This bell of a musical instrument was found at Baxter Springs, Kansas. The bell is made of brass and possibly came from a “over the shoulder” saxhorn, a common instrument used by military regimental bands.
On October 6, 1863, a guerrilla force under the command of William Quantrill attacked a Union post garrisoned by the 3rd Wisconsin Cavalry and the 2nd Kansas Colored Infantry at Baxter Springs, Kansas. During the assault Quantrill also discovered a Union wagon train traveling from Fort Scott, Kansas to Fort Smith, Arkansas, escorted by General James Blunt. A subsequent battle ensued, and most of Blunt’s escort, including the Army of the Frontier band, was killed by Quantrill and his men. General Blunt and a few of his troops were able to return to Fort Scott, where he was temporarily relieved of his command for failing to protect the column.
This bell was recovered from the Baxter Springs area by a local farmer, who used it as a funnel for farm chores. It may be one of the few remaining artifacts associated with the Army of the Frontier’s band.
Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 32543
