The Courier's Bulletin Special -- #02 -- Engagements in Maryland and Arkansas

Special Courier Bulletin #02

Date: October 13-20, 1861

Telegram(s):

- Cumberland, MD: Joseph E. Johnston's Army of the Shenandoah has successfully repulsed McClellan's Army of Occupation in the Second Battle of Cumberland on the 13th of October. In a desperate attempt to turn the Confederate flank following Lawton's defeat of the West Virginia Militia one week prior, McClellan's force assailed Cumberland from the East, but unsuccessfully. Johnston's division commanders successfully routed McClellan's brigades from the field, inflicting 538 total casualties at the loss of 192 of their own (only 27 of their number killed). Johnston's second victory cements Confederate control in western Maryland. In support of their victory, Garnett's Army of the Northwest is reportedly marching on Grafton, WV, projecting Confederate command and control further West.

- Fort Smith, AR: General Benjamin McCulloch's Western Army (S) reports the first Confederate victory West of the Mississippi River. Commanding the Confederate defensive positions at Fort Smith, AR, McCulloch's forces successfully repelled an assault by the Union Army of the West (commander unknown). The Union forces, numbering more than 25,000 men strong, outnumbered the Confederate garrisons and Western Army at Fort Smith, the total force of which did not exceed 13,500 men. From their defenses on the Arkansas River, McCulloch's men withstood a weeks-long effort by the Union Army of the West to overcome the Confederate position. Preliminary field reports indicate that once the siege was lifted - with the Union force retiring to forward positions back in Fayetteville, AR - the Union Army had suffered over 200 casualties (45 killed) while the Confederates only lost 6 men wounded, and a further 6 killed by shelling of the battlements. Situation stable as of October 20, 1861.

-- End Special Bulletin