Union Major General James
G. Blunt and his Confederate opponent, Major General Thomas C. Hindman engaged
in some verbal and written sparring after the battle of Prairie Grove. On
December 12, 1862, just four days after the battle, Hindman sent the following
note to Blunt:
“I send the bearer,
Lieutenant Lawrence, to the battlefield, for the purpose of making a plat of it
and the approaches to it. I request that you grant him the privilege, under
such restrictions and obligations as you may see proper to impose. This courtesy
to me on your part, if extended to me, will be reciprocated whenever occasion
may offer.”
Blunt replied
sarcastically:
“Your request, contained
within, is a very modest one, and will be granted, provided you allow me to
send an artist to your present camp to sketch it and the approaches leading
thereto. Such little courtesies must be reciprocated.”
Hindman failed to respond.
Quotes are from the Official Records, v. 22, pt. 1, pages 81-82.
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