Tuesday, July 19, 2011

William F. Creitz.

William F. Creitz.

Birth: unknown.
Death: 1893.
Burial: Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery, Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon.

Residence Holton KS; a 32 year old Blacksmith.
Enlisted on 9/11/1861 at Leavenworth, KS as a 1st Lieutenant. On 9/11/1861 he was commissioned into "A" Co. KS 5th Cavalry. He was Mustered Out on 8/11/1864 at Leavenworth, KS. Promotions: Capt 9/11/1861.  He was described at enlistment as: 5' 7", dark complexion, grey eyes, black hair, born in Leigh County, PA. Died in 1893 in East Portland, OR.


No. 47. Report of Captain William F. Creitz, Fifth Kansas Battery (improvised), or expedition to Mount Elba.

PINE BLUFF, ARK., April 7, 1864.

SIR: In obedience to your circular of April 6, desiring the names of non-commissioned officers and men of my command that deserve special mention for meritorious conduct during the late expedition under your command, I would respectfully submit the following statement: All, both non-commissioned officers and men attached to my command, performed their respective duties so promptly and efficiently in the management of the guns throughout the action at Mount Elba and subsequent pursuit of the enemy, that I beg to be excused from making special mention of the conduct of any particular one of my command.

Very respectfully,

WM. F. CREITZ,

Captain, Commanding Fifth Kansas Battery.
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Report of Lieutenant Colonel Powell Clayton, Fifth Kansas Cavalry.

HEADQUARTERS FIFTH KANSAS CAVALRY,
Carthage, Mo., March 22, 1862.

I have the honor to report concerning my expedition to Carthage as follows:

I broke camp on Dry Wood about 2 o'clock on the afternoon of the 19th and marched about 8 miles, encamping on the south side of Dry Wood Creek. Owing to the heavy rain that fell during the night and continued at intervals during the following day (20th) I did not move my whole command, but detached Captain Creitz, with a portion of his company, in the afternoon to Lamar, with orders to occupy that place during the night and to move to Carthage the following day.

Early on the morning of the 20th I marched with the remainder of my force on Carthage by a different route. The day was very stormy, and the roads being very heavy, I left my transportation behind under a strong escort and pushed rapidly forward, arriving here at sundown. Captain Creitz preceded me about two hours. He dashed into the town, capturing 15 or 20 of the most prominent rebels in the community and took possession of Johnson's Mill, 2 miles below here, finding in it about 225 bushels of wheat, which we are now grinding. There is a large quantity of grain in this country, and I have two trashing-machines which I will set to work immediately. Johnson's Mill will turn out 8,000 or 10,000 pounds of flour per day.

We have had 3 men wounded out of the advance guard of a scouting party, being fired at from the brush, 1 of them seriously, and 1 of our men was taken prisoner, being out with a foraging party.

I inclose a list of prisoners taken here, with a copy of the charges preferred against them by the Union men of this community, all of which can be substantiated.*

Inclose also find dispatch from Brigadier General S. R. Curtis, which proceeded from Lieutenant-Colonel Jewell, but was intended no doubt for you.* The bearer of General Curtis' dispatch I will send back, informing him that I have forwarded his dispatch to you.

If you think it necessary that we should turn out more flour, we can taken other mills in this vicinity and furnish it.

I have the honor to be, you obedient servant,

POWELL CLAYTON,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Expedition.

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