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10:00 A.M. The First Kansas advanced in close column behind the Third Wisconsin and Smith's battery. The 368-man Second Indian followed the black troops and completed Judson's brigade. When the black troops were within one-fourth mile of the rebel line, they turned right and marched up the creek road. Their tight companies kept pace with Smith's two 12-pounder Napoleons and two 6-pounder guns, manned by 77 officers and men. |
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Sergeant John H. Nelson, Co. E, told his men the rebels had well-rested horses behind their lines. He said if we lose, none of us would make it back to Ft. Blunt alive, because the rebels would either kill us or sell us back into slavery. Sergeant John Carter, Co. F, reminded his men we had volunteered to fight and should be happy to be at this place, on this day, at this time. Smith's battery wheeled to the left approximately 600 yards up creek road and moved down toward the rebel lines. The First Kansas moved ahead and formed a 250-yard long battle line in rear of Smith's battery. Across the field behind a rail fence, the black troops saw flags of the First and Second Creek regiments. The men knew mixed breed slave owners led both units. The Second Indian moved up and formed on the regiment's left side. On the right side was two howitzers supported by the Third Wisconsin. 10:18 A.M. Sounds of rebel cannon to the regiment's left opened the Battle of Honey Springs. Private Robert Wilkinson, Co. A, pointed to puffs of white smoke coming from the brush near Old Texas Road. Sergeant James Bowler, Co. C, told his men the rebel artillery was firing at Hopkins' battery in Phillip's brigade. Seconds later, a rebel cannon fired at Smith's battery. The shell flew over the battery and exploded in front of the First Kansas' battle line. The men watched Smith's battery turn to the left and commenced firing at rebel guns near Old Texas road. On the regiment's right side, Sergeant George Williams, Co. C, watched the mountain howitzers open up on the Creek regiments. Privates Luke Gray and Cassius M. Clay of the same company, shouted their approval when the Creeks fell back into Elk Creek timber. |
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When the regiment had marched 100 yards up creek road, Sergeant John Whalon, Co. B, pointed to the Twentieth Texas regimental flag partially hidden in the timber. He reminded his company some rebel units executed black prisoners on the spot. At 250 yards up the road, they saw the Twenty-ninth Texas flag held high above the brush. Near the road leading to a crossing above the bridge, they spotted the Fifth Texas flag in a cornfield. |
