Photograph of the headquarters band of General James G. Blunt, believed to have been taken in Paola, Kansas, in the fall of 1864.

Following his victory at Honey Springs and his capture of Fort Smith, Major General James G. Blunt returned to his headquarters in Fort Scott, Kansas. On October 4, he received word that Fort Smith was being threatened by a Confederate force, so he quickly moved south with a small escort, including his band. As Blunt headed toward Baxter Springs, a large force of Confederate guerrillas led by William Quantrill attacked the Union post there on October 6. Although the guerrillas were unable to capture the post, they discovered Blunt and his escort on the road northwest of the fort and launched a devastating surprise attack. While Blunt and some of his men escaped, his escort suffered heavy losses, including Major Henry Z. Curtis, son of Union General Samuel R. Curtis. Blunt was temporarily relieved of command, but was soon restored to duty.

Cabinet Card by Unknown Photographer

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 11493