Battle of Yellow Creek (1862) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Yellow Creek
Part of the Trans-Mississippi Theater of the American Civil War
Date August 13, 1862 (1862-08-13) Location Yellow Creek, Chariton County, Missouri Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
Odon Guitar Benjamin F. Loan	John A. Poindexter
Strength
~700	Unknown
Casualties and losses
Two Wounded	Unknown

The Battle of Yellow Creek was a small but important fight during the American Civil War. It happened on August 13, 1862, near Yellow Creek in Chariton County, Missouri. This battle was also known as the Skirmish at Yellow Creek.

What Happened Before

This battle happened just two days after another fight at Compton's Ferry on August 11. There, Confederate Colonel John A. Poindexter was trying to cross the Grand River. He had about 1,200 to 1,500 new soldiers with him.

Union Forces Attack

Union forces, led by Colonel Odon Guitar, surprised Poindexter's group. The Confederates suffered many losses. They had to retreat towards Chariton County.

The Battle at Yellow Creek

Union forces continued to chase Poindexter's group. These Union soldiers included the 9th Missouri State Militia Cavalry and Merrill's Horse (2nd Missouri Volunteer Cavalry). They were led by Colonel Guitar and Brigadier General Benjamin F. Loan.

Poindexter's Defeat

Two days later, on August 13, the Union soldiers caught up with Poindexter's group at Yellow Creek. The Confederates were completely defeated. Their group basically stopped existing as a fighting force. Colonel Poindexter was hurt during the battle, but he managed to get away.

Poindexter's Capture

Poindexter was later captured on September 1, 1862. He was not wearing his military uniform at the time. There was a discussion about what to do with him. He was a Confederate officer captured without his uniform in Union territory. But instead of a harsh punishment, he was released. This happened after he promised publicly that he would not support guerrilla warfare.

Why This Battle Was Important

The Battle of Yellow Creek was the end of a larger plan. This plan aimed to stop Confederate efforts to recruit new soldiers. It also helped to stop major guerrilla operations in northwest Missouri. This was an area north of the Missouri River.

A Special Law

The battle also led to a unique law in Missouri. The Missouri State Legislature passed this law in 1863. It was for a soldier named Frank Martinck. He was a corporal in Company "E" of Colonel Guitar's 9th Missouri State Militia Cavalry.

Frank Martinck's Injury

During the Battle of Yellow Creek, Frank Martinck was accidentally shot in the hand by his own gun. The injury was so bad that his arm had to be removed to save his life.

The Law's Benefit

Because of his injury, the state passed a special law for him. This law allowed Frank Martinck to open a small shop in Cole County, Missouri. He could sell things like beer, ale, cider, cakes, candy, and cigars. The special part was that he didn't have to pay for a license to sell these items. However, he was not allowed to sell strong alcoholic drinks. This law helped him make a living after his injury.