The War of Northern Aggression-Part 3

Meanness & the Slaughter of 3 Old Men
The problem for Ozark County during the Civil War was Bushwhackers. This problem precipitated from Northern Arkansas which harbored these guerillas in the area of today’s Baxter, Fulton, and Marion counties. In the heated moment, age, sex, and loyalties quickly held one’s ultimate providence of living or departing for fairer shores across death’s chilly waters. May we all find solace in the knowledge that our days are weighed in our Father’s hand, and we have stood for what is noble, just, and righteous.

FEBRUARY 6-8, 1865. - Operations in Ozark County, Mo.

Report of Capt. Moses L. Alsup, Forty-sixth Missouri Infantry.

                                                                          CAMP BAKER,  

                                                 Douglas County, Mo., February 12, 1865.

     GENERAL: I have the honor to state to you, general, that on the morning of the 6th I started a detachment consisting of twenty-three men under command of Lieutenant Alsup. On the night of the 7th he camped at the residence of James Martin, in Ozark County, Mo. On the 7th he fell in with two of Tracy’s and one of Elliott’s guerrillas, who were immediately placed hors de combat. We found in their possession one Savage revolver, one single-barrel shotgun. They all had bountiful supplies of subsistence, which we effectually destroyed. Our pickets were fired on the same night, but with no effect. On our return on the 8th we were fired on from the brush by one man. Owing to that region being infested by straggling bands of guerrillas I shall start another scout immediately. Lieutenant Alsup reports finding the remains of three citizens of Ozark County, captured in November by guerrillas and supposed to have been murdered by them. Their names were James Martin, sr., John Allcorn, and John Coil, all good loyal men and too old for the service.

I have the honor to subscribe myself, very respectfully, yours,

                                MOSES L. ALSUP,

Capt., Comdg. Company H, Forty-sixth Regt. Missouri Infty. Vols.
    Brig. Gen. J. B. SANBORN,
Commanding District of Southwest Missouri.

Works Cited:
Burch, Milton. “Operations in Ozark County, Mo.” The War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies 48.60 (12 Feb 1865): 100. Making of America. Cornell University Library, Ithaca, NY. 30 Nov. 2010 http://digital.library.cornell.edu/m/moa.