantage to the country and your district. The rebels are passing almost daily to the north, and trouble may be anticipated west and northwest. We have to send out heavy escorts with trains after forage, after flour, after rations, and for everything; besides, our patrol guards are heavy. This soon consumes a battalion that is small.

I have frequent reports from Colonel Crittenden. He is having a lively time with bushwhackers; says they are numerous. He caught Walton, of Newton County, a few days since. I have him here in irons; will send him up to Springfield in a few days. The scoundrels, Dan. Creach and William Homes, whom I sent to Springfield last week in irons, got out of prison next night, after your provost-marshal received them. Your provost needs stirring up. Creach and Homes, I understand, state that they bribed the sentinel. They were 12 or 14 miles north of this last Saturday, jayhawking, devastating, &c. Ihave caught them twice, and the third time ought to suffice.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,