October, 1864 Chronology of Union Forces in South Arkansas

Numbers 2. Itinerary of the First Brigade, Cavalry Division, Seventh Army Corps, Colonel Albert Erskine, Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry commanding.*

October 7.- A reconnaissance in force toward Monticello and Mount Elba was ordered. The expedition was under Colonel Ritter, of the Second Brigade, and comprised about 700 men of that brigade and 300 of the First Brigade, under Colonel Erskine. The column marched to within fifteen miles of Monticello, and hearing that there was no enemy there, it was ordered toward Mount Elba, where the rear guard of the enemy was encountered and driven across the Saline River. The expedition returned October 10.

October 13.- Colonel Erskine, with 250 men of the First Brigade, marched toward Arkansas Post, which place was reached on the 15th.

October 18.- The expedition returned to Pine Bluff, having encountered but one small band of the enemy, from which were captured 1 prisoners and 6 horses. The expedition brought into Pine Bluff 400 head of cattle, 30 horses, and 125 sheep.

October 24.- Captain Bechand, Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry, with thirty men, was ordered on scout toward Mount Elba; went nine miles beyond that place; ascertained that the enemy was picketing the line of the Saline River. Returning he encountered thirty of the enemy twelve miles from Pine Bluff; charged and drove them into the woods, capturing 10 stand of arms and 6 mules.

October 25.- Captain Davis, Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry, with fifty men, was ordered out to repair telegraph on the Little Rock road; discovered an ambush of fifty of the enemy near Rock Springs; charged and drove them, having 2 men badly wounded. The brigade furnishes daily 205 men and 6 officers for picket, and every other day fifty men for foraging.