Gallery: Actions in the fall of 1861 and early 1862
“Secesh” Knife
This civilian knife has a wooden handle; the label on the scabbard reads “Secesh knife taken from a rebel after skirmish near Kirkpatrick’s Mill, Johnson County, Mo., Dec. 18, 1861. Presented by R. M. Littler, Co. B 2nd Iowa Inf.”
The knife was taken at the skirmish at Milford, Missouri, also known as the skirmish at Blackwater Creek, just west of Knob Noster, Johnson County, Missouri. The skirmish occurred on December 19, 1861, between Union forces under the command of General John Pope and Confederate forces under the command of Colonel Franklin Robertson. The Confederate forces were camped at Milford on recruiting duty when they were surrounded and captured by the 4th U. S. Cavalry, supported by the 1st Iowa Cavalry and the 2nd Missouri Cavalry (“Merrill’s Horse”). The Union forces captured over 750 Confederates and considerable supplies and equipment while suffering very light casualties.
The 2nd Brigade (of which the 2nd Iowa Infantry was a part) did not engage in the skirmish, but was held in reserve.
Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 30475
