Camp Lincoln
Head Quarters of Lane’s Brigade Sept[.] 4th 1861 My Dear Wife;

You will see by date of this that I have changed camp, since my letter of Sunday last was commenced. Within one hour after I had stopped writing, an alarm was given in our camp that 200 sesesh- had come upon a herd of mules, about 5 miles from camp, in care of four herdsmen, killing two of the herders, & taking away 70 mules; belonging to Col. Wier of the 3rd Reg. Our regiment was on the move immy. & in one hour were on the ground, & drawn up in line of battle, oposite the enemy. Our regiment only engaged them that evening & Capt. R. co. being all that were armed with sharps rifles, did the fighting. His company was divided in two squads, & skirmished on the right, & left flank of the enemy with good effect. Not over 600 of our men was engaged, with 3000 secessionists. They drove the rebels 12 miles, and might compelled them to return to the fort.

I was ordered to remain in charge of the hospital, & Dr. Johnson went on to the field. About sundown Gen. Lane ordered our camp to pack up, & move into town. I put my charge numbering 16 patients aboard the ambulances, & accompanied the train. On arriving at Lanes quarters, we were ordered to repair at once to Ft[.] Lincoln, situated on the Little Osage, 12 ms. N of Ft[.] Scott, a new point where our forces have been fortifying for the month past, where we arrived about 2o’c. A.M. I had tents pitched, & disposed of my patients just as day was breaking, & started back to the Fort, to assist in taking care of our wounded, but not a man of ours was injured. They had several horses killed. 17 sesesh were left dead on the field.

Monday morning our forces gathered, to the number of 3500, & moved south 5 miles, where the enemy full 10,000 strong, were drawn up in line of battle; having 5 pieces of cannon while we had only 2. Our first shot silenced one of their guns. I returned to Ft. S. They fought most of the day, & our forces left the field, but were not pursued. Two of Ritcheys men were wounded & they slightly. The wounded arrived at our camp about midnight Tuesday. Only 2 killed & 8 wounded, of our men & of the enemy we know nothing[.]

Our men retreated to town, & moved all their infantry to this point, & our supplies have been transported hither. The cavalry remained & have been skirmishing all of the day to day, but we have not heard with what result.

I was called to consult with the surgeons of the 3rd Regiment, as to the propriety of amputating on one man wounded in the knee, & another in the forearm. Decided to postpone the operation for the present. In my hospital rounds this morning I prescribed for 36 patients of our own Reg. & 17 from others in the absence of their surgeon—Fever, & Ague, Diarrhea, Billious Fever, Colds with sore throat & cough, the chief difficulty. Do not consider any dangerous, as my worst cases are improving.

I must close. My duties
[ ] keep me busy all the day. We expect our men in at any hour, & are making preparation for an attack on this point. Ft. Scott is evacuated by all but our cavalry. Fagots are piled in every house in the place & will be fired if our men are compelled to retreat.

In great haste I am Truly Yours, A.J. Huntoon

[ ] Kiss P. & remember Pa does not forget him. A Kiss for my ever dear Lizzie.