Soldiers In Citizen Dress

As has been mentioned before, if the situation warranted it, some of the Union "Hounds" in Missouri would disguise themselves in civilian clothes to deceive, capture or kill any Confederate "Foxes" (bushwhackers) they could find. Occasionally in the middle of a mission or patrol it was determined that a civilian disguise would be the best course of action and this after action report describes such an incident.

The report is located on Pages 97 and 98 in Series I, Vol. 13 of the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion.

Headquarters Sub-District Lexington, Mo., June 11, 1862

Sir: I have the honor to report that Major David McKee, 7th Mo. Vol. Cavalry, commanding at Marshall, Saline County left that post on the 5th instant with 80 men and marched to Miami, arresting several of Price's men while on the march. On his arrival at Miami, he surrounded the town and required all the citizens to give up their arms and ammunition, of which he secured a considerable quantity.

Dividing his command into four squads, he had the country between Miami and Frankfort thoroughly scoured. Two bands of marauders were found, who, as usual, decamped (fled) on the sight of our troops. Two of them were killed, two severely wounded and three more were captured. In addition to the prisoners mentioned, two more were taken by the ruse of dressing a party of "soldiers in citizen dress" and arming them with shotguns. The villains (bushwhackers) unmasked themselves and gave some valuable information before they were undeceived!

On the 9th instant Captain Winters, Company H, Seventh Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, returned from a scout [patrol] near Waverly. He succeeded in routing the bushwhackers completely on the island in that neighborhood, killed two, took three prisoners, burnt the camp, with a large quantity of bacon and meal, driving them into the river. Among the killed was the man who boasted of having killed the orderly sergeant of Co. I, 7th Mo. Vol. Cavalry, in an encounter on May 26 last.

I received yesterday a dispatch by telegraph from Lt. Col. Buel commanding at Independence, stating that there were two bodies of the guerrillas near Pink Hill on the west line of this county and asking assistance to rout them. Two hours after I had 80 men under command of Captain Spellman, Co. C, 7th Mo. Vol. Cavalry en route for Pink Hill.

I have just received a telegram from Lt. Col. Buel, stating that the mail escort from Independence to Pleasant Hill was attacked yesterday and 2 of our men were killed and 2 wounded. Daniel Houston Jr., Colonel 7th Mo. Vol. Cavalry, Commanding Sub-District.

Marshall, Saline County, Mo. June 9, 1862

Sir: Yours of the 5th instant is before me. I have the honor to report to you what has been done by my command since I arrived at this post. The first night after my arrival at this place a citizen came to my camp, informing me that he had been robbed of money, horse, all his wearing apparel and bed clothing. I immediately ordered out a scout of 75 men, under the command of Captain Winters. They had to travel 20 miles before they got in the vicinity of the depredation and most of the thieves eluded my men, but one of the guerrillas had his horse shot under him in making his escape. Being close to the brush he made good his escape, but many guns and pistols were captured, also several notoriously bad men, besides a number of noisy rebels ordered to report. Since that time I have kept two-thirds of my command in the country infested by these lawless bands.

They have scoured the bluffs and river bottom thoroughly, but have never succeeded in catching them in their camps, but have come upon several of their camps soon after they left them.

The country seems to be full of these bands, but they are generally in small companies, from 10 -- 15 in a company.

Their object seems to be not to attack us, but to steal, murder and commit all manner of depredations upon the loyal citizens of the country. I find this kind of citizens scarce, but they seem willing to lend a helping hand to ferret out these men; but the rebels in this vicinity are bitter and vindictive and it will take some time to teach them submission to Federal authorities. My scouts killed one man, wounded three and ran one into the river, who was drowned, besides capturing a number of their prisoners.

Capt. W. R. Love, provost-marshal, is having his hands full taking oaths and bonds from the Secesh that my men are ordering to report here daily. There is a great deal of work to do here and it will take some time to effectually rid this country of these marauding bands. News is continually reaching me of the locality of some particular band being encamped at certain places, but their spies are kept out and they are so alert to give information to their clans that it will take strategy to catch them. I have received news that they intend to concentrate their forces and attack me. That is what I most desire, but I fear they have not the courage to do it. I have captured 20 kegs of [gun]powder left here by the rebel governor jackson and I think I shall get a great deal more before long, as I have gotten wind of it.

The contraband horses and mules of this country have mostly been sold to government contractors and consequently I have captured but few, but I have recaptured two of the government wagons taken by the notorious Shelby off a boat last fall and I think I shall get two or three more.

Suffer me to suggest the propriety of stationing the company proposed for Miami at Cambridge, as it seems tobe the place most infested (with bushwhackers) and they can operate with Major Hunt, stationed at Glasgow and my command can better operate with Brigadier General loan at Miami, as it is more contiguous to this post.

Your Obedient Servant, David McKee Major, 7th Cavalry, Missouri Volunteers

It is not known how successful Major McKee's war against and the hunt of the elusive Confederate foxes was, but the use of disguises and deceptions continued as it has in any war and the hunt went on.