Capt. Henry Hopkins

COLONEL: I would submit the following as a report of the part taken by Hopkins' battery in the engagement of July 17, 1863 at Honey Springs, Ind. T., between the forces under Major General Blunt and the rebels under Cooper:

Receiving orders to be in readiness to march at 6 a.m. on the 16th instant, with six day's rations, at 12 m. of the same day orders were received to cross the Arkansas, at the mouth of Grand River. Affecting a crossing at dark, marching 2 miles south, and resting for three hours, we again took up line of march in a southwest direction, coming upon the enemy's outposts at daylight.

Line of battle was formed, but, discovering the enemy had fled, we were again ordered forward. Moving forward 6 miles, the enemy, under command of Cooper, was discovered in force, occupying a strong position, in a thickly wooded ravine. Moving up in line of battle to within 300 yards of the enemy's position, we were ordered by yourself to commence firing and shell the woods in the immediate front, which continued for one hour and a quarter.

Immediately after our fire opened, the enemy's battery was discovered occupying a position to our right and front, which opened fire upon us with shot, shell, and canister, wounding 1 sergeant mortally (left leg shot off above the knee), killing 1 private, killing 4 horses, and wounding 4 others, totally unfitting them for service.

Discovering one of their guns occupying an open space in the woods, an order was given to direct the fire of two guns upon it, and, if possible, dismount it, which was soon affected. By the explosion of one of our shells, the cannoneers belonging to that piece and all their horses were killed or wounded.

Orders were given to cease firing, limber up, and move forward to the edge of the woods, the position the enemy's battery first occupied, and halt until one section of Captain Smith's Second Kansas Battery should pass and cross the ravine. One of the teams being disable, I ordered Lieutenant [John F.] Aduddell forward, with three pieces, and as quickly as the disabled horses were replaced, I followed with the other piece and joined the other three.

The section of Captain Smith's battery not passing, orders were received to move forward on double-quick, and occupy a position on the prairie beyond the ravine. Lieutenant Aduddell moving to the left of the road with one section, opened upon the enemy's cavalry, upon a hill beyond, causing them to fall back quite precipitately, the shell bursting in their immediate vicinity. Again moving forward one-quarter of a mile, a line of the enemy's cavalry was discovered and driven back after the firing of a few rounds of shell.

At this point, the sections were divided and ordered to move forward to the right and left of the road, the right section under command of First Lieut. John F. Aduddell and the left under Sergeant [C. M.] Greve. Firing now almost entirely ceasing, excepting a few rounds from the left section, and moving forward about 11/2 miles, we were ordered to halt, as the enemy had retreated, and our stock was too much exhausted to follow them farther.

Immediately after fighting had ceased, and we were selecting a campground, we discovered at the edge of the woods, in their old camp, nearly the entire camp-equipage of one regiment, cooking utensils, tents, &c., which we destroyed.

Casualties: One killed and one mortally wounded, since died.

The sections and pieces were commanded as follows: Right section by Lieut. J. F. Aduddell; left section by Sergeant Greve, acting first sergeant; first piece, Sergeant [J. G.] Pettigrew; second piece, Sergeant [Daniel] Sayre, mortally wounded; third piece, Corporal [J. R.] Rice; forth piece, Sergeant [O. F.] Fahnestock. Sergeant [J. F.] McKibben, on detached service, recruiting, not being assigned to any duty, assisted and much credit is due him for his services rendered during the action.

Great credit is due Lieutenant Aduddell for his coolness and bravery during the entire action, moving to any part of the battery when necessary, and directing the fire of the pieces with good effect; also Sergeants Greve, Fahnestock, Pettigrew, Corporals Rice, [J. S.] Payne, [T.] McClain, and Farrier [Joseph] Ibbatson, acting gunner to second piece.

The fire of the enemy's artillery being directed at us, and taking considerable effect among both men and horses, great praise is due the men for their coolness and courage during the entire fight, and [they] proved themselves worthy of promotion.

I have the honor to be, Colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. HOPKINS,

Captain, Commanding Hopkins' Battery.

Col. WILLIAM A. PHILLIPS,

Commanding Brigade.