The Battle of Bollinger Mill

February 4, 1863 in Bollinger Mill, Missouri

Union Forces Commanded by
Capt. William T. Leeper
Strength Killed Wounded Missing / Captured
±- - - -
Confederate Forces Commanded by
Daniel McGee
Strength Killed Wounded Missing / Captured
±- - - -
Conclusion: Union Victory

During early 1864, there was increasing harassment of the Confederate supporters in Missouri by the Missouri Union militia. Because of the hostilities being carried out by Union militia against their families at home, a number of the local Confederate Missouri soldiers deserted their units to protect their families. Daniel McGee was one of these deserters. He led a group of local ex-soldiers in guerrilla warfare against the Union militia who were the principal people doing the harassment.

On February 4 at 12:40 A.M., this group of men attacked some Union troops belonging to Company K, 68th Enrolled Missouri Militia, under the command of 1st Lt. James T. Sutton, at the small town at Bollinger's Mill. After a short skirmish, the Confederate force withdrew, taking 4 Union prisoners. At this point, the party separated, with McGee and his men proceeding to the farm of his uncle not far away.

Later that day, a force of the 12th Missouri State Militia Cavalry, commanded by Capt. William T. Leeper, descended on the scene of the earlier skirmish, captured a few Confederate stragglers, and took up the trail of McGee.

the 12th Missouri Regiment of the Union militia, under the command of Capt. William T. Leeper, ambushed McGee and 28 others at his uncle's home. It appeared that many of the Confederates were not armed and were probably recruits. Apparently, the Confederates were seated, unarmed at the time, and Leeper stated in a later communication that he had given the order to take no prisoners. All 29 were killed. This action would also be known as the "McGee Massacre."

 

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