Kansas Participation in the Civil War

Participation in the Civil War

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In proportion to population, Kansas furnished more troops to the Union army during the great Civil War than any other loyal state. This is not surprising when the character of the men who made the state is considered. Most of the pioneers were nurtured in an atmosphere opposed to slavery. When they established their homes in the Territory of Kansas they were compelled to undergo a long struggle with the slave power, and when the slave states attempted to secede from the Union, the men of Kansas felt they had an old score to settle -- an old wrong to avenge. Under all calls for volunteers from April 15, 1861 to December 19, 1864, the quota of Kansas was 16,654 men, while she furnished 20,097. These volunteers were divided into seven regiments of infantry, nine of cavalry, and three batteries of light artillery. In addition to these organizations there were two regiments of colored infantry and an independent colored battery accredited to the state.

Fort Riley Cavalry Unit.

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The first infantry was organized under the call of President Lincoln dated May 8, 1861 and was mustered into the U.S. service at Leavenworth on June 3, with the following officers: Colonel George W. Deitzler; Lieutenant-Colonel Oscar F. Learnard; and Major John A. Halderman. Soon after the muster it was ordered to Missouri, marched through Booneville, Springfield and Clinton, and joined General Lyon's forces at Grand River. It took part in the Battle of Wilson's Creek, August 10, 1861, where it lost in killed and wounded. over half the number of men actually engaged, winning the commendation of the Union commanders. The regiment was then employed until the following October in guarding the lines of the Hannibal & St. Joseph and the Missouri Pacific railroads. In February, 1862 it was ordered to Fort Leavenworth, where the men received a ten day's furlough, and early in May was ordered to join the army at Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee During the summer it was engaged in opening and guarding the Mobile & Ohio Railroad, and in October moved to Corinth, Mississippi, where it was assigned to the advance in pursuit of the retreating Confederates. On February 1, 1863, it was mounted by order of General Grant, and then employed in the vicinity of Vicksburg, guarding roads, etc. The regiment was mustered out at Fort Leavenworth on June 17, 1864, except the reenlisted men, who had been organized into a veteran battalion at Bovina, Mississippi, May 28, 1864. This battalion was mustered out at Little Rock, Arkansas, August 30, 1865. While in the service, the First Kansas traveled over 6,000 miles and participated in 30 engagements. The casualties of the regiment amounted to 97 killed, 34 died of wounds, 94 died of disease, and 210 were discharged for disability.

The Second Infantry was a three months regiment organized under the call of April 15, 1861, for 75,000 men. It was mustered in at Kansas City, Missouri, June 20, 1861, and was mustered out at Leavenworth on the last day of the following October. Of this regiment, Robert B. Mitchell was colonel; Charles W. Blair, lieutenant-colonel; William F. Cloud, major. Immediately after the muster, the regiment was ordered to Missouri and joined Sturgis' brigade at Clinton. Early in July it joined the First Kansas and the two regiments were formed into a brigade under command of Colonel Deitzler. Subsequently, it joined General Lyon's forces and took part in the Battle of Wilson's Creek. It participated also in engagements at Forsythe, Dug Springs, Paris, Shelbina and Iatan, all in Missouri. The casualties were 5 killed; 8 died of wounds; 1 missing, 2 died of disease, and 7 discharged for disability.

The Second Cavalry was the outgrowth of several companies that were organized in Wyandotte and adjoining counties late in the year of 1861. These companies were consolidated with Nugent's Missouri Home Guards and on March 27, 1862, the regiment was organized as the Second Kansas Calvary, with Robert B. Mitchell as colonel; Owen A. Bassett, lieutenant-colonel; Charles W. Blair, major.

Battle of Wilson's Creek, Missouri by Kurz & Allison, 1893.

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The main portion of the regiment was mustered out at Little Rock, Arkansas, April 21, 1865, and the veteran battalion at Fort Gibson, Indian Territory, June 22, 1865. Its first service was in the Indian Territory. In August it was ordered back to Fort Scott, Kansas, where it received orders to assist in the pursuit of Colonel Coffey's command. At Coon Creek, Missouri, August 23, the regiment encountered some of Shelby's men and a sharp skirmish ensued.

Later it was engaged at Newtonia, Marysville, and some minor actions, and at old Fort Wayne, a portion of the regiment made a brilliant charge, capturing four pieces of artillery. After that most of the service was along the border until the winter of 1863-64, when it moved into Missouri and Arkansas. It formed part of General Steele's expedition to Little Rock, participated in the battles of Cane Hill, Prairie Grove and Cabin creek, and won a reputation for valor, skill in scouting, etc. While in the service the Second cavalry lost 51 killed, 13 died of wounds, 8 were reported missing, 94 died of disease, and 91 were discharged on account of disability.

Two regiments designated as the Third and Fourth were projected in the fall of 1861, but they were consolidated as the Tenth infantry in the spring of 1862.

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