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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-14 19:56:23 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-14 19:56:23 -0700 |
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H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent5 { margin-left: 5%;} + .indent10 { margin-left: 10%;} + .indent15 { margin-left: 15%;} + .indent20 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent30 { margin-left: 30%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 100%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + .side { float: left; font-size: 75%; width: 25%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + p.pfirst, p.noindent {text-indent: 0} + span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 1 } + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + --> +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Struggle for Missouri, by John McElroy + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Struggle for Missouri + +Author: John McElroy + +Release Date: March 25, 2010 [EBook #31770] +Last Updated: October 31, 2012 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE STRUGGLE FOR MISSOURI *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE STRUGGLE FOR MISSOURI + </h1> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + BY JOHN McELROY + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + States are not great except as men may make them,<br /> Men are not + great, except they do and dare.<br /><br /> —Eugene F. Ware.<br /> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + WASHINGTON, D. C: <br /><br /> THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE CO. <br /><br /><br /> 1909 + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <h4> + DEDICATED <br /><br /> TO THE UNION MEN OF MISSOURI + </h4> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="frontispiece (61K)" src="images/frontispiece.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="titlepage (27K)" src="images/titlepage.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> <b>THE STRUGGLE FOR MISSOURI.</b> </a> + <br /><br /> <a href="#linkindex"> <b>INDEX</b> </a> <br /><br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a>A SALIENT BASTION FOR THE SLAVERY + EMPIRE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a>THE WAR + CLOUDS GATHER <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a>NATHANIEL + LYON'S ENTRANCE ON THE SCENE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER + IV. </a>THE CAPTURE OF CAMP JACKSON <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0005"> + CHAPTER V. </a>THE SCOTT-HARNEY AGREEMENT <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a>THE LAST WORD BEFORE THE BLOW + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a>GEN. LYON BEGINS AN + EFFECTIVE CAMPAIGN <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. + </a>STORM GATHERS IN SOUTHWESTERN MISSOURI <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a>EVE OF THE BATTLE OF WILSON'S + CREEK <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. </a>BATTLE OF + WILSON'S CREEK <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. </a>THE + AFTERMATH OF WILSON'S CREEK <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER + XII. </a>A GALAXY OF NOTABLE MEN <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0013"> + CHAPTER XIII. </a>FREMONT'S MARVELOUS INEFFECTIVENESS <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. </a>THE SAD RETREAT FROM SPRINGFIELD + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XI. </a>GEN. H. W. HALLECK + IN COMMAND <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. </a>HUNTER, + LANE, MISSOURI AND KANSAS <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER + XVII. </a>PRICE DRIVEN OUT OF THE STATE <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. </a>GEN. EARL VAN DORN + TAKES COMMAND <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. </a>THE + VICTORY IS WON <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <a href="#linkindex"> <b>INDEX</b> + </a> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>ILLUSTRATIONS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0001"> The Struggle for Missouri. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0002"> General Francis P Blair </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0003"> The War Clouds Gather </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0004"> The Harney Mansion </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0005"> General Claiborne Jackson </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0006"> General Lyon </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0007"> General John C. Fremont </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0008"> The Scott-harney Agreement </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0009"> General Sterling Price </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0010"> General Franz Sigel </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0011"> General David Hunter </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0012"> The St Louis Levee </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0013"> The Storm Gathers </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0014"> Sigel Crossing the Osage </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0015"> General Henry W. Halleck </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0016"> Battlefield of Wilson's Creek </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0017"> Table of Union Casualties </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0018"> Table of Confederate Casualties </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0019"> Table </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0020"> General Samuel R. J. Curtis </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0021"> General Albert Pike </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0022"> Battle of Pea Ridge </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> +<p> + <a name="link2" id="link2"></a><span class="pn">{2}</span> + </p> + <h1> + THE STRUGGLE FOR MISSOURI. + </h1> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0001" id="linkimage-0001"> + <!-- IMG --> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/003.jpg" alt="003-the Struggle for Missouri." width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link3" id="link3"></a><span class="pn">{3}</span> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. A SALIENT BASTION FOR THE SLAVERY EMPIRE. + </h2> + <p> + Whatever else may be said of Southern statesmen, of the elder school, they + certainly had an imperial breadth of view. They took in the whole + continent in a way that their Northern colleagues were slow in doing. It + cannot be said just when they began to plan for a separate Government + which would have Slavery as its cornerstone, would dominate the Continent + and ultimately absorb Cuba, Mexico and Central America as far as the + Isthmus of Panama. + </p> + <p> + Undoubtedly it was in the minds of a large number of them from the + organization of the Government, which they regarded as merely a temporary + expedient—an alliance with the Northern States until the South was + strong enough to "assume among the Powers of the Earth the separate and + equal station to which the laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle + them." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link4" id="link4"></a><span class="pn">{4}</span> + </p> + <p> + They achieved a great strategic victory when in 1818 they drew the + boundaries of the State of Missouri. + </p> + <p> + The Ordinance of 1787 dedicated to Freedom all of the immense territory + which became the States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and + Wisconsin. The wonderful growth of these in population, wealth and + political influence alarmed the Slave Power—keenly sensitive, as bad + causes always are, to anything which may possibly threaten,—and it + proceeded to erect in the State of Missouri a strong barrier to the + forward march of the Free Soil idea. + </p> + <p> + When the time for the separation came, the Northern fragment of the + Republic would find itself almost cut in two by the northward projection + of Virginia to within 100 miles of Lake Erie. It would be again nearly cut + in two by the projection of the northeast corner of Missouri to within 200 + miles of Lake Michigan. + </p> + <p> + In those days substantially all travel and commerce was along the lines of + the rivers. For the country between the Alleghany Mountains and the + Mississippi the Ohio River was the great artery. Into it empty the + Alleghany, Monongahela, Muskingum, the Kanawhas, Big Sandy, Scioto, the + Miamis, Licking, Kentucky, Green, Wabash, Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers, + each draining great valleys, and bringing with its volume of waters a + proportionate quota of travel and commerce. The Illinois River also + entered the Mississippi from the east with the commerce of a great and + fruitful region. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link5" id="link5"></a><span class="pn">{5}</span> + </p> + <p> + West of the Mississippi the mighty Missouri was the almost sole highway + for thousands of miles. + </p> + <p> + The State was made unusually large—68,735 square miles, where the + previous rule for States had been about 40,000 square miles—stretching + it so as to cover the mouths of the Ohio and the Illinois, and to lie on + both sides of the great Missouri for 200 miles. A glance at the map will + show how complete this maneuver seemed to be. Iowa and Minnesota were then + unbroken and unvisited stretches of prairie and forest, railroads were + only dreamed of by mechanical visionaries, and no man in Ohio, Indiana, + Illinois, Kentucky or Tennessee could send a load of produce to market + without Missouri's permission; he could make no considerable journey + without traversing her highways, while all of the imperial area west of + the Mississippi was made, it seemed, forever distinctly tributary to her. + </p> + <p> + New Orleans was then the sole mart of the West, for the Erie Canal had not + been dug to convert the Great, Lakes into a colossal commercial highway. + </p> + <p> + Out of a country possessing the unusual combination of surpassing + agricultural fertility with the most extraordinary mineral wealth they + carved a State larger in area than England and Wales and more than + one-fourth the size of France or Germany. + </p> + <p> + All ordinary calculations as to the development of such a favored region + would make of it a barrier which would effectively stay the propulsive + waves of Free Soilism. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link6" id="link6"></a><span class="pn">{6}</span> + </p> + <p> + So far as man's schemes could go there would never be an acre of free soil + west of Illinois. + </p> + <p> + The Anti-Slavery men were keenly alive to this strategic advantage of + their opponents. Though the opposition to Slavery might be said to be yet + in the gristle, the men hostile to the institution were found in all + parties, and were beginning to divide from its more ardent supporters. + </p> + <p> + Under the ban of public opinion Slavery was either dead or legally dying + in all the older States north of Mason and Dixon's line. In the kingly + stretch of territory lying north of the Ohio and between the Alleghanies + and the Mississippi there was no taint of the foot of a slave, and the + settlers there wanted to "set the bounds of Freedom wider yet." + </p> + <p> + The Anti-Slavery men everywhere, and at that time there were very many in + the Southern States, protested vigorously against the admission of + Missouri into the Union as a Slave State, and the controversy soon became + so violent as to convulse the Nation. In 1818, when the bill for the + admission of Missouri was being considered by the House of + Representatives, Gen. James Tallmadge, of New York, introduced the + following amendment: + </p> + <p> + And provided, That the introduction of slavery, or involuntary servitude, + be prohibited, except for the punishment of crimes, whereof the party has + been duly convicted; and that all children born within the said State, + after the admission thereof into the Union, shall be declared free at the + age of 25 years. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link7" id="link7"></a><span class="pn">{7}</span> + </p> + <p> + This was adopted by practically all the votes from the Free States, with a + few from the Border States, which constituted a majority in the House. But + the Senate, in which the Slave States had a majority, rejected the + amendment, and the struggle began which was only ended two years later by + the adoption of the famous Missouri Compromise of 1820, which admitted + Missouri as a Slave State, but prohibited for the future any "Slavery or + involuntary servitude" outside the limits of that State north of 36 + degrees 30 minutes. + </p> + <p> + As in all compromises, this was unsatisfactory to the earnest men on both + sides of the dispute. + </p> + <p> + The Anti-Slavery men, who claimed that Freedom was National and Slavery + local, were incensed that such an enormous area as that south of 36 + degrees 30 minutes had been taken from Freedom by the implication that it + was reserved for Slavery. + </p> + <p> + The Pro-Slavery men, on the other hand, who had shrewdly made Slavery + extension appear one of the fundamental and cherished rights of the South, + set up the clamorous protest, which never ceased till Appomattox, that the + denial of the privilege of taking property in Slaves to any part of the + National domain won by the arms or purchased by the money of the whole + country, was a violation of the compact entered into at the formation of + the Government, guaranteeing to the citizens of all the States the same + rights and privileges. + </p> + <p> + They also complained that under this arrangement the Free-Soilers gained + control of 1,238,025 square miles of the Nation's territory, while Slavery + only had 609,023 square miles, or less than half so much. This complaint, + which seemed so forceful to the Pro-Slaveryites, appeared as rank + impudence to their opponents, since it placed Slavery on the same plane + with Freedom. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link8" id="link8"></a><span class="pn">{8}</span> + </p> + <p> + The great State, however, did not flourish in accordance with the + expectations based upon its climate, natural resources and central + position. The tide of immigration paused before her borders, or swept + around under colder skies to Iowa and Minnesota, or to the remote prairies + of Kansas and Nebraska. Careless as the average home-seeker might seem as + to moral and social questions so long as he found fertile land at cheap + prices, yet he appeared reluctant to raise his humble cabin on soil that + had the least taint of Slavery. In spite of her long frontage on the two + greatest rivers of the continent, and which were its main highways; in + spite of skies and soils and rippling streams unsurpassed on earth; in + spite of having within her borders the great and growing city of St. + Louis, the Metropolis of the Mississippi Valley, Missouri in 1860, after + 40 years of Statehood, had only 1,182,012 people, against 1,711,951 in + Illinois, 1,350,428 in Indiana, 674,913 in Iowa, 172,023 in Minnesota, + 2,329,511 in Ohio, 749,113 in Michigan, 775,881 in Wisconsin, with nearly + 150,000 in Kansas and Nebraska. + </p> + <p> + More than a million settlers who had crossed the Mississippi within a few + years had shunned her contaminated borders for the free air of otherwise + less attractive localities. + </p> + <p> + Nor had the Slaveholders gone into the country in the numbers that were + expected. Less than 20,000 had settled there, which was a small showing + against nearly 40,000 in Kentucky and 55,000 in Virginia. All these had + conspicuously small holdings. Nearly one-third of them owned but one + slave, and considerably more than one-half had less than five. Only one + man had taken as many as 200 slaves into the State. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link9" id="link9"></a><span class="pn">{9}</span> + </p> + <p> + The Census of 1860 showed Missouri to rank eleventh among the Slave + States, according to the following table of the number of slaves in each: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1. Virginia.........490,865 10. Texas..........182,566 + + 2. Georgia.........462,198 11. Missouri.......114,931 + + 3. Mississippi.....436,631 12. Arkansas.......111,114 + + 4. Alabama.........435,080 13. Maryland....... 87,189 + + 5. South Carolina..402,406 14. Florida.........61,745 + + 6. Louisiana.......331,726 15. Delaware....... 1,798 + + 7. North Carolina...331,059 16. New Jersey...... 18 + + 8. Tennessee.......275,719 17. Nebraska....... 15 + + 9. Kentucky........225,483 18. Kansas......... 2 +</pre> + <p> + There were 3,185 slaves in the District of Columbia and 29 in the + Territory of Utah, with all the rest of the country absolutely free. + </p> + <p> + The immigrant Slaveowners promptly planted themselves where they could + command the great highway of the Missouri River, taking up broad tracts of + the fertile lands on both sides of the stream. The Census of 1860 showed + that of the 114,965 slaves held in the State, 50,280 were in the 12 + Counties along the Missouri: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Boone........... ....5,034 Jackson..............3,944 + + Calloway.............4,257 Lafayette............6,357 + + Chariton.............2,837 Pike.................4,056 + + Clay.................3,456 Platte...............3,313 + + Cooper...............3,800 St. Charles..........2,181 + + Howard...............5,889 Saline...............4,876 +</pre> + <p> + Two-thirds of all the slaves in the State were held within 20 miles of the + Missouri River. + </p> + <p> + As everywhere, the Slaveowners exerted an influence immeasurably + disproportionate to their numbers, intelligence and wealth. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link10" id="link10"></a><span class="pn">{10}</span> + </p> + <p> + A very large proportion of the immigration had not been of a character to + give much promise as to the future. + </p> + <p> + The new State had been the Adullam's Cave for the South, where "every one + that was in distress, and every one that was in debt and every one that + was discontented gathered themselves." Next to Slavery, the South had been + cursed by the importation of paupers and criminals who had been + transported from England for England's good, in the early history of the + Colonies, to work the new lands. The negro proving the better worker in + servitude than this class, they had been driven off the plantations to + squat on unoccupied lands, where they bred like the beasts of the field, + getting a precarious living from hunting the forest, and the bolder eking + out this by depredations upon their thriftier neighbors. Their forebears + had been paupers and criminals when sent from England, and the descendants + continued to be paupers and criminals in the new country, forming a + clearly marked social class, so distinct as to warrant the surmise that + they belonged to a different race. As the eastern part of the South and + the administration of the laws improved, this element was to some extent + forced out, and spread in a noisome trail over Mississippi, Arkansas and + Missouri. While other immigrants went into the unbroken forest with a few + rude tools and in the course of several years built up comfortable homes, + their's never rose above abject squalor. The crudest of cabins sufficed + them for shelter, beds of beech leaves were all the couches they required; + they had more guns in their huts than agricultural or mechanical + implements; they scarcely pretended to raise anything more than a scanty + patch of corn; and when they could not put on their tables the flesh of + the almost wild razor-back hog which roamed the woods, they made meat of + woodchucks, raccoons, opossums or any other "varmint" their guns could + bring down. They did not scorn hawks or owls if hunger demanded and no + better meat could be found. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link11" id="link11"></a><span class="pn">{11}</span> + </p> + <p> + It was this "White Trash" which added so much to the horrors of the war, + especially in Missouri, and so little to its real prosecution. Wolf-like + in ferocity, when the advantages were on their side, they were wolf-like + in cowardice when the terms were at all equal. They were the Croats, + Cossacks, Tolpatches, Pandours of the Confederacy—of little value in + battle, but terrible as guerrillas and bushwhackers. From this "White + Trash" came the gangs of murderers and robbers, like those led by the + Youngers, Jameses, Quantrils and scores of other names of criminal memory. + </p> + <p> + As has been the case in all times and countries, these dregs of society + became the willing tools of the Slaveholding aristocrats. With dog-like + fidelity they followed and served the class which despised and overrode + them. Somehow, by inherited habits likely, they seemed to avoid the more + fertile parts of the State. They thus became "Bald Knobbers" and + "Ozarkers" in Missouri, as they had been "Clay Eaters" in South Carolina, + or "Sang Diggers" in Virginia. + </p> + <p> + With these immigrants from the South came also large numbers of a far + better element even than the arrogant Slaveowners or the abject "White + Trash." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link12" id="link12"></a><span class="pn">{12}</span> + </p> + <p> + The Middle Class in the South was made up of much the same stock as the + bulk of the Northerners—that is of Scotch, Scotch-Irish and North + English—Congregationalists, Presbyterians, Baptists and Dissenters + generally—who had been forced out of Great Britain by the intolerant + Episcopalians when the latter gained complete power after the suppression + of the Rebellion of 1745. With these were also the descendants of the + sturdy German Protestants who had been driven from Europe during the + religious wars when the Catholics gained the ascendency in their + particular country. These were the backbone of the South, and had largely + settled along the foothills of the Alleghanies and in the fruitful valleys + between the mountains, while the "White Trash" lived either on the barren + parts of the lowlands or the bare and untillable highlands. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link13" id="link13"></a><span class="pn">{13}</span> + </p> + <p> + It is a grave mistake to confound these two classes of Non-Slaveholding + whites in the South. They were as absolutely unlike as two distinct races, + and an illustration of the habits of the two in migrating will suffice to + show this. It was the custom in the Middle Classes when a boy attained + majority that he chose for his wife a girl of the same class who was just + ripening into vigorous womanhood. Both boy and girl had been brought up to + labor with their own hands and to work constantly toward a definite + purpose. They had been given a little rudimentary education, could read + their Bibles and almanacs, "cipher" a little, write their names and a + letter which could be read. When quite a lad the boy's father had given + him a colt, which he took care of until it became a horse. To this, his + first property, was added a suit of stout homespun cloth, which, with a + rifle, an ax and some few other necessary tools, constituted his sole + equipment for married life. The girl had been given a calf, which she had + raised to a heifer; she had also a feather bed and some blankets of her + own making and a little stock of the most obvious housekeeping utensils. + With this simple outfit the young couple were married, and either went in + debt for a little spot of land near home or pushed out into the new + country. There they built a rude log cabin to shelter them from the storm, + and by the time their children had reached the age they were when they + married they had built up an unpretentious but very comfortable home, with + their land well cleared and fenced, and stocked with cattle, pigs, sheep + and poultry sufficient to maintain them in comfort. From this class came + always the best and strongest men in the South. Comparatively few of them + became Slaveowners, and then but rarely owned more than one or two + negroes. A very large proportion found homes in the great free States + north of the Ohio River. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link14" id="link14"></a><span class="pn">{14}</span> + </p> + <p> + On the other hand, none of this accession to comparative wealth seemed + possible to the "White Trash." The boys and girls mated, squatted on any + ground they could find unoccupied, raised there the merest shelter, which + never by any chance improved, no matter how long they lived there, and + proceeded to breed with amazing prolificacy others like themselves, + destined for the same lives of ignorance and squalor. The hut of the "Clay + Eater" in South Carolina, the "Sand Hiller" in Georgia, the "Sang Digger" + in Virginia was the same as that his grandfather had lived in. It was the + same that his sons and grandsons to the third and fourth generations built + on the bleak knobs of the Ozarks or the malarious banks of the + Mississippi. The Census of 1850 showed that about 70,000 of the population + of Missouri had come from Kentucky, 45,000 from Tennessee, 41,000 from + Virginia, 17,000 from North Carolina and 15,000 from the other Southern + States. Nearly 40,000 had gone from Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, but a very + large proportion of this number was the same element which had streamed + across the southern parts of those States on its way to Missouri. Only + 13,000 had entered from the great States of New York and Pennsylvania, and + but 1,100 from New England. Nearly 15,000 Irishmen, mostly employed along + the rivers, had settled in the State. + </p> + <p> + While the Slaveowners and their "White Trash" myrmidons were Pro-Slavery + Democrats, the Middle Class were inclined to be Whigs, or if Democrats, + belonging to that wing of the party less subservient to Slavery which in + later years was led by Stephen A. Douglas. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link15" id="link15"></a><span class="pn">{15}</span> + </p> + <p> + Upon these three distinct strata in society, which little mingled but were + all native Americans, was projected an element of startling differences in + birth, thought, speech and manners. The so-called Revolution of 1848 in + Germany was a movement by the educated, enthusiastic, idealistic youth of + the Fatherland to sweep away the horde of petty despots, and unite their + pigmy Principalities and Duchies into a glorious and wide-ruling Germany. + They were a generation too soon, however, and when the movement was + crushed under the heavy hand of military power, hundreds of thousands of + these energetic young men thought it safest and best to make new homes in + the young Republic beyond the seas. The United States therefore received a + migration of the highest character and of inestimable benefit to the + country. + </p> + <p> + Somewhere near 150,000 of these went to Missouri. They had none of the + antipathy of Northern Americans to a Slave State. They were like their + Gothic forebears, to whom it was sufficient to know that the land was + good. Other matters could be settled by their strong right arms. The + climate and fertility of Missouri pleased them; they saw the State's + possibilities and flocked thither. Possibly one-half settled in the + pleasant valleys and on the sunny prairies, following the trail of good + land in the Southwest clear down to the Arkansas line. The other half + settled mostly in St. Louis, and through them the city experienced another + of its wonderful transformations. Beginning as a trading post of the + French with the Indians, it had only as residents merchant adventurers + from sunny France, officers and soldiers of the royal army and the + half-breed voyageurs and trappers who served the fur companies. Next the + Americans had swarmed in, and made the trading post a great market for the + exchange of the grain and meat of the North, for the cotton and sugar of + the South. Its merchants and people took their tone and complexion from + the plantations of the Mississippi Valley. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link16" id="link16"></a><span class="pn">{16}</span> + </p> + <p> + Now came these Germans, intent upon reproducing there the characteristics + of the old world cities beyond the Rhine. They brought with them lager + beer, to which the Americans took very readily, and a decided taste for + music, painting and literature, to which the Americans were not so much + inclined. German signs, with their quaint Gothic lettering and grotesque + names, blossomed out on the buildings, military bands in German uniforms + paraded the streets, especially on Sundays. German theaters also open on + Sunday represented by astonishingly good companies the popular plays of + the Fatherland, and newsboys cried the German newspapers on the streets. + Those who went into the country were excellent farmers, shrewd in buying + and selling, and industrious workers. They dreamed of covering the low + hills of the western part of the State with the vineyards that were so + profitable on the Rhine and of rivaling the products of Johannesburg and + the Moselle on the banks of the Gasconade and the Maramec. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link17" id="link17"></a><span class="pn">{17}</span> + </p> + <p> + The newcomers were skilled men in their departments of civilized + activities—far above the average of the Americans. They were good + physicians, fine musicians, finished painters, excellent actors and + skillful mechanics, and each began the intelligent exercise of his + vocation, to the great advantage of the community, which was, however, + shocked at many of the ways of the newcomers, particularly their devoting + Sunday to all manner of merrymaking. Still more shocking was their + attitude toward the Slavery question. Even those Americans who were + opposed to Slavery had a respect approaching awe of the "Sacred + Institution." It had always been in the country; it was protected by a + network of laws, and so feared that it could only be discussed with the + greatest formality and circumspection. The radical Germans had absolutely + none of this feeling. In their scheme of humanity all Slavery was so + horrible that there could be no reason for its longer continuance, and it + ought to be put to an end in the most summary manner. The epithet + "Abolitionists," from which most Americans shrank as from an insult, had + no terrors for them. It frankly described their mental attitude, and they + gloried in it as they did in being Free Thinkers. They had not rebelled + against timeworn traditions and superstitions in Germany to become slaves + to something worse in this. + </p> + <p> + Vigorous growths as they were, they readily took root in the new soil, + became naturalized as fast as they could, and entered into the life of the + country which they had elected for their homes. They joined the Republican + Party from admiration of its Free Soil principles, and in the election of + 1860 cast 17,028 votes for Abraham Lincoln. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link18" id="link18"></a><span class="pn">{18}</span> + </p> + <p> + Such were the strangely differing elements which were fermenting together + in the formation of the great Commonwealth during those turbulent days + from 1850 to 1860, and which were to be fused into unexpected combinations + in the fierce heat of civil war. The same fermentation—minus the + modifying influences of the radical Germans—was going on in all the + States of the South except South Carolina, where the Middle Class hardly + existed. Everywhere the Middle Class was strongly attached to the Union, + and averse to Secession. Everywhere the Slaveowners, a small minority, but + of extraordinary ability and influence, were actively preaching + dissatisfaction with the Union, bitterly complaining of wrongs suffered at + the hands of the North, and untiring in their machinations to win over or + crush the leaders of those favorable to the Union. Everywhere they had the + "White Trash" solidly behind them to vote as they wished, and to harry and + persecute the Union men. As machinery for malevolence the "White Trash" + myrmidons could not be surpassed. Criminal instincts inherited from their + villain forefathers made them ready and capable of anything from maiming a + Union man's stock and burning his stacks to shooting him down from ambush. + They had personal feeling to animate them in this, for their depredations + upon the hogs and crops of their thriftier neighbors had brought them into + lifelong collisions with the Middle Class, while they had but little + opportunity for resentment against the owners of the large plantations. In + every State in the South the story was the same, of the Middle Class Union + men being harassed at the command of the Slaveowners by the "White Trash" + hounds. They had been sent into Kansas to drive out the Free State + immigrants there and secure the territory for Slavery, but though backed + up by the power of the Administration, they had been signally defeated by + the numerically inferior but bolder and hardier immigrants from the North. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link19" id="link19"></a><span class="pn">{19}</span> + </p> + <p> + Force rules this world; it always has; it always will. Not merely physical + force, but that incomparably higher type—intellectual force—Power + of Will. It seemed that in nearly all the States of the South the + Slaveowners by sheer audacity and force of will succeeded in dominating + the great majority which favored the Union, and by one device or another + committing them hopelessly to the rebellion. This was notably the case in + Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia, where the majority + repeatedly expressed itself in favor of the Union, but was dragooned into + Secession. + </p> + <p> + In Missouri, however, the Secessionists encountered leaders with will and + courage superior to their own. Many of these were Slaveowners themselves, + and nearly all of them were of Southern birth. Head and shoulders above + these, standing up among them like Saul among the Sons of Israel, was + Frank P. Blair, then in the full powers of perfect manhood. He was 42 + years old, tall and sinewy in body, blue-eyed and sandy-haired. He came of + the best Virginia and Kentucky stock, and had long been a resident and + slaveowner in Missouri. As a boy he had served in the ranks in the Mexican + War, had an adventurous career on the Pacific Coast, had gone back to + Missouri to achieve prominence at the bar, and as early as 1848 had come + to the front as the unflinching advocate of Emancipation and the + conversion of Missouri into a Free State. Against his perfect panoply of + courage and resource all the lances of the Slaveowners were hurled in + vain. Their violence recoiled before him, their orators were no match for + him upon the stump, and their leaders not his equal in party management. + In 1852 he was elected to the Missouri Legislature as a Free Soiler, was + re-elected in 1854, and in 1856 to Congress. His value to the Union was + immeasurable, for he was a leader around whom the Union men could rally + with the utmost confidence that he would never weaken, never resort to + devious ways, and never blunder. As a Southerner of the best ancestry, he + was not open to the charge of being a "Yankee Abolitionist," which had so + much effect upon the Southern people of his State. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0002" id="linkimage-0002"> + <!-- IMG --> </a> <img src="images/056-Gen%20Francis%20P%20Blair.jpg" + alt="056-general Francis P Blair" width="100%" /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link20" id="link20"></a><span class="pn">{20}</span> + </p> + <p> + A very dangerous element was composed of a number of leaders who belonged + to the Pro-Slavery wing, but desiring to be elected to offices, masked + their designs under the cover of the Douglas Democracy. The most important + of these was Claiborne F. Jackson, a politician of moderate abilities and + only tolerable courage, but of great partisan activity. He professed to be + a Douglas Democrat, and as such was elected Governor at the State + election. Born in Kentucky 54 years before, he had resided in Missouri + since 1822. A Captain in the Black Hawk War, his service had been as + uneventful and brief as that of Abraham Lincoln, who was two years his + junior, and he was one of the Pro-Slavery clique who had hounded the great + Thomas H. Benton out of politics on account of his mild Free Soilism. In + person he was tall, erect, with something of dignity in his bearing. He + essayed to be an orator, had much reputation as such, but his speeches + developed little depth of thought or anything beyond the customary phrases + which were the stock in trade of all the orators of his class south of + Mason and Dixon's line. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link21" id="link21"></a><span class="pn">{21}</span> + </p> + <p> + The fermentation period culminated in the Presidential campaign of 1860, + the hottest political battle this country had ever known. + </p> + <p> + The intensity of the interest felt in Missouri was shown by the bigness of + the vote, which aggregated 165,618. As the population was but 1,182,012, + of which 114,965 were slaves, it will be seen that substantially every + white man went to the polls. + </p> + <p> + The newly-formed Republican Party, mostly confined to the radical Germans + of St. Louis, cast 17,028 votes for Abraham Lincoln. + </p> + <p> + The Slaveowners and their henchmen—"Southern Rights Democrats"—cast + 31,317 votes for John C. Breckinridge. + </p> + <p> + The "Regular Democrats" polled 58,801 votes for Stephen A. Douglas and + "Squatter Sovereignty." + </p> + <p> + The remains of the "Old Line Whigs," and a host of other men who did not + want to be Democrats and would not be Republicans, cast 58,372 votes for + John Bell, the "Constitutional Union" candidate. + </p> + <p> + Thus it will be seen that out of every 165 men who went to the polls 17 + were quite positive that the extension of Slavery must cease; 31 were + equally positive that Slavery should be extended or the Union dissolved; + 59 favored "Squatter Sovereignty," or local option in the Territories in + regard to Slavery; 58 thought that "all this fuss about the nigger was + absurd, criminal, and dangerous. It ought to be stopped at once by + suppressing, if necessary, by hanging, the extremists on both sides, and + letting things go on just as they have been." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link22" id="link22"></a><span class="pn">{22}</span> + </p> + <p> + Thus so great a proportion as 117 out of the total of 165—nearly + five-sevenths of the whole—professed strong hostility to the views + of the "extremists, both North and South." + </p> + <p> + The time was at hand, however, when they must make their election as to + which of these opposite poles of thought and action they would drift. They + could no longer hold aloof, suggesting mild political placeboes, lamenting + alike the wickedness of the Northern Abolitionists and the madness of the + Southern Nullifiers, and expressing a patriotic desire to hang selected + crowds of each on the same trees. + </p> + <p> + South Carolina had promptly responded to the election of Abraham Lincoln + as President of the United States by passing an Ordinance of Secession, + and seizing all the United States forts, arsenals and other places, except + Fort Sumter, within her limits. + </p> + <p> + The rest of the Cotton States were hastening to follow her example. + </p> + <p> + To the 117 "Middle-of-the-Road" voters out of every total of 165 it was + therefore necessary to choose whether they would approve of the withdrawal + of States and seizures of forts, and become Secessionists, or whether they + would disapprove of this and ally themselves with the much-contemned Black + Republicans. + </p> + <p> + It was the old, old vital question, asked so many times of neutrals with + the sword at their throats: + </p> + <p> + "Under which King, Bezonian? Speak, or die." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link23" id="link23"></a><span class="pn">{23}</span> + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0003" id="linkimage-0003"> + <!-- --> + <!-- IMG --> </a> <img src="images/023.jpg" + alt="023-the War Clouds Gather" width="100%" /><br /> <a name="link2HCH0002" + id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. THE WAR CLOUDS GATHER + </h2> + <p> + The storm-clouds gathered with cyclonic swiftness. South Carolina seceded + Dec. 20, 1860, and sent a Commission to Washington to negotiate for the + delivery of all the forts, arsenals, magazines, lighthouses, and other + National property within her boundaries, organizing in the meanwhile to + seize them. Her Senators and Representatives formally withdrew from + Congress; the Judges and other Federal officials solemnly resigned their + places; and Maj. Robert Anderson, recognizing the impossibility of + defending the decrepit Fort Moultrie against assault, transferred his + garrison to Fort Sumter. + </p> + <p> + President Buchanan announced the fatal doctrine that while no State had + the right to secede, the Constitution gave no power to coerce a State + which had withdrawn, or was attempting to withdraw from the Union. + </p> + <p> + Mississippi seceded Jan. 9, 1861; Florida, Jan. 10; Alabama, Jan. 11; + Georgia, Jan. 19; Louisiana, Jan. 26; and Texas, Feb. 1;—all the + Cotton States precipitately following South Carolina's example. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link24" id="link24"></a><span class="pn">{24}</span> + </p> + <p> + Each made haste—before or after Secession—to seize all the + United States forts and property within her borders. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of this political cataclysm the Legislature of Missouri met + on the last day of 1860. + </p> + <p> + The Senate consisted of 25 Democrats, seven Unionists, and one Republican; + the House of 85 Democrats, 35 Unionists, and 12 Republicans. + </p> + <p> + The retiring Governor—Robert M. Stewart—sent in his final + message Jan. 3, and the same day his successor—Claiborne F. Jackson—was + inaugurated, and delivered his address. Gov. Stewart was a typical + Northern Democrat, born in New York, but long a resident of Missouri. He + was a strong Douglas man, and believed that the Southern people had the + Constitutional right to take their slaves into the Territories and hold + them there, and that this right ought to be assured them. He had never + pretended to be in love with Slavery, but he believed that the + Constitution and laws granted full protection to the Institution. He + denied the right of Secession, particularly as to Missouri, which had been + bought with the money of the whole country. In his final message he did + not hesitate to clearly set this forth, and to denounce South Carolina as + having acted with consummate folly. He recognized the Union as the source + of innumerable blessings, and would preserve it to the last. He said: + </p> + <p> + As matters are at present Missouri will stand by her lot, and hold to the + Union as long as it is worth an effort to preserve it. So long as there is + hope of success she will seek for justice within the Union. She cannot be + frightened from her propriety by the past unfriendly legislation of the + North, nor be dragooned into secession by the extreme South. If those who + should be our friends and allies undertake to render our property + worthless by a system of prohibitory laws, or by reopening the slave trade + in opposition to the moral sense of the civilized world, and at the same + time reduce us to the position of an humble sentinel to watch over and + protect their interests, receiving all the blows and none of the benefits, + Missouri will hesitate long before sanctioning such an arrangement She + will rather take the high position of armed neutrality. She is able to + take care of herself, and will be neither forced nor flattered, driven nor + coaxed, into a course of action that must end in her own destruction. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link25" id="link25"></a><span class="pn">{25}</span> + </p> + <p> + The inaugural address of the new Governor was, under a thin vail of + professed love for the Union, a bitter Secession appeal. He said that the + destiny of the Slaveholding States was one and the same; that what injured + one necessarily hurt all; that separate action meant certain defeat by the + insolent North, which was alone and wholly responsible for the present + deplorable conditions. He applauded the "gallantry" of South Carolina, + urged that she be not condemned for "precipitancy," and said + significantly: "If South Carolina has acted hastily, let not her error + lead to the more fatal one—an attempt at coercion." + </p> + <p> + With reference to the Republican Party and the future policy of Missouri, + he said: + </p> + <p> + The prominent characteristic of this party * * * is that it is purely + sectional in its locality and its principles. The only principle inscribed + upon its banner is Hostility to Slavery;—its object not merely to + confine Slavery within its present limits; not merely to exclude it from + the Territories, and prevent the formation and admission of any + Slaveholding States; not merely to abolish it in the District of Columbia, + and interdict its passage from one State to another; but to strike down + its existence everywhere; to sap its foundation in public sentiment; to + annoy and harass, and gradually destroy its vitality, by every means, + direct or indirect, physical and moral, which human ingenuity can devise. + The triumph of such an organization is not the victory of a political + party, but the domination of a Section. It proclaims in significant tones + the destruction of that equality among the States which is the vital + cement for our Federal Union. It places 15 of the 33 States in the + position of humble recipients of the bounty, or sullen submissionists to + the power of a Government which they had no voice in creating, and in + whose councils they do not participate. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link26" id="link26"></a><span class="pn">{26}</span> + </p> + <p> + It cannot, then, be a matter of surprise to any—victors or + vanquished—that these 16 States, with a pecuniary interest at stake + reaching the enormous sum of $3,600,000,000 should be aroused and excited + at the advent of such a party to power. + </p> + <p> + Would it not rather be an instance of unprecedented blindness and fatuity, + if the people and Governments of these 16 Slaveholding States were, under + such circumstances, to manifest quiet indifference, and to make no effort + to avoid the destruction which awaited them? + </p> + <p> + The meeting of the Legislature naturally brought to the State Capital at + Jefferson City all of the powerful coterie which was self-charged with the + work of taking Missouri into the road whither South Carolina was leading + the Cotton States. This coterie included the Judges of the Supreme Court + and all the State officials, and the United States Senators and + Representatives. Ever since the Anti-Benton faction had accomplished the + great Senator's defeat, the shibboleth for admission into the higher + circles of Missouri Democracy had been "Southern Rights." As the mass of + the Middle Class Democrats favored Senator Douglas's plan of letting the + settlers in each Territory decide for themselves whether they would have + Slavery, it was highly politic for every candidate to claim that he was a + Douglas Democrat. It must be known to the inner ring, however, that he was + at heart fully in accord with the views of the extreme Pro-Slavery men, + and ready at the word to join the Secessionists. So thorough was this + preliminary organization, that while in Missouri tens of thousands of + professed Union men went over to Secession when the stress came, there was + no instance of an avowed Pro-Slavery man cleaving to the side of the + Union. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link27" id="link27"></a><span class="pn">{27}</span> + </p> + <p> + Next to Gov. Jackson,—surpassing him in intellectual acuteness and + fertile energy,—was Lieut.-Gov. Thos. C. Reynolds, then in his 40th + year, a short, full-bodied man, with jet-black hair and eyes shaded by + gold-rimmed glasses. He boasted of being born of Virginia parents in South + Carolina, but some of the Germans claimed to know that his right name was + Reinhold, and that he was a Jew born in Prague, the Capital of Bohemia, + and brought to this country when a child. He was a man of more than + ordinary ability, and had accomplishments quite unusual in that day. + </p> + <p> + He spoke French, German and Spanish fluently, wrote profusely and with + considerable force, and prided himself on being a diplomat. He had seen + some service as Secretary of Legation and Charge d' Affaires at Madrid. He + had been elected as a Douglas Democrat, but was an outspoken Secessionist, + and as he was ex-officio President of the Senate, he had much power in + forming committees and shaping legislation. He clung to the wrecked rebel + ship of state to the last, went with Gov. Jackson and the rest when they + were driven out of the State, assumed the Governorship when Jackson—worn + out by the terrible strains and vicissitudes—died at Little Rock, + Ark., in December, 1862—and was last heard from near the end of the + war, with the shattered and melancholy remnants of the Missouri State + Government and troops, on the banks of the Rio Grande, writing furious + diatribes against Gen. Sterling Price, the admired leader of the Missouri + Confederates. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link28" id="link28"></a><span class="pn">{28}</span> + </p> + <p> + Another man of great influence in the State was United States Senator + James S. Green, a Virginian by birth, but who had been a resident of + Missouri for about a quarter of a century. He was a lawyer of fine + talents, and in the Senate ranked as a debater with Douglas, Seward, + Chase, Toombs, Wigfall, Fessenden, Wade, and others of that class. In + Missouri he was one of the leaders of the Ultra-Slavery "Softs" against + Thos. H. Benton; had been Minister to New Granada, and Representative in + Congress, and in the Senate belonged to the Jefferson Davis-Toombs-Wigfall + cabal, which was planning the disruption of the Union. His term expiring + March 3, 1861, he was now in Jefferson City for the rather irreconcilable + purposes of securing his re-election to the United States Senate and of + fulfilling his pledge to his Secessionist colleagues to carry Missouri out + of the Union. + </p> + <p> + His colleague—Senator Trusten Polk—a strong, kindly, graceful + man—was there to assist him in both purposes. Born in Delaware, he + had been a resident of Missouri since 1835, elected Governor of the State + in 1856, resigned to accept Benton's seat in the Senate, from which he was + to be expelled in 1862 for disloyalty, and to follow the failing fortunes + of the Missouri Confederates to the banks of the Rio Grande. + </p> + <p> + The problem of absorbing intensity for the Secession leaders—Messrs. + Jackson, Reynolds, Green, Polk and others—was to win over, entrap or + constrain a sufficient number of the 117 "Doubtful" voters out of every + 165, to give them a working majority in the State. There was fiery zeal + enough and to spare on the Secession side; what was needed was skillful + management to convince the Union-loving peace-loving majority that the + Northern "Abolitionists," flushed with victory, meant unheard-of wrongs + and insults to the South; that Missouri must put herself in shape to + protect her borders, call a halt on the insolent North, and in connection + with the other Border States be the arbiter between the contending + sections, and in the last resort ally herself with the other Slave States + for mutual protection. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link29" id="link29"></a><span class="pn">{29}</span> + </p> + <p> + A man to be reckoned with in those days was the Commander of the + Department of the West, which included all that immense territory + stretching from the Mississippi to the Rocky Mountains, except Texas, New + Mexico, and Utah. This man was the embodiment of the Regular Army as it + was developed after the War of 1812. At this time that Army was a very + small one—two regiments of dragoons, two of cavalry, one of mounted + riflemen, four of artillery, and 10 of infantry, making, with engineers, + ordnance and staff, a total of only 12,698 officers and men—but its + personnel and discipline were unsurpassed in the world. Among its 1,040 + commissioned officers there was no finer soldier than William Selby + Harney. A better Colonel no army ever had. A Colonel, mind you—not a + General; there is a wide difference between the two, as we found out + during the war. There are very many Americans—every little community + has at least one—who, given a regiment, where every man is within + reach of his eye and voice, will discipline it, provide for it, rule it, + and fight it in the very best fashion. Give him some piece of work to do, + of which he can see the beginning and the end, and he will make the + regiment do every pound of which it is capable. But put in command of a + brigade, anything beyond voice and eye, set to a task outreaching his + visual horizon, he becomes obviously unequal to the higher range of duty. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0004" id="linkimage-0004"> + <!-- IMG --> </a> <img src="images/029-The%20Harney%20Mansiion.jpg" + alt="029-the Harney Mansion" width="100%" /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link30" id="link30"></a><span class="pn">{30}</span> + </p> + <p> + A form of commanding hight (sp.), physique equal to any test of activity + or endurance, a natural leader of men through superiority of courage and + ability, William Selby Harney had for 43 years made an unsurpassed record + as a commander of soldiers. He had served in the everglades of Florida, on + the boundless plains west of the Mississippi, and in Mexico, during the + brilliantly spectacular war which ended with our "reveling in the Halls of + the Montezumas." He it was, who, eager for his country's honor and + advancement, had, while the diplomats were disputing with Great Britain, + pounced down upon and seized the debatable island of San Juan in Vancouver + waters. For this he was recalled, but the island remained American + territory. He was soon assigned to the Department of the West, with + headquarters at St. Louis. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link31" id="link31"></a><span class="pn">{31}</span> + </p> + <p> + He had been for 12 years the Colonel of the crack 2d U. S. Dragoons, and + for three years one of the three Brigadier-Generals in the Regular Army, + his only seniors being Maj.-Gen. and Brevet Lieut.-Gen. Winfield Scott, + the General-in-Chief; Brig.-Gen. John E. Wool, commanding the Department + of the East; and Brig.-Gen. David E. Twiggs, commanding the Department of + Texas. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Harney's assignment, while a recognition of his eminent fitness for + ruling the territory over which he had campaigned for more than a quarter + of a century, was highly gratifying to him inasmuch as he was married to a + wealthy St. Louis woman, and in that city he had an abundance of the + luxurious social enjoyment so dear to the heart of the old warrior. A + Southerner by birth and education, a large Slave-owner, with all his + interests in the South, and at all times seemingly in full sympathy with + the Southern spirit that dominated the Army, the Secessionists sanguinely + expected that he would prove as pliant to their proposals as had Gen. + Twiggs, the Commander of the Department of Texas. We shall see how + soldierly instincts and training measurably disappointed them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link32" id="link32"></a><span class="pn">{32}</span> + </p> + <p> + To return to the Missouri Legislature: Lieut.-Gov. Reynolds could, as a + lieutenant always can, be more outspoken and radical than his chief, who + labored under responsibility. On the day the Legislature met he published + an important letter which thoroughly indicates the feeling of the + Secessionists at that period. He urged the General Assembly to promptly + express the determination of Missouri to resist every attempt by the + Federal Government to coerce any State to remain in the Union, or to use + force in any way to collect revenues or execute the laws in any seceding + State. He denounced President Buchanan's distinction between "coercing a + State" and "compelling the citizens of the State to obey the laws of the + United States" as a "transparent sophistry." "To levy tribute, molest + commerce, or hold fortresses, are as much acts of war as to bombard a + city." He also urged immediate and thorough organization of the militia + and other preparations for "putting the State in complete condition for + defense." If the present controversy could not be adjusted before March 4, + the State of Missouri "should not permit Mr. Lincoln to exercise any act + of Government" within her borders. + </p> + <p> + This was certainly distinctly defiant, and shrewdly calculated to gather + about the new administration all the wavering men who could be attracted + by inflammatory appeals to their prejudices against the North, to their + State pride, and to their hopes of making Missouri the arbiter in the + dispute. Lieut.—Gov. Reynolds followed up his pronunciamento by + carefully organizing the Senate committees with radical Secessionists at + the head, and the immediate introduction of bills ably contrived to put + the control of the State in the hands of those who favored Secession. + These committees promptly reported several bills. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link33" id="link33"></a><span class="pn">{33}</span> + </p> + <p> + One provided for calling a State Convention, an effective device by which + the other Southern States had been dragged into Secession. Another + provided for the organization of the Militia of the State, which would be + done by officers reliable for Secession, and the third was intended to + extinguish resistance by taking away much of the police power of the + Republican Mayor of St. Louis, who had at his back the radical Germans, + organized into semi-military Wide-Awake Clubs. All these bills seemed to + be heartily approved all over the State, and the Southern Rights leaders + were exultant at their success. Apparently the 117 "Doubtfuls" were + flocking over to them. + </p> + <p> + It seemed for a few momentous days in the opening of 1861 that Missouri + would be inevitably swept into the tide of Secession, and even in St. + Louis, the stronghold of Republicanism, a monster mass meeting, called and + controlled by such afterwards—strong loyalists as Hamilton R. + Gamble, later the Union Governor of the State, Nathaniel Paschall, James + E. Yeatman, and Robert Campbell, unanimously passed resolutions declaring + slave property to be held as a Constitutional right which the Government + should secure, and if it did not, Missouri "would join with her sister + States and share their duties and dangers," and that the Government should + not attempt to coerce the seceding States. This word "coerce" had an + extraordinarily ugly sound to all ears, and was a potent enchantment in + taking many of the professedly Union men into the ranks of the rebellion. + Even Horace Greeley recoiled from "a Union held together by bayonets." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link34" id="link34"></a><span class="pn">{34}</span> + </p> + <p> + The bill "to call a Convention to consider the relations of the State of + Missouri to the United States, and to adopt measures for vindicating the + sovereignty of the State, and the protection of her institutions," was + promptly reported back to both Houses on the 9th of January, and as + promptly passed by them, with only two adverse votes in the Senate and 18 + in the House. Of the latter 11 were from St. Louis. + </p> + <p> + The Secessionists proceeded to a joyful celebration of this new triumph. + They hastened at once to another step to ally Missouri with the South. A + Commissioner arrived from the State of Mississippi to ask the co-operation + of Missouri in measures of common defense and safety. The Governor + received him with the distinction accredited an Embassador from a foreign + power, and recommended the Legislature to do likewise. The serviceable + Lieut.-Gov. Reynolds carried out this idea by putting through a joint + resolution to receive the Commissioner in the House Chamber, with both + bodies, the Governor and other chief officers of the State, and the Judges + of the Supreme Court in attendance, and with every other honor. He + dictated that upon the announcement of the entrance of the Commissioner, + the whole body should respectfully rise. The radical Union men from St. + Louis resisted this vehemently, and did not hesitate to apply the ugly + word "traitor" to the Commissioner, and those who were aiding and abetting + him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link35" id="link35"></a><span class="pn">{35}</span> + </p> + <p> + The Commissioner made a long address, in which he said that the Union had + been dissolved, could never be reconstructed; that war was inevitable, and + the people of Mississippi earnestly invited those of Missouri to unite + with their kindred for common defense and safety. A few days later the + Legislature adopted a resolution against coercion, and another introduced + by George Graham Vest, of the Committee on Federal Relations, afterwards + Senator in the Confederate House from Missouri, and for 24 years + representing Missouri in the Senate of the United States. This resolution + declared that so "abhorrent was the doctrine of coercion, that any attempt + at such would result in the people of Missouri rallying on the side of + their Southern brethren to resist to the last extremity." There was only + one vote against this in the Senate, and but 14 in the House. + </p> + <p> + The eager young Secessionists were impatient to emulate their brethren + farther south, and strike a definite blow—seize something that would + wreck the sovereignty of the United States. Forts there were none. In the + historic old Jefferson Barracks, below St. Louis, there were only a small + squad of raw recruits, and a few officers, mostly of Southern + proclivities, whom it would be cruel to turn out of house and home while + they were waiting "for their States to go out." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link36" id="link36"></a><span class="pn">{36}</span> + </p> + <p> + There were but two Arsenals in the State; a small affair at Liberty, in + the northwest, near the Missouri River, which contained several hundred + muskets, a dozen cannon, and a considerable quantity of powder. The other + was the great Arsenal at St. Louis, one of the most important in the + country. It covered 56 acres of ground, fronting on the Mississippi River, + was inclosed by a high stone wall on all sides but that of the river, and + had within it four massive stone buildings standing in a rectangle. In + these were stored 60,000 stands of arms, mostly Enfield and Springfield + rifles, 1,500,000 cartridges, 90,000 pounds of powder, a number of field + pieces and siege guns, and a great quantity of munitions of various kinds. + There were also machinery and appliances of great value. The Arsenal was + situated on rather low ground, and was commanded from hills near by. At + the beginning of 1861 the only persons in it were some staff officers, + with their servants and orderlies, and the unarmed workmen. The officer in + command was Maj. Wm. Haywood Bell, a North Carolinian, graduate of West + Point, and Ordnance Officer, but who had spent nearly the whole of his 40 + years' service in Bureau work, attending meanwhile so providently to his + own affairs that he was quite a wealthy man, with most of his investments + in St. Louis. + </p> + <p> + Gov. Claiborne F. Jackson had as his military adviser and executant + Maj.-Gen. Daniel M. Frost, a New Yorker by birth and a graduate of West + Point. He had served awhile in the Mexican War, where he received a brevet + as First Lieutenant for gallantry at Cerro Gordo, and then became + Quartermaster of his regiment. He had been sent to Europe as a student of + the military art there, but resigned in 1853, to take charge of a planing + mill and carpentry work in St. Louis. He subsequently became a farmer, was + elected to the Missouri Senate, entered the Missouri Militia, rose to be + Brigadier-General, and was sanguinely expected to become for Missouri what + Lee and Jos. E. Johnston were for Virginia, Beauregard for South Carolina, + and Braxton Bragg for Louisiana. He was really a good deal of a soldier, + with foresight and initiative force, and had the Governor had the courage + to follow his bold counsels, the course of events might have been + different. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0005" id="linkimage-0005"> + <!-- IMG --> </a> <br /> <img alt="032-Gen Claiborne Jackson (29K)" + src="images/032-Gen%20Claiborne%20Jackson.jpg" /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link37" id="link37"></a><span class="pn">{37}</span> + </p> + <p> + As early as Jan. 8 he visited the Arsenal, and had an interview with its + commandant, which he reported to the Governor as entirely satisfactory. + Maj. Bell was wholly in sympathy with the South, and regarded the Arsenal + as being virtually Missouri's property when she should choose to demand + it. His honor as a soldier would compel him to resist any attack from an + irresponsible mob, but a summons from the sovereign State of Missouri + would meet with the respectful obedience to which it was entitled. It was + therefore decided that this was the best shape in which to leave matters. + Maj. Bell would hold the Arsenal in trust against both the radical St. + Louis Germans and over-zealous Secessionists, who wanted to seize it and + arm their particular followers. When Gen. Frost had organized the Missouri + Militia to his satisfaction, he would march into the Arsenal, and under + the plea of protecting it from mobs, use its contents to thoroughly arm + and equip his Militia, which would thus be put in very much better shape + than the troops of any other State. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, Gen. Frost recommended that as little as possible be said about + the Arsenal, in order to avoid attracting attention to it. + </p> + <p> + All the same, the Arsenal was intently watched by both sides, and for the + next four months it was the great stake for which they played, since its + possession would go far toward giving possession of the State. There were + but 150,000 stands of arms in the rest of the South, while here were + 60,000. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link38" id="link38"></a><span class="pn">{38}</span> + </p> + <p> + Even before South Carolina seceded the ardent young Secessionists of St. + Louis had begun the organization of "Minute Men" to "protect the State." + Naturally, their first step in protecting the State would be to seize the + Arsenal, to prevent its arms being used to "coerce the people." Their + headquarters were in the Berthold House, a fine residence at the corner of + Fifth and Pine streets, over which floated the Secession flag. + </p> + <p> + Into these companies went numbers of young men from the best families of + the South, who had come to St. Louis to take advantage of business + opportunities, and young Irishmen, of whom there were many thousands in + the city, and who; having in their blood an antipathy to "the Dutch" + dating from William of Orange's days, were skillfully wrought upon by the + assertion that the "infidel, Sabbath-breaking, beer-drinking Dutch who had + invaded St. Louis" were of the same breed as those who harried Ireland and + inflicted innumerable persecutions in 1689. Very effective in this was one + Brock Champion, a big-hearted, big-bodied young Irishman, of much + influence among his countrymen, who played little part, however, in the + war which ensued. More conspicuous later was Basil Wilson Duke, a bright + Kentucky lawyer, 25 years old, who was Captain of one of the companies, + and afterwards became the second in command and an inspiration to John H. + Morgan, the great raider. The Captain of another company was Colton + Greene, a South Carolinian, a year or two younger than Duke, a merchant, a + man of delicate physique and cultivated mind, but of great courage and + constancy of purpose. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link39" id="link39"></a><span class="pn">{39}</span> + </p> + <p> + Everywhere in the State began a systematic persecution of the + Unconditional Union men and the bullying of the Conditional Union men. + Secession flags in numbers floated from buildings in St. Louis, Rolla, + Lexington, Jefferson City, Kansas City, and elsewhere. Union meetings were + disturbed and broken up in all the larger towns, the Star Spangled Banner + torn down and trampled upon, and the borders of Kansas and Iowa were + thronged with Union refugees telling how they had been robbed, maltreated, + and threatened with death, their stock killed, their houses and crops + burned by the "White Trash" which the Slave Power had turned loose upon + them. + </p> + <p> + When Maj. Bell had talked of "irresponsible mobs," he may have thought of + premature young fire-eaters like Duke, Greene, and Champion, eager for the + distinction of capturing the Arsenal, covetous of distributing its arms to + their followers. Most likely, however, he had in mind forays from + Illinois, or by the radical Germans of St. Louis, who were ill disposed + toward seeing their enemies equipped from its stores. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Frost had the Germans in mind as early as Jan. 8, probably + immediately following his interview with Maj. Bell, for he sent out a + secret circular to his trusted subordinates instructing them that "upon + the bells of the churches sounding a continuous peal, interrupted by a + pause of five minutes, they should assemble with their men in their + armories, and there await further orders." One of these circulars fell + into the hands of a good Union man, who immediately took it to Frank P. + Blair. It was found that it was the Catholic church bells that were relied + upon to do the ringing, implying that the enthusiastic, reckless Irishmen + were to take the initiative. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link40" id="link40"></a><span class="pn">{40}</span> + </p> + <p> + The Archbishop of St. Louis was immediately seen, to prohibit the bells of + the churches being used as a tocsin to light the flames of civil war. Mr. + Blair sent the circular with other information to Gen. Scott, with an + urgent request that an officer of sounder loyalty supersede Maj. Bell, and + that some troops be sent to Jefferson Barracks against an emergency. Mr. + Montgomery Blair, brother of F. P. Blair, Jr., and soon to be + Postmaster-General, Gov. Yates, of Illinois, and President-elect Lincoln + supported this request. A fortnight later Maj. Bell was relieved, and + assigned to duty in the East. + </p> + <p> + A gallant one-armed Irish First Lieutenant of the 2d U. S., one Thomas W. + Sweeny, of whom we shall hear more later, was ordered to Jefferson + Barracks, where it was supposed his influence with his countrymen might + offset that of Mr. Champion. A small squad of Regulars was sent him from + Newport Barracks. + </p> + <p> + Maj. Bell foreseeing that the Army was to be no longer a place for a quiet + gentleman with business tastes, resigned his commission, to remain with + his well-placed investments in St. Louis. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link41" id="link41"></a><span class="pn">{41}</span> + </p> + <p> + All this disturbed the Secessionists. They saw that the Government had an + eye on the important Arsenal, and did not intend to give it up as tamely + as it had other places in the South. The arrival of the Regulars was made + the basis of inflammatory appeals that the Government was trying to + "overawe and coerce the people." Two days later this "intimidation" became + flagrant. Isaac H. Sturgeon, Assistant United States Treasurer at St. + Louis, a Kentuckian and Secessionist, had for reasons of his own reported + to President Buchanan that he was concerned about the safety of $400,000 + in gold in his vaults. The President handed the letter to Gen. Scott, who + sent an order to Jefferson Barracks which resulted in a Lieutenant with 40 + men being sent to the Post Office Building to protect the removal of the + gold. The city was thrown into the greatest excitement as the troops + marched through the streets, the papers issued extras, and it required all + the efforts of the officials and the leaders on both sides to preserve the + peace. + </p> + <p> + Gov. Claiborne Jackson took advantage of the occasion to send a message to + the Legislature, in which he said that this was an "act insulting to the + dignity and patriotism of the people." + </p> + <p> + The gold having been removed, Gen. Harney ordered the troops back to the + Arsenal, and quiet was restored. + </p> + <p> + Maj. Peter B. Hagner, of the District of Columbia, who graduated from West + Point in 1832, and had distinguished himself in the Mexican War, succeeded + Maj. Bell in the command of the Arsenal. His sympathies were strongly with + the South, but not so strongly as to overmaster his desire to retain his + commission and its emoluments. He was willing to go any length in serving + the Secessionists that did not involve his dismissal from the Army. He had + two brothers in the service, and all three held on to their commissions + until forced from their hands by the grim grasp of death. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link42" id="link42"></a><span class="pn">{42}</span> + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, Lieut.-Gov. Reynolds was pushing the Legislative work to carry + Missouri out of the Union. The acts which proved so successful in the + other Southern States in binding the people hand and foot and dragging + them over to the rebellion were closely imitated. One of these was the + celebrated "Military Bill" introduced in the Senate, Jan. 5, 1861. This + put every man of military age in the State into the Militia, and at the + disposal of the Governor, who was given $150,000 outright to enable him to + carry out his plans. It made everybody owe paramount allegiance to the + State, and prescribed severe penalties, including even death, to be + inflicted by drum-head court martial for "treason" to the State—for + even the utterance of disrespectful words against the Governor or + Legislature. This went a little too far for many of the members, and by + obstinate fighting the passage of the bill was postponed from time to time + and at last defeated. + </p> + <p> + Another bill was generally understood as one to stamp out Republicanism in + St. Louis, but officially designated as "An Act to amend an act for the + suppression of riot in St. Louis City and County." This took out of the + hands of the Republican Sheriff and Mayor most of their peace-preserving + powers, which were given to a Board to be appointed by the Governor, + thereby to tie their hands when the time came for taking the Arsenal. One + of the Governor's Police Commissioners was Basil Duke, the leader of the + "Minute-Men." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link43" id="link43"></a><span class="pn">{43}</span> + </p> + <p> + Though they had none of the noisy aggressiveness of the Secessionists, the + leaders of the Unionists, during those bitterly intense Winter days, were + no less able, courageous, and earnest. Blair had a masterful courage and + determination not equalled by any man opposed to him. He was one of those + men of mighty purpose who set their faces toward an object with the calm + resolution to die rather than fail. Against the hardened steel of his + relentless will the softer iron of such thrasonic Secessionists as Gov. + Jackson, Lieut.-Gov. Reynolds, United States Senators James S. Green and + Trusten Polk, Gen. Frost and lesser leaders, clashed without producing a + dent. + </p> + <p> + Blair had skill and tact equal to his courage. He foresaw every movement + of his antagonists and met it with a prompt countermove. To their + inflammatory rhetoric he opposed clear common sense, loyalty and wise + judgment as to the future. When occasion demanded, he did not hesitate to + publicly express the hope "that every traitor among them would be made to + test the strength of Missouri hemp." He was swift to subordinate himself + and "the Cause," when anything could be gained. There were many prominent + men who wanted to save the Union, but would deny to Frank Blair the credit + of it. He unhesitatingly gave them the highest places, and took the + subordinate one for himself. There were tens of thousands of Whigs and + Democrats who loved the Union, but shuddered at the thought of becoming + Black Republicans. He abolished the Republican Party, that they might form + a Union Party, the sole principle of which should be support of the + Government. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link44" id="link44"></a><span class="pn">{44}</span> + </p> + <p> + Next to Blair was the famous "Committee of Safety," which did such high + work for the Union during those fermenting days. These and their + birthplaces were: + </p> + <p> + O. D. Filley, New England. + </p> + <p> + John How, Pennsylvania. + </p> + <p> + Samuel T. Glover, Kentucky. + </p> + <p> + James O. Broadhead, Virginia. + </p> + <p> + J. J. Witzig, Germany. + </p> + <p> + These self-denying, self-sacrificing patriots worked together with Blair + in perfect harmony and with the utmost skill. They were more than a match + for their Secession opponents in organization and management, and lost + very few points in the great game that was played throughout the Winter, + with the possession of the City, the State, and the Arsenal for the main + prizes. + </p> + <p> + The Committee of Safety had its Home Guards to offset the Minute Men. + Where there were hundreds of these latter drilling more or less openly, + with much fifing and drumming and flaunting of Secession flags, there were + thousands of Home Guards meeting and training with greatest secresy in old + foundries, breweries, and halls, with pickets out to prevent surprise, + sawdust on the floors to drown the sound of their feet, and blankets at + the windows to arrest the light and the words of command. The drill hall + was only approached at night, and singly or by twos or threes, to avoid + attracting attention. Most of these Home Guards were Germans, and a large + proportion had had military training in Europe. The great problem with + them, as with the Minute Men, was to get arms, and both sides watched the + Arsenal with its 60,000 rifles and 1,500,000 cartridges with sharp + covetousness. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link45" id="link45"></a><span class="pn">{45}</span> + </p> + <p> + The Governor of Illinois loaned the Home Guards a few arms, but it was + expected that these would be repaid with interest from the stores of the + Arsenal. + </p> + <p> + The appointment of Maj. Hagner to the command of the Arsenal was + satisfactory to the Secessionists, but there was naturally a good deal of + interest as to the bias of Capt. Thomas W. Sweeny. One day a man presented + himself at the west gate of the Arsenal and asked to see Capt. Sweeny. + Sweeny went to the gate and recognized an old acquaintance, St. George + Croghan, the son of that Lieut. Croghan who had so brilliantly defended + Fort Stephenson, at Lower Sandusky, in the War of 1812, and who afterwards + was for many years Inspector-General of the United States Army. Croghan's + grandfather had been a gallant officer in the Revolution. It was a cold + day, and Croghan wore a citizen's overcoat. On their way to the quarters, + the guards properly saluted Sweeny as they passed. Said Croghan, "Sweeny, + don't you think those sentinels ought to salute me—my rank is higher + than yours?" at the same time throwing open his overcoat and revealing the + uniform of a rebel field officer. + </p> + <p> + "Not to such as that, by heavens!" responded Sweeny; and added: "If that + is your business, you can have nothing to do with me. You had better not + let my men see you with that thing on." + </p> + <p> + Croghan assured him his business in calling was one of sincere friendship; + but he would remark while on the subject, that Sweeny had better find it + convenient to get out of there, and very soon, too. + </p> + <p> + "Why?" asked Sweeny. + </p> + <p> + Replied Croghan: "Because we intend to take it." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link46" id="link46"></a><span class="pn">{46}</span> + </p> + <p> + Sweeny in great excitement exclaimed: "Never! As sure as my name is + Sweeny, the property in this place shall never fall into your hands. I'll + blow it to hell first, and you know I am the man to do it." + </p> + <p> + Nine months later this Croghan was to fall mortally wounded at the head of + a cavalry regiment while attacking the Union troops near Fayetteville, W. + Va., while Sweeny was to do gallant service in the Union army, rising to + the rank of Brigadier-General of Volunteers, and command of a Division, + and being retired in 1870 with the rank of Brigadier-General. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> +<p> + <a name="link47" id="link47"></a><span class="pn">{47}</span> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. NATHANIEL LYON'S ENTRANCE ON THE SCENE + </h2> + <p> + The Secessionists were in the meanwhile hardly making the headway in the + Legislature that they had anticipated, in spite of the stimulating events + in the extreme Southern States. + </p> + <p> + A curious situation developed in the Legislature leading to the arrest for + a while of Lieut.-Gov. Reynolds's plans for organizing the State for + rebellion. The term of Senator James S. Green expired on the 3d of March, + and he was desirous of being his own successor. The first consideration + was whether Missouri was likely to stay in the Union and have a Senator. + At the moment this seemed probable enough to warrant going on and electing + a Senator, and the Pro-Slavery men made strenuous efforts to re-elect Mr. + Green, but it was significant that he was deemed too ultra a Secessionist, + and Waldo P. Johnson was elected in his stead. Among the many things in + the war which turned out surprisingly different from what men had + confidently expected was that Mr. Green took the selfish politician's view + of the "ingratitude" of those who refused to re-elect him, sullenly + retired to private life, and did not raise his hand nor his voice for the + South during the war, while Mr. Johnson, who was elected because he was a + better Union man, soon resigned his seat in the United States Senate, + entered the Confederate army, became Lieutenant-Colonel of the 4th Mo. + (Confederate), and fought till the close of the war. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link48" id="link48"></a><span class="pn">{48}</span> + </p> + <p> + Jan. 18, after a prolonged debate, both Houses passed a bill to call a + Convention "to consider the relations of Missouri to the United States." + This was the successful device which had been used in carrying other + States out of the Union, and despite the conservatism of the language of + the act it was hoped that it would be successful in this instance. In the + Senate there were only 26 votes against it, and in the House but 18, of + whom 11 were from St. Louis. The Southern Rights men regarded this as a + great triumph, however, and made much jubilation throughout the State. The + election for members to the Convention was fixed for Feb. 18, and the + Convention was to meet on the last day of the month. This act was followed + by the adoption of a joint resolution which expressed profound regret that + the States of New York and Ohio had tendered men and money to the + President for "the avowed purpose of coercing certain sovereign States of + the South into obedience to the Federal Government," and declaring that + the people of Missouri would rally to the side of their Southern brethren + to "resist the invaders and to the last extremity." Only 14 votes were + cast against this resolution. + </p> + <p> + The main interest now centered upon the election of delegates to the + Convention. New political lines ran among the people, dividing them into + Secessionists, "Conditional Union" men and "Unconditional Union" men. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link49" id="link49"></a><span class="pn">{49}</span> + </p> + <p> + Blair's leadership was able to efface the Republican Party for the time + being, and carry all of the members over to the Unconditional Unionists. + The result of the election was a blow to the Secessionists, not one of + whose candidates was elected. + </p> + <p> + In St. Louis the Unconditional Union candidates were elected by over 5,000 + majority. + </p> + <p> + The bitterly-disappointed Secessionists denounced the majority as + "Submissionists," and threatened all manner of things. + </p> + <p> + The election occurred on the same day that Jefferson Davis was inaugurated + President of the Southern Confederacy. + </p> + <p> + When the State Convention met at Jefferson City, it was found that of its + 99 members 53 were natives of either Virginia of Kentucky, and all but 17 + had been born in Slave States. Only 13 were natives of the North, three + were Germans, and one an Irishman. A struggle at once ensued for the + organization of the Convention, which resulted in a victory for the Union + men, ex-Gov. Sterling Price being elected President by 75 votes, to 15 + cast for Nathaniel W. Watkins, a half-brother of Henry Clay, and a + strenuous advocate of Southern Rights. As soon as the Convention completed + its organization it adjourned to St. Louis, to avoid the badgering of the + pronounced Secessionists, who constituted the State Government, and the + clamorous bullying of the crowd assembled in the State Capital to + influence its action. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link50" id="link50"></a><span class="pn">{50}</span> + </p> + <p> + On assembling at St. Louis the Convention immediately addressed itself to + the duty for which it had assembled. Judge Hamilton R. Gamble, a + Virginian, leader of the Unconditional Union men, and afterwards Governor + of the State, as Chairman of the Committee on Federal Relations, made a + long report, in which it was denied that the grievances complained of were + sufficient to involve Missouri in rebellion; that in a military sense + Missouri's union with the Southern Confederacy meant annihilation; that + the true position of the State was to try to bring back her seceding + sisters, and to this effect a Convention of all the States was + recommended, to adopt the Crittenden Proposition. An attempt to amend this + report by the declaration that if the Northern States refused to assent to + the Crittenden Compromise Missouri would then side with her sister States + of the South received only 23 votes, but among them was that of Sterling + Price, who had begun to drift southward. + </p> + <p> + The Convention adopted Gamble's report, and a few days afterward adjourned + subject to call of the committee. + </p> + <p> + The Secessionists were greatly discouraged by the result, and the + Legislature also adjourned. Then came another fluctuation in public + opinion. The great majority wanted peace. The attitude of the Governor and + his faction, who seemed to look toward peace by putting Missouri in a + state of defense to prevent the new Republican President from making war, + appealed to many, and in the Spring elections the Unconditional Union men + were defeated by a small majority, and St. Louis passed from their + official control to that of the Conditional Union Men. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link51" id="link51"></a><span class="pn">{51}</span> + </p> + <p> + While these events were occupying public attention there occurred another, + little noted at the time, but which was soon to be of controlling + importance. Feb. 6 there marched up from the steamboat landing to the + Arsenal a company of 80 Regular soldiers of the 2d U. S., from Fort Riley, + Kan., at the head of which was a Captain, under the average hight, and a + well knit but rather slender frame. He had a long, narrow face, with full, + high forehead, keen, deep-set blue eyes, and hair and whiskers almost red. + His face was thoughtful but determined, his manner quick and nervous. He + bore himself towards his men as an exact and rigid disciplinarian, mingled + with thoughtful kindness for all who did their duty and tried their best + This was Capt. Nathaniel Lyon, born in Connecticut, descended from old + Puritan stock, with the blood of Cromwell's Ironsides flowing in his + veins. He was then 42 years old, and before another birthday was to fill + the country with his fame, and fall in battle-face to the front. He had + graduated from West Point in 1841, the 11th in his class. That his + intellectual abilities were of high order is shown by his standing in that + class, of which Zealous B. Tower, an eminent engineer, and brevet + Major-General, U. S. A., was the head, and Horatio G. Wright, who + commanded the Sixth Corps during the last and greatest year of its + history, was the second. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0006" id="linkimage-0006"> + <!-- IMG --> </a> <img src="images/010Gen.Lyon.jpg" + alt="010-general Lyon" width="100%" /><br /> + </p> + <p> + Gen. John F. Reynolds, the superb commander of the First Corps and of the + Right Wing of the Army of the Potomac, with which he brought on the battle + of Gettysburg, where he was killed, graduated 26th in the class, and Gen. + Don Carlos Buell, who organized and commanded the Army of the Ohio, + graduated 32d. Gen. Robert Garnett, the first Confederate General officer + to fall in the struggle,—killed July 13, 1861, at Carrick's Ford,—was + the 27th in the class. Julius P. Garesche, who graduated 16th in the + class, became Chief of Staff to Gen. Rosecrans, and was killed at Stone + River. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link52" id="link52"></a><span class="pn">{52}</span> + </p> + <p> + Besides being thoroughly versed in all that related to his profession of + arms, Capt. Lyon was well informed in history and general literature; was + a devoted student of the Bible and Shakspere, and wrote well and forcibly. + What was very rare among the officers of the old Army, he was a radical + Abolitionist, and believer in the National Sovereignty. He was so + outspoken in these views as to render his position quite unpleasant, where + nearly every one was so antagonistic. A weaker-willed man would have been + forced either out of the Army or into tacit acquiescence with the + prevailing sentiment. + </p> + <p> + Upon graduation he had been assigned to the 2d U. S., and sent to get his + first lessons in actual war fighting the Florida Indians. There his + superiors found occasion to remark that his zeal sometimes outran his + discretion—not an infrequent fault of earnest young men. He had + distinguished himself and received a brevet in the Mexican War for + gallantry at Contreras and Churubusco, and had then been sent to + California. With a slender force he was charged with the duty of keeping a + long frontier in order against turbulent Indians. He accomplished this by + making the Indians more afraid of him than the whites could possibly be of + them. No quick retreat, no impregnable fastness, could shelter them from + his inexorable pursuit. On one occasion he carried boats on wagons over a + mountain range to cross a river and strike an Indian lair where the + marauders were resting in the fullest sense of security. His company had + next been transferred to Kansas in the midst of the political troubles + there, where, while doing his official duty with strict impartiality, his + sympathies were actively with the Free State settlers. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link53" id="link53"></a><span class="pn">{53}</span> + </p> + <p> + For 42 years he had been growing and fitting himself for a great + Opportunity. + </p> + <p> + For once Opportunity and the Man equal to it met. + </p> + <p> + Immediately after settling his company in the Arsenal, Capt. Lyon went to + the city to meet Frank P. Blair. The two strong men recognized each the + other's strength, and at once came into harmonious cooperation. + </p> + <p> + The fate of the Arsenal, of the City of St. Louis, and of the State of + Missouri, was settled. + </p> + <p> + Before Capt. Lyon arrived, the Committee of Safety had had an alarm about + the Arsenal, and rallied a strong force of their Home Guards in waiting to + go to the assistance of Capt. Sweeny and his 40 men, should the Minute Men + attack him. But the Secessionist leaders had such confidence in Maj. + Hagner that they dissuaded the impatient Basil Duke, Colton Greene, Brock + Champion and other eager young Captains from making the attack. + </p> + <p> + Capt. Lyon was soon reinforced. Lieut. Warren L. Lothrop, of the 4th U. S. + Art., a Maine man, who had risen from the ranks, came in with 40 men. He + was afterwards to succeed Frank P. Blair, jr., as Colonel of the 1st Mo. + Light Art. Next came Capt. Rufus Saxton, also of the 4th Art., a + Massachusetts man, later to rise to brevet Major-General of Volunteers, + and to play an important part in caring for the freedmen of the South + Carolina coast. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link54" id="link54"></a><span class="pn">{54}</span> + </p> + <p> + Still later came Capt. James Totten, of the 2d U. S. Art., with his + company. He had been born in Pennsylvania, but was appointed to West Point + from Virginia, and was in command of the Arsenal at Little Rock until he + evacuated his post, Feb. 8, before a large force of rebels, and retired + with his command to the Indian Territory, by virtue of the agreement with + the Governor of the State. While Lothrop and Saxton appear to have been + taken at once into the councils of Capt. Lyon, Capt. Totten does not, + probably because the uncompromising Lyon did not like his methods in + Arkansas. He was, however, true to his loyalty, and rose eventually to the + rank of Brigadier-General. + </p> + <p> + There were now in the Arsenal nine officers and 484 men. Hagner and Lyon + at once came into collision. Though Hagner belonged to the Ordnance, and + not therefore regarded as eligible to command troops, he secured an order + assigning himself to command according to his brevet rank of Major, which + made him superior to Lyon. Hagner had been five years longer in the + service than Lyon, but his commission as Captain was 20 days junior to + Lyon's. Lyon energetically protested against Hagner's assignment in a + letter to Blair, who was then in Washington, D. C, looking out for matters + at that end of the line, in which he said: + </p> + <p> + <a name="link55" id="link55"></a><span class="pn">{55}</span> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + It is obvious that the fine stone wall inclosing our grounds affords us + an excellent defense against attack, if we will take advantage of it; + and for this purpose platforms should be erected for our men to stand on + and fire over; and that artillery should be ready at the gates, to be + run out and sweep down a hostile force; and sand-bags should be prepared + and at hand to throw up a parapet to protect the parties at these pieces + of artillery; inside pieces should be placed to rake the whole length, + and sweep down each side a party that should get over the walls, + traverses being erected to protect parties at these pieces. A pretty + strong field work, with three heavy pieces, should be erected on the + side toward the river, to oppose either a floating battery or one that + might be established on the island; and, finally, besides our houses, + every building should be mined, with a train arranged so as to blow them + up successively, as occupied by the enemy. Maj. Hagner refuses, as I + mentioned to you, to do any of these things, and has given his orders + not to fly to the walls to repel an approach, but to let the enemy have + all the advantages of the wall to lodge himself behind it, and get + possession of all outside buildings overlooking us, and to get inside + and under shelter of our outbuildings, which we are not to occupy before + we make resistance. This is either imbecility or d——d + villainy, and in contemplating the risks we run and the sacrifices we + must make in case of an attack in contrast to the vigorous and effective + defense we are capable of, and which, in view of the cause of our + country and humanity, the disgrace and degradation to which the + Government has been subject by pusillanimity and treachery, we are now + called upon to make, I get myself into a most unhappy state of + solicitude and irritability. With even less force and proper + disposition, I am confident we can resist any force which can be brought + against us; by which I mean such force as would not be overcome by our + sympathizing friends outside. These needful dispositions, with proper + industry, can be made in 24 hours. There cannot be, as you know, a more + important occasion nor a better opportunity to strike an effective blow + at this arrogant and domineering infatuation of Secessionism than here; + and must this all be lost, by either false notions of duty or covert + disloyalty? As I have said, Maj. Hagner has no right to the command, + and, under the 62d Article of War, can only have it by a special + assignment of the President, which I do not believe has been made; but + that the announcement of Gen. Scott that the command belongs to Maj. + Hagner is his own decision, and done in his usual sordid spirit of + partisanship and favoritism to pets, and personal associates, and + toadies; nor can he, even in the present straits of the country, rise + above this, in earnest devotion to justice and the wants of his country. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Lyon went to Gen. Harney to urge his right to command, from seniority of + commission; but Harney sustained Hagner, who was in some things much more + Harney's style than Lyon. Lyon thereupon appealed to President Buchanan, + which meant to Gen. Scott, who, of course, sustained Hagner. Lyon was, + therefore, forced to submit until Lincoln was inaugurated. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link56" id="link56"></a><span class="pn">{56}</span> + </p> + <p> + There was no vanity or self-seeking in this urgency of Lyon's. In the Army + he was distinguished for his readiness to subordinate himself to carry out + any plans which commended themselves to him. He had repeatedly offered to + subordinate himself to Hagner if the latter would take what Lyon thought + only the most necessary steps at that crisis for the defense of the + position and stores of priceless importance. + </p> + <p> + What Lyon dreaded above all things was something akin to that which had + freshly occurred at Little Rock, where Capt. Totten had withdrawn from the + Little Rock Arsenal with his company in the face of a large mob of + Secessionists, upon a receipt by the Governor for the arms and stores, and + the promise that he would account for them to the United States + Government. Lyon was determined to bury himself and his men in the ruins + of the Arsenal before it should pass into the hands of the Secessionists. + </p> + <p> + Basil Duke, Colton Greene, and the other chafing young Captains had + matured a plot with the connivance of Gen. Frost, of the Militia, probably + somewhat at his instigation, which would brush aside the network of + intrigue which Claiborne Jackson and others were spinning, bring matters + to a focus, and in one blow crush Union sentiment, overawe the timid, + fasten the wavering, seize the Arsenal and launch Missouri upon the tide + of Secession with the Cotton States. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link57" id="link57"></a><span class="pn">{57}</span> + </p> + <p> + The police powers of the city of St. Louis had been taken away from the + Mayor, Frost had his Militia in readiness, the Irish were properly worked + up to a state of exasperation against the "infidel, Sabbath-breaking + Dutch," and hosts of Americans were in the same net when on the day of + Lincoln's inauguration the Secession flag was boldly hoisted from the roof + of the Berthold Mansion, in the most prominent part of the city. At once + excitement burned to fever heat. Incensed by the wanton insult, the + Germans and other Unconditional Union men raged that the flag should be + torn down, and crowds gathered around the Berthold Mansion for that + purpose. The house had, however, been converted into an arsenal, with all + the arms and ammunition that could at that time be gathered, and filled + with determined men under the leadership of Duke, Greene and others, eager + to precipitate a riot, under the cover of which the Irish and Americans + could be hurled against the Germans, and the Arsenal seized. + </p> + <p> + Blair and the Committee of Safety saw the danger of this. Their followers + were not so ready for battle as the enemy was, and in conjunction with the + more conservative leaders of the other side they succeeded in restraining + their indignant friends from opening up a day of blood which would have + been forever memorable in the history of St. Louis. Blair at once hastened + back to Washington, and a few days after the Inauguration secured from the + new Secretary of War an order assigning Capt. Lyon to the command of the + Arsenal. This had to come through Gen. Harney's hands, and in transmitting + it he informed Capt. Lyon: + </p> + <p> + You shall not exercise any control over the operations of the Ordnance + Department. The arrangements heretofore made for the accommodation of the + troops at the Arsenal and for the defense of the place will not be + disturbed without the sanction of the Commanding General. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link58" id="link58"></a><span class="pn">{58}</span> + </p> + <p> + This was to save Hagner's pride, as well as propitiate Gen. Harney's + Secession friends in St. Louis, who were becoming very uneasy at the way + the "Yankee Abolitionist" was taking hold. + </p> + <p> + The dilemma into which Gen. Harney was becoming daily more involved was + far more perplexing than any he had encountered in his fighting days. A + question that could be settled sword in hand never had troubled him much. + Alas! this could not be—not then. On the one side were the lifelong + associations and habits of thought of the plain old soldier. All of his + friends were Southerners and Slaveholders, as he himself was. Nearly all + of the public men he knew, the officials of the State of Louisiana, which + he called his home; of Missouri, which was almost equally his home, had + either gone over irrevocably to Secession, or were preparing to do so. In + his real home, the Army, it was almost as bad. The next Brigadier-General + above him, Daniel E. Twiggs, had just surrendered all the men and property + under his command to the State of Texas. The men who controlled the War + Department,—Secretary Floyd, Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper, + Quartermaster-General Joe E. Johnston, Assistant Adjutants-General John + Withers and George Deas, had gone into the Confederate army. Robert E. + Lee, Gen. Scott's prime favorite, was preparing to do so. + </p> + <p> + On the other hand were the deep, ineradicable instincts of soldierly + loyalty to the Flag under which he had fought for 40 years. The man who + had hanged 60 men at one time in Mexico for deserting the Flag was likely + to have a severe struggle before he could bring himself to do the same. He + was deeply incensed at the "Black Republicans" for irritating the + Southerners so that they felt compelled to secede, but did not believe + that the latter should have seceded. At least, until Missouri seceded he + was going to maintain, as best he could, the National authority in his + Department. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link59" id="link59"></a><span class="pn">{59}</span> + </p> + <p> + A flashlight is thrown on his mental attitude by his reply to Lieut, + (afterwards General) Schofield, when informed by him of the + above-mentioned preparations for seizing the Arsenal under the cover of a + riot. "A ———— outrage," he exclaimed in his usual + explosive way. "Why, the State has not yet passed the Ordinance of + Secession. Missouri has not gone out of the United States." + </p> + <p> + The limitations placed by Gen. Harney upon Lyon's assignment to command + were aggravating. Hagner commanded the buildings, the arms, ammunition, + and other stores, and the strong walls surrounding the grounds. Lyon + commanded merely the men. He could not draw a musket, a cannon, or a + cartridge for either, not even a hammer, a spade nor an ax, without a + requisition duly approved by Harney. Nor could he change a single + arrangement of the grounds without Harney's approval. + </p> + <p> + Lyon was almost nightly meeting with the Committee of Safety, and visiting + the drill-rooms of the Home Guards, where he advised, encouraged and + drilled the men. The Secessionists were extremely fearful that in some way + he would manage to get the arms and ammunition, and besought Harney and + Hagner to omit no precaution to prevent this. + </p> + <p> + When away from his Secessionist environment, Harney's soldierly instincts + asserted themselves. Lyon's vigorous, uncompromising course was far more + to his mind than the dull, shifty Hagner's. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link60" id="link60"></a><span class="pn">{60}</span> + </p> + <p> + One was zealous in the performance of his duty, and the other a red-tape + bureaucrat, whose first thought always seemed to be to clog and hamper the + men in the field. Harney had suffered too much from these "office fellows" + to be especially enamored of them. Therefore he had moods, when he gave + Lyon a free hand, which the latter made the most of until the General's + mood changed. + </p> + <p> + During one of these Lyon had undermined the walls of the buildings, placed + batteries, built banquettes for the men to fire over the walls, cut + portholes, reinforced the weaker places with sandbags, and established a + vigilant sentry system to prevent surprise. + </p> + <p> + The Secessionists were equally full of plans, though not of performances. + Minute Men were organizing throughout the State to rush in at the given + day by every train and overwhelm St. Louis, taking the Arsenal by sheer + force of numbers. Many of the Captains of the large steamboats which + carried on the trade between St. Louis and New Orleans were zealous + Secessionists, and mooted plans for assailing the Arsenal on the river + side with cannon mounted on boats, backed up by large crowds of men. But + Gov. Jackson and his coterie still relied mainly upon inciting some form + of riot in the city, which would allow Gen. Frost to get possession of the + Arsenal with his Militia and "protect it from violence." Once in Gen. + Frost's hands—then! + </p> + <p> + The Secessionists scored a point and carried dismay to the Unionists by + securing an order from Gen. Scott for Capt. Lyon to attend a Court of + Inquiry at Fort Leavenworth. While he was gone they might carry out their + plans with comparative ease and safety. Blair, however, succeeded in + getting Gen. Scott to revoke the order. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link61" id="link61"></a><span class="pn">{61}</span> + </p> + <p> + To find out precisely what the position of affairs inside the Arsenal was, + and to spy out its defenses, a number of prominent citizens, among whom + was James S. Rains, afterwards Brigadier-General in the Confederate army, + calling themselves Grand Jurors for the United States District Court, + presented themselves at the Arsenal and attempted an entrance. The + Sergeant of the Guard held them awhile till he could communicate with + Capt. Lyon, and they went away in anger. + </p> + <p> + There were other officers in the Arsenal whom Lyon could trust as little + as he could Maj. Hagner, but Capts. Saxton and Sweeny and Lieut. Lothrop + stood firmly by him in every movement, going so far as to mutually agree + that they would shoot Maj. Hagner before he should be allowed to turn over + the arms to the Secessionists. + </p> + <p> + The bombardment and surrender of Fort Sumter and the President's call for + troops threw the country into a tumult of excitement, and changed the + political relations everywhere. All over the South the Secessionists were + jubilant, and those in Missouri particularly exultant. Very many of the + waverers at once flocked over to the Secessionists, while others sided + with the Union. To what extent this change took place was as yet unknown, + nor which side had a majority. Public sympathy as voiced by the leading + papers seemed to be that the Union had "been riven asunder by the mad + policy of Mr. Lincoln, and that it was necessary for Missouri to take a + stand with the other Border States to prevent his attempting to subjugate + them." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link62" id="link62"></a><span class="pn">{62}</span> + </p> + <p> + Gen. Frost submitted a memorial to Governor Jackson, in which were the + following recommendations: + </p> + <p> + 1. Convene the General Assembly at once. + </p> + <p> + 2. Send an agent to the South to procure mortars and siege guns. + </p> + <p> + 3. Prevent the garrisoning of the United States Arsenal at Liberty. + </p> + <p> + 4. Warn the people of Missouri "that the President has acted illegally in + calling out troops, thus arrogating to himself the war-making power, and + that they are therefore by no means, bound to give him aid or comfort in + his attempt to subjugate by force of arms a people who are still free; + but, on the contrary, should prepare themselves to maintain all their + rights as citizens of Misouri." + </p> + <p> + 5. Order me (Frost) to form a military camp of instruction at or near the + city of St. Louis; to muster military companies into the service of the + State; and to erect batteries and do all things necessary and proper to be + done in order to maintain the peace, dignity, and sovereignty of the + State. + </p> + <p> + 6. Order Gen. Bowen to report with his command to me (Frost) for duty. + </p> + <p> + He proposed to form a camp of instruction for the Militia on the river + bluffs near the Arsenal, from which it could be commanded by guns and + mortars to be obtained from the South when Frost with his brigade and that + of Gen. John S. Bowen, who was afterwards to be a Major-General in the + Confederate army and command a division at Vicksburg, with what volunteers + they could obtain, would force Lyon to surrender the Arsenal and its + stores. + </p> + <p> + While considering these recommendations the Governor received a request + from the Secretary of War for four regiments of infantry, Missouri's quota + of the 75,000 men the President had called for. To this Governor Jackson + replied the next day: + </p> + <p> + <a name="link63" id="link63"></a><span class="pn">{63}</span> + </p> + <p> + Your dispatch of the 13th instant, making a call upon Missouri for four + regiments of men for immediate service, has been received. There can be, I + apprehend, no doubt but these men are intended to form a part of the + President's army to make war upon the people of the seceded States. Your + requisition, in my judgment, is illegal, unconstitutional, and + revolutionary in his objects, inhuman and diabolical, and cannot be + complied with. Not one man will the State of Missouri furnish to carry on + such an unholy crusade. + </p> + <p> + The same day he sent Capts. Greene and Duke to Montgomery with a letter to + the President of the Confederacy, requesting him to furnish the siege guns + and mortars which Gen. Frost wanted, and another messenger to Virginia + with a similar request. He also called the Legislature to meet at + Jefferson City May 2, to take "measures to perfect the organization and + equipment of the Militia and raise the money to place the State in a + proper attitude for defense." He did not dare order Gen. Frost to + establish his military camp of instruction in St. Louis, but he took the + more prudent and strictly legal course of ordering the commanding officers + of the several Militia Districts of the State to assemble their respective + commands at some convenient place, and go into encampment for six days for + drilling and discipline. This order authorized Gen. Frost to establish his + camp wherever he pleased within the City or County of St. Louis. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Bowen, who was in command of a force in the southwest to guard the + State against the marauders from Kansas, was ordered to report with + certain of his troops to Gen. Frost. The Arsenal at Liberty was at once + seized by the Secessionists in that neighborhood, who secured several + hundred muskets, four brass guns, and a large amount of powder. These + proceedings of the Governor disturbed Gen. Harney greatly, and he wrote at + once to Gen. Scott asking him for instructions. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link64" id="link64"></a><span class="pn">{64}</span> + </p> + <p> + Capt. Lyon did not ask or wait for instructions. He wrote at once to Gov. + Dick Yates, of Illinois, to obtain authority to hold in readiness for + service in St. Louis the six regiments which Illinois was called upon to + furnish. Gov. Yates acted promptly, and received authority to send two or + three regiments "to support the garrison of the St. Louis Arsenal." Lyon + received orders to equip these troops, and to issue 10,000 additional + stands of arms to the agent of the Governor of Illinois. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Blair reached St. Louis from Washington, April 17, and at once began + acting with the boldness and foresight that the situation demanded. By his + advice Col. Pritchard and other Union officers of the Militia resigned. He + procured from the War Department an order placing 5,000 stands of arms at + the disposal of Lyon for arming "the loyal citizens"—the Home Guards—and + requested orders by telegraph for Capt. Lyon to muster men into the + service to fill Missouri's requisition, and to have Hagner removed. + </p> + <p> + Lyon, determined not to be taken by surprise, had the streets leading to + the Arsenal nightly patrolled and pickets stationed outside the walls. + Gov. Jackson's Police Board complained that this was a violation of the + City ordinances and in direct interference with their duties. They + demanded that he should obey the law, but he refused. When they appealed + to Harney, he at once ordered Lyon to quarter his men in the Arsenal and + forbade him to issue arms to anyone without Harney's sanction. This + brought Blair and Lyon to a parting of the ways with Harney. They demanded + his removal, and April 21 Harney was removed from the command, and ordered + to repair to Washington and report to the General-in-Chief. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link65" id="link65"></a><span class="pn">{65}</span> + </p> + <p> + On the same day Capt. Lyon was instructed to immediately execute the order + previously given to "arm loyal citizens." He was also ordered to muster + into the service four regiments, which the Governor had refused to + furnish. As the men had long been in waiting, Lyon quickly organized the + four regiments, which elected him their Brigadier-General. Some of the + field officers of these regiments were notable men, and were to have + brilliant careers during the war. The Colonel of the 1st Regiment was F. + P. Blair, afterwards to become Major-General commanding a corps; the + Lieutenant-Colonel was George L. Andrews, afterwards to be a Colonel in + the Regular Army; the Major was John M. Schofield, later to be + Major-General commanding the Twenty-third Corps, and still later + Lieutenant-General commanding the Army of the United States. The Colonel + of the 3d Regiment was Franz Sigel, afterwards Major-General commanding + the Eleventh Corps and the Army of the Shenandoah. + </p> + <p> + The four regiments having been filled to the maximum, there were large + numbers yet demanding muster. From these a fifth regiment of Missouri + Volunteers and five regiments of "United States Reserves" were formed. The + most notable among the field officers of these were John McNeil, Colonel + of the 3d Regiment, who afterwards became a Brigadier-General, and B. + Gratz Brown, Colonel of the 4th U. S. Reserves, afterwards Vice + Presidential nominee on the Greeley ticket. These additional regiments + formed another brigade, and elected Capt. Sweeny their Brigadier-General. + After arming these 10,000 men Lyon secured the balance of the stores from + all danger of treachery or capture by transferring them to Alton, Ill.., + where they would be under the guardianship of loyal men. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link66" id="link66"></a><span class="pn">{66}</span> + </p> + <p> + Thus, in a few, swift weeks after the inauguration of President Lincoln, + Blair and Lyon, bold even to temerity, and even more sagacious than bold, + had snatched away from the sanguine Secessionists the great Arsenal, with + its momentous contents, which were placed at the service of the Union. + </p> + <p> + More than 10,000 loyal men of Missouri were standing, arms in hand, on her + soil to confront their enemies. + </p> + <p> + Above all, the Government showed that it would no longer tamely submit to + being throttled and stabbed, but would fight, then, there, and everywhere, + for its life. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link67" id="link67"></a><span class="pn">{67}</span> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. THE CAPTURE OF CAMP JACKSON + </h2> + <p> + Up to the time that Gen. Harney was relieved and ordered to Washington, + and Capt. Lyon was given a free hand, Gen. D. M. Frost's course and advice + were worthy of his reputation as a resolute, far-seeing commander. With + the organized military companies of his district and the Minute Men he had + a good nucleus for action, and had he made a rush on the Arsenal at any of + the several times that he seems to have contemplated, it would have been + backed up by several thousand young Irishmen and Americans in St. Louis, + as well as by tens of thousands from the country swarming in as fast as + they could have gotten railroads and steamboats to carry them. + </p> + <p> + Then the capture of the Arsenal would have opened the war instead of the + firing on Fort Sumter. + </p> + <p> + He was then, however, restrained by Gov. Jackson and his coterie, who + expected to gain their ends by intrigues and manipulations which had + proved so successful in the other States. + </p> + <p> + After, however, Capt. Lyon had equipped some 10,000 Missourians from the + Arsenal and sent most of the rest of the arms across the river into + Illinois, Frost seems to have suddenly become doddering. The Rev. Henry W. + Beecher used to tell a very effective story about an old house dog named + Noble. Some time in the dim past Noble had found a rabbit in a hole under + an apple tree. Every day ever after, for the rest of his life, Noble would + go to the hole and bark industriously at it for an hour or so, with as + much zeal as if he had found another rabbit there, which he never did. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link68" id="link68"></a><span class="pn">{68}</span> + </p> + <p> + There seemed to be something of this in Gen. Frost's carrying out his idea + of establishing a camp ostensibly for the instruction of his Militia, on + the hills near the Arsenal, which he did May 3. It is hard to reconcile + this with any clear purpose. If he intended to assault and capture the + Arsenal, the force that he gathered was absurdly inadequate, in view of + what he must have known Lyon had to oppose him. Accounts differ as to the + highest number he ever had assembled, but it must have been less than + 2,000. + </p> + <p> + His camp, which was in a beautiful grove, then in the first flush of the + charms of early Springtime, was quite an attractive place for the + "knightly" young Southerners who, filled with the chivalrous ideas of Sir + Walter Scott's novels, then the prevalent romantic literature of the + South, had made much ado before their "ladye loves" of "going off to the + warres," and the aforesaid "ladye loves," decorated with Secession + rosettes and the red-white-and-red colors then emblematic of Secession, + followed their "true-loves" to the camp, and made Lindell Grove bright + with the gaily-contrasting hues in bonnets and gowns. There were music and + parades, presentations, flags and banners, dancing and feasting, and all + the charming accessories of a military picnic. But some how the material + for common soldiers did not flock to the Camp as the Secessionists had + hoped. Possibly the stern uprising of the loyal people of the North in + response to the firing upon Fort Sumter, and the mustering of solid + battalions in Illinois, Iowa, and Kansas, immediately around the Missouri + borders, had a repressing effect upon those who had at first thought of + going with a light heart into Secession. It began to look as if there were + going to be something more serious than a Fourth of July barbecue about + this work of breaking up the Union. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link69" id="link69"></a><span class="pn">{69}</span> + </p> + <p> + Certainly, recruits had not come to Camp Jackson, which Frost had so named + in honor of the Governor of the State, as they had flocked into similar + camps farther South. Nor had they come in the numbers which were assembled + around Lyon and Blair, appealing for arms. Still, the men in Camp Jackson + had a resolute purpose, under all the frivolity and merry-making of the + gay camp, and presently Capts. Colton Greene and Basil Duke returned with + the cheering news that their mission to Jefferson Davis had been entirely + successful. Heavy artillery would be furnished with which to batter down + the walls of the Arsenal, and force the Home Guards to fight or surrender. + They brought with them the following encouraging letter from the President + of the Southern Confederacy: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Montgomery, Ala., April 23, 1861. His Excellency C. F. + Jackson, Governor of Missouri. + + Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge yours of the 17th + Instant, borne by Capts. Greene and Duke, and have most + cordially welcomed the fraternal assurances it brings. + + A misplaced but generous confidence has, for years past, + prevented the Southern States from making the preparation + required by the present emergency, and our power to supply + you with ordnance is far short of the will to serve you. + After learning as well as I could from the gentlemen + accredited to me what was most needful for the attack on the + Arsenal, I have directed that Capts. Greene and Duke should + be furnished with two 12-pounder howitzers and two 32- + pounder guns, with the proper ammunition for each. These, + from the commanding hills, will be effective, both against + the garrison and to breach the inclosing walls of the place. + I concur with you as to the great importance of capturing + the Arsenal and securing its supplies, rendered doubly + important by the means taken to obstruct your commerce and + render you unarmed victims of a hostile invasion. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link70" id="link70"></a><span class="pn">{70}</span> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + We look anxiously and hopefully for the day when the star of + Missouri shall be added to the constellation of the + Confederate States of America. + + With best wishes, I am, very respectfully, yours, + + JEFFERSON DAVIS. +</pre> + <p> + This promise was at once made good by a letter to the Governor of + Louisiana to deliver the required war material from the stores in the + lately-captured arsenal at Baton Rouge. These, carefully disguised as + marble, ale, and other innocent stores, were shipped upon the steamboat J. + C. Swan, and consigned to a well-known Union firm in St. Louis, with + private marks to identify them to the Secessionists, who, on the watch for + them, had them at once loaded on drays and taken to Camp Jackson. Their + movements, however, were made known to Blair and the Committee of Safety + by their spies, and Capt. Lyon was urged to seize the stores upon their + arrival at the wharf, but he preferred to allow them to reach their + destination, where they would serve to fix the purpose of the camp upon + those commanding the garrison. + </p> + <p> + Lyon, who as a soldier had naturally chafed under the insulting presence + on the hills of a force hardly concealing its hostility under a thin vail + of professed loyalty, at once resolved upon the capture of the camp. The + more cautious of the Union men tried to restrain him. They argued that the + camp would expire by legal limitation within a few days. To this Lyon + opposed the probability that the Legislature would pass the military bill + in some form and make the camp a permanent one. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link71" id="link71"></a><span class="pn">{71}</span> + </p> + <p> + Then, those timorous ones insisted that the forms of the law should be + employed, and that the United States Marshal, armed with a writ of + replevin to recover United States property, should precede the attack upon + the camp. Lyon fretted under this; The writ of replevin was a tiresome + formality to men who talked of fighting and were ready to fight; + furthermore, if served and recognized, Frost might put off the Marshal + with some trumpery stuff of no value. Still further came the news that + Harney, with Gen. Scott's assistance, had reinstated himself in favor at + Washington, and would return the following Sunday. It was now Wednesday, + the 8th of May. + </p> + <p> + Above all, Lyon saw with a clearer insight than the strict law-abiders the + immense moral effect of his contemplated action. Heretofore all the + initiativeness, all the aggressiveness, all the audacity, had been on the + side of the Secessionists. They were everywhere taking daring steps to the + confusion and overthrow of the conservative Unionists, and so dragging + with them hosts of the wavering. He longed to strike a quick, sharp blow + to teach the enemies of the Government that they could no longer proceed + with impunity, but must expect a return blow for every one they gave, and + probably more. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link72" id="link72"></a><span class="pn">{72}</span> + </p> + <p> + On Wednesday evening, May 8, Capt. Lyon requested Mr. J. J. Witzig, one of + the Committee of Safety, to meet him at 2 o'clock the next day with a + horse and buggy. At the appointed hour Witzig went to Lyon's quarters and + inquired for the "General," by which title Lyon was known after his + election as Brigadier-General of the Missouri Militia. As he entered + Lyon's room, Witzig saw a lady seated near the door, vailed and evidently + waiting for some one. He inquired if she was waiting for the General to + come in, and seating himself near the window awaited the coming of Lyon. A + few minutes later the lady arose, lifted her vail, and astonished Mr. + Witzig with the very unfeminine features of Lyon himself. Mrs. Alexander + had loaned him the clothes, and succeeded in attiring him so that the + deception was complete. Taking a couple of heavy revolvers, Gen. Lyon + entered a barouche belonging to the loyal Franklin Dick, and was driven by + Mr. Dick's servant leisurely out to Camp Jackson, followed by Mr. Witzig + in a buggy. Lyon saw everything in the camp that he wished to see; noticed + that the streets were named Davis Avenue, Beauregard Avenue, and the like; + took in the lay of the ground, and returning toward the Arsenal, stopped + and directed Witzig to summon the other members of the Committee of Safety + to immediately meet him at the Arsenal. + </p> + <p> + He stated to them, when they gathered, the necessity of at once capturing + the camp, and his determination to do so and hold all in it as prisoners + of war. Blair and Witzig warmly approved this; Filley and Broadhead + finally acquiesced, while How and Glover were opposed to both the manner + and time and wanted a writ of replevin served by the United States + Marshal. If Gen. Frost refused to respect this, Lyon could then go to his + assistance. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link73" id="link73"></a><span class="pn">{73}</span> + </p> + <p> + Lyon yielded so far as to allow Glover to get out the writ of replevin, + but he was not disposed to dally long with that subterfuge, and his line + of battle would not be far behind the Marshal. Even before he went out to + the camp he had sent an Aid to procure 36 horses for his batteries from + the leading livery stables in the city, because he feared that Maj. + McKinstry, the Chief Quartermaster of the Department, could not be + trusted; a doubt which seems to have been well founded, for Maj. McKinstry + afterwards refused to pay for the horses until he was compelled to do so + by a peremptory order from Lyon. The Secessionist spies were as vigilant + and successful as those of the Unionists, and Gen. Frost was promptly + informed of the designs upon him, whereupon on the morning of the fateful + May 10 he dispatched Col. Bowen, his Chief of Staff, with the following + letter to Gen. Lyon: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Headquarters, Camp Jackson, + + Missouri Militia, May 10, 1861. Capt. N. Lyon, Commanding + United States troops in and about St. Louis Arsenal. + + Sir: I am constantly in receipt of information that you + contemplate an attack upon my camp. Whilst I understand you + are impressed with the idea that an attack upon the Arsenal + and the United States troops is intended on the part of the + Militia of Missouri, I am greatly at a loss to know what + could justify you in attacking: citizens of the United + States, who are in the lawful performance of duties + devolving upon them, under the Constitution, in organizing + and instructing the Militia of the State in obedience to her + laws, and therefore have been disposed to doubt the + correctness of the information I have received. + + I would be glad to know from you personally whether there is + any truth in the statements that are constantly poured into + my ears. So far as regards any hostility being intended + toward the United States or its property or representatives, + by any portion of my command, or as far as I can learn (and + I think I am fully informed) of any other part of the State + forces, I can say positively that the idea has never been + entertained. On the contrary, prior to your taking command + of the Arsenal, I proffered to Maj. Bell, then in command of + the very few troops constituting its guard, the services of + myself and all my command, and, if necessary, the whole + power of the State to protect the United States in the full + possession of all her property. Upon Gen. Harney's taking + command of this Department I made the same proffer of + services to him and authorized his Adjutant-General, Capt. + Williams, to communicate the fact that such had been done to + the War +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link74" id="link74"></a><span class="pn">{74}</span> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Department. I have had no occasion to change any of the + views I entertained at that time, neither of my own volition + nor through orders of my constitutional commander. + + I trust that after this explicit statement we may be able, + by fully understanding each other, to keep far from our + borders the misfortunes which so unhappily afflict our + common country. + + This communication will be handed you by Col. Bowen, my + Chief of Staff, who may be able to explain anything not + fully set forth in the foregoing. + + I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, + + D. M. FROST, + + Brigadier-General, Commanding Camp Jackson, M. V. M. +</pre> + <p> + It is an almost impossible task for the historian to reconcile this + extraordinary letter with Gen. Frost's standing as an officer and a + gentleman. It certainly passes the limits of deception allowable in war, + and has no place in the ethics of civil life. + </p> + <p> + The camp was located where it was for the generally understood purpose of + attacking the Arsenal, and this purpose had been recommended to the + Governor of the State by Gen. Frost himself. Every Secessionist, North and + South, understood and boasted of it. Jefferson Davis approved of this, and + he sent artillery with which to attack the Arsenal, which was then in + Frost's camp. Gen. Lyon refused to receive the letter. He was busily + engaged in preparations to carry its answer himself. He had under arms + almost his entire force. Two regiments of Home Guards were left on duty + protecting the Arsenal, and to be ready for any outbreak in the city, and + a majority of the Regulars were also so employed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link75" id="link75"></a><span class="pn">{75}</span> + </p> + <p> + Gen. Lyon was a thorough organizer, and had his work well in hand with + every one of his subordinates fully instructed as to his part. The + previous military training of the Germans here came into good play, and + regiments formed quickly and moved promptly. Col. Blair, with his regiment + and a battalion of Regulars, marched to a position on the west of the + camp. Col. Schuttner with his regiment went up Market street; Col. Sigel + led his column up Olive street; Col. Brown went up Morgan street; and Col. + McNeil up Clark avenue. A battery of six pieces went with a Regular + battalion, at the head of which rode Gen. Lyon. The news of the movement + rapidly diffused through the city; everybody was excited and eagerly + expectant; and the roofs of the houses were black with people watching + events. Not the least important, factor were the Secessionist belles of + the city, whose lovers and brothers were in Camp Jackson, and who, with + that inconsequence which is so charming in the young feminine mind, were + breathlessly expectant of their young heroes each surrounding himself with + a group of "Dutch myrmidons," slain by his red right hand. + </p> + <p> + So admirably had Lyon planned that the heads of all his columns appeared + at their designated places almost simultaneously, and Gen. Frost found his + camp entirely surrounded in the most soldierly way. The six light pieces + galloped into position to entirely command the camp. With a glance of + satisfaction at the success of his arrangements, Gen. Lyon rode up to + Sweeny, his second in command, and said: + </p> + <p> + "Sweeny, if their batteries open on you, deploy your leading company as + skirmishers, charge on the nearest battery, and take it." + </p> + <p> + Sweeny turned to the next two companies to him, and ordered them to move + their cartridge-boxes to the front, to prepare for action. Lyon then sent + Maj. B. G. Farrar with the following letter to Gen. Frost: + </p> + <p> + <a name="link76" id="link76"></a><span class="pn">{76}</span> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Headquarters United States Troops, + + St. Louis, Mo., May 10, 1861. Gen. D. M. Frost, Commanding + Camp Jackson. + + Sir: Your command is regarded as evidently hostile to the + Government of the United States. + + It is for the most part made up of those Secessionists who + have openly avowed their hostility to the General + Government, and have been plotting at the seizure of its + property and the overthrow of its authority. You are openly + in communication with the so-called Southern Confederacy, + which is now at war with the United States; and you are + receiving at your camp, from said Confederacy and under its + flag, large supplies of the material of war, most of which + is known to be the property of the United States. These + extraordinary preparations plainly indicate none other than + the well-known purpose of the Governor of this State, under + whose orders you are acting, and whose purpose, recently + communicated to the Legislature, has just been responded to + in the most unparalleled legislation, having in direct view + hostilities to the General Government and cooperation with + its enemies. + + In view of these considerations, and of your failure to + disperse in obedience to the proclamation of the President, + and of the eminent necessities of State policy and welfare, + and the obligations imposed upon me by Instructions from + Washington, it is my duty to demand, and I do hereby demand + of you, an immediate surrender of your command, with no + other conditions than that all persons surrendering under + this demand shall be humanely and kindly treated. Believing + myself prepared to enforce this demand, one-half hour's time + before doing so will be allowed for your compliance + therewith. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, + + N. LYON, Captain, 2d United States Infantry, + Commanding Troops. +</pre> + <p> + There were a few anxious minutes following this, but it must be said to + Frost's credit as a soldier that he promptly recognized the situation and + acted upon it. Soon a horseman rode out from the camp, and approaching + Lyon handed him the following note: + </p> + <p> + <a name="link77" id="link77"></a><span class="pn">{77}</span> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Camp Jackson, Mo., May 10, 1861. Capt. N. Lyon, Commanding + U. S. Troops. + + Sir: I, never for a moment having conceived the Idea that so + illegal and unconstitutional a demand as I have just + received from you would be made by an officer of the United + States Army, am wholly unprepared to defend my command from + this unwarranted attack, and shall therefore be forced to + comply with your demand. + + I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, + + D. M. FROST, Brigadier-General, Commanding Camp Jackson, + Missouri Volunteer Militia. +</pre> + <p> + Lyon read it, turned to his second in command and remarked: "Sweeny, they + surrender." + </p> + <p> + Sweeny turned to his men with the order to replace their cartridge-boxes, + which they did with an air of disappointment. There had been so much talk + during the weeks and months of preparation about fighting and such + irritating threatenings, that the Union troops were anxious to "take a + fall" out of their opponents, and see what would be the result. Lyon + dismounted, and unfortunately the fractious horse of one of his Aids at + that instant kicked him in the stomach, knocking him senseless. While in + this condition, Wm. D. Wood, Frost's Adjutant-General, rode up and + inquired for Gen. Lyon. Gen. Sweeny, desiring to conceal Lyon's condition + from the enemy, replied that he would receive any message intended for the + General. Col. Wood then said: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Gen. Frost sends his compliments to Gen. Lyon, and wishes + to know if the officers will be allowed to retain their + side-arms, what disposition shall be made of Government + property, and if a guard will be sent to relieve his men now + on post, and take possession of everything when the camp + shall be evacuated?" +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link78" id="link78"></a><span class="pn">{78}</span> + </p> + <p> + Sweeny replied affirmatively, when Wood rode off and Sweeney returned to + Lyon, to find him slowly recovering. Lyon approved of Sweeny's answer, and + directed Sweeny to take possession of the camp with two companies of + Regulars. Frost's men stacked arms and marched off through a lane formed + by the 1st Mo., which faced inward. Up to this time everything had gone on + peacefully. The surrendered Militia, without any special protest or + demonstration, took their places quietly under guard. Not so with the + immense mob which had gathered, expecting to see the Militia make + sanguinary havoc of their assailants. These were deeply chagrined at the + tame issue of the affair, and after exhausting all the vile epithets at + their command, began throwing stones, brickbats, and other missiles, which + the soldiers received as patiently as they did the contumely, when the + bolder of the mob began firing with revolvers. Presently one of Co. F, 3d + Mo., commanded by Capt. C. Blandowski, was shot dead, several severely + wounded, and the Captain himself fell with a bullet through his leg. As he + fell he ordered his men to fire, which resulted in about 20 of the rioters + dropping under a volley from the soldiers' muskets. The mob fled in + dismay, and Gen. Lyon ordered his troops to cease firing. + </p> + <p> + One of the leaders of the mob had deliberately fired three times at Capt. + Saxton, of the Regulars, and had laid his revolver across his arm for a + fourth more deliberate shot, when one of Capt. Saxton's men bayoneted + while another shot him. When the smoke cleared away, it was found that 15 + had been killed. Three of these were prisoners from Camp Jackson, and two + were women whose morbid curiosity, or worse, had led them to mingle with + the mob, One was a child. + </p> + <p> + Capt. Blandowski died of his wounds the next day. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link79" id="link79"></a><span class="pn">{79}</span> + </p> + <p> + At 6 o'clock the troops and prisoners marched back to the Arsenal, leaving + Gen. Sweeny with his Regulars in charge of Camp Jackson. On the way + rioters thronged the line of march and vilely abused the soldiers, but + Lyon was vigilant in restraining his men, and prevented their making any + return by firing upon their assailants. + </p> + <p> + During the night and the next day the prisoners were all released, the + privates taking an oath not to serve in any capacity against the + Government during the war, and the officers giving a parole not to serve + in any military capacity against the United States. It was provided that + the parole should be returned upon anyone surrendering himself as a + prisoner of war, and was accompanied with a protest against the justice of + executing it. One exception, Capt. Emmett MacDonald, who had been + efficient in bringing the Irishmen into opposition to the "Dutch," refused + to accept the parole on the ground taken by all the others that they had + done nothing wrong, and finally secured his release through a writ of + habeas corpus. + </p> + <p> + The excitement that night in St. Louis was fearful, with the Secessionists + raging. It is to the credit, however, of James McDonough, whom Governor + Jackson's Secessionist Police Commissioners had appointed Chief of Police, + that, whatever his sympathies, he did not allow them to interfere with his + official duties, and exerted himself to the utmost to preserve the + municipal peace. The violent Secessionists started to mob the offices of + the Republican papers, and to attack the residences of Union leaders, but + were everywhere met by squads of police backed up by an armed force of + Home Guards, which, with the appeals of the conservative men of influence + on both sides, managed to stay the storm. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link80" id="link80"></a><span class="pn">{80}</span> + </p> + <p> + McDonough could not, however, prevent a number of outrages, and several of + the Home Guards caught alone were killed by the rowdies that night and the + next day—Saturday. This incensed the Germans terribly, and stories + reached the Secession parts of the city that they contemplated fearful + revenge, which they could wreak, having arms in their own hands, while the + "natural protectors" of the people—Frost's military companies—were + prisoners of war and disarmed. + </p> + <p> + The Mayor issued a proclamation to quiet the people, and requested all + keepers of drinking places to at once close and remain closed during the + excitement. All minors were ordered to remain in doors for three days, and + all good citizens were requested to remain in doors after nightfall and to + avoid gatherings and meetings. + </p> + <p> + As was usual, a good many people who meant no evil obeyed this + proclamation, while the mobites, who meant a great deal of harm, paid no + attention to it. Saturday afternoon, the 5th Regiment of United States + Reserves, under the command of Lieut-Col. Robert White, attempted to go to + their barracks, when they were assailed by a mob with stones, brickbats + and pistol shots. The patience of the soldiers finally gave way, and they + fired into the crowd, killing several persons—and wounding many + others. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link81" id="link81"></a><span class="pn">{81}</span> + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0007" id="linkimage-0007"> + <!-- IMG --> </a> <img src="images/065-Gen%20John%20C%20Fremont.jpg" + alt="General John C. Fremont" width="100%" /><br /> + </p> + <p> + Sunday the Secessionists were in a panic, and began a wild flight from the + city. Every vehicle that could be obtained was employed at exorbitant + prices to carry men, women and children, baggage and personal effects, to + the depots and wharves, where the railroads and steamboats were ready to + receive them. The Mayor attempted to stay the stampede by a speech at the + Planters' House, in which he assured the people that the Home Guards were + entirely under the control of their officers, and would only be used to + preserve the peace and protect property. + </p> + <p> + What was more effective was the news that Gen. Harney, hurrying back from + Washington, had arrived the preceding evening and resumed command. Harney + had reached the city on Saturday evening, May 11, and Sunday morning + called at the Arsenal on Col. Blair, not Gen. Lyon, whom he informed of + his intentions to remove the Home Guards from the Arsenal and disband + them. Blair succeeded in convincing him that this was beyond his + authority, and did not hesitate to say that his attempt to do so would be + resisted. Being convinced, Harney sent a messenger to the Board of Police + Commissioners, who were anxiously awaiting the result of his visit, to the + effect that he had "no control over the Home Guards," which was intended + to mean that he could not remove or disband them, but which the + Commissioners and the people understood to mean that he had lost control + over them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link82" id="link82"></a><span class="pn">{82}</span> + </p> + <p> + The panic at once resumed its former proportions, and Gen. Harney found it + necessary to issue a proclamation, in which he said that the public peace + must and would be preserved, and the lives and property of the people + protected, but he trusted that he would not be compelled to resort to + martial law. He would avoid all cause of irritation and excitement + whenever called upon to aid the local authorities by using in preference + the Regular troops. Therefore he began by restricting the Home Guards to + the German parts of the city, while he moved about 250 Regulars, under the + command of Capts. Totten and Sweeny and Lieuts. Saxton and Lothrop, with + four pieces of artillery, into a central position, where they went into + quarters, to the great relief of everybody. + </p> + <p> + It will be perceived that a remarkable change had come over the people + since a few weeks before, when the arrival of a little squad of Regulars + at the Sub-Treasury to protect its gold had thrown the city in the wildest + excitement over "the attempt to overawe and cow the people of Missouri." + </p> + <p> + Confidence was restored, and quiet ensued. Gen. Frost lodged a protest + with Gen. Harney, in which he recited the circumstances of Lyon's attack + upon him, claimed that every officer and soldier in his command had taken, + with uplifted hand, the following oath: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + You, each and every one of you, do solemnly swear that you + will honestly and faithfully serve the State of Missouri + against her enemies, and that you will do your utmost to + sustain the Constitution and laws of the United States and + of this State against all violence, of whatsoever kind or + description, and you do further swear that you will well and + truly execute and obey the legal orders of all officers + properly placed over you whilst on duty; so help you God. +</pre> + <p> + A casual inspection shows how cunningly this was framed. It will be + perceived that every one solemnly swore to "serve the State of Missouri + against all her enemies," and to "obey the orders of the officers" placed + over him, while he was merely enjoined to do his utmost to sustain the + Constitution and laws of the United States and this State against all + violence. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link83" id="link83"></a><span class="pn">{83}</span> + </p> + <p> + It is easy to see how such an obligation would be construed. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Frost recited again that he had offered to help Gen. Lyon protect the + United States property with his whole force, and if necessary with that of + Missouri, and appealed to Gen. Harney not to require the indignity of a + parole, but to order the restoration of all the officers and men to + liberty, and of all the property of the State and of private individuals. + The language of this protest did as little to enhance the reputation of + Gen. Frost as his letter to Gen. Lyon. + </p> + <p> + It was an intense disappointment to the Secessionists everywhere that he + made no show of a fight before surrendering. It would have been the + greatest satisfaction to all of them had he chosen to make Camp Jackson a + Thermopylae or an Alamo. Such a sacrifice would have been of priceless + worth in firing the Southern heart, and placing him high among the world's + heroes. Somehow the idea of martyrdom did not appeal to him, as it has not + to millions of other men placed in critical positions. The wonder to the + calm student of history is that, having made such a bold bluff at Lyon, he + did not "fill his hand" better, to use a sporting phrase, and prevent Lyon + from "calling" him so effectually. The frost which was in his name settled + on this "young Napoleon" thereafter—the country was filled with + young Napoleons at that time—and though he commanded a brigade in + the Confederate army for some two years or more, his name is only + "mentioned" afterward in the Rebellion Records. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link84" id="link84"></a><span class="pn">{84}</span> + </p> + <p> + Lyon's decisive act did not meet with the unanimous approval of the Union + men of the State. There began then that unhappy division between the + "Conservative Union men" and the "Radicals" which led to so many + collisions, and sorely distracted President Lincoln. The "Radicals" who + fell under the lead of F. P. Blair, and had their representative in the + Cabinet at Washington in the shape of Montgomery Blair, the + Postmaster-General, dubbed their opponents "Claybanks," while the latter, + whose representative in the Cabinet was Edward Bates, the + Attorney-General, tainted with the name of "Charcoals" their opponents. + The "Conservatives," who represented a very large portion of the wealth + and education of the State, had for leaders such men as Hamilton R. + Gamble, Robert Campbell, James E. Yeatman, H. S. Turner, Washington King, + N. J. Eaton, and James H. Lucas. They at once sent a delegation to + Washington to represent to Mr. Lincoln that Lyon, while undoubtedly "a + loyal and brave soldier," was "rash," "imprudent," and "indiscreet." This + representation carried great weight, for they were all men of the highest + character and standing, and at their instance Gen. Harney was pushed + further to the front again. + </p> + <p> + The "Old Dragoon" now asserted itself in Harney, as it was likely to when + there was the smell of gunpowder in the air. Lyon's course was, in spite + of the intense influence of Harney's Secession convives, very much to the + taste of the old fighter. He wrote to Gen. Scott that he approved Lyon's + action, and replied to the Judge in the habeas corpus writ of Capt. + McDonald, that the man had been properly arrested. May 14 he issued a + proclamation in which he said: + </p> + <p> + <a name="link85" id="link85"></a><span class="pn">{85}</span> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + It is with regret that I feel it my duty to call your + attention to the recent act of the General Assembly of + Missouri, known as the "Military Bill," which is the result, + no doubt, of the temporary excitement that now pervades the + public mind. This bill cannot be regarded in any other light + than an indirect Secession ordinance, Ignoring even the form + resorted to by other States. Manifestly, its most material + provisions are in conflict with the Constitution and laws of + the United States. To this extent it is a nullity, and + cannot and ought not to be upheld or regarded by the good + citizens of Missouri. There are obligations and duties + resting upon the people of Missouri under the Constitution + and laws of the United States which are paramount, and which + I trust you will carefully consider and weigh well before + you will allow yourselves to be carried out of the Union + under the form of yielding obedience to this military bill, + which is clearly in violation of your duties as citizens of + the United States. + + It must be apparent to every one who has taken a proper and + unbiased view of the subject that, whatever may be the + termination of the unfortunate condition of things in + respect to the so-called Cotton States, Missouri must share + the destiny of the Union. Her geographical position, her + soil, productions, and, in short, all her material + interests, point to this result. We cannot shut our eyes + against this controlling fact. It is seen and its force is + felt throughout the Nation. So important is this regarded to + the great interests of the country, that I venture to + express the opinion that the whole power of the Government + of the United States, if necessary, will be exerted to + maintain Missouri in her present position in the Union. I + express to you, in all frankness and sincerity, my own + deliberate convictions, without assuming to speak for the + Government of the United States, whose authority here and + elsewhere I shall at all times and under all circumstances + endeavor faithfully to uphold. I desire above all things + most earnestly to invite my fellow-citizens dispassionately + to consider their true interests as well as their true + relations to the Government under which we live and to which + we owe so much. + + In this connection I desire to direct attention to one + subject which, no doubt, will be made the pretext for more + or less popular excitement. I allude to the recent + transactions at Camp Jackson, near St. Louis. It is not + proper for me to comment upon the official conduct of my + predecessor in command of this Department, but it is right + and proper for the people of Missouri to know that the main + avenue of Camp Jackson, recently under the command of Gen. + Frost, had the name of Davis; and a principal street of the + same camp that of Beauregard, and that a body of men had + been received into that camp by its commander which had been + notoriously organized in the interests of the Secessionists, + the men openly wearing the dress and badge distinguishing + the Army of the so-called Southern Confederacy. It is also a + notorious fact that a quantity of arms had been received + into the camp which were unlawfully taken from the United + States Arsenal at Baton Rouge, and surreptitiously passed up + the river in boxes marked "Marble." +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link86" id="link86"></a><span class="pn">{86}</span> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Upon facts like these, and having in view what occurred at + Liberty, the people can draw their own inferences, and it + cannot be difficult for any one to arrive at a correct + conclusion as to the character and ultimate purpose of that + encampment. No Government in the world would be entitled to + respect that would tolerate for a moment such openly + treasonable preparations. It is but simple justice, however, + that I should state the fact that there were many good and + loyal men in the camp who were in no manner responsible for + its treasonable character. Disclaiming as I do all desire or + intention to interfere in any way with the prerogatives of + the State of Missouri or with the functions of its executive + or other authorities, yet I regard it as my plain path of + duty to express to the people, In respectful but at the same + time decided language, that within the field and scope of my + command and authority the "supreme law" of the land must and + shall be maintained, and no subterfuges, whether in the + forms of legislative acts or otherwise, can be permitted to + harass or oppress the good and law-abiding people of + Missouri. I shall exert my authority to protect their + persons and property from violations of every kind, and + shall deem it my duty to suppress all unlawful combinations + of men, whether formed under pretext of military + organizations or otherwise. + + WM. S. HARNEY. Brigadier-General, United States Army, + Commanding. +</pre> + <p> + These were certainly "brave words, my masters," and had great influence + upon the people of Missouri. Unhappily there was reason to think + afterwards that Gen. Harney was not quite living up to them. + </p> + <p> + When the account of stock of the capture of Camp Jackson came to be taken, + the invoice was as follows: + </p> + <p> + Three 32-pounders. + </p> + <p> + Three mortar-beds. + </p> + <p> + A large quantity of balls and bombs in ale barrels. + </p> + <p> + Artillery pieces, in boxes of heavy plank, the boxes marked "Marble," + "Tamaroa, care of Greeley & Gale, St Louis—Iron Mountain + Railroad." + </p> + <p> + Twelve hundred rifles, of late model, United States manufacture. + </p> + <p> + Tents and camp equipage. + </p> + <p> + Six brass field pieces. + </p> + <p> + Twenty-five kegs of powder. + </p> + <p> + Ninety-six 10-Inch bombshells. + </p> + <p> + Three hundred six-inch bombshells. .. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link87" id="link87"></a><span class="pn">{87}</span> + </p> + <p> + Six brass mortars, six inches diameter. + </p> + <p> + One iron mortar, 10 inches. + </p> + <p> + Three iron cannon, six inches. + </p> + <p> + Five boxes of canister shot. + </p> + <p> + Fifty artillery swords. + </p> + <p> + Two hundred and twenty-seven spades. + </p> + <p> + Thirty-eight hatchets. + </p> + <p> + Eleven mallets. + </p> + <p> + One hundred and ninety-one axes. + </p> + <p> + Forty horses. + </p> + <p> + Several boxes of new muskets. + </p> + <p> + A very large number of musket stocks and musket barrels; together with + lots of bayonets, bayonet scabbards, etc. + </p> + <p> + One thousand one hundred and ten enlisted men were taken prisoners, + besides from 50 to 75 officers. + </p> + <p> + Nothing legislates so firmly and finally as a successful sword-blow for + the right. Gen. Lyon's capture of Camp Jackson was an epoch-making + incident. In spite of the protests of the wealthy and respectable Messrs. + Gamble, Yeatman, and others, it was the right thing, done at the right + time, to stay the surging sweep of the waves of Secession. It destroyed + the captivating aggressiveness of the "Disunionists," and threw their + leaders upon the defensive. Other people than they had wants and desires + which must be listened to, or the Loyalists would find a way to compel + attention. The Secessionists must now plead at their bar; not they in the + court of those who would destroy the Government. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link88" id="link88"></a><span class="pn">{88}</span> + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0008" id="linkimage-0008"> + <!-- IMG --> </a> <img src="images/088.jpg" + alt="088-the Scott-harney Agreement" width="100%" /><br /> <a + name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. THE SCOTT-HARNEY AGREEMENT + </h2> + <p> + The General Assembly of Missouri met at Jefferson City, in obedience to + the Governor's call, on the 2d of May, and the Governor, after calling + attention of the body to the state of the country, made an out-and-out + appeal for Secession, saying that the interests and sympathies of Missouri + were identical with those of other Slaveholding States, and she must + unquestionably unite her destiny with theirs. She had no desire for war, + but she would be faithless as to her honor and recreant as to her duty if + she hesitated a moment to make complete preparations for the protection of + her people, and that therefore the Legislature should "place the State at + the earliest practicable moment in a complete state of defense." As this + is what the Legislature had expected, and what it had met for, no time was + lost in going into secret session to carry out the program. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link89" id="link89"></a><span class="pn">{89}</span> + </p> + <p> + The first of these was the odious Military Bill, the passage of which was + stubbornly resisted, step by step, by the small band of Union men. This, + it will be recollected, put every able-bodied man into the Militia of + Missouri, under the orders of officers to be appointed by the Governor; + compelled him to obey implicitly the orders received from those above him, + and prescribed the heinous crime of "treason to the State," which extended + even to words spoken in derogation of the Governor or Legislature. + Offenses of this kind were to be punished by summary court-martial, which + had even the power to inflict death. Other bills perverted the funds for + the State charitable institutions into the State military chest, seized + the school fund for the same purpose, and authorized a loan from the banks + of $1,000,000 and another of $1,000,000 of State bonds, to provide funds + by which to carry out the program. + </p> + <p> + On the evening of Friday, May 10, while these measures were being fought + over, the Governor entered the House with a dispatch which he handed to + Representative Vest, afterwards United States Senator from Missouri, who + sprang upon a chair and thrilled all his hearers by reading that "Frank + Blair, Capt. Lyon and the Dutch" had captured Camp Jackson, seized all the + property there, and marched the State troops prisoners to the Arsenal. The + wild scene that followed is simply indescribable. For many months there + had been much talk about "firing the Southern heart," and here was + something of immediate and furnace heat. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the members recovered from the stun of the blow, they went into + paroxysms of passion. In a few minutes the Military Bill was rushed + through, followed by the others, and a new one to appropriate $10,000 for + the purpose of securing an alliance with the Indians on the borders of the + State. This done, the members bolted out in search of weapons with which + to arm themselves, as there was a rumor that the awful Blair and Lyon with + their "mercenaries" were on the march to subject the Legislature to the + same treatment that they had Frost's Militia. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link90" id="link90"></a><span class="pn">{90}</span> + </p> + <p> + Muskets, shotguns, rifles, pistols and pikes were brought out, cleaned up, + bullets molded and cartridges made, and the Governor ordered the members + of his staff to seize a locomotive and press on as fast as possible + towards St. Louis to reconnoiter the advance of the enemy; if necessary, + to destroy the bridges over the Gasconade and Osage Rivers to obstruct the + march. + </p> + <p> + No enemy was found, but the zealous Basil Duke, in order not to be guilty + of any sin of omission, burnt a part of the Osage bridge. The meeting of + the Legislature in the evening was grotesque, as every member came with a + more or less liberal supply of arms, usually including a couple of + revolvers and a bowie-knife in belt. During the exciting session which + followed, rifles stood by the desks or were laid across them, with other + arms, and it was good luck more than anything else that no casualty + resulted from accidental discharge of fire-arms. The excitement grew over + the stirring events in St. Louis of Saturday and Sunday, and the Governor + immediately proceeded to the exercise of the extraordinary powers + conferred upon him by the Military Bill. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link91" id="link91"></a><span class="pn">{91}</span> + </p> + <p> + As the star of Gen. D. M. Frost sank ingloriously below the horizon of + Camp Jackson, that of Sterling Price rose above it to remain for four + years the principal luminary in the Confederate firmament west of the + Mississippi. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0009" id="linkimage-0009"> + <!-- IMG --> </a> <img src="images/038-Gen%20Sterling%20Price.jpg" + alt="038-general Sterling Price" width="100%" /><br /> + </p> + <p> + That does not seem to depend upon intellectual superiority, upon greater + courage or devotion, or even upon clearer insight. A man leads his fellows—many + of whom are his superiors in most namable qualities—simply because + of something unnamable in him that makes him assume the leadership, and + they accept it. There was hardly a prominent man in Missouri who was not + Price's superior in some quality usually regarded as essential. For + example, he was a pleasing and popular speaker, but Missouri abounded in + men much more attractive to public assemblages. He was a fair politician, + but rarely got more than the second prize. He had distinguished himself in + the Mexican War, but Claiborne Jackson made more capital out of his few + weeks of inconsequential service in the Black Hawk War than Price did out + of the conquest of New Mexico and the capture of Chihuahua. + </p> + <p> + He served one term in Congress, but had failed to secure a renomination. + He had been elected Governor of Missouri while his Mexican laurels were + yet green, but when he tried to enter the Senate, he was easily defeated + by that able politician and orator, James S. Green. + </p> + <p> + Though he belonged to the dominant Anti-Benton faction of the Missouri + Democracy and the Stephen A. Douglas wing, he never was admitted to the + select inner council, nor secured any of its higher rewards, except one + term as Governor. + </p> + <p> + At the outbreak of the war he was holding the comparatively unimportant + place of Bank Commissioner. For all that, he was to become and remain + throughout the struggle the central figure of Secession in the + trans-Mississippi country. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link92" id="link92"></a><span class="pn">{92}</span> + </p> + <p> + Officers of high rank and brilliant reputation like Ben McCulloch, Earl + Van Dorn, Richard Taylor and E. Kirby Smith were to be put over him, yet + his fame and influence outshone them all. + </p> + <p> + Unquestionably able soldiers such as Marmaduke, Shelby, Bowen, Jeff + Thompson, Parsons, M. L. Clark and Little, were to serve him with + unfaltering loyalty as subordinates. + </p> + <p> + The Secessionist leaders of Missouri, headed by Gov. Reynolds, were to + denounce him for drunkenness, crass incapacity, gross blundering, and a + most shocking lack of discipline and organization. + </p> + <p> + Very few commanding officers ever had so many defeats or so few successes. + He was continually embarking upon enterprises of the greatest promise and + almost as continually having them come to naught; generally through + defeats inflicted by Union commanders of no special reputation. + </p> + <p> + Yet from first to last his was a name to conjure with. No other than his + in the South had the spell in it for Missourians and the people west of + the Mississippi. They flocked to his standard wherever it was raised, and + after three years of failures they followed him with as much eager hope in + his last disastrous campaign as in the first, and when he died in St. + Louis, two years after the war, his death was regretted as a calamity to + the State, and he had the largest funeral of any man in the history of + Missouri. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link93" id="link93"></a><span class="pn">{93}</span> + </p> + <p> + Sterling Price was born in 1809 in Prince Edward County, Va., of a family + of no special prominence, and in 1831 settled upon a farm in Chariton + County, Mo. He went into politics, was elected to the Legislature, and + then to Congress for one term, after which he commanded a Missouri + regiment in Doniphan's famous march to the Southwest, where he showed + great vigor and ability. He was a man of the finest physique and presence, + six feet two inches high, with small hands and feet and unusually large + body and limbs; a superb horseman; with a broad, bland, kindly face framed + in snow-white hair and beard. His name would indicate Welsh origin, but + his face, figure, and mental habits seemed rather Teutonic. He had a voice + of much sweetness and strength, and a paternal way of addressing his men, + who speedily gave him the sobriquet of "Pap Price." He appeared on the + field in a straw hat and linen duster in the Summer, and with a blanket + thrown over his shoulders and a tall hat in Winter. These became standards + which the Missourians followed into the thick of the fight, as the French + did the white plume of Henry of Navarre. + </p> + <p> + He had been elected as a Union man to the Convention, which at once chose + him for President, but his Unionism seemed to be a mere varnish easily + scratched off by any act in favor of the Union. + </p> + <p> + Thus, immediately after the occurrences in St. Louis, he went to the + Governor with the remark that "the slaughter of the people of Missouri" in + St. Louis had proved too much for him, and his sword was at the service of + the State. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link94" id="link94"></a><span class="pn">{94}</span> + </p> + <p> + It is significant of the way men were swayed in those days, that the + murder of the German volunteers patriotically rallying to the defense of + the Arsenal, and the murder and outrages upon the Union people throughout + the State, did not affect Gen. Price at all, but he was moved to wrath by + the shooting down of a few rioters. + </p> + <p> + His going over was welcomed as a great victory by the Secessionists, + offsetting the capture of Camp Jackson. Gov. Jackson promptly availed + himself of the offer, and at once appointed Gen. Price Major-General in + command of the forces of Missouri to be organized under the Military Bill. + </p> + <p> + Though even to Gen. Harney's eyes the Military Bill was repugnant and he + denounced it as direct Secession, the Governor proceeded with all speed to + execute it. + </p> + <p> + Each Congressional District in the State was made a Military Division. A + Brigadier-General was appointed to the command of each, and ordered to + immediately proceed to the enrollment of the men in it who were fit for + military duty, and to prepare them for active service. + </p> + <p> + The able and witty Alexander W. Doniphan—"Xenophon" Doniphan of + Mexican fame—who had made the astonishing march upon New Mexico and + Chihuahua, was appointed to command one of the Divisions, but he was too + much of a Union man, and declined. It was significant from the first that + all the officers commissioned were more or less open Secessionists, and + commissions were refused to some who sought them because they would not + swear to make allegiance to Missouri paramount to that of the United + States. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link95" id="link95"></a><span class="pn">{95}</span> + </p> + <p> + As finally arranged the Divisions were commanded as follows: + </p> + <p> + First Division, M. Jeff Thompson. + </p> + <p> + Second Division, Thos. A. Harris. + </p> + <p> + Third Division, M. L. Clark. + </p> + <p> + Fourth Division, Wm. Y. Slack. + </p> + <p> + Fifth Division, A. E. Steen. + </p> + <p> + Sixth Division, M. M. Parsons. + </p> + <p> + Seventh Division, J. H. McBride. + </p> + <p> + Eighth Division, Jas L. Rains. + </p> + <p> + All of these were men of decided ability and standing, and Parsons, M. L. + Clark and Slack had served with credit in the Mexican War. Parsons became + a Major-General in the Confederate army, and Clark, Slack, Steen and Rains + Brigadier-Generals. + </p> + <p> + A striking figure among them was M. Jeff Thompson, called the "Missouri + Swamp Fox" by his admirers, and who aspired to become the Francis Marion + of the Southern Confederacy. He was a tall, lank, wiry man, at least six + feet high, about 35 years old, with a thin, long, hatchet face, and high, + sharp nose, blue eyes, and thick, yellow hair combed behind his ears. He + wore a slouch white hat with feather and a bob-tailed coat, short + pantaloons, and high rough boots. A white-handled bowie-knife, stuck + perpendicularly in his belt in the middle of his back, completed his + armament, and he was never seen without it. His weakness was for writing + poetry, and he "threw" a poem on the slightest provocation. Fortunately + none of these has been preserved. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link96" id="link96"></a><span class="pn">{96}</span> + </p> + <p> + Each Brigadier-General soon raised in his Division several regiments and + battalions of infantry, troops of cavalry, and batteries of artillery, + composed of very excellent material, for the young men of the Middle Class + were persuaded that it was their duty to respond to the State's call to + defend her. The strongest political, social and local influences were + brought to bear to bring them into the ranks, and the Missouri State Guard + was formed, which was to fight valorously against the Government on many + bitterly contested fields. + </p> + <p> + The White Trash, always impatient of the restrains of law and + organization, did not enter so largely into these forces, but remained + outside, to form bands of bushwhackers and guerrillas, to harry Union men + and curse the State with their depredations, in which the Secessionists + were scarcely more favored than the Union men. + </p> + <p> + The influence of Gen. Scott and Attorney-General Bates, added to the + passionate representations of the Gamble-Yeatman delegation, and the + frantic telegrams from Missouri, had restored Harney to full power, with + Lyon, who had been commissioned a Brigadier-General of Volunteers, as his + subordinate. + </p> + <p> + Harney was exerting himself to the utmost to restore peace and confidence + in Missouri, and when free from the social influence of the Secessionists + who surrounded him his soldierly instincts made him perceive that the + emergency was greater than he had calculated upon. In one of these better + moods he telegraphed to the Adjutant-General, May 17, that he ought to + have 10,000 stand of arms placed at his disposal to arm the Union men of + Missouri; that Iowa be called upon to send him 6,000, and Minnesota 3,000 + men. Then the Secessionists would get hold of him again, and induce + another mood, such as brought about a conference between him and Gov. + Jackson and Gen. Price, leading to an agreement which Gen. Harney + published in a proclamation. The agreement was as follows: + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0010" id="linkimage-0010"> + <!-- IMG --> </a> <img src="images/090-Gen%20Franz%20Sigel.jpg" + alt="090-general Franz Sigel" width="100%" /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link97" id="link97"></a><span class="pn">{97}</span> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Saint Louis, May 21, 1861. + + The undersigned, officers of the United States Government + and of the Government of the State of Missouri, for the + purpose of removing misapprehensions and allaying public + excitement, deem it proper to declare publicly that they + have this day had a personal interview in this city, in + which it has been mutually understood, without the semblance + of dissent on either part, that each of them has no other + than a common object equally interesting and important to + every citizen of Missouri—that of restoring peace and good + order to the people of the State in subordination to the + laws of the General and State Governments. It being thus + understood, there seems no reason why every citizen should + not confide in the proper officers of the General and State + Governments to restore quiet, and, as among the best means + of offering no counter-influences, we mutually recommend to + all persons to respect each other's rights throughout the + State, making no attempt to exercise unauthorized powers, as + it is the determination of the proper authorities to + suppress all unlawful proceedings, which can only disturb + the public peace. + + Gen. Price, having by commission full authority over the + Militia of the State of Missouri, undertakes, with the + sanction of the Governor of the State, already declared, to + direct the whole power of the State officers to maintain + order within the State among the people thereof, and Gen. + Harney publicly declares that, this object being thus + assured, he can have no other occasion, as he has no wish, + to make military movements, which might otherwise create + excitements and jealousies which he most earnestly desires + to avoid. + + We, the undersigned, do mutually enjoin upon the people of + the State to attend to their civil business of whatever sort + it may be, and it is to be hoped that the unquiet elements + which have threatened so seriously to disturb the public + peace may soon subside and be remembered only to be + deplored. + + STERLING PRICE, Major-General Missouri State Guard. + WILLIAM S. HARNEY, Brigadier-General Commanding. +</pre> + <p> + Harney was convinced of the sincerity of Jackson and Price in carrying out + this agreement, which he submitted for approval to the War Department. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link98" id="link98"></a><span class="pn">{98}</span> + </p> + <p> + F. P. Blair wrote to the Secretary of War urging that the four regiments + assigned to Missouri for three years' service, which Lyon was to command, + should not be officered by the Governor of Missouri, but that it would be + better that they be nominated by Gen. Lyon, subject to the approval of the + President, and he said: "The agreement between Harney and Gen. Price gives + me great disgust and dissatisfaction to the Union men; but I am in hopes + we can get along with it, and think that Harney will insist on its + execution to the fullest extent, in which case it will be satisfactory." + </p> + <p> + In spite of Gen. Harney's faith, he was inundated with complaints from all + parts of the State as to loyal citizens in great numbers being outraged, + persecuted, and driven from their homes. These complaints also reached the + President, and Adjutant-General Thomas called Gen. Harney's attention to + them in a strong letter May 27, in which he said: "The professions of + loyalty to the Union by the State authorities of Missouri are not to be + relied upon. They have already falsified their professions too often, and + are too far committed to Secession to be entitled to your confidence, and + you can only be sure of desisting from their wicked purposes when it is + out of their power to prosecute them." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link99" id="link99"></a><span class="pn">{99}</span> + </p> + <p> + Two days later Gen. Harney replied that the State was rapidly becoming + tranquilized; that he was convinced that his policy would soon restore + peace and confidence in the ability of the Government to maintain its + authority. He asserted that the agreement between himself and Price was + being carried out in good faith. At the same time he called the attention + of Gen. Price to the reports that the Secessionists had seized 15,000 + pounds of lead at Lebanon, a lot of powder elsewhere, had torn down the + American Flag from several post offices, and hoisted Secessionist flags in + their places, and that troops and arms were coming into Missouri from + Arkansas and elsewhere, etc., etc. Price replied that he was satisfied + that the information was incorrect; that neither he nor the Governor knew + of any arms or troops coming into the State from any quarter; that he was + dismissing his troops, and that Gen. Harney had better not send out any + force, as it would exasperate the people. + </p> + <p> + Again Gen. Harney wrote Gen. Price reciting fresh acts of disloyalty and + outrage, and saying that unless these ceased, he would feel justified in + authorizing the organization of Home Guards among the Union men to protect + themselves. Price replied at length opposing the organization of Home + Guards as having a tendency to "excite those who now hold conservative + peace positions into exactly the contrary attitude, an example of which we + have in St. Louis. It would undoubtedly, in my opinion, lead to + neighborhood collision, the forerunner of civil war." Price finished by + calling attention to his orders to all citizens to scrupulously protect + property and rights, irrespective of political opinion, denying the + reports which had reached Gen. Harney, and reiterating that he was + carrying out the agreement in good faith. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link100" id="link100"></a><span class="pn">{100}</span> + </p> + <p> + Lyon, Blair and the other Unconditional Union leaders had become convinced + of what they feared; to wit, that the agreement simply tied Harney's + hands, and prevented any assertion of the Government's power to protect + its citizens, while leaving the Secessionists free to do as they pleased + and mature their organization until they were ready to attack the Union + men and sweep the State into Secession. + </p> + <p> + In spite of Gen. Scott and Attorney-General Bates, the Administration at + Washington was rapidly coming to this conclusion, and sent a special + messenger to St. Louis from Washington with dispatches to Col. Blair. In + an envelope was found a notice from the War Department to Capt. Lyon that + he had been appointed a Brigadier-General to rank from the 18th of May, + and there was also an order relieving Gen. Harney from the command of the + Department of the West, and granting him leave of absence until further + orders. There was a private letter to Col. Blair in the handwriting of + President Lincoln, in which he expressed his anxiety in regard to St. + Louis and Gen. Harney's course. He was, however, a little in doubt as to + the propriety of relieving him, but asked Col. Blair to hold the order + until such time as in his judgment the necessity for such action became + urgent. This for several reasons: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + We had better have him for a friend than an enemy. It will + dissatisfy a good many who would otherwise remain quiet. + More than all, we first relieved him, then restored him; now + If we relieve him again the public will ask: "Why all this + vacillation?" +</pre> + <p> + Col. Blair fully understood and sympathized with the President. He put the + letter and order in his pocket and talked confidentially to Lyon in regard + to it. They decided not to publish the order until it would be wicked to + delay it. They both liked and admired Harney, and if he could be + decisively separated from his Secession environment, he could be of the + greatest possible value. They would give him the opportunity of thoroughly + testing his policy. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link101" id="link101"></a><span class="pn">{101}</span> + </p> + <p> + Blair tried his best to arouse Gen. Harney to a sense of what was going + on, and particularly to demand suspension of the execution of the Military + Bill, but without effect. He sent to Gen. Harney telegrams and + correspondence, showing that the Brigadier-Generals were rapidly + organizing their forces, that emissaries were stirring up the Indians, and + that Chief Ross, of the Cherokee Nation, had promised 15,000 well-armed + men to help the Secessionists. When Harney called Price's attention to + this, Price calmly pooh-poohed it all as of no consequence. + </p> + <p> + Therefore, on May 30, Blair decided that the emergency for the delivery of + the order had come, and sent it to Gen. Harney, and at the same time wrote + to the President in explanation of what he had done. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Harney wrote the Adjutant-General of the Army a pathetic letter, in + which he said: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + My confidence in the honor and integrity of Gen. Price, in + the purity of his motives, and in his loyalty to the + Government, remains unimpaired. His course as President of + the State Convention that voted by a large majority against + submitting an Ordinance of Secession, and his efforts since + that time to calm the elements of discord, have served to + confirm the high opinion of him I have for many years + entertained. + + My whole course as Commander of the Department of the West + has been dictated by a desire to carry out in good faith the + instructions of my Government, regardless of the clamor of + the conflicting elements surrounding me, and whose advice + and dictation could not be followed without involving the + State in blood and the Government in the unnecessary + expenditure of millions. Under the course I pursued Missouri + was secured to the Union, and the triumph of the Government + was only the more glorious, being almost a bloodless + victory; but those who clamored for blood have not ceased to + impugn my motives. Twice within a brief space of time have + I been relieved from the command here; the second time in a + manner that has inflicted unmerited disgrace upon a true and + loyal soldier. During a long life, dedicated to my country, + I have seen some service, and more than once I have held her + honor in my hands; and during that time my loyalty, +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link102" id="link102"></a><span class="pn">{102}</span> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I believe, was never questioned; and now, when in the + natural course of things I shall, before the lapse of many + years, lay aside the sword which has so long served my + country, my countrymen will be slow to believe that I have + chosen this portion of my career to damn with treason my + life, which is so soon to become a record of the past, and + which I shall most willingly leave to the unbiased judgment + of posterity. I trust that I may yet be spared to do my + country some further service that will testify to the love I + bear her, and that the vigor of my arm may never relax while + there is a blow to be struck in her defense. + + I respectfully ask to be assigned to the command of the + Department of California, and I doubt not the present + commander of the Division is even now anxious to serve on + the Atlantic frontier. + + I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, + + WM. S. HARNEY, Brigadier-General, U. S. Army. +</pre> + <p> + He started for Washington, but the train on which he was going was + captured at Harper's Ferry by a Secession force, and he was taken a + prisoner to Richmond, where the authorities immediately ordered his + release. + </p> + <p> + The Government made no further use of him; he was retired in 1863 as a + Brigadier-General. At the conclusion of the struggle, in which he took no + further part, he was brevetted a Major-General, and died in the fullness + of years May 9,1889, at his home at Pass Christian, Miss. + </p> + <p> + Once more Gen. Lyon was in the saddle, this time for good, with Frank + Blair and the Radicals massed behind him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link103" id="link103"></a><span class="pn">{103}</span> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. THE LAST WORD BEFORE THE BLOW + </h2> + <p> + Brig.-Gen. Nathaniel Lyon was now in full command, not only of the City of + St. Louis and the State of Missouri, but of all the vast territory lying + between the Mississippi and the Rocky Mountains, except Texas, New Mexico, + and Utah. + </p> + <p> + His sudden elevation from a simple Captain heading a company to wide + command did not for an instant dizzy him as it seemed to McClellan and + Fremont, who had made similar leaps in rank. Where McClellan surrounded + himself with all the pomp and circumstance of glorious war as he had seen + it exemplified by officers of his rank in Europe, where he was followed at + all times by a numerous and glittering staff, resplendent with military + millinery; and where Fremont set up a vice-regal court, in which were + heard nearly all the tongues of the Continent, spoken by pretentious + adventurers who claimed service in substantially every war since those of + Napoleon, and under every possible flag raised in those wars, Lyon did not + change a particle from the plain, straightforward, earnest soldier he had + always been. His common dress was the private soldier's blouse with the + single star of his rank, and a slouch hat. He was accoutered for the real + work of war, not its spectacular effects. Grant was not simpler than he. + Dominated by a great purpose, he made himself and every one and every + thing about him tend directly towards that focus. He had only enough of a + staff to do the necessary work, and they must be plain, matter-of-fact + soldiers like himself, devoting their energies through all their waking + hours to the cause he had at heart. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link104" id="link104"></a><span class="pn">{104}</span> + </p> + <p> + His first Chief of Staff was Chester Harding, a Massachusetts man, a + thoroughgoing, practical, businesslike Yankee, animated by intense love of + the Union. He preferred, however, service in the field, and became Colonel + of the 10th Mo., then of the 25th, and later of the 43d Mo., doing good + service wherever placed, and receiving at the last a well-earned brevet as + Brigadier-General of Volunteers. + </p> + <p> + While Gen. Lyon was organizing the Home Guards into volunteer regiments at + the Arsenal, there came to his assistance a rather stockily-built First + Lieutenant of the Regular Army, who was in the prime of manhood, with + broad, full face and well-developed and increasing baldness, a graduate of + West Point, and of some eight years' experience in the military + establishment. + </p> + <p> + John McAllister Schofield was born in Illinois, the son of an itinerant + Baptist preacher, who mainly devoted himself to the cause of church + extension. Schofield's name would indicate Germanic extraction. His face + and figure supports the same theory, as do most of his mental habits. The + McAllister in his name hints at an infusion of Celtic blood, of which we + find few if any intellectual traces. Without any special enthusiasm or + public demonstration of his attachment to principle, with a great deal of + the courtier in his ways, he was yet firm, courageous and persistent in + the policy he had marked out for himself. He was true to the Union cause, + in his own way, from the time he offered his services to Gen. Lyon, was + obedient and helpful to his superiors, always did more than respectably + well what was committed to his charge, and no failure of any kind lowers + the high average of his performance. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link105" id="link105"></a><span class="pn">{105}</span> + </p> + <p> + When after four years of the most careful scrutiny and tutelage the + Military Academy at West Point graduates a young man, it assumes that it + has absolutely determined his X—that is, has sounded and measured + his moral and intellectual depth, and settled his place in any human + equation. + </p> + <p> + It will, therefore, be quite interesting in making our estimate of Gen. + Schofield, to examine the label attached to him upon his graduation from + West Point in the class of 1853. + </p> + <p> + At the head of that class was the brilliant James B. McPherson, who was to + rise to the command of a corps and then to the Army of the Tennessee, and + fall before Atlanta, to the intense sorrow of every man in the army who + had come in contact with him. + </p> + <p> + The second in the class was William P. Craighill, a fine engineer officer, + who, however, rose no higher during the war than a brevet Colonel. + </p> + <p> + The third in the class was Joshua W. Sill, a splendid soldier, who died at + the head of his brigade on the banks of Stone River. + </p> + <p> + The fourth in the class was William R. Boggs, a Georgian, who became a + Brigadier-General in the Confederate army and achieved no special + distinction. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link106" id="link106"></a><span class="pn">{106}</span> + </p> + <p> + The fifth in the class was Francis J. Shunk, of Pennsylvania, who went + into the ordnance and became a brevet Major. + </p> + <p> + The sixth in the class was William Sooy Smith, an Ohio man, who attained + the rank of Brigadier-General, and who achieved prominence in civil life + as an engineer. + </p> + <p> + The seventh in the class was John M. Schofield, who was commissioned in + the artillery, and who had had some years of army experience in the forts + along the South Atlantic coast. + </p> + <p> + In the 45 who graduated below Schofield were many names afterwards to + become very prominent in history. + </p> + <p> + John S. Bowen, of Georgia, who commanded a regiment of the Home Guards, + and who did his utmost to drag his State into Secession, afterward be-. + coming a Major-General in the Confederate army, graduated 13th in the + class. + </p> + <p> + William R. Terrill, of Virginia, killed at Perryville while in command of + a Union brigade, was the 16th. + </p> + <p> + John R. Chambliss, of Virginia, who was killed while commanding a + Confederate brigade at Deep Bottom, Va., was the 31st, and William McE. + Dye, who commanded a brigade with success in the Trans-Mississippi, + afterwards helped to organize the Khedive's army, and who died while in + command of the Korean army, was the 32d. + </p> + <p> + Philip H. Sheridan, one of the most brilliant commanders the world ever + saw, stood 34th in the class, and Elmer Otis, of Philippine fame, was the + 37th. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link107" id="link107"></a><span class="pn">{107}</span> + </p> + <p> + John B. Hood, who rose to the rank of a full General in the Confederate + army, and commanded the forces arrayed against Sherman and Thomas at + Atlanta and Nashville, was the 44th. + </p> + <p> + It is very interesting to study this list and compare it with the + confident markings made by the West Point Faculty when the young men were + dismissed to the active life for which the Academy had prepared them. It + at least shows that, judged by West Point standards, Schofield's + intellectual equipment was of the very best. He had married the daughter + of his Professor of Physics, and children had come to them; promotion was + very slow; he had wearied of the dull routine of the artillery officer in + seacoast forts, and had seriously thought of resigning and entering the + profession of law. Friends had dissuaded him from this, secured him a + position as Professor of Physics in the Washington University at St. + Louis, and Gen. Scott, who liked him, induced him to remain in the service + and obtained for him a year's leave of absence to enable him to accept the + professorship. He was engaged in his duty of teaching at the University + and of writing a work on physics, of which he was very proud, when the + firing on Fort Sumter took place. His political views were those of the + Douglas wing of the Democracy, and he remained a Democrat ever after. He + made no public profession of his views on the Slavery question or + Secession, but immediately wrote to Washington offering to cancel his + leave of absence, and was directed to report to Gen. Lyon for the duty of + mustering in the volunteers. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link108" id="link108"></a><span class="pn">{108}</span> + </p> + <p> + Inasmuch as the Governor, with much contumely, had refused to supply the + four regiments from Missouri which the President had called for, + Schofield, with his unfailing respect for the law, saw no way to fulfill + his duty, until Gen. Scott, who was dimly perceiving the gigantic nature + of the emergency, reluctantly gave authority to muster in and arm the Home + Guards, adding the indorsement, pathetically eloquent as to his aged + slowness of recognition that old things were passing away and new being + born in volcanic travail—"This is irregular, but, being times of + revolution, is approved." + </p> + <p> + Schofield showed his heart in the matter by becoming a Major of the first + regiment organized. + </p> + <p> + The whole atmosphere at once changed with Lyon's permanent assignment to + command. + </p> + <p> + The Union people of Missouri, those who really believed that the + Government was worth fighting for, no longer had to retire, as they had + from Harney's presence, with cold comfort, and advice to stop thinking + about fighting and attend to their regular business, but were welcomed by + Lyon, had their earnestness stimulated by his own, and were given direct + advice as to how they could be of the most service. They were encouraged + to put themselves in readiness, strike blow for blow, and if possible to + give two blows for one. The work of preparation was systematized, and + everything made to move toward the one great event—the Government's + overwhelming assertion of its power. + </p> + <p> + Home Guards were organized in every County where Union men wanted to do + so, and began presenting a stubborn front to their opponents, who were + being brought together under the Military Bill. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link109" id="link109"></a><span class="pn">{109}</span> + </p> + <p> + Gov. Jackson and Gen. Price did not lose all heart at the change in + commanders. They seemed to have hopes that they might in some way mold + Lyon to their wishes as they had Harney, and sought an interview with him. + Gen. Lyon was not averse to an interview, and sent to Jackson and Price + the following passport: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Headquarters, Department of the West, + + St. Louis, June 8, 1861. + + It having been suggested that Gov. Claiborne F. Jackson and + ex-Gov. Sterling Price are desirous of an interview with + Gen. Lyon, commanding this Department, for the purpose of + effecting, if possible, a pacific solution of the domestic + troubles of Missouri, it is hereby stipulated on the part of + Brig.-Gen. N. Lyon, U. S. A., commanding this Military + Department, that, should Gov. Jackson or ez-Gov. Price, or + either of them, at any time prior to or on the 12th day of + June, 1861, visit St. Louis for the purpose of such + interview, they and each of them shall be free from + molestation or arrest on account of any charges pending + against them, or either of them, on the part of the United + States, during their journey to St. Louis and their return + from St Louis to Jefferson City. + + Given under the hand of the General commanding, the day and + year above written. + + N. LYON, + + Brigadier-General, Commanding. +</pre> + <p> + Accordingly on June 12, 1861, Price and Jackson arrived at St. Louis by + special train from Jefferson City, put up at the Planters' House, and + informed Gen. Lyon of their arrival. The old State pride cropped out in a + little dispute as to which should call upon the other. Jackson as Governor + of the "sovereign and independent" State of Missouri and Price as + Major-General commanding the forces, felt that it was due them that Lyon, + a Brigadier-General in the United States service, should visit them rather + than they him at the Arsenal. Lyon's soul going direct to the heart of the + matter, was above these technicalities, waved them aside impatiently, and + said that he would go to the Planters' House and call on them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link110" id="link110"></a><span class="pn">{110}</span> + </p> + <p> + Accompanied by Col. Frank P. Blair and Maj. Conant, of his Staff, he went + at once to the Planters' House, and there ensued a four hours' interview + of mightiest consequences to the State and the Nation. + </p> + <p> + Jackson and Price were accompanied by Col. Thomas L. Snead, then an Aid of + the Governor, afterwards Acting Adjutant-General of the Missouri State + Guards, Chief of Staff of the Army of the West, and a member of the + Confederate Congress. He makes this statement as to the opening of the + conference: + </p> + <p> + "Lyon opened it by saying that the discussion on the part of his + Government 'would be conducted by Col. Blair, who enjoyed its confidence + in the very highest degree, and was authorized to speak for it.' Blair + was, in fact, better fitted than any man in the Union to discuss with + Jackson and Price the grave questions then at issue between the United + States and the State of Missouri, and in all her borders there were no men + better fitted than they to speak for Missouri on that momentous occasion. + </p> + <p> + "But despite the modesty of his opening, Lyon was too much in earnest, too + zealous, too well informed on the subject, too aggressive, and too fond of + disputation to let Blair conduct the discussion on the part of his + Government. In half an hour it was he who was conducting it, holding his + own at every point against Jackson and Price, masters though they were of + Missouri politics, whose course they had been directing and controlling + for years, while he was only the Captain of an infantry regiment on the + Plains. He had not, however, been a mere soldier in those days, but had + been an earnest student of the very questions that he was now discussing, + and he comprehended the matter as well as any man, and handled it in the + soldierly way to which he had been bred, using the sword to cut knots that + he could not untie." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link111" id="link111"></a><span class="pn">{111}</span> + </p> + <p> + Really the interview soon became a parley between the two strong men who + were quickly to draw their swords upon one another. The talking men, the + men of discussion and appeal passed out, and the issue was in the hands of + the men who were soon to hurl the mighty weapons of war. + </p> + <p> + Jackson, who was a light, facile politician, used to moving public + assemblies which were already of his mind, had but little to say in the + hours of intense parley, but interjected from time to time with + parrot-like reiteration, that the United States troops must leave the + State and not enter it. "I will then disband my own troops and we shall + certainly have peace." + </p> + <p> + Blair, an incomparably stronger man, but still a politician and rather + accustomed to accomplishing results by speeches and arguments, soon felt + himself obscured by the mightier grasp and earnestness of Lyon, and took + little further part. There remained, then, the stern, portentous parley + between Lyon and Price, who weighed their words, intending to make every + one of them good by deadly blows. They looked into one another's eyes with + set wills, between which were the awful consequences of unsheathed swords. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Price stated at some length his proposals, and claimed that he had + carried out his understanding with Gen. Harney in good faith, not + violating it one iota. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link112" id="link112"></a><span class="pn">{112}</span> + </p> + <p> + Gen. Lyon asked him sharply how that could be, according to Gen. Harney's + second proclamation in which he denounced the Military Bill as + unconstitutional and treasonable? + </p> + <p> + Gen. Price replied that he had made no agreement whatever with Gen. Harney + about the enforcement or carrying out of the Military Bill. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Lyon answered this by presenting a copy of the following memorandum + which had been sent by Gen. Harney as the only basis on which he would + treat with Jackson and Price: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Memorandum for Gen. Price.—May 21, 1861. + + Gen. Harney is here as a citizen of Missouri, with all his + interests at stake in the preservation of the peace of the + State. + + He earnestly wishes to do nothing to complicate matters, and + will do everything in his power, consistently with his + Instructions, to preserve peace and order. + + He is, however, compelled to recognize the existence of a + rebellion in a portion of the United States, and in view of + it he stands upon the proclamation of the President itself, + based upon the laws and Constitution of the United States. + + The proclamation demands the dispersion of all armed bodies + hostile to the supreme law of the land. + + Gen. Harney sees in the Missouri Military Bill features + which compel him to look upon such armed bodies as may be + organized under its provisions as antagonistic to the United + States, within the meaning of the proclamation, and + calculated to precipitate a conflict between the State and + the United States. + + He laments the tendency of things, and most cordially and + earnestly invites the co-operation of Gen. Price to avert + it. + + For this purpose Gen. Harney respectfully asks Gen. Price to + review the features of the bill, in the spirit of law, + warmed and elevated by that of humanity, and seek to + discover some means by which its action may be suspended + until some competent tribunal shall decide upon its + character. + + The most material features of the bill calculated to bring + about a conflict are, first, the oath required to be taken + by the Militia and State Guards (an oath of allegiance to + the State of Missouri without recognizing the existence of + the Government of the United States); and, secondly, the + express requirements by which troops within the State not + organized under the provisions of the Military Bill are to + be disarmed by the State Guards. + + Gen. Harney cannot be expected to await a summons to + surrender his arms by the State troops. + + From this statement of the case the true question becomes + immediately visible and cannot be shut out of view. + + Gen. Price Is earnestly requested to consider this, and Gen. + Harney will be happy to confer with him on the subject + whenever It may suit his convenience. + + N. B.—Read to Gen. Price, In the presence of Maj. H. B. + Turner, on the evening of the 21st of May. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0011" id="linkimage-0011"> + <!-- IMG --> </a> <img src="images/100-Gen%20David%20Hunter.jpg" + alt="100-general David Hunter" width="100%" /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link113" id="link113"></a><span class="pn">{113}</span> + </p> + <p> + Naturally this threw Gen. Price into much confusion, and his face reddened + with mortification, but after a few minutes he said that he did not + remember hearing the paper read; that it was true that Hitchcock and + Turner had come from Gen. Harney to see him, but he could recall nothing + of any such paper being presented. The discussion grew warmer as Gen. Lyon + felt more strongly the force of his position. Gen. Price insisted that no + armed bodies of Union troops should pass through or be stationed in + Missouri, as such would occasion civil war. He asserted that Missouri must + be neutral, and neither side should arm. Gov. Jackson would protect the + Union men and would disband his State troops. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Lyon opposed this by saying, in effect, "that, if the Government + withdrew its forces entirely, secret and subtle measures would be resorted + to to provide arms and perfect organizations which, upon any pretext, + could put forth a formidable opposition to the General Government; and + even without arming, combinations would doubtless form in certain + localities, to oppress and drive out loyal citizens, to whom the + Government was bound to give protection, but which it would be helpless to + do, as also to repress such combinations, if its forces could not be sent + into the State. A large aggressive force might be formed and advanced from + the exterior into the State, to assist it in carrying out the Secession + program; and the Government could not, under the limitation proposed, take + posts on these borders to meet and repel such force. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link114" id="link114"></a><span class="pn">{114}</span> + </p> + <p> + The Government could not shrink from its duties nor abdicate its + corresponding right; and, in addition to the above, it was the duty of its + civil officers to execute civil process, and in case of resistance to + receive the support of military force. The proposition of the Governor + would at once overturn the Government privileges and prerogatives, which + he (Gen. Lyon) had neither the wish nor the authority to do. In his + opinion, if the Governor and the State authorities would earnestly set + about to maintain the peace of the State, and declare their purposes to + resist outrages upon loyal citizens of the Government, and repress + insurrections against it, and in case of violent combinations, needing + co-operation of the United States troops, they should call upon or accept + such assistance, and in case of threatened invasion the Government troops + took suitable posts to meet it, the purposes of the Government would be + subserved, and no infringement of the State rights or dignity committed. + He would take good care, in such faithful co-operation of the State + authorities to this end, that no individual should be injured in person or + property, and that the utmost delicacy should be observed toward all + peaceable persons concerned in these relations." + </p> + <p> + Gen. Lyon based himself unalterably upon this proposition, and could not + be moved from it by anything Price or Jackson could say. + </p> + <p> + Gov. Jackson entered into the discussion again to suggest that they + separate and continue the conference further by correspondence; but Lyon, + who felt vividly that the main object of the Secessionists was to gain + time to perfect their plans, rejected this proposition, but said that he + was quite willing that all those present should reduce their views to + writing and publish them; which, however, did not strike Jackson and Price + favorably. As to the close of the interview, Maj. Conant says: + </p> + <p> + <a name="link115" id="link115"></a><span class="pn">{115}</span> + </p> + <p> + "As Gen. Lyon was about to take his leave, he said: 'Gov. Jackson, no man + in the State of Missouri has been more ardently desirous of preserving + peace than myself. Heretofore Missouri has only felt the fostering care of + the Federal Government, which has raised her from the condition of a + feeble French colony to that of an empire State. Now, however, from the + failure on the part of the Chief Executive to comply with constitutional + requirements, I fear she will be made to feel its power. Better, sir, far + better, that the blood of every man, woman and child of the State should + flow than that she should successfully defy the Federal Government.'" + </p> + <p> + Col. Snead has published this account of the close of the conference: + </p> + <p> + "Finally, when the conference had lasted four or five hours, Lyon closed + it, as he had opened it. 'Rather,' said he (he was still seated, and spoke + deliberately, slowly, and with a peculiar emphasis), 'rather than concede + to the State of Missouri the right to demand that my Government shall not + enlist troops within her limits, or bring troops into the State whenever + it pleases, or move its troops at its own will into, out of, or through + the State; rather than concede to the State of Missouri for one single + instant the right to dictate to my Government in any matter however + unimportant, I would (rising as he said this, and pointing in turn to + every one in the room) see you, and you, and you, and you, and every man, + woman, and child in the State, dead and buried.' + </p> + <p> + <a name="link116" id="link116"></a><span class="pn">{116}</span> + </p> + <p> + "Then turning to the Governor, he said: 'This means war. In an hour one of + my officers will call for you and conduct you out of my lines.' + </p> + <p> + "And then, without another word, without an inclination of the head, + without even a look, he turned upon his heel and strode out of the room, + rattling his spurs and clanking his saber, while we, whom he left, and who + had known each other for years, bade farewell to each other courteously + and kindly, and separated—Blair and Conant to fight for the Union, + we for the land of our birth." + </p> + <p> + When the great American painter shall arise, one of the grandest themes + for his pencil will be that destiny-shaping conference on that afternoon + in June, 1861. He will show the face of Gov. Jackson as typical of that + class of Southern politicians who raised the storm from the unexpected + violence of which they retreated in dismay. There will be more than a + suggestion of this in Jackson's expression and attitude. He entered the + conference full of his official importance as the head of the great + Sovereign State, braving the whole United States, and quite complacent as + to his own powers of diction and argument. He quickly subsided, however, + from the leading character occupying the center of the stage to that of + chorus in the wings, in the deadly grapple of men of mightier purpose—Lyon + and Price, who were to ride the whirlwind he had been contriving, and rule + the storm he had been instrumental in raising. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link117" id="link117"></a><span class="pn">{117}</span> + </p> + <p> + Even Blair, immeasurably stronger mentally and morally than Jackson—Blair, + tall, sinewy, alert, with face and pose revealing the ideal leader that he + was—even he felt the presence of stronger geniuses, and lapsed into + silence. + </p> + <p> + The time for talking men was past Captains of hosts were now uttering the + last stern words, which meant the crash of battle and the death and misery + of myriads. Hereafter voices would be in swords, and arguments flame from + the brazen mouths of cannon hot with slaughter. + </p> + <p> + Sterling Price, white-haired, large of frame, imposing, benignant, + paternal, inflexible as to what he considered principle, was to point the + way which 100,000 young Missourians were to follow through a thousand red + battlefields. + </p> + <p> + Nathaniel Lyon, short of stature, red-haired, in the prime of manhood and + perfected soldiership, fiery, jealous for his country's rights and + dignity, was to set another 100,000 young Missourians in battle array + against their opponents, to fight them to complete overthrow. + </p> + <p> + After they withdrew from the conference, Gov. Jackson, as Price's + trumpeter, sounded the call "to arms" in a proclamation to the people of + Missouri. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link118" id="link118"></a><span class="pn">{118}</span> + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0012" id="linkimage-0012"> + <!-- IMG --> </a> <img src="images/118-St%20Louis%20Levee.jpg" + alt="118-the St Louis Levee" width="100%" /><br /> <a name="link2HCH0007" + id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. GEN. LYON BEGINS AN EFFECTIVE CAMPAIGN + </h2> + <p> + Gen. Sterling Price was soldier enough to recognize that Gen. Lyon was a + different character from the talking men who had been holding the center + of the stage for so long. When his trumpet sounded his sword was sure to + leap from its scabbard. Blows were to follow so quickly upon words as to + tread upon their heels. + </p> + <p> + At the close of the interview of June 11, Gen. Lyon, with Col. Blair and + Maj. Conant, returned to the Arsenal, while Gov. Jackson and Gen. Price + hurried to the depot of the Pacific Railroad, where they impressed a + locomotive, tender and cars, and urged the railroad men to get up steam in + the shortest possible time. Imperative orders cleared the track ahead of + them, and they rushed away for the Capital of the State with all speed. + </p> + <p> + At the crossing of the Gasconade River they stopped long enough to + thoroughly burn the bridge to check Lyon's certain advance, and while + doing this Sterling Price cut the telegraph wires with his own hands. The + train then ran on to the Osage River, where, to give greater assurance + against rapid pursuit, they burnt that bridge also. + </p> + <p> + Arriving at Jefferson City about 2 o'clock in the morning, the rest of the + night was spent in anxious preparation of a proclamation by the Governor + to the people of Missouri, which was intended to be a trumpet call to + bring every man capable of bearing arms at once to the support of the + Governor and the furtherance of his plans. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link119" id="link119"></a><span class="pn">{119}</span> + </p> + <p> + According to the Census of 1860 there were 236,402 men in Missouri capable + of bearing arms, and if the matter could be put in such a way that a half + or even one-third of these would respond to the Governor's mandate, a host + would be mustered which would quickly sweep Lyon and his small band out of + the State. The proclamation to effect this which was elaborated by the + joint efforts of Gov. Jackson and Col. Snead, the editor of the St. Louis + Bulletin, a Secessionist organ, and the Governor's Secretary and + Adjutant-General, together with Gen. Price. + </p> + <p> + Considered as a trumpet call it was entirely too verbose. Col. Snead could + not break himself of writing long, ponderous editorials. The more + pertinent paragraphs were: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + To the People of Missouri: + + A series of unprovoked and unparalleled outrages have been + inflicted upon the peace and dignity of this Commonwealth + and upon the rights and liberties of its people, by wicked + and unprincipled men, professing to act under the authority + of the United States Government. The solemn enactments + of your Legislature have been nullified; your volunteer + soldiers have been taken prisoners; your commerce with your + sister States has been suspended; your trade with your + fellow-citizens has been, and is, subjected to the harassing + control of an armed soldiery; peaceful citizens have been + imprisoned without warrant of law; unoffending and + defenseless men, women, and children have been ruthlessly + shot down and murdered; and other unbearable indignities + have been heaped upon your State and yourselves.... + + They (Blair and Lyon) demanded not only the disorganization + and disarming of the State Militia, and the nullification of + the Military Bill, but they refused to disarm their own Home + Guards, and insisted that the Federal Government should + enjoy an unrestricted right to move and station its troops + throughout the State, whenever and wherever that might, in + the opinion of its officers, be necessary, either for the + protection of the "loyal subjects" of the Federal Government + or for the repelling of invasion; and they plainly announced + that it was the intention of the Administration to take + military occupation, under these pretexts, of the whole + State, and to reduce it, as avowed by Gen. Lyon himself, to + the "exact condition of Maryland." +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link120" id="link120"></a><span class="pn">{120}</span> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The acceptance by me of these degrading terms would not only + have sullied the honor of Missouri, but would have aroused + the Indignation of every brave citizen, and precipitated the + very conflict which it has been my aim to prevent. We + refused to accede to them, and the conference was broken + up.... + + Now, therefore, I, C. F. Jackson, Governor of the State of + Missouri, do, in view of the foregoing facts, and by virtue + of the power invested in me by the Constitution and laws of + this Commonwealth, issue this, my proclamation, calling the + Militia of the State, to the number of 60,000, into the + active service of the State, for the purpose of repelling + said invasion, and for the protection of the lives, liberty, + and property of the citizens of this State. And I earnestly + exhort all good citizens of Missouri to rally under the flag + of their State, for the protection of their endangered homes + and firesides, and for the defense of their most sacred + rights and dearest liberties. +</pre> + <p> + This proclamation was given out to the press, but even before it appeared + the Governor had telegraphed throughout the State to leading Secessionists + to arm and rush to his assistance. + </p> + <p> + This did not catch Gen. Lyon at all unawares. He had long ago determined + upon a movement to Springfield, which, being in the midst of the farming + region, was the center of the Union element of southwest Missouri. + Immediately, upon reading the Governor's proclamation, he saw the + necessity of forestalling the projected concentration by reaching + Jefferson City with the least possible delay. Before he retired that night + he had given orders for the formation of a marching column, and had placed + the affairs of his great Department outside of this column, of which he + proposed to take personal command, in the hands of Col. Chester Harding, + to whom he gave full powers to sign his name and issue orders. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link121" id="link121"></a><span class="pn">{121}</span> + </p> + <p> + Having thought out his plans well beforehand, Gen. Lyon began his campaign + with well-ordered celerity. Part of the troops he had at command were sent + down the southwestern branch of the Pacific Railroad to secure it. Others + were sent to points at which the militia were known to be gathering to + disperse them. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Lyon himself, with his staff, the Regulars, infantry and artillery, + and a force of volunteers, embarked on two steamboats to move directly + upon Jefferson City by the way of the Missouri River. + </p> + <p> + They arrived at the Capital of Missouri about 2 o'clock in the afternoon + of June 15, and were met with an enthusiastic reception from the loyal + citizens, of whom a large proportion were Germans. Gov. Jackson had only + been able to assemble about 120 men, with whom he made a hasty retreat to + Boonville, about 50 miles further up the river, which had been selected by + Gen. Price as one of his principal strategic points. Boonville is situated + on the highlands at a natural crossing of the Missouri, and by holding it + communication could be maintained between the parts of the State lying + north and south of the river, and thus allow the concentration of the + Militia, which Gov. Jackson had called out. The hights on the river bank + would enable the river to be blockaded against expeditions ascending it, + and the entire length of the stream to Kansas City, about 100 miles in a + direct line, could be thus controlled. + </p> + <p> + The Missouri River divides the State unequally, leaving about one-third on + the north and two-thirds on the south. Of the 99 Counties in the State, 44 + are north of the Missouri River, but these are smaller than those south. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link122" id="link122"></a><span class="pn">{122}</span> + </p> + <p> + Gov. Jackson had telegraphed orders for the Brigade-Generals commanding + the districts into which the State had been divided to concentrate their + men with all haste at Boonville and at Lexington, still further up the + river, nearly midway between Boonville and Kansas City. The beginnings of + an arsenal were made at Boonville, to furnish arms and ammunition. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Lyon saw the strategic importance of the place, and did not propose + to allow any concentration to be made there. He did not, as most Regular + officers were prone, wait deliberately for wagons and rations and other + supplies, but with a truer instinct of soldiership comprehended that his + men could live wherever an enemy could, and leaving a small squad at + Jefferson City, immediately started his column for Boonville, sending + orders to other columns in Iowa and Kansas to converge toward that place. + </p> + <p> + Progress up the Missouri River was tedious, as the water was low, and the + troops had to frequently disembark in order to allow the boats to go over + the shoals. It was reported to Gen. Lyon that about 4,000 Confederates had + already concentrated at Boonville. + </p> + <p> + While Gen. Price was the Commander-in-Chief, several prominent + Secessionists were commanders upon the field of the whole or parts of the + force. The man, however, who was the most in evidence in the fighting was + John Sappington Marmaduke, a native Missourian, born in Saline County in + 1833, and therefore 28 years old. He was the son of a farmer, had been at + Yale and Harvard, and then graduated from West Point in 1857, standing 30 + in a class of 38. He had been on frontier duty with the 7th U. S. until + after the firing on Fort Sumter, when he resigned to return to Missouri + and raise a regiment for the Southern Confederacy. He was to rise to the + rank of Major-General in the Confederate army, achieve much fame for + military ability, and be elected, in 1884, Governor of the State. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link123" id="link123"></a><span class="pn">{123}</span> + </p> + <p> + The column immediately under the command of Gen. Lyon consisted of + Totten's Light Battery (F, 2d U. S. Art.); Co. B, 2d U. S.; two companies + of Regular recruits; Col. Blair's Missouri regiment and nine companies of + Boernstein's Missouri regiment; aggregating somewhere between 1,700 and + 2,000 men. On the evening of Sunday, June 16, the boats carrying the + command arrived within 15 miles of Boonville, and lay there during the + night. The next morning they proceeded up to within about eight miles of + the town, when all but one company of Blair's regiment and an artillery + detachment disembarked and began a land march upon the enemy's position. + The remaining company and the howitzer were sent on with the boats to give + the impression that an attack was to be made from the river side. + </p> + <p> + The people in the country reported to Gen. Lyon that the enemy was fully + 4,000 strong, and intended an obstinate defense. He therefore moved + forward cautiously, arriving at last at the foot of a gently undulating + slope to a crest one mile distant, on which the enemy was stationed, with + the ground quite favorable for them. Gen. Lyon formed a line of battle + about 300 yards from the crest, with Totten's battery in the rear and nine + companies of Boernstein's regiment on the right, under the command of + Lieut.-Col. Schaeffer, and the Regulars and Col. Blair's regiment on the + left. It was a momentous period, big with Missouri's future. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link124" id="link124"></a><span class="pn">{124}</span> + </p> + <p> + The engagement opened with Capt. Totten shelling the enemy's position and + the well-drilled German infantry advancing with the Regulars, firing as + they went. The question was now to be tried as to the value of the + much-vaunted Missouri riflemen in conflict with the disciplined Germans. + The former had been led to believe that they would repeat the achievements + of their forefathers at New Orleans. + </p> + <p> + Under the lead of Col. Marmaduke, the Confederates stood their ground + pluckily for a few minutes, but the steady advance of the Union troops, + with the demoralizing effect of the shells, were too much for them. Col. + Marmaduke attempted to make an orderly retreat, and at first seemed to + succeed, but finally the movement degenerated into a rout, and the + Confederates scattered in wild flight, led by their Governor, who, like + James II. at the battle of the Boyne, had witnessed the skirmish from a + neighboring eminence. The losses on each side were equal—two killed + and some eight or nine wounded. + </p> + <p> + Lyon pushed on at once to the camp of the enemy, and there captured some + 1,200 pairs of shoes, 20 to 30 tents, and a considerable quantity of + ammunition, with quite a supply of arms, blankets and personal effects. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link125" id="link125"></a><span class="pn">{125}</span> + </p> + <p> + The detachment which had gone by the river on the boats aided in securing + the victory by a noisy bombardment with their howitzer, and landing at the + town, captured two six-pounders, with a number of prisoners. The Mayor of + Boonville came out and formally surrendered the town to Gen. Lyon and Col. + Blair. Parties were sent out the various roads to continue the pursuit, + and Gen. Lyon issued the following proclamation, admirable in tone and + wording, to counteract that of the Governor and quiet the people, + especially as to interference with slave property: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + To the People of Missouri: + + Upon leaving the city of St. Louis, In consequence of the + declaration of war made by the Governor of this State + against the Government of the United States, because I would + not assume in its behalf to relinquish its duties and + abdicate its rights of protecting loyal citizens from the + oppression and cruelties of Secessionists in this State, I + published an address to the people, in which I declared my + intention to use the force under my command for no other + purpose than the maintenance of the authority of the General + Government and the protection of the rights and property of + all law-abiding citizens. The State authorities, in + violation of an agreement with Gen. Harney, on the 21st of + May last, had drawn together and organized upon a large + scale the means of warfare, and having made declaration of + war, they abandoned the Capital, issued orders for the + destruction of the railroad and telegraph lines, and + proceeded to this point to put in execution their purposes + toward the General Government. This devolved upon me the + necessity of meeting this issue to the best of my ability, + and accordingly I moved to this point with a portion of the + force under my command, attacked and dispersed hostile + forces gathered here by the Governor, and took possession of + the camp equipage left and a considerable number of + prisoners, most of them young and of immature age, who + represent that they have been misled by frauds ingeniously + devised and industriously circulated by designing leaders, + who seek to devolve upon unreflecting and deluded followers + the task of securing the object of their own false ambition. + Out of compassion for these misguided youths, and to correct + impressions created by unscrupulous calumniators, I have + liberated them, upon condition that they will not serve in + the impending hostilities against the United States + Government. I have done this in spite of the known facts + that the leaders in the present rebellion, having long + experienced the mildness of the General Government, still + feel confident that this mildness cannot be overtaxed even + by factious hostilities having In view its overthrow; but + if, as in the case of the late Camp Jackson affair, this + clemency than still be misconstrued, it is proper to give + warning that the Government cannot be always expected to + indulge it to the compromise of its evident welfare. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link126" id="link126"></a><span class="pn">{126}</span> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Having learned that those plotting against the Government + have falsely represented that the Government troops intended + a forcible and violent invasion of Missouri for the purposes + of military despotism and tyranny, I hereby give notice to + the people of this State that I shall scrupulously avoid all + interferences with the business, rights, and property of + every description recognized by the laws of this State, and + belonging to law-abiding citizens; but that it is equally my + duty to maintain the paramount authority of the United Sates + with such force as I have at my command, which will be + retained only so long as opposition shall make it necessary; + and that it is my wish, and shall be my purpose, to devolve + any unavoidable rigor arising in this issue upon those only + who provoke it. + + All persons who, under the misapprehensions above mentioned, + have taken up arms, or who are now preparing to do so, are + invited to return to their homes, and relinquish their + hostile attitude to the General Government, and are assured + that they may do so without being molested for past + occurrences. + + N. LYON, + + Brigadier-General, U. S. Vols., Commanding. +</pre> + <p> + Several thousand of Jackson's Militia had already assembled at Lexington, + nearly midway between Boonville and Kansas City. When they heard of the + affair at Boonville they realized that they were in danger of being caught + between the column advancing from that direction and the one under Maj. + Sturgis, which Gen. Lyon had ordered forward from Leavenworth through + Kansas City, while a third, under Col. Curtis, was approaching from the + Iowa line. They dispersed at once, to fall back behind the Osage River, at + Gen. Price's direction. Thus Lyon gained complete control of the Missouri + River in its course through the State, enabling him to cut off the + Confederates in the northern from those in the southern part of the State. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link127" id="link127"></a><span class="pn">{127}</span> + </p> + <p> + Another success which came to him was the seizure of the office of the St. + Louis Bulletin, and the discovery there of a letter from Gov, Jackson to + the publisher, which completely proved all the allegations that had been + made as to the Governor's action, decisively contradicted the material + assertions in his proclamations and vindicated Gen. Lyon from the charges + against him of undue precipitancy. The letter was long, personal and + confidential. In it he said: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I do not think Missouri should secede today or tomorrow, but + I do not think it good policy that I should so disclose. I + want a little time to arm the State, and I am assuming every + responsibility to do it with all possible dispatch. Missouri + should act in concert with Tennessee and Kentucky. They are + all bound to go out, and should go together, if possible. My + judgment is that North Carolina, Tennessee and Arkansas will + all be out in a few days, and when they go Missouri should + follow. Let us, then, prepare to make our exit. We should + keep our own counsels. Every man in the State is in favor of + arming the State. Then let it be done. All are opposed to + furnishing Mr. Lincoln with soldiers. Time will settle the + balance. + + Nothing should be said about the time or the manner in which + Missouri should go out. That she ought to go, and will go at + the proper time, I have no doubt. She ought to have gone out + last Winter, when she could have seized the public arms and + public property, and defended herself. That she has failed + to do, and must wait a little while. Paschall is a base + submissionist, and desires to remain with the North, if + every Slave State should go out. Call on every country paper + to defend me, and assure them I am fighting under the true + flag. Who does not know that every sympathy of my heart is + with the South? The Legislature, in my view, should sit in + secret session, and touch nothing but the measures of + defense. + + Though in point of fighting and losses this initial campaign + ending with the skirmish at Boonville had been + insignificant, its results far surpassed those of many of + the bloodiest battles of the rebellion. The Governor of the + State was in flight from his Capital; his troops had been + scattered in the first collision; control had been gained of + the Missouri River, cutting the enemy's line in two; and + above all, there was the immense moral effect of the defeat + in action of the boastful Secessionists by the much + denounced "St. Louis Dutch." This alone accounted for the + acquisition of many thousand wavering men to the side of the + Union. Missourians were not different from the rest of + mankind, and every community had its large proportion of + those who, when the Secessionists seemed to have everything + their own way, inclined to that side, but came back to their + true allegiance at the first sign of the Government being + able to assert its supremacy. The Government was now aroused + and striking—and striking successfully. Its enemies were + immensely depressed, and its friends correspondingly elated. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link129" id="link129"></a><span class="pn">{129}</span> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Gen. Lyon's next thought was to drive Gov. Jackson and his + Secession clique out of Missouri into Arkansas, free the + people from their pernicious influence, protect the Union + people, especially in the southwestern part of the State, + and keep tens of thousands of young men from being persuaded + or dragged into the rebel army. + + He would demonstrate the Government's position so + convincingly that there would be no longer any doubt of + Missouri's remaining in the Union. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0013" id="linkimage-0013"> + <!-- IMG --> </a> <img src="images/129.jpg" alt="129-the Storm Gathers" + width="100%" /><br /> <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. STORM GATHERS IN SOUTHWESTERN MISSOURI + </h2> + <p> + The Osage River enters Missouri from Kansas about 60 miles south of the + Missouri River, and flowing a little south of east empties into that river + a few miles below Jefferson City. It thus forms a natural line of defense + across the State, which Gen. Price's soldierly eye had noted, and he + advised the Governor to order his troops to take up their position behind + it, gain time for organization, and prepare for battle for possession of + the State. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Lyon had also noticed the strategic advantages of the Osage River, + and did not propose to allow his enemies to have the benefit of them. He + did not intend to permit them to concentrate there, and be joined in time + by heavy forces already coming up from Arkansas, Indian Territory, and + Texas. While he was collecting farm wagons around Boonville to move his + own columns forward, laboring to gather a sufficient stock of ammunition + and supplies, and planning to make secure his holding of the important + points already gained, he began moving other columns under Gen. Sweeny and + Maj. Sturgis directly upon Springfield, the central point of the + southwestern part of the State, which would take the Osage line in the + rear, and compel Jackson and Price to retreat with their forces across the + Missouri line into Arkansas. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link130" id="link130"></a><span class="pn">{130}</span> + </p> + <p> + This would clear the State of the whole congerie of Secession leaders, + remove the young men from their influence, stop the persecutions of the + Union men in that section, and cement Missouri solidly in the Union line. + He also wrote Gen. B. M. Prentiss, in command of the troops at Cairo, + asking co-operation by clearing out the rebels from the southeastern + portion of the State. Lyon's far-reaching plans did not stop with + Missouri. He also contemplated pushing his advance directly upon Little + Rock, through the Union-loving region in northwestern Arkansas, and + clinching that State as firmly as Missouri. + </p> + <p> + The next day after the decisive little victory at Boonville occurred an + event which greatly raised the drooping spirits of the Secessionists, and + was much exaggerated by them in order to offset their defeat at Boonville + by Lyon. + </p> + <p> + Benton is one of the interior Counties of the State, lying on both sides + of the Osage River. In 1860 its people had cast 74 votes for Lincoln, 306 + for Bell and Everett, 100 for Breckinridge, and 574 for Stephen A. + Douglas. All the County officials and leading men were Secessionists, and + doing their utmost to aid the rebellion; still, the Union people, under + the leadership of A. H. W. Cook and Alex. Mackey, were undaunted and + earnestly desirous of doing effective service for the United States. Cook + and Mackey had been warned to leave the State, and Cook had done so, but + returned to take part in the capture of Camp Jackson, and afterward went + back to his home to organize the Germans and Americans there for their own + defense. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link131" id="link131"></a><span class="pn">{131}</span> + </p> + <p> + A meeting was held at which the Stars and Stripes were raised, and nine + companies of Home Guards organized, sworn into service, and given arms. + These companies went into camp in a couple of barns some three miles south + of Cole Camp, where their presence and support to the Union sentiment was + the source of the greatest irritation to the Secessionists, who attempted + to disperse them by legal processes, and failing in this, determined to + attack them. In the meanwhile all but about 400 of the men were allowed to + return to their homes to put their affairs in order for a prolonged + absence. + </p> + <p> + About 1,000 Secessionists, under the command of Walter S. O'Kane, marched + on June 19 to attack them. Col. Cook was informed of the intended attack + and prepared for it by throwing out pickets and summoning his absentees. + </p> + <p> + At 3 o'clock in the morning of June 20 the Secessionists reached the + pickets, whom they bayonetted to prevent their giving the alarm, and + rushed in upon the sleeping Unionists, pouring volley after volley into + the barns. The men in one of the barns had been warned, but were prevented + from firing by the Union Flag which the Secessionists carried. Many of + them who managed to get out of the barns were rallied behind the corn + cribs, and began an obstinate fight which lasted till daylight. The + absentees, whom Col. Cook had summoned, came up during the engagement, but + not being able to comprehend the situation, rendered no assistance. + Finally all the Union men got together and retreated in good order, + repulsing their pursuers. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link132" id="link132"></a><span class="pn">{132}</span> + </p> + <p> + The reports as to this affair are so conflicting that it is difficult to + determine the truth. It seems pretty certain that Col. Cook had only about + 400 men. He reports that he was attacked by 1,200, but the Secessionists + say that O'Kane's force was only 350. Cook reports his loss as 23 killed, + 20 wounded, and 30 taken prisoners, while Pollard, the Secessionist + historian, insists that we lost 206 killed, a large number wounded, and + over 100 taken prisoners, with the Secession loss of 14 killed and 15 or + 20 wounded. Probably the truth lies between these two extremes, the only + definite thing being that the Secessionists captured 362 muskets. + </p> + <p> + There were five or six prominent Secessionists among the killed, one of + them being Mr. Leach, the editor of the Southwestern Democrat. + </p> + <p> + Col. Cook gathered up his men, received some additional recruits, some + arms and ammunition, and pushed on to Warsaw, on the Osage, one of the + points of concentration indicated by Gen. Price, capturing 1,500 pound + cans and 1,500 kegs of fine rifle powder, many tons of pig-lead, 70 stand + of small-arms, a steamboat-load of tent cloth, a lot of State Guard + uniforms, four Confederate flags, and 1,200 false-faces which had been + used by the "border ruffians" in their political operations in Kansas. A + little further on they surrounded and captured 1,000 Secessionists, and + paroled them on the spot. + </p> + <p> + The Secessionists, on the other hand, took much comfort out of the + surprise and defeat and the acquisition of 362 new muskets and 150 more + which they had beguiled from a German company in a neighboring County. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link133" id="link133"></a><span class="pn">{133}</span> + </p> + <p> + In the meanwhile the Conservatives, aided by Lieut-Gen. Scott, whose + distrust of "Capt." Lyon never abated, secured the addition of Missouri to + the Department commanded by McClellan, whom it was thought would hold the + "audacious" officer in check. Lyon, though he felt that McClellan, then + far distant in West Virginia, could not give matters in the State the + attention they needed, yet loyally accepted the assignment, wrote at once + to McClellan cordially welcoming him as his commander, and giving full + information as to the conditions, with suggestions as to what should be + done. Col. Blair and the Radicals were much displeased at this move, and + began efforts to have Missouri erected into a separate Department and + placed under the command of John C. Fremont, lately appointed a + Major-General, and from whose military talents there were the greatest + expectations. + </p> + <p> + As the first Presidential candidate of the Republican Party Fremont had a + strong hold upon the hearts of the Northern people. During the campaign of + 1856 there had been the customary partisan eulogies of the candidates, + which placed "the Great Pathfinder" and all he had done in the most + favorable light before the American people. Above all he was thought to be + thoroughly in sympathy with the policy which Blair and his following + desired to pursue. + </p> + <p> + In reality Fremont was a man of somewhat more than moderate ability, but + boundless aspirations. He was the son-in-law of Senator Benton, and his + wife, the queenly, ambitious, handsome Jessie Benton Fremont, was + naturally eager for her husband to be as prominent in the National + councils as had been her father. What Fremont was equal to is one of the + many unsolved problems of the war, but certainly he was not to the command + of the great Western Department, including the State of Illinois and all + the States and Territories west of the Mississippi River and east of the + Rocky Mountains, to which he was assigned by General Orders, No. 40, + issued July 3,1861. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link134" id="link134"></a><span class="pn">{134}</span> + </p> + <p> + Fremont's father was a Frenchman, who had married a Virginia woman, and + followed the occupation of a teacher of French at Norfolk, Va., but died + at an early age, leaving the members of his family to struggle for + themselves. Fremont became a teacher of mathematics on a sloop of war, + then Professor of Mathematics for the Navy, and later a surveyor and + engineer for railroad lines, and was commissioned by President Van Buren a + Second Lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers. Owing to the opposition of + Senator Benton, his daughter had to be secretly married to Lieut. Fremont + in 1841, but soon after the Senator gave his son-in-law the benefit of his + great influence. + </p> + <p> + Fremont was designated to conduct surveys across the continent into the + unknown region lying between the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific, and made + several very important explorations. He was in California prior to the + outbreak of the Mexican War, and became involved in hostilities with the + Mexicans. When the war did break out he assumed command of the country + around under authority from Commodore Stockton, and proceeded to declare + the independence of California. A quarrel between him and Stockton + followed, and later another quarrel ensued with Gen. Kearny, who had been + sent into this country in command of an expedition. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link135" id="link135"></a><span class="pn">{135}</span> + </p> + <p> + He was court-martialed by Gen. Kearny's orders and found guilty of mutiny, + disobedience, and conduct prejudicial to good order and military + discipline. He was sentenced to be dismissed, but the majority of the + court recommended him to the clemency of President Polk, who refused to + approve the verdict of mutiny, but did approve the rest, though he + remitted the penalty. Fremont, refusing to accept the President's pardon, + then resigned from the Army, settled in California, and bought the famous + Mariposa estate, containing rich gold mines. He became a leader of the + Free-Soil Party in California, and was elected to the Senate for a brief + term of three weeks. He was nominated by the first Republican Convention + in Philadelphia, June 17, 1856, and in his letter of acceptance expressed + himself strongly against the extension of Slavery, and in favor of free + labor. The hot campaign of 1856 resulted in a surprising showing of + strength by the new party. Fremont received 114 electoral votes from 11 + States to 174 from 19 States for Buchanan and eight votes from Maryland + for Fillmore. The popular vote was 874,000 for Fillmore, 1,341,000 for + Fremont, and 1,838,000 for Buchanan. + </p> + <p> + Lyon welcomed the appointment of Fremont to command, because he felt the + need of having a superior officer at hand who would appreciate the urgency + of the situation, and stand between him and the authorities at Washington, + who apparently did not understand the emergency, were not honoring his + requisitions for money, arms, and supplies, and who were drawing to the + eastward the troops that Lyon felt ought to be sent to him. It was also + satisfactory to him that the State of Illinois was in the Department, + since the important point of Cairo should be administered with reference + to controlling the situation in southeastern Missouri. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link136" id="link136"></a><span class="pn">{136}</span> + </p> + <p> + The first distrust of Fremont came from his deliberation in repairing to + his command. The people of Missouri felt very keenly that no time should + be lost in the General arriving on the spot and getting the situation in + hand, but in spite of all importunities, Fremont lingered for weeks in New + York, and it required a rather sharp admonition from the War Department to + start him for St. Louis, where he arrived as late as July 25. + </p> + <p> + Lyon's prompt advance upon Jefferson City now bore fruit in another + direction. The Union people of Missouri decided that as Gov. Jackson, + Lieut-Gov. Reynolds and other State officials had abandoned the State + Capital to engage in active rebellion against the United States, the State + Convention, which had been called to carry the State out of the Union, but + which had so signally disappointed the expectations of its originators, + should reconvene, declare the State offices vacant, and instate a loyal + Government A strong party desired that a Military Governor should be + appointed, and urged Col. Frank P. Blair for that place, but he refused to + countenance the project. The Convention, by a vote of 56 to 25, declared + the offices of Governor, Lieutenant-Governor and Secretary of State + vacant, and elected Hamilton R. Gamble Governor, Willard P. Hall + Lieutenants Governor, Mordecai Oliver Secretary of State, and George A. + Bingham Treasurer. An oath of loyalty was adopted to be required of all + citizens before being allowed to vote, and to be taken by all incumbents + of office and all who should be qualified for office thereafter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link137" id="link137"></a><span class="pn">{137}</span> + </p> + <p> + Gov. Jackson established his Capital at Lamar, in Barton County, about 30 + miles south of the Osage, and the men who had been appointed to command + the Militia Districts began to come in with their contingents. None seemed + to know about the flanking columns which had been sent out toward + Springfield, to take the line of the Osage in the rear, and they were + astounded when forces under Sweeny and Sigel, which had dispersed the + gathering Militia before them at Holla, Lebanon, and other intervening + points, reached Springfield, and began sending out from there expeditions + to Neosho, Ozark, Sarcoxie and other towns in the southwestern corner. + Col. Franz Sigel, who had shown much activity and enterprise, learned at + Sarcoxie that several divisions of State Guards under Gens. Rains, + Parsons, Slack and Clark were to the north of him, and the Governor and + Gen. Price were endeavoring to bring them together in order to turn upon + and crush Gen. Lyon in his advance from Boonville. Sigel's men, who were + anxious to accomplish something decisive before the expiration of their + three months' term, brought about a decision in their commander's mind to + march upon the force encamped upon Pool's Prairie, whip and scatter it, + and then attack the other forces in turn. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link138" id="link138"></a><span class="pn">{138}</span> + </p> + <p> + After making the necessary detachments to guard his flanks and rear, Col. + Sigel had under his command nine companies of the 8d Mo., 550 men under + Lieut.-Col. Hassendeubel; seven companies of the 5th Mo., under Col. + Charles E. Salomon, 400 men, and two batteries of light artillery, four + guns each, under Maj. Backof. + </p> + <p> + After a hard day's march of 22 miles in very hot weather, Col. Sigel came, + on the evening of July 4, about one mile southeast of Carthage, on the + south side of Spring River. He made preparations to attack the enemy, + reported to be from 10 to 15 miles in his front. + </p> + <p> + That night Gov. Jackson received news of Sigel's advance, and gathered his + forces to resist him. He had already concentrated many more men than Sigel + had expected, and had with him seven pieces of artillery. Most of his men + carried the arms which they had brought from home, and were arranged, + according to the provisions in the Military Bill, into divisions, of which + there were no less than four present. The Second Division, commanded by + Brig.-Gen. James S. Rains, who afterward attained much reputation in the + Confederate army, had present 1,208 infantry and artillery and 608 + cavalry. The Third Division, commanded by Gen. John B. Clark, also to + attain eminence in the Confederate army, had 365 present. The Fourth + Division, commanded by Gen. Wm. Y. Slack, later a Brigadier-General in the + Confederate army, had 500 cavalry and 700 infantry. The Sixth Division, + commanded by Gen. Monroe M. Parsons, who served with distinction + throughout the war, had altogether about 1,000 men and four pieces of + artillery. The official returns show that Gov. Jackson had thus 4,375 men + with seven guns to oppose something over 1,000 men with eight guns under + Col. Sigel. The Union force was strong in artillery, while the + Confederates were powerful in cavalry, of which the Unionists had none. + Both sides were poorly supplied with ammunition, especially for the + cannon, and loaded these with railroad spikes, bits of trace chains, etc. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link139" id="link139"></a><span class="pn">{139}</span> + </p> + <p> + Early on the morning of July 5 Sigel marched out of camp, crossing the + Spring River about one mile north of Carthage, and soon came upon an open + prairie. He advanced slowly and cautiously along the Lamar Road, with his + wagons under a small escort following a mile or so in the rear. Nine miles + north of Carthage and three miles north of Coon Creek he came in sight of + the Governor's troops drawn up in line of battle on a slight rise of the + prairie, and about one mile and a half away. The enemy's skirmish line, + which was under the command of Capt. J. O. Shelby, of whom we shall hear + much more later, opened fire on Sigel's advance, but was soon driven + across the creek and through the narrow strip of timber less than one-half + mile wide, followed by Sigel's men in line of battle. They came out on the + smooth prairie, covered with a fine growth of grass, and offering + unequalled facilities for manuvering, except that from the ridge Sigel's + line could be accurately observed and its numbers known. + </p> + <p> + Sigel formed his line of battle within a half mile of the enemy's + position, distributed his artillery along it, then ordered an advance, and + opened the battle with a fire from his guns, which was promptly responded + to by the enemy's pieces. The distance was so close that the Union guns + could fire canister and shell very effectively; but the enemy, perceiving + that Sigel had no cavalry, sent out their numerous mounted force on a + flank movement, which soon compelled the retirement of the line across the + creek, where the battle was renewed and maintained for two hours, during + which time the enemy suffered some loss from the artillery fire. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link140" id="link140"></a><span class="pn">{140}</span> + </p> + <p> + Again the enemy made a flank movement with their cavalry, reaching this + time back toward the baggage-train, to which Sigel retreated. The Union + men broke up the cavalry formation, and Sigel followed this with a charge + which scattered his enemies and enabled him to continue his retreat + unmolested across the prairie in full sight of his foes. Sigel could also + see the rallied cavalry making a wide circuit over the prairie to gain the + hights of Spring River and cut off his retreat Gen. Rains, who led this + movement, succeeded in reaching the road at Spring River, but in coming up + Sigel at once attacked with his artillery, and after a brisk little + engagement of half an hour drove the enemy out of the woods, and marched + on to Carthage, which he reached about 5 o'clock, and there prepared to + give a short rest to his men, who were worn out by 18 miles of marching + under a hot sun and almost continual fighting and manuvering. The + Secessionists renewed their attack, but were again driven off by the + infantry and artillery, and the march was resumed. + </p> + <p> + Again Gens. Slack, Parsons, and Clark pushed their men forward on the + Union flank, while Rains renewed his attack, and again they were all + repulsed, largely by the skillful handling of the artillery. As darkness + came on the Secessionists disappeared, but Sigel moved on to Sarcoxie, 12 + miles distant, and went into camp. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link141" id="link141"></a><span class="pn">{141}</span> + </p> + <p> + Gov. Jackson's forces camped in and around Carthage, and the next day + marched to Neosho, where they met Gen. Ben McCulloch coming up from + Arkansas with a force of Arkansans and Texans and also 1,700 of the State + Guards, which Gen. Price had brought forward. In the fighting the Union + side had lost 13 killed and 21 wounded. The Confederates report 74 killed + and wounded in the four divisions under the command of Gov. Jackson. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0014" id="linkimage-0014"> + <!-- IMG --> </a> <img + src="images/141-Sigel%20Crossing%20the%20Osage.jpg" + alt="141-sigel Crossing the Osage" width="100%" /><br /> + </p> + <p> + The battle of Carthage produced a great sensation over the country, the + Confederates rejoicing that they had cut through the Union line and forced + it to retreat, while Sigel received unstinted praise for his skillful + retreat and the masterly handling of his artillery. While one battery + would hold the enemy in check, another would be placed at the most + advantageous position in the rear, where it would withdraw behind it to + repeat the manuver. Several times during the day the batteries were + cunningly masked, and the enemy rushed up to the muzzle, to receive the + death-dealing discharge full in the faces of the compact mass. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link142" id="link142"></a><span class="pn">{142}</span> + </p> + <p> + This brings Gen. Sigel prominently before us. Of the many highly-educated + Germans who had migrated to this country in consequence of their + connection with the Revolution of 1848, Franz Sigel had, far and away, the + most brilliant reputation as a soldier. A slight, dark, nervous man, with + a rather saturnine countenance, he was born at Zinsheim, Baden, Nov. 18, + 1824, and was therefore in his 37th year. He graduated from the Military + School at Carlsruhe with high promise, which he filled by becoming one of + the Chief Adjutants in the Grand Duke's army. He ardently shared the + aspirations of the young Germans for German Unity, and resigned his + commission in 1847 to become one of the leaders in the revolutionary + forces. He was appointed to chief command of the army sent from the + Grand-Duchy to the assistance of the revolutionists in Hesse-Darmstadt, + but a disagreement arose, another was appointed to the command, and Sigel + assumed the position of Minister of War. Upon the defeat of the expedition + by the Prussian forces, he resumed the chief command of the demoralized + men, and conducted a brilliantly successful retreat to a place of safety + in the fortress of Rastadt. This achievement at the age of 24 seemed to + stamp the character of his military career. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link143" id="link143"></a><span class="pn">{143}</span> + </p> + <p> + At the collapse of the revolution he escaped to Switzerland, which + expelled him, and he then came to New York, where he supported himself as + a teacher of mathematics, later engaging in the same occupation in St. + Louis, where he was living when the war broke out, and rendered invaluable + service in organizing and leading the Germans in support of Blair and + Lyon. + </p> + <p> + Unfortunately for his reputation, the war upon which he had now entered + was to be carried on by stern aggressiveness, to which he seemed unsuited. + He had a strong hold on the affections of the Germans, whose support of + the Union was exceedingly valuable, and in spite of repeated failures to + satisfy the expectations of his superior officers, he was promoted and + given high commands, in all of which his misfortune was the same. After + Rastadt he seemed bent only upon conducting brilliant retreats, and that + from Carthage greatly helped to confirm this tendency. He was finally + relegated to the shelf, which contained so many men who had started out + with brilliant promise, and died in New York in 1902, supported during his + later years by a pension of $100 a month granted him by Congress. + </p> + <p> + After resting his men a few hours at Sarcoxie, Sigel marched on to + Springfield, where Gen. Sweeny was, and to which point Gen. Lyon hurried + with all the force he could gather, to forestall the junction of Gen. Ben + McCulloch's Arkansas column with the force that Price and Jackson would + bring to him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link144" id="link144"></a><span class="pn">{144}</span> + </p> + <p> + There was strong need of his presence there and of his utmost efforts. He + had rolled back the Secession tide only to have it gather volume enough to + completely submerge him. Not only had Gov. Jackson and Sterling Price + concentrated many more men than he had, but a still stronger column + composed of Arkansans and Texans under the noted Gen. Ben. McCulloch was + near at hand and pushing forward with all speed. + </p> + <p> + Benjamin McCulloch, a tall, bony, sinewy man of iron will and dauntless + courage, was easily a leader and master of the bold, aggressive spirits + who had wrested Texas away from Mexico and erected her into a great State. + He had achieved much reputation in the command of the Texan Rangers during + the Mexican War and in the Indian fights which succeeded that struggle. As + a soldier and a fighter he had the highest fame of any living Texan, + except Sam Houston, and when he espoused the cause of Secession he drew + after him many thousands of the adventurous, daring young men of the + State. The Confederate army had immediately commissioned him a + Brigadier-General, and he had set about organizing, with his accustomed + energy and enterprise, a strong column for aggressive service west of the + Mississippi. Warlike young leaders, ambitious for distinction, hastened to + join him with whatever men they could raise, for such was their confidence + that they felt his banner would point to the most direct road to fame and + glory. Many of these, then Captains and Colonels, afterward rose to be + Generals in the Confederate army. He had proposed to the Confederate + Government to aid the situation in Virginia by active operations in + Missouri, and to this plan the Governors of Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas + gave their hearty consent and co-operation. McCulloch had another motive + for aggressive action, as it would determine the position of the Indians. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0015" id="linkimage-0015"> + <!-- IMG --> </a> <img src="images/145-Gen%20Henry%20W%20Halleck.jpg" + alt="145-genereal Henry W. Halleck" width="100%" /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link145" id="link145"></a><span class="pn">{145}</span> + </p> + <p> + The wisest among the Chiefs of the Cherokees, Chickasaws, Creeks and + Seminoles desired to remain neutral in the struggle, since they did not + wish to bring down upon them the wrath of the Kansas people, who were + within easy striking distance. By prompt action these wavering aborigines + could be brought into the Confederate ranks and be made to render + important assistance. + </p> + <p> + He had already crossed the Missouri line with 3,000 mounted men, and on + the night of the 4th of July came to Buffalo Creek, 12 miles southwest of + Neosho, where he was joined by Gen. Price with 1,700 mounted men, and he + sent urgent messages back to the rest of his men to hurry forward to him. + These were so well obeyed that he shortly had, independent of Price's men, + fully 5,000 men from Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana, who were better + equipt and organized than the Missourians. + </p> + <p> + Gov. Jackson and Gen. Price also sent urgent messages for concentration, + which were as promptly responded to. The result was that there were + shortly assembled Confederates under Gen. McCulloch and "State Guards" + under Gov. Jackson and Gen. Price, a total estimated by Maj. Sturgis and + others at 23,-000 men. For lack of proper arms and organization, many of + these were not very effective. McCulloch says that the great horde of + mounted men "were much in the way," and hindered rather than helped But + they were certainly very effective in harrying the Union people; in + impressing recruits; in embarrassing Lyon's gathering of supplies; in + driving in the small parties he sent out, and confining his operations to + the neighborhood of Springfield. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link146" id="link146"></a><span class="pn">{146}</span> + </p> + <p> + In the meanwhile the great disaster of Bull Run had occurred to depress + the Union people and fill the Secessionists with unbounded enthusiasm and + confidence. The thoughts of the Government and of the loyal people of the + country became concentrated upon securing the safety of Washington. Troops + were being rushed from every part of the country to the National Capital. + Lyon's forces were constantly dwindling, from the expiration of the three + months for which the regiments had been enlisted. The men felt the need of + their presence at home, to attend to their hastily-left affairs, and could + see no prospect of a decisive battle as a reason for remaining. Gen. Lyon + importuned Gen. Fremont and the War Department for some regiments, for + adequate supplies for those he had, and money with which to pay them. The + War Department, however, could apparently think of nothing else than + making Washington safe, while Gen. Fremont, deeming St. Louis and Cairo + all-important, gathered in what troops he could save from the eastward + rush, for holding those places. Gen. Scott even proposed to deprive Gen. + Lyon of his little squad of Regulars, and sent orders for seven companies + to be forwarded East. + </p> + <p> + Laboring with all these embarrassments, Gen. Lyon confronted the storm + rising before him with a firm countenance. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link147" id="link147"></a><span class="pn">{147}</span> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. EVE OF THE BATTLE OF WILSON'S CREEK + </h2> + <p> + Mountainous perplexities and burdens weighed upon Gen. Lyon during the + last days of July. + </p> + <p> + The country was hysterical over the safety of the National Capital, and it + seemed that the Administration was equally emotional. Every regiment and + gun was being rushed to the heights in front of Washington, and all eyes + were fixed on the line of the Potomac. + </p> + <p> + The perennial adventurer in Gen. Fremont did not fail to suggest to him + that the greatest of opportunities might develop in Washington, and he + lingered in New York until peremptorily ordered by Gen. Scott to his + command. He did not arrive in St. Louis until July 25. + </p> + <p> + Like Seward, Chase, McClellan, and many other aspiring men, Fremont had + little confidence that the untrained Illinois Rail Splitter in the + Presidential chair would be able to keep his head above the waves in the + sea of troubles the country had entered. The disaster at Bull Run was but + the beginning of a series of catastrophes which would soon call for a + stronger brain and a more experienced hand at the helm. + </p> + <p> + Then? + </p> + <p> + <a name="link148" id="link148"></a><span class="pn">{148}</span> + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Jessie Benton Fremont was not the only one to suggest that the man + for the hour would be found to be the first Republican candidate for + President—the Great Pathfinder of the Rocky Mountains! + </p> + <p> + Upon his arrival at St Louis Gen. Fremont was immediately waited upon by + the faithful Chester Harding and others who had been awaiting his coming + with painful anxiety. They represented most energetically Gen. Lyon's + predicament, without money, clothing or rations, and with a force even + more rapidly diminishing than that of the enemy was augmenting. They + revealed Gen. Lyon's far-reaching plans of making Springfield a base from + which to carry the war into Arkansas, and begged for men, money, arms, + food; shoes and clothing for him. + </p> + <p> + Fremont was too much engrossed in forming in the Brant Mansion that + vice-regal court of his—the main requirement for which seemed to be + inability to speak English—to feel the urgency of these + importunities. + </p> + <p> + The country was swarming with military adventurers from Europe, men with + more or less shadow on their connection with the foreign armies, and eager + to sell their swords to the highest advantage. They swarmed around Fremont + like bees around a sugar barrel, much to the detriment of the honest and + earnest men of foreign birth who were rallying to the support of the + Union. + </p> + <p> + Next to his satrapal court of exotic manners and speech, Fremont was most + concerned about the safety of Cairo, Ill., a most important point, then + noisily threatened by Maj.-Gen. Leonidas Polk, the militant Protestant + Episcopal Bishop of Louisiana, and his subordinate, the blatant Gen. + Gideon J. Pillow, of Mexican War notoriety. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link149" id="link149"></a><span class="pn">{149}</span> + </p> + <p> + Gen. Fremont made quite a show of reinforcing Cairo, sending a most + imposing fleet of steamboats to carry the 4,000 troops sent thither. + </p> + <p> + Pretense still counted for much in the war. Later it burnt up like dry + straw in the fierce blaze of actualities. + </p> + <p> + Not being Fremont's own, nor contributing particularly to his + aggrandizement, Gen. Lyon's plans and aims had little importance to his + Commanding General. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Lyon saw clearly that the place to fight for St. Louis and Missouri + was in the neighborhood of Springfield, and by messenger and letter he + importuned that St. Louis be left to the care of the loyal Germans of the + Home Guards, who had shown their ability to handle the city, and that all + the other troops there and elsewhere in the State be rushed forward to + him, with shoes and clothing for his unshod, ragged soldiers, and + sufficient rations for the army, which had well-nigh exhausted the country + upon which it had been living for so long. + </p> + <p> + But Fremont frittered away his strength in sending regiments to chase + guerrilla bands which dissolved as soon as the trail became too hot. + </p> + <p> + Two regiments were ordered to Lyon from points so distant that they could + not make the march in less than 10 days or a fortnight, and some scanty + supplies sent to Rolla remained there because of lack of wagons to carry + them forward to Springfield, 120 miles away. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link150" id="link150"></a><span class="pn">{150}</span> + </p> + <p> + Later Gen. Fremont testified before the Committee on the Conduct of the + War that he had ordered Gen. Lyon, if he could not maintain himself at + Springfield, to fall back to Rolla, but singularly he did not produce this + order. + </p> + <p> + Though Gen. Lyon had marched his men 50 miles in one day to prevent the + junction of Gen. Ben Mc-Culloch's Arkansas column with the hosts Gen. + Sterling Price was gathering from Missouri, he was not able to interpose + between them. + </p> + <p> + On Saturday, Aug. 3, the Confederates had all gotten together on the banks + of Crane Creek, 55 miles southwest of Springfield, with general + headquarters in and around the village of Cassville. + </p> + <p> + How many were concentrated is subject to the same obscurity which usually + envelops Confederate numbers. Lyon estimated there were 30,000. Later + estimates by competent men put the number at 23,000. Gen. Snead, Price's + Adjutant-General, put the number at 11,000, which would be a severe + reflection on the loyalty of the Missouri Secessionists to their Governor, + since Gen. McCulloch certainly brought up about 5,000 from Arkansas, which + would leave only 6,000 to respond to Gov. Jackson's proclamation, and + gather under the standards set up by his seven Brigadier-Generals—Parsons, + Rains, Slack, J. B. Clark, M. L. Clark, Watkins and Randolph. + </p> + <p> + While Lyon had incomparable troubles, there was far from concord in the + camp of his opponents. Like thousands of other men, McCulloch's ambition + far transcended his abilities. He at once assumed the attitude that as a + Brigadier-General in the Confederate army he out-ranked Sterling Price, + who was a Major-General of state troops. This, at that early period of the + war, was a humorous reversal of the State Sovereignty idea, so flagrant in + the minds of those precipitating Secession. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link151" id="link151"></a><span class="pn">{151}</span> + </p> + <p> + Jefferson Davis and his school of thought had been fierce in their + contention that the part was greater than the whole, and that the States + were greater than the General Government. Yet Gen. McCulloch was + unflinching in his insistence that a Confederate Brigadier-General + outranked a State Major-General. The dispute became quite acrimonious, but + was at last settled by Price's yielding to McCulloch, so anxious was he + that something decisive should be done toward driving back Lyon and + "redeeming the State of Missouri." According to Gen. Thomas L. Snead, his + Chief of Staff, he went to Gen. McCulloch's quarters on Sunday morning, + Aug. 4, and after vainly trying to persuade McCulloch to attack Lyon, he + said: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "I am an older man than you, Gen. McCulloch, and I am not + only your senior in rank now, but I was a Brigadier-General + in the Mexican War, with an independent command, when you + were only a Captain; I have fought and won more battles + than you have ever witnessed; my force is twice as great as + yours; and some of my officers rank, and have seen more + service than you, and we are also upon the soil of our own + State; but, Gen. McCulloch, if you will consent to help us + to whip Lyon and to repossess Missouri, I will put myself + and all my forces under your command, and we will obey you + as faithfully as the humblest of your own men. We can whip + Lyon, and we will whip him and drive the enemy out of + Missouri, and all the honor and all the glory shall be + yours, All that we want is to regain our homes and to + establish the independence of Missouri and the South. If you + refuse to accept this offer, I will move with the + Missourians alone against Lyon; for it is better that they + and I should all perish than Missouri be abandoned without a + struggle. You must either fight beside us or look on at a + safe distance and see us fight all alone the army which you + dare not attack even with our aid. I must have your answer + before dark, for I intend to attack Lyon tomorrow." +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link152" id="link152"></a><span class="pn">{152}</span> + </p> + <p> + Gen. McCulloch replied that he was expecting dispatches from the East, but + would make known his determination before sundown. At that time, + accompanied by Gen. Mcintosh, in whose abilities Gen. McCulloch had the + highest confidence, and was largely influenced by him, he went to Price's + headquarters and informed him that he had just received dispatches that + Gen. Pillow was advancing into the southeastern part of the State from New + Madrid with 12,000 men, and that he would accept the command of the united + forces and attack Lyon. Price at once published an order that he had + turned over the command of the Missouri troops to Gen. McCulloch, but + reserved the right to resume command at any time he might see fit. + </p> + <p> + Their friends in Springfield kept Price and McCulloch well-informed as to + Lyon's diminishing force and perplexities. + </p> + <p> + Brilliant as McCulloch may have been in command of 100 or so men, he was + clearly unequal to the leadership of such a host. He was as much feebler + in temper to Lyon as he was inferior in force and grasp to Sterling Price. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link153" id="link153"></a><span class="pn">{153}</span> + </p> + <p> + An audacious stroke by Lyon on Friday, Aug. 2, quite unsettled his nerves. + Getting information that his enemies were moving on him by three different + roads, Lyon formed the soldierly determination to move out swiftly and + attack one of the columns and crush it before the other could come to its + assistance. + </p> + <p> + Putting Capt. D. S. Stanley—of whom we shall hear much hereafter—at + the head with his troop of Regular cavalry, and following him with a + battalion of Regulars under Capt. Frederick Steele—of whom we shall + also hear a great deal hereafter—and a section of Totten's Regular + Battery, he marched out the Cassville Road with his whole force and at Dug + Springs, 20 miles away, came up with McCulloch's advance, commanded by + Brig.-Gen. J. S. Rains, of the Missouri State Guards, of whom, too, we + shall hear much. Col. Mcintosh, McCulloch's adviser, was also on the + ground with 150 men. + </p> + <p> + Rains attempted to put into operation the tactics employed against Sigel + at Carthage, but Steele and Stanley were men of different temper, and + attacked him so savagely as to scatter his force in wild confusion. + </p> + <p> + Lyon marched forward to within six miles of the main Confederate position, + and lay there 24 hours, when, not deeming it wise to attack so far from + his base, retired unmolested to Springfield. + </p> + <p> + This startling aggressiveness quite overcame Gen. McCulloch, and the + conduct of the Missourians disgusted him. He was strong in his + denunciation of them and quite frank in his reluctance to attack Gen. Lyon + without further information as to "his position and fortifications," and + complained bitterly that he could get no information as to the + "barricades" in Springfield and other positions he might encounter. He + said that "he would not make a blind attack on Springfield," and "would + order the whole army back to Cassville rather than bring on an engagement + with an unknown enemy." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link154" id="link154"></a><span class="pn">{154}</span> + </p> + <p> + Gen. Price was strenuous in his insistence upon attack, and finally + McCulloch consented to meet all the general officers at his headquarters. + In the council McCulloch was plain in his unwillingness to engage Lyon or + to enter on any aggressive campaign, but Price, seconded by Gens. Parsons, + Bains, Slack and McBride, were most determined that Lyon should be + attacked at once, and declared that if McCulloch would not do it he would + resume command and fight the battle himself. McCulloch finally yielded, + and ordered a forward movement, and on the morning of Aug. 6 the entire + force was in camp along the bank of Wilson's Creek, about six miles south + of Springfield. This position was taken largely because of its proximity + to immense cornfields, which would supply the troops and animals with + food. + </p> + <p> + Wilson's Creek, rising in the neighborhood of Springfield, flows west some + five miles, and then runs south nine or 10 miles in order to empty into + the James River, a tributary of White River. Tyrel's Creek and Skegg's + Branch, which have considerable valleys, are tributaries of Wilson's + Creek. Above Skegg's Branch rises a hill, since known as Bloody Hill, + nearly 100 feet high. Its sides are scored with ravines, the rock comes to + the surface in many places, and the hight was thickly covered with an + overgrowth of scrub-oak. There are other eminences and ravines, generally + covered with scrub-oak and undergrowth, and the Confederates were camped + in an irregular line along these for a distance of about three miles up + and down Wilson's Creek, from the extreme right to the extreme left. Here + they remained three days, with the much-disturbed McCulloch riding out + every day with his Maynard rifle slung over his shoulder for a personal + reconnoissance, which, as far as could be judged from his conversation on + his return, was quite unsatisfactory. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link155" id="link155"></a><span class="pn">{155}</span> + </p> + <p> + He had little stomach for the attack, and naturally found reasons against + it. + </p> + <p> + Price and his Generals, on the other hand, were fretting over the delay. + Price's accurate information of Lyon's condition made him sure that Lyon + would do the obvious thing—retreat. It was the warlike thing to do + to attack at once, which had every chance of success. Success meant as + telling a stroke for Secession in the West as Bull Run had been in the + East It would be quite as sensational, for there was no refuge or rallying + point for the beaten Union army short of Rolla, 120 miles away, and the + rough country, cut by innumerable valleys, gorges and streams, would + enable the swarming mounted force to get in its wild work, and not permit + the escape of a man, a gun or a wagon. + </p> + <p> + McCulloch, yielding to Price's importunities, ordered the army forward, + and at dawn of Aug. 19 he and Mcintosh were sitting down to breakfast with + Price and Snead, preparatory to leading their forces forward, when they + were startled by their pickets being driven in. McCulloch, who had hated + Rains from Old Army days, and despised him and his Missourians since the + Dug Springs affair, remarked contemptuously, "O, it's only one of Rains's + scares," and turned to his meal. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link156" id="link156"></a><span class="pn">{156}</span> + </p> + <p> + But the matter instantly became more pressing than breakfast. Gen. Lyon + had returned to Springfield Monday, Aug. 5, to meet an intense + disappointment. Not a thing had been sent to meet his desperate needs. + Fremont had ordered one regiment from Kansas and from the Missouri River + to go forward to him, but they could hardly reach him in less than a + fortnight. There were at that time some 44 regiments in Missouri—regiments + commanded by men whose names afterward shine in history—U. S. Grant, + John Pope, S. A. Hurlbut, John M. Palmer, John B. Turchin, S. B. Curtis, + Morgan L. Smith, O. E. Salomon, John McNeil, etc.,—but they were + kept garrisoning posts, chasing guerrillas, and at almost everything else + than hurrying forward toward him, as they should have been. + </p> + <p> + Two of his regiments—the 3d and 4th Mo.—took their discharge + and started for St. Louis. The 1st Iowa's time was out, but Lyon asked the + men to stay with him a few days longer, and they did to a man. + </p> + <p> + Aside from the military reasons for holding Springfield there were others + which appealed to Lyon's mind with equal power. His heart had bled over + the outrages committed by the Secessionists upon the Union people in that + section of the State. The presence of his army was the only security that + the loyal people had that their farms would not be robbed and themselves + murdered. Hundreds of them had gone into Springfield to be under his + protection. How they could be ever gotten back to a place of safety in + retreat was the gravest of problems. Gen. Schofield, at that time his + Adjutant-General, and who disapproved of fighting the battle of Wilson's + Creek, thinks that this consideration had more weight with him than the + military reasons, and induced him to fight where the judgment of the + soldier was against it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link157" id="link157"></a><span class="pn">{157}</span> + </p> + <p> + Four anxious days longer Lyon remained at Springfield. He called a council + of his principal officers, and the unanimous decision was that the army + should retreat. + </p> + <p> + On Aug. 9 he sent the following letter to Gen. Fremont, the last he ever + wrote: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + General: I retired to this place, as I before informed you, + reaching here on the 5th. The enemy followed to within 10 + miles of here. He has taken a strong position, and is + recruiting his supply of horses, mules, and provisions by + forages Into the surrounding country, his large force of + mounted men enabling him to do this without much annoyance + from me. I find my position extremely embarrassing, and am + at present unable to determine whether I shall be able to + maintain my ground or be forced to retire. I can resist any + attack from the front, but if the enemy move to surround me + I must retire. I shall hold my ground as long as possible, + though I may, without knowing how far, endanger the safety + of my entire force, with its valuable material, being + induced by the valuable considerations involved to take the + step. The enemy showed himself in considerable force + yesterday five miles from here, and has doubtless a full + purpose of attacking me. + + N. LYON, Commanding. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link158" id="link158"></a><span class="pn">{158}</span> + </p> + <p> + The simple, soldierly dignity of this is pathetic. There is no murmur of + complaint, such as a man treated as he had been was eminently justified in + making. After sending this note, Gen. Lyon received intelligence that one + of his cavalry parties had been attacked by rebel cavalry, but after a + brief fight had beaten them off. He thereupon sent out a reconnoitering + party to learn if the Secessionists had moved forward, and the party + presently returned with two Texan and two Tennesseean prisoners, from whom + Lyon learned for the first time of the junction of McCulloch's forces and + Price's. He at once decided upon a bold stroke. Everything was prepared as + if in readiness for retreat, with the tents struck and the Quartermaster's + and Commissary's stores in the wagons. Quartermaster Alexis Mudd went to + headquarters and asked Gen. Lyon: + </p> + <p> + "When do we start back?" + </p> + <p> + The General fixed his keen blue eyes upon the Quartermaster and said, + clearly and firmly: + </p> + <p> + "When we are whipped back, and not until then." + </p> + <p> + An order was at once issued for every man to be prepared to march at 6 + o'clock that evening, without any luggage, and with all the ammunition he + could carry. + </p> + <p> + Calling a council of officers, Gen. Lyon announced his intention to move + out and attack the enemy in his chosen position. Gen. Sigel proposed that + he be allowed to take his regiment and Col. Salomon's to move + independently and take the enemy in flank and rear. The other officers + strongly opposed this, while Gen. Lyon withheld his consent, but finally + yielded to Sigel's entreaties and authorized the movement, giving Sigel + 1,400 infantry, two companies of cavalry and six pieces of artillery, to + move along the Fayetteville Road until he should reach the right flank and + rear of the enemy, and at daybreak attack them vigorously. + </p> + <p> + Lyon was to retain 3,700 men and 10 pieces of artillery and move down the + Mount Vernon Road and attack in the morning on the left front and flank + simultaneously with Sigel's attack on the right. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link159" id="link159"></a><span class="pn">{159}</span> + </p> + <p> + A force of 250 Home Guards with two pieces of artillery was left at + Springfield to guard the trains and public property. Col. Sigel's column + moved out at 6:30 o'clock in the evening by the left and arrived at + daybreak of the 10th within two miles of the extreme right and rear of the + enemy's camp, where they proceeded to cut off and bring into camp some 40 + stragglers who were out foraging. This was done to prevent their carrying + intelligence into camp. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Lyon with the First, Second and Third Brigades, set out about the + same hour, and by 1 o'clock in the morning came within sight of the + enemy's camp-fires, where they halted until morning. Capt. Plummer was + ordered to deploy his battalion to act as skirmishers on the left, while + Maj. Osterhaus did the same on the right with his battalion of the 2d Mo. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link160" id="link160"></a><span class="pn">{160}</span> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. BATTLE OF WILSON'S CREEK + </h2> + <p> + If the idea of an attack by Gen. Lyon was remote from Gen. McCulloch's + thoughts, it was entirely absent from those of Gen. Sterling Price. Gen. + Price's mind was concentrated upon the plan to which he had wrung + McCulloch's reluctant consent of advancing that morning upon Lyon in four + columns, and thereby crushing him, probably capturing his army entire or + driving him into a ruinous retreat The first messengers bringing the news + of Lyon's close proximity were received with contemptuous disbelief by + McCulloch, but on their heels came an Aid from Gen. Rains with the + announcement that the fields in front of Rains were "covered with Yankees, + infantry and artillery." This roused all to soldierly activity. Neither + Price nor McCulloch lacked anything of the full measure of martial + courage, and both at once sped to their respective commands to lead them + into action. + </p> + <p> + After breaking up the council of war, the previous afternoon, Gen. Lyon + said very little beyond giving from time to time, as circumstances called, + sharp, precise, practical orders. Naturally talkative and disputatious, he + was, when action was demanded, brief, sententious, and sparing of any + words but what the occasion demanded. He had carefully thought out his + plan of march and battle to the last detail—determined exactly what + he and every subordinate, every regiment and battery should do, and his + directions to them were clear, concise, prompt and unmistakable. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0016" id="linkimage-0016"> + <!-- IMG --> </a> <img src="images/165-Wilson's%20Creek.jpg" + alt="165-battlefield of Wilson's Creek" width="100%" /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link161" id="link161"></a><span class="pn">{161}</span> + </p> + <p> + He rode with Maj. Schofield, his Chief of Staff, to the place where they + halted about midnight in sight of the rebel campfires and slept with him + in the brief bivouac under the same blanket. To Schofield he seemed + unusually depressed. The only words he said, beyond necessary orders, were + almost as if talking to himself: + </p> + <p> + "I would give my life for a victory." + </p> + <p> + Again, in response to Schofield's discreet criticism of the wisdom of + dividing his forces and giving Sigel an independent command, he said + briefly: + </p> + <p> + "It is Sigel's plan." + </p> + <p> + Sige's theoretical knowledge of war and his experience were then felt to + be so overshadowing to everybody else's as to estop criticism. + </p> + <p> + The men of Lyon's little army lay down on their grassy bivouac with + feelings of tensest expectation. With the exception of the few of the + Regulars who had been in the Mexican and Indian wars, not one of them had + ever heard a gun fired in anger. They had been talking battle for three + months. Now it was upon them, but none of them could realize how sharp + would be the combat, nor how exceedingly well they were going to acquit + themselves. + </p> + <p> + At the first streak of dawn Lyon was up—all activity and + anticipation—to open the battle. He had wisely selected the two men + who were to strike the first blows. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link162" id="link162"></a><span class="pn">{162}</span> + </p> + <p> + Capt. Jos. B. Plummer, who commanded the Regulars deployed as skirmishers + on the left, and who sun should set, was a man after Lyon's own heart He + was strongly in favor of the battle, and afterward defended it as the + wisest thing to do under the circumstances. He was born in Massachusetts, + and had graduated in 1841 in the same class with Lyon and Totten, whose + battery was to do magnificent service, and avenge the insults and + humiliations of Little Rock. Rummer's standing in his class was 22, where + Lyon's was 11 and Totten's 25. He had been in garrison in Vera Cruz during + the Mexican War, and so had escaped getting the brevets "for gallant and + meritorious conduct" which had been so freely bestowed on all who had been + "present" at any engagement, but had reached the rank of Captain in 1862, + a year later than Capt Lyon. He was to rise to Colonel of the 11th Mo. and + Brigadier-General of Volunteers, and everywhere display vigor and capacity + in important commands, but to have his career cut short by his untimely + death near Corinth, Miss., Aug. 9,1862, at the age of 43 years. Maj. Peter + Joseph Osterhaus, who commanded the two companies of his regiment—the + 2d Mo.—deployed on the right, was the best soldier in that wonderful + immigration of bright, educated, enthusiastic young Germans who took + refuge in this country after the failure of the Revolution of 1848. At + least, he was tried longer in large commands, and rose to a higher rank + than any of them. Sigel and Carl Schurz became, like him, Major-Generals + of Volunteers, but his service was regarded as much higher than theirs, + and he was esteemed as one of the best division and corps commanders in + the Army of the Tennessee. After long service as a division commander he + commanded the Fifteenth Corps on the March to the Sea. He was born in + Prussia, educated as a soldier, took part in the Revolution, migrated to + this country, and was invaluable to Lyon in organizing the Home Guards + among the Germans to save the Arsenal He still lives, a specially honored + veteran, at Mannheim, in Prussia. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link163" id="link163"></a><span class="pn">{163}</span> + </p> + <p> + Capt. Jas. Totten, whose battery was placed in the center, was to win a + Lieutenant-Colonel's brevet for his splendid service during the day, but + got few honors during the rest of the war. He became a Brigadier-General + of Missouri Militia, and received the complimentary brevets of Colonel and + Brigadier-General when they were generally handed round on March 13, 1865, + but his unfortunate habits caused his dismissal from the Army in 1870. He + was then Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Inspector-General. + </p> + <p> + There were many men among Lyon's subordinates whose conduct during the day + brought them prominence and started them on the way to distinction. + </p> + <p> + Maj. Samuel D. Sturgis, of the 4th U. S. Cav., a Pennsylvanian, who was + that day to win the star of a Brigadier-General of Volunteers, and who + commanded the First Brigade, afterward rose to the command of a division, + fought with credit at Second Manassas, South Mountain and Fredericksburg, + for which he received brevets, and was overwhelmingly defeated, while in + command of an independent expedition, by Forrest, at Guntown, Miss., June + 10, 1864, and passed into retirement. He became Colonel of the 7th U. S. + Cav. after the war. He was a graduate of West Point in 1882. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link164" id="link164"></a><span class="pn">{164}</span> + </p> + <p> + Lieut-Col. I. F. Shepard, who was Lyon's Aid, became a Brigadier-General + of Volunteers. + </p> + <p> + Maj. John M. Schofield, Lyon's Adjutant-General, has been spoken of + elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + Capt Gordon Granger, 3d U. S. Cav., a New Yorker and a graduate of the + class of 1841, was Lyon's Assistant Adjutant-General, and won a brevet for + his conduct that day. He was a man of far more than ordinary abilities—many + pronounced him a great soldier, and said that only his unbridled tongue + prevented him rising higher than he did. He became a Major-General and a + Corps Commander, led the troops to Thomas's assistance at the critical + moment at Chickamauga, but fell under the displeasure of Sherman, who + relieved him. He afterward commanded the army which captured Forts Gaines + and Morgan, and received the surrender of Mobile. + </p> + <p> + Capt Frederick Steele, 2d U. S., Gen. Grant's classmate and lifelong + friend, who had won brevets in Mexico, commanded a battalion of two + companies. He was to become Colonel of the 8th Iowa, Brigadier and + Major-General, and render brilliant service at Vicksburg and in Arkansas. + </p> + <p> + Maj. John A. Halderman, 1st Kan., who succeeded to the command of the + regiment when Col. Deitzler was wounded, was commended by all his superior + officers, for his handsome conduct. He had been appointed by Gen. Lyon + Provost Marshal-General of the Western Army, and was afterwards + commissioned a Major-General. He entered the diplomatic service under + President Grant; became Minister to Siam, and was praised all over the + world for his success in bringing that country into touch with + civilization. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link165" id="link165"></a><span class="pn">{165}</span> + </p> + <p> + Lieut.-Col. G. L. Andrews, who in the absence of Col. F. P. Blair, + commanded the 1st Mo., was a Rhode Island man, who afterward entered the + Regular Army, fought creditably through the war, and in 1892 was retired + as a Colonel. + </p> + <p> + In the 1st Mo. was Capt. Nelson Cole, who was severely wounded. He served + through the war, rose to be a Colonel, became Senior Vice + Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was a + Brigadier-General of Volunteers in the war with Spain. + </p> + <p> + In the 1st Kan. were Col. Geo. W. Detzler, who later became a + Brigadier-General; Capt. Powell Clayton, who was to become a Colonel, + Brigadier-General, Governor of Arkansas, Senator, and Embassador to + Mexico, and Capt. Daniel McCook, who was to become Brigadier-General, and + fall at Kene-saw. + </p> + <p> + In the 2d Kan. were Col. Robert B. Mitchell, of Ohio, who rose to be + Brigadier-General and did gallant service in the Army of the Cumberland; + Maj. Charles W. Blair, who became a Brigadier-General, and Capt. Samuel J. + Crawford, who became a Colonel, a brevet Brigadier-General, and Governor + of Kansas. + </p> + <p> + In the 1st Iowa were Lieut.-Col. W. H. Merritt, a New Yorker, who + commanded the regiment and afterwards became a Colonel on the staff, and + Capt. Francis J. Herron, who became a Major-General of Volunteers and + commanded a division at Prairie Grove, Vicksburg, and in Texas. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link166" id="link166"></a><span class="pn">{166}</span> + </p> + <p> + There were very many in these regiments serving as privates and + non-commissioned officers who afterwards made fine records as commanders + of companies and regiments and became distinguished in civil life. Taken + altogether, Lyon's army was an unusually fine body of fighting men. The + Iowa and Kansas men were ardent, enthusiastic youths, accustomed to the + use of the gun, and who hunted their enemies as they did the wild beasts + they had to encounter. They were free from the superstition inculcated in + the Eastern armies that the soldier's duty was to stand up in the open and + be shot at. When it was necessary to stand up they stood up gallantly, but + at other times they took advantage of every protection and lay behind any + rock or trunk of tree in wait for the enemy to come within easy range, and + then fired with fatal effect. + </p> + <p> + The older Regulars trained to Indian fighting were equally effective, and + speedily brought the mass of recruits associated with them into similar + efficiency. + </p> + <p> + Nowhere else at that early period of the war was the fire of the Union + soldiers so deliberate and deadly as at Wilson's Creek. + </p> + <p> + The Confederates had no pickets out—not even camp-guards. They had + been marched and countermarched severely for days, and were resting + preparatory to advancing that morning on Springfield. Many were at + breakfast, many others starting out to get material for breakfast in the + neighboring fields. Rains's Division was the most advanced, and Rains + reports that he discovered the enemy when about three miles from camp, and + that he put his Second Brigade—mounted men commanded by Col. + Caw-thorn, of the 4th Mo.—into line to resist the advance. He says + that the brigade maintained its position all day, which does not agree + with the other accounts of the battle. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link167" id="link167"></a><span class="pn">{167}</span> + </p> + <p> + Before Gen. Lyon—a mile and a half away—rose the eminence, + afterward known as "Bloody Hill," which overlooked the encampment of the + Confederates along Wilson's Creek, and on which substantially all the + fighting was to take place. From it the Confederate trains were in short + reach, and the rout of the enemy could be secured. Its central position, + however, made it easy to concentrate troops for its defense and bring up + reinforcements. + </p> + <p> + Capt. Plummer sent forward Capt. C. C. Gilbert, 1st U. S., with his + company to guard the left of the advance, cross Wilson's Creek, and engage + the right of the enemy. Capt. Gilbert was a soldier of fine reputation, + who was to win much credit on subsequent fields; to rise to the rank of + Brigadier-General and the brief command of a corps, and then to fall under + the displeasure of his commanding officers. Capt. Gilbert moved forward + rapidly until he came to Wilson's Creek, where his skirmishers were + stopped by swamps and jungles of brushwood, when Capt. Plummer caught up + with him, and the whole battalion finally crossed the creek and advanced + into a cornfield, easily driving away the first slight force that + attempted to arrest them. + </p> + <p> + In the meanwhile quite a number of the enemy was discovered assembling on + the crest of the ridge, and Gen. Lyon forming the 1st Mo. into line sent + them forward on the right to engage these, while the 1st Kan. came up on + the left and opened a brisk fire, with Totten's battery in the center, + which also opened fire. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link168" id="link168"></a><span class="pn">{168}</span> + </p> + <p> + This was about 10 minutes past 5, when the battle may be said to have + fairly opened. The 1st Iowa and the 2d Kan., with Capt. Steele's battalion + of Regulars, were held in reserve. Rains's Missourians responded pluckily + to the fire, and Gen. Price began rushing up assistance to them until he + says that he had over 2,000 men on the ridge. The 1st Kan. and the 1st Mo. + pressed resolutely forward, delivering their fire at short range, and + after a sharp contest of 20 minutes the Missourians gave way and fled down + the hill. + </p> + <p> + There was a brief lull, in which the Union men were encouraged by hearing + Sigel's artillery open two miles away, on the other flank of the enemy, + and Lyon found his line preparatory to pushing forward and striking the + trains. Already there were symptoms of panic there, and some of the wagons + were actually in flames. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Rains soon succeeded in rallying his men. + </p> + <p> + Gens. Slack, McBride, Parsons and Clark rushed to his assistance with what + men they could hastily assemble, and Gen. Price led them forward in a line + covering Gen. Lyon's entire front. Both sides showed an earnest + disposition to come to close quarters, and a fierce fight lasting for + perhaps half an hour followed. Sometimes portions of the Union troops were + thrown into temporary disorder, but they only fell back a few yards, when + they would rally and return to the field. The enemy strove to reach the + crest of the ridge and drive the Union troops back, but were repulsed, + while the Union troops, following them to the foot of the ridge, were + driven back to the crest. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link169" id="link169"></a><span class="pn">{169}</span> + </p> + <p> + The Confederates brought up a battery, which, however, was soon silenced + by the fire concentrated upon it from Totten's battery and that of Lieut. + Du Bois. In the meanwhile Capt. Plummer had been pushing his Regulars thru + the corn and oat fields toward the battery which he wanted to take, and + was within 200 yards of it when Capt. Mcintosh, an officer of the Old + Army, and now Adjutant-General for McCulloch, saw the danger and rushed up + the 3d La. and the 2d Ark. against Plummer's left The Regulars made a + stubborn resistance for a few minutes, but their line was enveloped by the + long line of the two regiments, and they fell back with considerable haste + across the creek toward Totten's battery. + </p> + <p> + Mcintosh saw his advantage and pursued it to the utmost, sending his + Louisianians and Arkansans forward on the double-quick to prevent Plummer + from rallying. The watchful DuBois saw the trouble the Regulars were in, + and turning his guns upon his pursuers enfiladed them with canister and + shell with such effect that they in turn ran, and were rallied by Mcintosh + behind a little log house, into which DuBois put a couple of shells and + sent them further back. + </p> + <p> + By this time the battle was two hours old and the roar of the conflict + died down, except on the extreme right, where the 1st Mo. was still having + a bitter struggle with a superior force of fresh troops with which Price + was endeavoring to turn the Union right flank. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link170" id="link170"></a><span class="pn">{170}</span> + </p> + <p> + Gen. Lyon, who had watched every phase of the battle closely, ordered + Capt. Totten to move part of his battery to the support of the 1st Mo., + but as the Captain was about to open he was restrained by seeing a + regiment advancing to within a distance of about 200 yards, carrying both + a Federal and a Confederate flag. It was the direction from which Sigel + had been anxiously expected, and as the uniform of the advancing regiment + was similar to that of Sigel's men, both the infantry and the artillery + withheld their fire until the enemy revealed his character by a volley, + when Capt Totten opened all his guns upon them with canister and inflicted + great slaughter. + </p> + <p> + Capt Cary Gratz, of the 1st Mo., was so indignant at this treachery that + he dashed out and shot down the man who was carrying the Union flag, only + to be shot down himself almost immediately afterwards by several bullets + from the Confederates. The 2d Kan. was also hurried forward to support the + 1st Mo. Capt Steele's battalion was brought up and the 1st Iowa was sent + in to relieve the 1st Kan., which had suffered quite severely and was + nearly out of ammunition. + </p> + <p> + The battle was renewed with much greater fierceness than ever, the + Confederates advancing in three or four ranks, lying down, kneeling, + standing, sometimes getting within 30 or 40 yards of the Union line before + they were forced back. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Lyon was everywhere where his presence was needed to encourage the + troops, rally them, and bring them back into line. His horse was shot, and + he received a wound in the head and one on the ankle. He continued to walk + along the line, but he was evidently much depressed by the way in which + Price and McCulloch succeeded in bringing forward fresh troops to replace + those which had been driven from the field. He said to Maj. Schofield + sadly, "I fear the day is lost." Schofield replied encouragingly, + dismounted one of his orderlies and gave the horse to Lyon, when they + separated, each to lead a regiment It was now 9 o'clock, or little after, + and there was a lull in the fight, during which time the enemy seemed to + be reorganizing his force, and Lyon began concentrating his into a more + compact form on the crest of the ridge. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link171" id="link171"></a><span class="pn">{171}</span> + </p> + <p> + Capt. Sweeny called Lyon's attention to his wounds, but Lyon answered + briefly, "It is nothing." + </p> + <p> + Schofield moved off to rally a portion of the 1st Iowa, which showed a + disposition to break under the terrific fire, and lead it back into + action. Gen. Lyon rode for a moment or two with the file closers on the + right of the 1st Iowa, and then turned toward the 2d Kan., which was moved + forward under the lead of Col. Mitchell. In a few moments the Colonel + fell, wounded, and Gen. Lyon shouted to the regiment to come on, that he + would lead them. The next instant, almost, a bullet pierced his breast and + he fell dead. Lehman, his faithful orderly, was near him when he fell, and + rushed to his assistance, raising a terrible outcry, which some of the + officers near promptly quieted lest it discourage the troops. + </p> + <p> + After a bitter struggle of fully half an hour the Confederates were driven + back all along the line, and the battle ceased for a little while. The + Confederates retired so completely that it looked as if the battle was + won, and Maj. Schofield, finding Maj. Sturgis, informed him that he was in + command, and the principal officers were hastily gathered together for a + consultation. The first and most anxious inquiry of all was as to what had + become of Sigel. It was all-important to know that. If a junction could be + formed with him the army could advance and drive the enemy completely from + the field. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link172" id="link172"></a><span class="pn">{172}</span> + </p> + <p> + Sigel had crossed Wilson's Creek and come into line within easy range of + McCulloch's headquarters, where Capt Shaeffer opened with his battery upon + a large force of Arkansan, Texan and Missourian troops who were engaged in + getting breakfast. They were so demoralized by the awful storm of shells + that at least one regiment—Col. Greer's of Texas—did not + recover its composure during the day, and took little if any part in the + rest of the engagement. + </p> + <p> + Col. Churchill succeeded in rallying his Arkansas regiment, but before he + could return and engage Sigel he received urgent orders to hurry over to + the right and help drive back Lyon. Sigel's men moved forward into the + deserted camp, but unfortunately broke ranks and began plundering it. + </p> + <p> + McCulloch had rushed over to his headquarters in time to meet the + fugitives, and by great exertions succeeded in rallying about 2,000 men, + with whom he attacked Sigel's disorganized men in the camps, and drove + them out. Sigel succeeded in rallying a portion of his men, when McCulloch + advanced upon them with a regiment the uniforms of which were so like that + of the volunteers under Lyon that his men could not be persuaded that it + was not a portion of Lyon's troops advancing to their assistance, and they + withheld their fire until the Confederates were within 10 paces, when the + latter poured in such a destructive volley that men and horses went down + before it, and Sigel's Brigade was utterly routed, with a loss of some 250 + prisoners and a regimental flag, which was afterwards used to deceive the + Union troops. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link173" id="link173"></a><span class="pn">{173}</span> + </p> + <p> + With the exception of the two troops of Regular cavalry under Capt. E. A. + Carr, which seem to have done nothing during this time, Sigel's Brigade + disappeared completely from the action, and Sigel and Salomon, with a few + men, rode back to Springfield, where it is said that they went to bed. + This inexplicable action by Sigel bitterly prejudiced the other officers + against him, and was continually coming up in judgment against him. + </p> + <p> + There is no doubt of Sigel's personal courage, but why, with the sound of + Lyon's cannon in his ears, and knowing full well the desperate struggle + his superior officer was engaged in, he made no effort to rally his troops + or to take any further part in the battle, is beyond comprehension. Col. + Salomon, who accompanied him in his flight to Springfield, afterward + became Colonel of a Wisconsin regiment, and made a brilliant record. + </p> + <p> + It was yet but little after 9 o'clock, and despite the stubbornness of the + fighting no decisive advantage had been gained on either side. + </p> + <p> + The Union troops were masters of the savagely contested hill, but all + their previous efforts to advance beyond, pierce the main Confederate + line, and reach the trains below had been repulsed. Had they better make + another attempt? + </p> + <p> + The hasty council of war decided that it would be unsafe to do so until + Col. Sigel was heard from. The army was already badly crippled, for the + 1st Kan. and the 1st Mo. had lost one-third of their men and half their + officers, the others had suffered nearly as severely, and everybody was + running short of ammunition. They had marched all night, and gone into + battle without breakfast, had been fighting five hours, and were suffering + terribly from heat, thirst and exhaustion. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link174" id="link174"></a><span class="pn">{174}</span> + </p> + <p> + The council was suddenly brought to an end by seeing a large force which + Price and McCulloch had rallied come over the hill directly in the Union + front A battery which Gen. Price had established on the crest of the hill + somewhat to the left opened a fire of canister and shrapnel, but the Union + troops showed the firmest front of any time during the day, and Totten's + and DuBois's batteries hurled a storm of canister into the advancing + infantry. Gen. Price had brought up fresh regiments to replace those which + had been fought out, and it seemed as if the Union line would be + overwhelmed. But the officers brought up every man they could reach. Capt + Gordon Granger threw three companies of the 1st Mo., three companies of + the 1st Kan., and two companies of the 1st Iowa, which had been supporting + DuBois's battery, against the right flank of the enemy and by their + terrible enfilade fire sent it back in great disorder. On the right + Lieut.-Col. Blair, with the 2d Kan., was having an obstinate fight, but + with the assistance of a section of Totten's battery under Lieut. Sokalski + the enemy was at last driven back clear out of sight. + </p> + <p> + The battle had now raged bitterly for six hours, with every attempt of the + enemy to drive foe stubborn defenders from the crest of the hill repulsed. + The slope on the eminence was thickly strewn with the dead and wounded. + The Confederates had suffered fearfully. Cols. Weightman and Brown, who + commanded brigades, had been killed, and Gens. Price, Slack and Clark + wounded. The loss of subordinate officers had been very heavy. They had + been clearly fought to a finish, and an attempt of their cavalry to turn + the Union right flank had been repulsed with great loss by Totten's + battery and several companies of the 1st Mo. and the 1st Kan. The shells + produced the greatest consternation among the horses and men, as they were + delivered at short range with unerring aim. The entire Confederate line + left the field, disappearing thru the thick woods in the valley to their + camp on Wilson's Creek, somewhat to the right of the Union center. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link175" id="link175"></a><span class="pn">{175}</span> + </p> + <p> + Another brief council of war resulted in an order from Maj. Sturgis to + fall back. Nothing could be heard from Sigel, the men were exhausted, the + ammunition nearly gone, and it seemed best to retire while there was an + opportunity left. As subsequently learned this was a great mistake, + because the Confederate army was in full retreat, and an advance from the + Union army would have sent them off the field for good. + </p> + <p> + The Union officers did the best they could according to their light, and + their retirement was in the best order and absolutely unmolested. + </p> + <p> + The retreat began about 11:30 and continued two miles to a prairie + northeast of the battleground, where a halt was made to enable the + Surgeons to collect the wounded in ambulances. Gen. Lyon's body had been + placed in an ambulance, but by someone's order was taken out again and + left on the prairie with the rest of the dead. + </p> + <p> + About 5 o'clock in the afternoon the army reached Springfield, and there + found Sigel and Salomon and most of their brigade, with the others coming + in from all directions. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link176" id="link176"></a><span class="pn">{176}</span> + </p> + <p> + In spite of his conduct on the battlefield, Sigel's great theoretical + knowledge and experience in European wars decided that the command should + be turned over to him, and he was formally placed at the head. + </p> + <p> + According to official reports the casualties in the Union army were as + follows: + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0017" id="linkimage-0017"> + <!-- IMG --> </a> <img src="images/176-Union%20Casualties.jpg" + alt="176-table of Union Casualties" width="100%" /><br /> + </p> + <p> + The official reports give the casualties in the Confederate army as + follows: + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0018" id="linkimage-0018"> + <!-- IMG --> </a> <img src="images/177-Confederate%20Casualties.jpg" + alt="177-table of Confederate Casualties" width="100%" /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link177" id="link177"></a><span class="pn">{177}</span> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. THE AFTERMATH OF WILSON'S CREEK + </h2> + <p> + An analytical study of the losses in the preceding chapter will aid in a + more thoro appreciation of the most bitter battle fought on the American + Continent up to that time, and by far the severest which had ever been + waged west of the Allegheny Mountains. It will be perceived that the loss + in the Union army was almost wholly in Gen. Lyon's column of 4,000 men, or + less, which suffered to the extent of almost one-third of its number. In + the 1,300 men in Gen. Sigel's command the loss was insignificant, except + in prisoners. + </p> + <p> + Both sides fought with a stubbornness absolutely unknown in European wars, + but the regiments of the Union army seemed to be inspired with that higher + invincibility of purpose which characterized their great leader. + </p> + <p> + Judged by the simple equation of losses, the Union regiments displayed a + far greater tenacity of purpose than the Confederates. We have no exact + figures as to the number in each Union regiment, as there were constant + changes taking place; a great many men had served their time out and more + were claiming and receiving their discharges. + </p> + <p> + Aug. 4, 1861, six days before the battle, Gen. Lyon gave from + "recollection" the following estimate of the strength of his command, + which must have been considerably reduced in the seven days between that + and the battle, and from which must be deducted some 250 men left to guard + the trains and property in Springfield: + </p> + <p> + <a name="link178" id="link178"></a><span class="pn">{178}</span> + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0019" id="linkimage-0019"> + <!-- IMG --> </a> <img src="images/179-Table.jpg" alt="179-table" + width="100%" /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link179" id="link179"></a><span class="pn">{179}</span> + </p> + <p> + It is altogether unlikely that the 1st Mo., for example, took into battle + within 100 or more of the 900 men assigned to it, and the same thing is + true of the 900 men given for the 1st Iowa, and the 700 each for the two + Kansas regiments. + </p> + <p> + If we assume that the 1st Mo. and the 1st Iowa had 800 men each and the + Kansas regiments 600 each, we find that the loss of 295 for the 1st Mo., + 284 for the 1st Kan., and 154 for the 1st Iowa to be appalling. The + Regulars suffered severely, but not so badly as the volunteers. + </p> + <p> + Among those who were noted for gallant conduct in the battle of Wilson's + Creek was Eugene F. Ware, then a private in the 1st Iowa, and who + afterward became a Captain in the 7th Iowa Cav. In civil life he attained + a leading place at the Kansas bar, and was appointed Commissioner of + Pensions by President Roosevelt. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link180" id="link180"></a><span class="pn">{180}</span> + </p> + <p> + None of the Confederate regiments engaged suffered to anything like the + same extent, and as they were driven from the field, while the Union + regiments maintained their position and were even ready for further + aggression, the palm of higher purposes and more desperate fighting must + be unhesitatingly conceded to the Union volunteers. Few of the Confederate + commanders give reports of the number they carried into action, but many + of their regiments must have been approximately as strong as those of the + Union, and they had many more of them. + </p> + <p> + The moral effect of the battle was prodigious on both sides. The Union + troops were conscious of having met overwhelming forces and fought them to + a stand-still, if not actual defeat. Every man felt himself a victor as he + left the field, and only retreated because the exigencies of the situation + rendered that the most politic move. + </p> + <p> + It was consequently a great encouragement to the Union sentiment + everywhere, and did much to retrieve the humiliation of Bull Run. The + Confederates naturally made the very most of the fact that they had been + left masters of the field, and they dilated extensively upon the killing + of Gen. Lyon and the crushing defeat they had administered upon Sigel, + with capture of prisoners, guns and flags. They used this to so good + purpose as to greatly stimulate the Secession spirit thruout the State. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link181" id="link181"></a><span class="pn">{181}</span> + </p> + <p> + Gen. McCulloch's dispatches to the Confederate War Department are, to say + the least, disingenuous. His first dispatch that evening stated that the + enemy was 12,000 strong, but had "fled" after eight hours' hard fighting. + His second official report, dated two days after the battle, gave his + "effective" forces at 5,300 infantry, 15 pieces of artillery and 6,000 + horsemen, armed with flintlock muskets, rifles and shotguns. He says: + "There were, other horsemen with the army, but they were entirely unarmed, + and instead of being a help they were continually in the way." He + repeatedly pronounces the collisions at the different periods of the + battle as "terrific," and says: "The incessant roar of musketry was + deafening, and the balls fell as thick as hailstones." His next sentences + are at surprising variance with the concurrent testimony on the Union + side; for he says: "Nothing could withstand the impetuosity of our final + charge. The enemy fell back and could not again be rallied, and they were + seen at 12 m. fast retreating among the hills in the distance. This ended + the battle. It lasted six hours and a half." + </p> + <p> + By this time Gen. McCulloch had reduced the Union force to between 9,000 + and 10,000, and he claims the Union loss to have been 800 killed, 1,000 + wounded and 300 prisoners. He gave his own loss at 265 killed, 800 wounded + and 30 missing. His colleague, Gen. Price, he curtly dismisses with this + brief laudation: "To Gen. Price I am under many obligations for assistance + on the battlefield. He was at the head of his force, leading them on and + sustaining them by his gallant bearing." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link182" id="link182"></a><span class="pn">{182}</span> + </p> + <p> + Gen. Price's report is more accurate and soldierlike, but he says that + after several "severe and bloody conflicts" had ensued, and the battle had + been conducted with the "greatest gallantry and vigor on both sides for + more than five hours, the enemy retreated in great confusion, leaving + their Commander-in-Chief, Gen. Lyon, dead upon the battlefield, over 500 + killed and a great number wounded." He claims that his forces numbered + 5,221 officers and men, of whom 156 were killed and 517 wounded. This + would make the loss of his whole division of 5,000 men 673, or about the + same lost by the 1st Mo. and the 1st Kan., with these two regiments still + maintaining their position, while the enemy retired. + </p> + <p> + It seems difficult to understand why, if the enemy "retreated in great + confusion," as reported by Mc-Culloch and Price, the several thousand + horsemen who did little or nothing during the battle were not let loose to + complete the ruin of the Union forces. No matter how poorly armed or + disciplined these might have been, their appearance on the flank of the + retiring column would have been fatal to any orderly retreat such as was + conducted. The universal testimony of the Union officers and soldiers is + that there was no enemy in sight when they started to leave the field, and + that they suffered no molestation whatever, though they halted two miles + from the field and in plain sight for some time. + </p> + <p> + It also passes comprehension that this horde of irregular horsemen were + not employed during the long hours of the battle in making some diversion + in the rear of the Union army. + </p> + <p> + Both Price and McCulloch seem to have had their attention so fully + engrossed in bringing up new regiments to keep Lyon from breaking thru + their lines and reaching their trains that they had no opportunity to give + orders or organize manuvers by the horsemen, and nobody seems to have + suggested to the mounted men that they could employ their time better than + by standing back and watching the progress of the terrible conflict + between the two opposing lines of infantry. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link183" id="link183"></a><span class="pn">{183}</span> + </p> + <p> + It appears that the Union officers in the council called by Gen. Sturgis + were not at all unanimous for retreat. Capt. Sweeny, altho severely + wounded, vehemently insisted upon pursuing the enemy, and Capt. Gordon + Granger, also severely wounded, rode up to Sturgis, pointed out that there + was not a man in sight and that the fire could be seen from where the + retreating foe was burning his wagons, and he urged the pursuit so + vigorously that Sturgis had to repeat his order for him to leave the + field. + </p> + <p> + Col. Sigel, in his report made at Rolla eight days after the battle, made + a long and labored explanation of his operations during the day. He thus + explained his failure to do more: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + In order to understand clearly our actions and our fate, you + will allow me to state the following facts: + + 1st. According to orders, it was the duty of this brigade to + attack the enemy in the rear and to cut off his retreat, + which order I tried to execute, whatever the consequences + might be. + + 2d. The time of service of the 6th Regiment Mo. Volunteers + had expired before the battle. I had induced them, company + by company, not to leave us in the most critical and + dangerous moment, and had engaged them for the time of eight + days, this term ending on Friday, the 9th, the day before + the battle. + + 3d. The 3d Regiment, of which 400 three-months men had been + dismissed, was composed for the greatest part of recruits, + who had not seen the enemy before and were only + insufficiently drilled. + + 4th. The men serving the pieces and the drivers consisted of + infantry taken from the 3d Regiment and were mostly + recruits, who had had only a few days' instruction. + + 5th. About two-thirds of our officers had left us. Some + companies had no officers at all; a great pity, but a + consequence of the system of the three months' service. +</pre> + <p> + Later, when Gen. Sigel was seeking promotion, Maj. Schofield, then a + Brigadier-General, sent the following communication to Gen. Halleck: + </p> + <p> + <a name="link184" id="link184"></a><span class="pn">{184}</span> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + St Louis, Mo.. Feb. 18, 1862. Maj.-Gen. Halleck, + Commanding Department of the Missouri. + + General: The question of the merits of Brig.-Gen. Franz + Slgel as a commander having assumed such shape as to deeply + involve the interests of the service, I deem it my duty to + make a statement of facts which came to my knowledge during + the campaign of last Summer in the Southwest, ending in the + death of Gen. Lyon and the retreat of his army from + Springfield. + + Soon after the capture of Camp Jackson, in May, Gen. Lyon + sent Col. Slgel, with his two regiments of infantry and two + batteries of artillery, to the southwestern part of the + State, by way of Rolla, to cut off the retreat of Price's + force which he (Lyon) was about to drive from Boonville. Col. + Sigel passed beyond Springfield, reaching a point not far + from the Kansas line, and on the main road used by Price's + men in their movement south to join him. Here he left a + single company of infantry in a small town, with no apparent + object, unless that It might fall in the hands of the enemy, + which it did the next day (6th of July). Sigel met Price the + next day, and fought the celebrated "battle of Carthage." + Sigel had about two regiments of infantry, well armed and + equipped, most of the men old German soldiers, and two good + batteries of artillery. Price had about twice Sigel's number + of men, but most of them mounted, armed with shotguns and + common rifles, and entirely without organization and + discipline, and a few pieces of almost worthless artillery. + Sigel retreated all day before this miserable rabble, + contenting himself with repelling their irregular attacks, + which he did with perfect ease whenever they ventured to make + them. The loss on either side was quite insignificant. Price + and McCulloch were thus permitted to join each other + absolutely without opposition; Sigel, who had been sent + there to prevent their Junction, making a "masterly + retreat." + + Several days before the battle of Wilson's Creek it was + ascertained beyond a doubt that the enemy's strength was + about 22,000 men, with at least 20 pieces of artillery, + while our force was only about 5,000. About the 7th of + August the main body of the enemy reached Wilson's Creek, + and Gen. Lyon decided to attack him. The plan of attack was + freely discussed between Gen. Lyon, the members of his + staff, CoL Sigel, and several officers of the Regular Army. + Col. Sigel, apparently anxious for a separate command, + advocated the plan of a divided attack. All others, I + believe, opposed it. + + On the 8th of August the plan of a single attack was + adopted, to be carried out on the 9th. This had to be + postponed on account of the exhaustion of part of our + troops. During the morning of the 9th Col. Sigel had a long + interview with Gen. Lyon, and prevailed upon him to adopt + his plan, which led to the mixture of glory, disgrace and + disaster of the ever-memorable 10th of August Slgel, in + attempting to perform the part assigned to himself, lost his + artillery, lost his infantry, and fled alone, or nearly so, + to Springfield, arriving there long before the battle was + ended. Yet he had almost nobody killed or wounded. One piece + of his artillery and 500 or 600 infantry were picked up and + brought in by a company of Regular cavalry. No effort was + made by Sigel or any of his officers to rally their men and + join Lyon's Division, altho the battle raged furiously for + hours after Sigel's rout; and most of his men in their + retreat passed in rear of Lyon's line of battle. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link185" id="link185"></a><span class="pn">{185}</span> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + On our return to Springfield, at about 5 o'clock p. m., Maj. + Sturgis yielded the command to Col. Sigel, and the latter, + after consultation with many of the officers of the army, + decided to retreat toward Rolla; starting at 2 o'clock a. m. + in order that the column might be in favorable position for + defense before daylight. At the hour appointed for the + troops to move I found Col. Sigel asleep in bed, and his own + brigade, which was to be the advance guard, making + preparations to cook their breakfast It was 4 o'clock before + I could get them started. Sigel remained in command three + days, kept his two regiments in front all the time, made + little more than ordinary day's marches, but yet did not get + in camp until 10, and on one occasion 12 o'clock at night. + On the second day he kept the main column waiting, exposed + to the sun on a dry prairie, while his own men killed beef + and cooked their breakfast. They finished their breakfast at + about noon, and then began their day's march. + + The fatigue and annoyance to the troops soon became so + intolerable that discipline was impossible. The officers, + therefore, almost unanimously demanded a change. Maj. + Sturgis, in compliance with the demand, assumed the command. + + My position as Gen. Lyon's principal staff officer gave mo + very favorable opportunities for judging of Gen. Sigel's + merits as an officer, and hence I appreciate his good as + well as his bad qualities more accurately than most of those + who presume to judge him. Gen. Sigel, in point of + theoretical education, is far above the average of + commanders in this country. He has studied with great care + the science of strategy, and seems thoroly conversant with + the campaigns of all the great captains, so far as covers + their main strategic features, and also seems familiar with + the duties of the staff; but in tactics, great and small + logistics, and discipline he is greatly deficient. These + defects are so apparent as to make it absolutely impossible + for him to gain the confidence of American officers and men, + and entirely unfit him for a high command in our army. While + I do not condemn Gen. Sigel in the unmeasured terms so + common among many, but on the contrary see in him many fine + qualities, I would do less than my duty did I not enter my + protest against the appointment to a high command in the + army of a man who, whatever may be his merits, I know cannot + have the confidence of the troops he is to command. + + I am, General, very respectfully, your obedient servant, + + J. M. SCHOFIELD, Brigadier-General. U. S. Volunteers. +</pre> + <p> + This was accompanied by a statement embodying the same facts and signed by + substantially all the higher officers who had been with Lyon. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link186" id="link186"></a><span class="pn">{186}</span> + </p> + <p> + At the first halt of the army, about two miles from the battlefield, while + the dead and wounded were being gathered up, it was discovered that Gen. + Lyon's body had been left behind. The Surgeon and another officer + volunteered to take an ambulance and return to the battlefield for it They + were received graciously by Gen. McCulloch; the body was delivered to them + and they reached Springfield with it shortly after dark. The Surgeon made + an attempt to embalm it by injecting arsenic into the veins, but + decomposition, owing to exposure to the hot sun, had progressed too far to + render it practicable, and they were compelled to leave it when the army + moved off. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Phelps, wife of the member of Congress from that District, and a true + Union woman, obtained it and had it placed in a wooden coffin, which was + hermetically sealed in another one of zinc. Fearing that it might be + molested by the Confederate troops when they entered the city, Mrs. Phelps + had the coffin placed in an out-door cellar and covered with straw. Later + she took an opportunity of having it secretly buried at night. + </p> + <p> + Thinking that the remains had been brought on, Mr. Danford Knowlton, of + New York, a cousin, and Mr. John B. Hasler, of Webster, Mass., a + brother-in-law of Gen. Lyon, came on at the instance of the Connecticut + relatives to obtain the remains. Not finding them at St. Louis, they went + forward to Rolla, where Col. Wyman furnished them with an ambulance, with + which they proceeded to Springfield under a flag of truce. They were + kindly received by Gen. Price, and also by Gen. Parsons, whose brigade was + encamped on the ground where the body was buried, and exhuming it, brought + it to St. Louis. The city went into mourning, and the remains were + conducted by a military and civic procession to the depot, where they were + delivered to the Adams Express Company to be conveyed East under an escort + of officers and enlisted men. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link187" id="link187"></a><span class="pn">{187}</span> + </p> + <p> + At every station on the road crowds gathered to pay their tribute of + respect to the deceased hero and distinguished honors were paid at + Cincinnati, Pittsburg, New York, and Hartford. The body was taken to + Eastford, Conn., where the General was born, and in the presence of a + large assemblage was interred in a grave beside his parents, in accordance + with the desire the General expressed while in life. + </p> + <p> + Upon opening Lyons' will it was found that he had bequeathed all his + savings, prudent investments and property, amounting to about $50,000, to + the Government to aid it in the prosecution of the war for its existence. + </p> + <p> + Aug. 25, Gen. Fremont issued congratulatory orders, in which he said: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The General Commanding laments, in sympathy with the + country, the loss of the indomitable Gen. Nathaniel Lyon. + His fame cannot be better eulogized than in these words in + the official report of his gallant successor, Maj. Sturgis, + U. S. Cavalry: "Thus gallantly fell as true a soldier as + ever drew a sword; a man whose honesty of purpose was + proverbial; a noble patriot, and one who held his life as + nothing where his country demanded it of him. Let us emulate + his prowess and undying devotion to his duty!" + + The order also permitted the regiments and other + organizations engaged to put "Springfield" on their colors, + and directed that the order should be read at the head of + every company in the Department of Missouri. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link188" id="link188"></a><span class="pn">{188}</span> + </p> + <p> + Dec. 30, 1861, Congress passed a joint resolution, in which it said: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + That Congress deems it just and proper to enter upon its + records a recognition of the eminent and patriotic services + of the late Brig-Gen. Nathaniel Lyon. The country to whose + service he devoted his life will guard and preserve his fame + as a part of its own glory. + + 2. That the thanks of Congress are hereby given to the brave + officers and soldiers who, under the command of the late + Gen. Lyon, sustained the honor of the flag, and achieved + victory against overwhelming numbers at the battle of + Springfield, in Missouri, and that, in order to commemorate + an event so honorable to the country and to themselves, it + is ordered that each regiment engaged shall be authorized to + bear upon its colors the word "Springfield," embroidered in + letters of gold. And the President of the United States is + hereby requested to cause these resolutions to be read at + the head of every regiment in the Army of the United States. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link189" id="link189"></a><span class="pn">{189}</span> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. A GALAXY OF NOTABLE MEN + </h2> + <p> + The Union commanders were naturally very apprehensive that as soon as + Price and Mc-Culloch realized that the field had been abandoned they would + precipitate upon them their immense horde of vengeful horsemen. Such was + not the case. Nothing tells so eloquently of the severity of the blow + which Lyon had dealt his enemies than that it was two whole days before + Price and McCulloch were in a frame of mind to move forward 10 miles and + occupy Springfield, the goal of their campaign. This delay was golden to + the Union commanders, hampered as they were by hosts of Union refugees + fleeing from the rebel wrath, and incumbering the column with all manner + of vehicles and great droves of stock. Considering the activity of the + Missourians in guerrilla warfare, and the vicious way they usually harried + the Union forces, it is incomprehensible, except on the theory that the + Confederate forces had been stunned into torpor by the blow. The Union + column was able to make its long retreat of 125 miles from Springfield to + Rolla and traverse an exceedingly rough country cut up every few miles by + ravines, gorges and creeks, without the slightest molestation from the six + or eight thousand horsemen whom McCulloch had complained were so much in + the way during the battle on the banks of Wilson's Creek. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link190" id="link190"></a><span class="pn">{190}</span> + </p> + <p> + Gen. McCulloch made a number of lengthy and labored explanations to the + Confederate War Department of his failure to make any pursuit, but in the + light of facts that then should have been attainable none of these was at + all satisfactory. He admits that he did not enter Springfield until after + his scouts had brought him satisfactory assurances that the Union army had + abandoned the town. Aug. 12 he advanced to Springfield, and issued + proclamations to the people announcing himself as their deliverer, and + that his army "by great gallantry and determined courage" had entirely + "routed the enemy with great slaughter." + </p> + <p> + If he expected to be received and feted as a liberator he was sorely + disappointed, and in one of his letters he says in connection with his + customary uncomplimentary allusions to Gen. Price's army, "and from all I + can see we had as well be in Boston as far as the friendly feelings of the + inhabitants are concerned." + </p> + <p> + The truth was that the advance of the Confederates had had a blighting + effect upon that large portion of the people which had hoped to remain + neutral in the struggle. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Lyon, with all his intensity of purpose, had kept uppermost in mind + that he was an agent of the law, and his mission was to enforce the law. + He had kept his troops under excellent discipline, had permitted no + outrages upon citizens, and had either paid for or given vouchers for + anything his men needed, and had generally conducted himself in strict + obedience of the law. His course was a crushing refutal of the + inflammatory proclamations of Gov. Jackson and others about the Union + soldiers being robbers, thieves, ravishers and outragers. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link191" id="link191"></a><span class="pn">{191}</span> + </p> + <p> + Quite different was the course of the twenty or more thousand men whom + Price and McCulloch led into Springfield. They were under very little + discipline of any kind, and were burning with a desire to punish and drive + out of the country not merely those who were outspoken Unionists, but all + who were not radical Secessionists. They knew that the sentiment in + Springfield and the country of which it was the center was in favor of the + Union, and they wanted to stamp this out by terror. + </p> + <p> + While this brought to their ranks a great many of the more pliant + neutrals, it drove away from them a great number, and put into the ranks + of the Union many who had been more or less inclined to the pro-slavery + element. + </p> + <p> + The soreness between Price and McCulloch which had been filmed over before + the battle by Price subordinating himself and his troops to McCulloch, + became more inflamed during the stay at Springfield. In spite of the fact + that the Missouri troops had done much better fighting, and suffered + severer losses in the battle than McCulloch, he persisted in denouncing + them as cowards, stragglers and mobites, without soldierly qualities. + </p> + <p> + The following extracts from a report to J. P. Benjamin, Confederate + Secretary of War, will show the temper which pervaded all his + correspondence, and was probably still more manifest in his personal + relations with the Missourians: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + It was at this point that I first saw the total inefficiency + of the Missouri mounted men under Brig.-Gen. Rains. A + thousand, more or less, of them composed the advance guard, + and whilst reconnoiterlng the enemy's position, some eight + miles distant from our camp, were put to flight by a single + cannon-shot, running in the greatest confusion, without the + loss of a single man except one who died of overheat or + sunstroke, and bringing no reliable information as to the + position or fore of the enemy; nor were they of the + slightest service as scouts or spies afterwards. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link192" id="link192"></a><span class="pn">{192}</span> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + As evidence of this I will mention here the fact of the + enemy being allowed to leave his position, six miles distant + from us, 20 hours before we knew it; thus causing us to make + a night march to surprise the enemy, who was at that time + entirely out of our reach. A day or two previous to this + march the Generals of the Missouri forces, by common consent + on their part and unasked on mine, tendered me the command + of their troops, which I at first declined, saying to them + it was done to throw the responsibility of ordering a + retreat upon me if one had to be ordered for the want of + supplies, their breadstuffs giving out about this time; and, + in truth, we would have been in a starving condition had it + not been for the young corn, which was just in condition to + be used. * * * + + The battle over, it was ascertained that the camp followers, + whose presence I had so strongly objected to, had robbed our + dead and wounded on the battlefield of their arms, and at + the same time had taken those left by the enemy. I tried to + recover the arms thus lost by my men, and also a portion of + those taken from the enemy, but in vain. Gen. Pearce made an + effort to get back those muskets loaned to Gen. Price before + we entered Missouri the first time. I was informed he + recovered only 10 out of 615. I then asked that the battery + be given me, which was one taken by the Louisiana regiment + at the point of the bayonet. The guns were turned over by + the order of Gen. Price, minus the horses and most of the + harness. I would not have demanded these guns had Gen. Price + done the Louisiana regiment justice in his official report + The language used by him was calculated to make the + impression that the battery was captured by his men Instead + of that regiment * * * +</pre> + <p> + McCulloch was a voluminous writer, both to the Confederate War Department + and to personal and official friends, and few of these communications are + without some complaint about the Missouri troops. Everything that he had + failed to do was due to their inefficiency, their lack of soldierly + perceptions, and conduct. They would give him no information, would not + scout nor reconnoiter, and he was continually left in the dark as to the + movements of the enemy. When they were attacked he claimed that they would + run away in a shameful manner. His dislike of Gen. Rains seemed to grow + more bitter continually. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0020" id="linkimage-0020"> + <!-- IMG --> </a> <img src="images/195-Gen%20Samuel%20R%20Curtis.jpg" + alt="195-general Samuel R. J. Curtis" width="100%" /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link193" id="link193"></a><span class="pn">{193}</span> + </p> + <p> + Gen. Price saw a great opportunity and was anxious to improve it. The + retreat of the Union forces from Springfield opened up the whole western + part of the State, and a prompt movement would carry the army forward to + the Missouri River again, where it could control the navigation of that + great stream, receive thousands of recruits now being assembled at places + north of the river, separate the Unionists of Missouri from the loyal + people in Kansas and Nebraska, and hearten up the Secessionists everywhere + as much as it disheartened the Union people, and possibly recover St. + Louis. + </p> + <p> + He pressed this with all earnestness upon Gen. McCulloch, only to have it + received with cold indifference or strong objections. He proposed that if + McCulloch would undertake the movement, that he, Price, would continue in + subordination to him and give him all the assistance that his troops could + give. + </p> + <p> + There is no doubt that Price was entirely right in his views, and that a + prompt forward movement with such forces as he and McCulloch commanded + would have been a very serious matter for the Union cause and carry + discouragement everywhere to add to that which had been caused by the + disaster of Bull Run. + </p> + <p> + The relations between the two Generals constantly became more strained, + and for the latter part of the two weeks which McCulloch remained at + Springfield there was little communication between them. Gen. Price made + good use of the time to bring in recruits from every part of the State + which was accessible and to organize and discipline them for further + service. + </p> + <p> + At the end of a fortnight Gen. McCulloch suffered Gen. Pearce to return to + Arkansas with his Arkansas Division, while Gen. McCulloch retired with his + brigade of Louisianians and Texans, and Price was left free to do as he + pleased. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link194" id="link194"></a><span class="pn">{194}</span> + </p> + <p> + The death of Gen. Lyon at last aroused Gen. Fremont to a fever of energy + to do the things that he should have done weeks before. He began a + bombardment of Washington with telegrams asking for men, money and + supplies, and sent dispatches of the most urgent nature to everybody from + whom he could expect the least help. He called on the Governors of the + loyal Western States to hurry to him all the troops that they could raise, + and asked from Washington Regular troops, artillery, $3,000,000 for the + Quartermaster's Department, and other requirements in proportion. He made + a requisition on the St. Louis banks for money, and showed a great deal of + fertility of resource. + </p> + <p> + Aug. 15, five days after the battle, President Lincoln, stirred up by his + fusillade of telegrams, dispatched him the following: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Washington, Aug. 15, 1861. To Gen. Fremont: + + Been answering your messages ever since day before + yesterday. Do you receive the answers? The War Department + has notified all the Governors you designate to forward all + available force. So telegraphed you. Have you received these + messages? Answer immediately. + + A. LINCOLN. +</pre> + <p> + With relation to his conduct toward Gen. Lyon, Gen. Fremont afterward + testified to this effect before the Committee on the Conduct of the War: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + A glance at the map will make it apparent that Cairo was the + point which first demanded immediate attention. The force + under Gen. Lyon could retreat, but the position at Cairo + could not be abandoned; the question of holding Cairo was + one which involved the safety of the whole Northwest. Had + the taking of St. Louis followed the defeat of Manassas, the + disaster might have been irretrievable; while the loss of + Springfield, should our army be compelled to fall back upon + Rolla, would only carry with it the loss of a part of + Missouri—a loss greatly to be regretted, but not + irretrievable. Having reinforced Cape Girardeau and Ironton, + by the ut-most exertions, I succeeded in getting together + and embarking with a force of 3,800 men, five days after my + arrival in St Louis. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link195" id="link195"></a><span class="pn">{195}</span> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + From St. Louis to Cairo was an easy day's Journey by water, + and transportation abundant To Springfield was a week's + march; and before I could have reached it Cairo would have + been taken and with it, I believe, St Louis. + + On my arrival at Cairo I found the force under Gen. Prentiss + reduced to 1,200 men, consisting mainly of a regiment which + had agreed to await my arrival. A few miles below, at New + Madrid, Gen. Pillow had landed a force estimated at 20,000, + which subsequent events showed was not exaggerated. Our + force, greatly increased to the enemy by rumor, drove him + to a hasty retreat and permanently secured the position. + + I returned to St. Louis on the 4th, having in the meantime + ordered Col. Stephenson's regiment from Boonville, and Col. + Montgomery's from Kansas, to march to the relief of Gen. + Lyon. + + Immediately upon my arrival from Cairo, I set myself at + work, amid incessant demands upon my time from every + quarter, principally to provide reinforcements for Gen. + Lyon. + + I do not accept Springfield as a disaster belonging to my + administration. Causes wholly out of my jurisdiction had + already prepared the defeat of Gen. Lyon before my arrival + at St Louis. +</pre> + <p> + The ebullition of the Secession sentiment in Missouri following the news + of the battle of Wilson's Creek made Gen. Fremont feel that the most + extraordinary measures were necessary in order to hold the State. He had + reasons for this alarm, for the greatest activity was manifested in every + County in enrolling young men in Secession companies and regiments. Heavy + columns were threatening invasion from various points. One of these was + led by Gen. Hardee, a Regular officer of much ability, who had acquired + considerable fame by his translation of the tactics in use in the Army. He + had been appointed to the command of North Arkansas, and had collected + considerable force at Pocahontas, at the head of navigation on the White + River, where he was within easy striking distance of the State and Lyon's + line of retreat, and was threatening numberless direful things. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link196" id="link196"></a><span class="pn">{196}</span> + </p> + <p> + McCulloch and Price had sent special messengers to him to urge him to join + his force with theirs to crush Lyon, or at least to move forward and cut + off Lyon's communications with Rolla. They found Hardee within 400 yards + of the Missouri State line. He had every disposition to do as desired, but + had too much of the Regular officer in him to be willing to move until his + forces were thoroly organized and equipped. There was little in him of the + spirit of Lyon or Price, who improvised means for doing what they wanted + to do, no matter whether regulations permitted it or not. + </p> + <p> + Hardee complained that though he had then 2,300 men and expected to + shortly raise this force to 5,000, one of his batteries had no horses and + no harness, and none of his regiments had transportation enough for field + service, and that all regiments were badly equipped and needed discipline + and instruction. + </p> + <p> + Later, Hardee repaired many of these deficiencies, and was in shape to do + a great deal of damage to the Union cause, and of this Fremont and his + subordinates were well aware. Gens. Polk and Pillow, with quite strong + forces at Columbus, were threatening Cairo and southeast Missouri, and an + advance was made into the State by their picturesque subordinate, Gen. M. + Jeff Thompson, the poet laureate of the New Madrid marshes and the "Swamp + Fox" who was to emulate the exploits of Francis Marion. Thompson moved + forward with a considerable force of irregular mounted men, the number of + which was greatly exaggerated, and it was reported that behind him was a + column commanded by Pillow, ranging all the way from 8,000 to 25,000. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link197" id="link197"></a><span class="pn">{197}</span> + </p> + <p> + Gen. Fremont set an immense force of laborers to work on an elaborate + system of fortification for the city of St. Louis, and also began the + construction of fortifications at Cape Girardeau, Ironton, Rolla and + Jefferson City. He employed laborers instead of using his troops, in order + to give the latter opportunity to be drilled and equipped. He issued the + following startling General Order, which produced the greatest commotion + in the State and outside of it: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Headquarters of the Western Department, + + St Louis, Aug. 31, 1861. + + Circumstances in my judgment of sufficient urgency render it + necessary that the Commanding General of this Department + should assume the administrative power of the State. Its + disorganized condition, the devastation of property by bands + of murderers and marauders who infest nearly every County in + the State, and avail themselves of the public misfortunes + and the vicinity of a hostile force to gratify private and + neighborhood vengeance, and who find an enemy wherever they + find plunder, finally demand the severest measures to + repress the daily increasing crimes and outrages which are + driving off the inhabitants and ruining the State. In this + condition the public safety and the success of our arms + require unity of purpose, without let or hindrance to the + prompt administration of affairs. + + In order, therefore, to suppress disorders, to maintain, as + far as now practicable, the public peace, and to give + security and protection to the persons and property of loyal + citizens, I do hereby extend and declare established martial + law thru-out the State of Missouri. The lines of the army of + occupation in this State are, for the present, declared to + extend from Leavenworth, by way of the posts of Jefferson + City, Rolla and Ironton to Cape Girardeau, on the + Mississippi River. All persons who shall be taken with arms + in their hands within these lines shall be tried by court- + martial, and, if found guilty, will be shot. The property, + real and personal, of all persons in the State of Missouri + who shall take up arms against the United States, or shall + be directly proven to have taken active part with their + enemies in the field, is declared to be confiscated to the + public use; and their slaves, if any they have, are hereby + declared free men. + + All persons who shall be proven to have destroyed, after the + publication of this order, railroad tracks, bridges or + telegraphs, shall suffer the extreme penalty of the law. + + All persons engaged in treasonable correspondence, in giving + or procuring aid to the enemies of the United States, in + disturbing the public tranquility by creating and + circulating false reports or incendiary documents, are in + their own interest warned that they are exposing themselves. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link198" id="link198"></a><span class="pn">{198}</span> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + All persons who have been led away from their allegiance are + required to return to their homes forthwith; any such + absence, without sufficient cause, will be held to be + presumptive evidence against them. + + The object of this declaration is to place in the hands of + the military authorities the power to give Instantaneous + effect to existing laws, and to supply such deficiencies as + the conditions of war demand. But it is not intended to + suspend the ordinary tribunals of the country, where the law + will be administered by the civil officers in the usual + manner and with their customary authority, while the same + can be peaceably exercised. + + The Commanding General will labor vigilantly for the public + welfare, and, in his efforts for their safety, hopes to + obtain not only the acquiescence, but the active support, of + the people of the country. + + J. C. FREMONT, + + Major-General Commanding. +</pre> + <p> + Another man who appeared on the scene as Colonel of the 2d Iowa was Samuel + R. Curtis, an Ohio man, who graduated from West Point in 1831, in the same + class with Gens. Ammen, Humphreys and W. H. Emory. He resigned the next + year and became a prominent civil engineer in Ohio. He served in the + Mexican War as Colonel of the 2d Ohio, and at the close of that struggle + returned to his profession of engineering, removed to Iowa, and at the + outbreak of the war was a member of Congress from that State. He was a man + of decided military ability, and the victory won at Pea Ridge was his + personal triumph. He was to rise to the rank of Major-General and command + an independent army, but become involved in the factional fights in + Missouri and have his further career curtailed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link199" id="link199"></a><span class="pn">{199}</span> + </p> + <p> + Still another name which appears with increased frequency about this time + is that of U. S. Grant, an Ohio man, who had graduated from West Point in + 1843, and had shown much real enterprise and soldiership in Mexico, but + had fallen under the disfavor of his commanding officers; had been + compelled to resign while holding the rank of Captain in the 4th U. S., + and for eight years had had a losing struggle in trying to make a living + in civil pursuits. A happy accident put him at the head of the 21st Ill., + with which he had entered Missouri to guard the Hannibal & St. Joseph + Railroad, and incidentally to dispose of one Thomas A. Harris, a very + energetic and able man who held a Brigadier-Generalship from Gov. Jackson, + and who was making himself particularly active in the neighborhood of that + railroad. Grant showed much energy in chasing around for Harris, but had + never succeeded in bringing him into battle, though when he left for other + scenes Harris was hiding among the knobs of Salt River, with his command + reduced to three enlisted men and his staff. + </p> + <p> + Though he was out of favor with Gen. McClellan and many others who were + directing military operations, in some way a Brigadier-General's + commission came to U. S. Grant, and he was assigned to the District of + Southeastern Missouri, with headquarters at Cape Girardeau, where his duty + was to hold in check the poetical M. Jeff Thompson, the noisy Gideon J. + Pillow and the prelatic Leonidas J. Polk in their efforts to get control + of the southeastern corner of the State and menace Cairo and St. Louis. + </p> + <p> + Maj. Sturgis was promptly made a Brigadier-General to date from Wilson's + Creek, and assigned to the command of Northeast Missouri, where he had + five or six thousand men under him. + </p> + <p> + Capt. Fred Steele had accepted a commission as Colonel of the 8th Iowa; + Capt. Jos. B. Plummer shortly took the Colonelcy of a new regiment, the + 11th Mo.; Capt. Totten became Lieutenant-Colonel and Colonel of the 1st + Mo. Art., of which Schofield was Major. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link200" id="link200"></a><span class="pn">{200}</span> + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the feeling of the officers and soldiers who had + participated in the battle of Wilson's Creek against Sigel, it was found + so necessary to "recognize the Germans" and hold them strongly for the + Union cause that he was made a Brigadier-General to date from May 17, + 1861, which put him in the same class of Volunteer Brigadier-Generals as + Hunter, Heintzelman, Fitz John Porter, Wm. B. Franklin, Wm. T. Sherman, C. + P. Stone, Don Carlos Buell, John Pope, Philip Kearny, Joseph Hooker, U. S. + Grant, John A. McClernand and A. S. Williams, all of whose volunteer + commissions bore the date of May 17. This was subsequently a cause of + trouble. + </p> + <p> + There appeared also another of those figures so common among the State + builders of this country, and upholding to the fullest the character of a + leader of pioneers. James H. Lane was an Indiana man, son of a preacher; + had served with credit as Colonel of Indiana troops in Mexico, and had + been Lieutenant-Governor of Indiana and Member of Congress, but getting at + odds with his party had migrated to Kansas, where his natural talents and + fiery, aggressive courage speedily brought him to the front as the leader + of the warlike Free State men, who resisted with force and arms the + attempts of the Pro-slavery men to dominate the Territory. His instant + readiness for battle and the unsparing energy with which he prosecuted his + enterprises so endeared him to the Free State men that when the State was + admitted there was no question about his election as her first United + States Senator. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link201" id="link201"></a><span class="pn">{201}</span> + </p> + <p> + Kansas had promptly raised two regiments, which had fought superbly at + Wilson's Creek and afterwards joined in the retrograde movement to Rolla. + This left Kansas without any protection, and the people naturally reasoned + that in the advance upon the territory left unguarded by the retirement of + the Union army, Gen. Price and his Missourians would embrace the + opportunity to pay back with interest the debt of vengeance which had been + running since the wars of '56 and '57. Therefore Lane received the + authority to recruit five regiments in Kansas, and went about his work + with his characteristic energy. + </p> + <p> + The 3d, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th Kan. at once began organizing, receiving + many recruits from the young Union men who had been forced to leave + Missouri, and within a week or more after the battle of Wilson's Creek + Gen. Lane had mustered an effective force of about 2,500 men, who had + received some clothing and equipment and much instruction from the Regular + officers and men at Forts Scott, Riley and Leavenworth. + </p> + <p> + With these forces in hand under a man of Lane's well-known character, + neither Gen. Price nor his men had much disposition to meddle with Kansas, + even if the General had not other and more comprehensive views. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Price was not waiting for Fremont's plans to develop before executing + his own. He employed the two weeks after the battle in diligently + organizing his men, and Aug. 26 left Springfield at the head of a column + of about 10,000 enthusiastic young Missourians, who had in that brief time + made great progress in soldiership. He caused great alarm at Fort Scott, + by pointing the head of his column toward that place, and arriving within + 10 miles of it on the night of the 1st of September, sent Rains's + Division, which was made up of men from southwest Missouri, forward to + reconnoiter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link202" id="link202"></a><span class="pn">{202}</span> + </p> + <p> + Rains's advance of 30 mounted men under Capt. Rector Johnson pushed + forward to within sight of Fort Scott, on the morning of Sept. 1, and + captured a drove of 80 Government mules which had been sent out to graze + on the prairies. They also carried off all the able-bodied men that they + could find on their line of march. Two companies of the newly-raised + Kansas cavalry promptly attacked Johnson's command, which fell back across + the line toward the main body, encamped at Dry Wood. Gen. Lane gathered up + such of his volunteers as were in reach, and moved to Dry Wood, where he + offered Gen. Rains battle, but the latter declined to be drawn from the + shelter in the woods in which he had formed his lines, and Lane did not + think it was prudent to attack a force the strength of which he could not + ascertain. + </p> + <p> + A noisy, long-range skirmish ensued, which terminated at nightfall by Lane + withdrawing his forces to Fort Scott. The next day, leaving Col. Jennison + with 400 cavalry in Fort Scott, Lane crossed the Little Osage and threw up + fortifications on its banks to oppose Price's further advance and give him + battle should he attempt to move into Kansas. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Price declined to fight him in his chosen position, but drew his + forces together and started to execute his cherished plan of advancing to + the Missouri River and forming connection there with the troops which + Gens. Harris and Green had been raising in northern Missouri, not + seriously molested in their work by the Union forces under Gens. Pope and + Sturgis. The action at Dry Wood was made the most of by the Secessionists, + who claimed a defeat for the terror-striking "Jim" Lane. The casualties + were insignificant for the forces engaged, as there were but five killed + and 12 wounded on the Union side, and four killed and 16 wounded on the + Confederate. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link203" id="link203"></a><span class="pn">{203}</span> + </p> + <p> + It was feared that after Gen. Price had moved forward to the Missouri + River McCulloch would come up from Arkansas and take Fort Scott, which he + had been authorized to do by the Confederate Secretary of War; but + McCulloch seems to have had other ideas, and spent the weeks in inaction. + </p> + <p> + The situation of the Union men of southwest Missouri became gloomy in the + extreme. The whole country was overrun with guerrilla bands hunting down + the Union men, and not infrequently shooting them on sight. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Fremont had seriously alarmed Polk, Pillow and Thompson by his showy + reinforcement of Cairo with 3,800 men. Though Pillow was reputed to have + about 20,000 troops at his disposal, he was seized with a great fear, + wrote to Hardee at Pocahontas urging him to come to his help, and limited + the sphere of the operations of his dashing lieutenant, M. Jeff Thompson. + Maj.-Gen. Polk seems to have also been deeply impressed, for he wrote to + Pillow urging him to put his troops in trenches in the neighborhood of New + Madrid, strongly fortify that place and stretch a chain across the river + to prevent the passage of gunboats. + </p> + <p> + Then Polk had another tremor, and ordered Pillow to evacuate New Madrid at + once, taking his men and heavy guns across the river to the strong works + of Fort Pillow. Pillow, however, as insubordinate and self-seeking as he + had been in the Mexican War, and thirsting for the distinction of taking + Cape Girardeau, did not obey his superior's orders, but retained his + forces at New Madrid. He had the audacity to write to his superior, + "Withdraw your control over me for a few hours." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link204" id="link204"></a><span class="pn">{204}</span> + </p> + <p> + Pillow, merely hanging on to the remotest fringe of the State, assumed the + title of "Liberator of Missouri", and his correspondence, orders and + proclamations were headed, "Headquarters Army of Liberation." + </p> + <p> + About the same time an old acquaintance, Lieut-Gov. Thos. C. Reynolds, he + of the ready pen and fluent phrases, taking advantage of a hasty journey + of Gov. Jackson to Richmond, assumed full gubernatorial powers, set up his + capital in Pillow's camp at New Madrid, and proceeded to clothe him with + the most extraordinary prerogatives. He made himself the whole of the + "Sovereign people of Missouri," and issued a proclamation withdrawing the + State from the Union. He said that "disregarding the forms and considering + only realities, I view an ordinance for the separation from the North and + union with the Confederate States as a mere outward expression giving + notice to others of an act already consummated in the hearts of the + people." He then proceeded to establish a military despotism which made + the worst of what had been said of Fremont pale before it. He clothed all + the military commanders—not merely those of Missouri provided by the + odious Military Act, but such Confederate commanders as Pillow and Hardee, + who should enter the State—with a most absolute power over the lives + and property of the people of Missouri. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link205" id="link205"></a><span class="pn">{205}</span> + </p> + <p> + The following oath was prescribed which all citizens were to be compelled + to take by any officer of the Missouri State Guards or Confederate army + who might come upon them: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Know all men, that I——————, of the County of—————, + State of Missouri, do solemnly swear that I will bear + true faith and allegiance to the State of Missouri, and + support the Constitution of the State, and that I will not + give aid, comfort, information, protection or encouragement + to the enemies or opposers of the Missouri State Guards, or + their allies, the armies of the Confederate States, upon the + penalty of death for treason. +</pre> + <p> + In the meanwhile Gen. Price, more practical and capable than any of them, + with true military foresight was rushing his troops toward the Missouri + River, gaining recruits and arousing enthusiasm with every day's march. + Leading his own advance he hurried towards Warrensburg, the County seat of + Johnson County, about 30 miles south of Lexington, where he hoped to seize + about $100,000 deposited in the State banks. He arrived too late for this + however, because the Union troops had the same object in view, and had + anticipated him, carrying the money off with them and leaving behind some + very clever caricatures, drawn by the skillful artists among the Germans, + which irritated Price and his men more than it was reasonable they should. + </p> + <p> + The Union commander at Warrensburg, Col. Everett Peabody, of the 13th Mo., + had kept himself well informed as to Price's movements, and retreated from + Warrensburg to Lexington, burning the bridges after he had crossed them. + He sent notice to Fremont of Price's movements. + </p> + <p> + Col. James A. Mulligan, with the 23d 111., an Irish regiment, was ordered + forward to Lexington to Col. Peabdy's assistance, and to hold the place to + the last. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link206" id="link206"></a><span class="pn">{206}</span> + </p> + <p> + The 1st Ill. Cav., Col. Thos. A. Marshall, and fragments of Home Guard + regiments in process of organization, were drawn back to Lexington, in + face of the advance of Price's columns. There was also a mongrel field + battery, consisting of one 4-pounder, three 6-pounders, one 12-pounder and + two little 4-inch howitzers, the latter being useless on account of having + no shells. + </p> + <p> + The cavalry was only armed with pistols and sabers. + </p> + <p> + No official Union reports are on file as to the affair, but the total + strength of the garrison is given unofficially at from 2,640 to 3,300. The + correspondent of the Missouri Republican gives these figures: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 23d 111., Col. Mulligan............................... 800 + + Home Guards, Col. White.......................... 500 + + 13th Mo., Col. Peabody................................ 840 + + 1st Ill. Cav., CoL Marshall........................... 500 + + Total...................................................2,040 +</pre> + <p> + Col. Mulligan assumed command of the whole by seniority of commission. He + was an Irishman with all his race's pugnacity, and also its effervescence. + He was born in Utica, N. Y., in 1830, had graduated from a Roman Catholic + college, studied law, and edited the principal Roman Catholic paper in the + West, "The Tablet." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link207" id="link207"></a><span class="pn">{207}</span> + </p> + <p> + Lexington, which is the County seat of Lafayette County, was a very + important place in frontier times, and the center of the great + hemp-growing region of Missouri. It is situated on the south bank of the + Missouri River, about 300 miles by its course above St. Louis, and about + 84 miles below Kansas City by water, or 42 miles by rail. It consisted of + two towns, Old and New Lexington, about a mile apart, having altogether + about 5,000 people. It had some manufactories and two or three colleges, + one of which, the Masonic College, situated on high ground between Old and + New Lexington, a half mile from the river, was taken by Col. Mulligan for + his position, which he proceeded to fortify with high, substantial works + to accommodate 10,000 men, inclosing about 15 acres on the summit of the + bluffs. Between 2,000 and 3,000 horses and other animals of the trains + were gathered inside this inclosure. + </p> + <p> + A week before Col. Mulligan's arrival, on Sept. 9, Gov. Jackson had + briefly set up his Capital there, and held a session of that portion of + the Legislature which adhered to him. The approach of Col. Pea-body caused + a precipitate adjournment, and there was left behind $800,000 in coin, + which was buried in the cellar of the college, with the great seal of the + State of Missouri. + </p> + <p> + At dawn on Sept. 12, Gen. Price, riding with his advance, Rains's + Division, struck the Union pickets stretching through the cornfields + outside of Lexington, but though he brought up all his infantry within + reach, and McDonald's, Guibor's, and Clark's batteries, his heads of + columns were beaten back everywhere by the stubborn Union soldiers, who + had been waiting three days for him, and he wisely decided to withdraw two + or three miles and wait for the rest of his forces and ammunition wagons + to come up. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link208" id="link208"></a><span class="pn">{208}</span> + </p> + <p> + Col. Mulligan telegraphed to Col. Jeff C. Davis, at Jefferson City—120 + miles away—the fact of Price's advance and his need for help, and + Davis sent the news to Fremont, who ordered forward three regiments and + two batteries to Davis, and directed him to reinforce Mulligan, which he + could do by rail and river. Fremont also sent orders to Pope and Sturgis + to help Mulligan out, but there was not much urgency in the orders, and + each of his subordinates seems to have taken his own time and way of + obeying or not obeying. + </p> + <p> + Jeff C. Davis had at that time something over 5,000 men at Jefferson City, + and subsequent reinforcements raised this number, it was claimed, to + 11,000—certainly to 8,000. Davis afterward became a valuable + division and corps commander, but he certainly did not show up well in + this transaction. He, also, had too much of the "Regular" in him. He + complained of a lack of wagons and harness, commissary supplies and + ammunition, to enable him to make a forward movement. He had none of the + spirit of Lyon and Price, to impress teams and supplies and make means to + do what ought to be done. + </p> + <p> + It was harvest time in that fertile part of Missouri, and his army need + not have suffered for food, wherever he went. But all that he did was to + send forward a couple of regiments to occupy points and prevent the + Secessionists from crossing the river at those places. They had all either + crossed or found other unguarded places. + </p> + <p> + Pope showed similar incapacity. He had 5,000 men in easy reach of + Lexington, but he was more engrossed in the Hannibal & St Joseph + Railroad and in matters in Keokuk and Canton than in Lexington. He + telegraphed to Gen. Fremont that he would move forward 4,000 men to + Lexington, and actually did send forward Lieut.-Col. Scott with the 3d + Iowa and Robt. F. Smith with the 16th 111., with instructions to form a + junction at liberty, in Clay County, and then proceed to Lexington. + Lieut-Col. Scott pushed on to the Blue Mills Landing on the Missouri + River, where he came in contact with a large Secession force. Six + regiments of the Missouri State Guard were there, making their way to + Lexington. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link209" id="link209"></a><span class="pn">{209}</span> + </p> + <p> + D. R. Atchison, former Senator from Missouri, President of the United + States Senate, and of much notoriety during the Kansas and Nebraska + troubles, took command of this force and attacked Col. Scott, compelling + rapid retreat. Atchison reported to Price the usual story about the small + number under his command and the large force of the Yankees routed, but + this does not harmonize with his praises to Cols. Sanders, Patten, Childs, + Cundliff, Wilfley, and Maj. Gause, each of whom he says handled his + "regiment" with great gallantry. + </p> + <p> + Col. Smith met Col. Scott in his retreat, learned from him the + overwhelming force in front, and retreated with him, so that portion of + the relief came to naught. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Sturgis moved forward from Mexico with about 4,000 men and reached + the Missouri River, but finding no means for crossing, and surveying the + host that was gathered around the city, retired with such haste as to + leave his tents and camp equipage. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Price proceeded with astonishing deliberation, when we consider that + he must have known that Fremont had something over 20,000 men within + striking distance. + </p> + <p> + Retreat was still open for Col. Mulligan, as he had two steamboats at his + command, but he felt that his orders obliged him to remain in Lexington + for the protection of much public property which had been gathered there, + and that as his situation was known to Gen. Fremont, relief would be + speedily sent to him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link210" id="link210"></a><span class="pn">{210}</span> + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, every hour had swelled Gen. Price's forces. Some of the + Secession writers have claimed that there were actually as many as 38,000 + men gathered in his camps. Of course, a large proportion of his force was + useless unless to help beat off a relieving column, because, owing to the + small extent of the position occupied by Col. Mulligan, only a limited + number of men could be employed against it, and 10,000 were as effective + as 100,000. A very large portion of Gen. Price's forces were men who + flocked to his camp as to a picnic or a barbecue, because something was + going on, and they fell away from him again when he began a backward + movement, as rapidly as they came. + </p> + <p> + Then ensued for six days a very strange battle. Swarms of Missourians + crowded the ravines in the bluffs, behind trees, stones, the walls, fences + and chimneys of the houses, and whatever else would afford adequate + protection, and kept up an incessant fusillade upon the garrison safely + ensconced behind thick banks of earth. When a squad occupying a secure + shelter grew tired, or had fired away all its ammunition, it would go back + to camp for dinner, when their places would be taken by others eager to + share in the noise and excitement and have a story to take back home of + the number of Yankees who had fallen under their deadly aim. If all these + stories of the men "who had been at Lexington" could have been true, more + men would have been sent to the grave than answered Lincoln's call for + 500,000 volunteers. The artillerists were as enthusiastic and industrious + as the men with "Yager" rifles and shotguns, and banged away with + unflagging zeal and corresponding lack of mortality. The walls of the + college were badly scarred, but the worst effect was that an occasional + shell would take effect among the horses, and drop on the ground carcasses + which speedily putrified under the hot sun, and added an unbearable stench + to the other hardships of the garrison. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link211" id="link211"></a><span class="pn">{211}</span> + </p> + <p> + This went on day and night, for the moon was bright, and there was no + reason why a man who had powder and shot, and could not get an opportunity + at any of the coverts during the day, should not put in pleasantly a few + hours at night. + </p> + <p> + Naturally a rain of bullets, even though they might hit rarer than + lightning strokes, had a wearing effect on the garrison. + </p> + <p> + While this noisy fusillade by the mob of truculent bushwhackers was going + on, there were much more soldierly occurrences by the more soldierly men + on both sides. + </p> + <p> + There were sorties and counter-sorties in which the greatest gallantry was + displayed on both sides, and in which substantially all the losses + occurred. The Secessionists captured a Union flag in one of these, which + was balanced by a Secession flag captured by the 1st 111. Cav. Owing to + the great superiority of the enemy in numbers, the finality of all these + was against the garrison, which was everywhere pushed back from the edges + of the bluff, and also from some buildings on the bluffs overlooking the + works. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Rains's Division invested the eastern and northeastern position of + Mulligan's works; Gen. Parsons the southwestern, with Clark's Division, + commanded by Col. Congreve Jackson, and Steen's Division as reserves. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link212" id="link212"></a><span class="pn">{212}</span> + </p> + <p> + Col. Rives, commanding Gen. Slack's Division, occupied the west along the + river bank and captured the steamboats by which Mulligan could escape or + receive reinforcements; Gens. Harris and Mc-Bride extended this line along + the north, cutting off the garrison from all access to the river and + water. This became very effective in forcing surrender, as not only the + men but the animals suffered terribly from thirst. + </p> + <p> + By the morning of Sept. 18, six days after the first encounter with the + pickets, Gen. Price had all his forces up and properly disposed about the + garrison. He and his principal subordinates were very weary of the noisy + and fruitless bushwhacking, and eager for something more conclusive. + </p> + <p> + Orders were issued for the whole line to close in upon the Union works, + and they were gallantly responded to and met as gallant resistance from + the beleaguered garrison in the 52 hours of stubborn fighting which + ensued. Col. Congreve Jackson, commanding Gen. John B. Clark's Third + Division, reported that he succeeded in getting to within 460 yards of the + College. + </p> + <p> + Col. Benj. A. Rives, commanding Gen. Slack's Fourth Division, says that + after having been driven back by a gallant counter-assault, he got within + 100 yards of the College. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Steen lays claim for his division of having defeated Lieut.-Col. + Scott, after which he passed back into the reserve. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link213" id="link213"></a><span class="pn">{213}</span> + </p> + <p> + Gen. Mosby M. Parsons, commanding the Sixth Division, says that he reached + to within 500 yards of the College, and also crossed the river with 3,000 + men, to repel Sturgis, who "retired in confusion, leaving 200 of their + tents." + </p> + <p> + Gen. J. H. McBride, commanding the Seventh Division, says that he + succeeded in forming a breastwork with hemp bales "100 yards from the + enemy's works." + </p> + <p> + Gen. Jas. S. Rains says that with the Second Division, numbering 3,025 + rank and file, he succeeded in gaining a position 350 yards north and 500 + yards east of the College. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Thos. A. Harris does not give the point he reached, but the + concurrent testimony is that he was the closest of all, and is supported + by the fact that his division sustained the heaviest loss. To his division + is due the credit of the famous device of hemp bales as advancing + breastworks. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Price quietly appropriates the credit for the device to himself, + saying in his report: + </p> + <p> + On the morning of the 20th inst I caused a number of hemp bales to be + transported to the river nights, where moveable breastworks were speedily + constructed out of them by Cols. Harris, McBride, Rives and Maj. Winston, + and their respective commands. Capt. Kelly's battery was ordered at the + same time to the position occupied by Gen. Harris's force, and quickly + opened an effective fire under the direction of its gallant Captain. + </p> + <p> + These demonstrations, particularly the continued advance of the hemp + breastworks, which were as efficient as the cotton bales at New Orleans, + quickly attracted attention and excited and alarmed the enemy. They were, + however, repulsed in every instance by the unflinching courage and fixed + determination of the men. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Harris says in his report to Gen. Price: "I then directed Capt. Geo. + A. Turner, of my staff, to request of you 132 bales of hemp, which you + promptly credited. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link214" id="link214"></a><span class="pn">{214}</span> + </p> + <p> + "I directed the bales to be wet in the river to protect them against the + casualties of fire of our troops and the enemy's, and soon discovered that + the wetting was so materially increasing the weight as to prevent our men + in their exhausted condition from rolling them to the crest of the hill. I + then adopted the idea of wetting the hemp after it had been transported to + this position." + </p> + <p> + The credit has also been stoutly claimed for Col. Thomas Hinkle, of + Wellington County, Mo., who two years later was killed in command of a + guerrilla organization. No matter whose, the idea was singularly + effective, and despite the most gallant efforts of the garrison, the hemp + bales were steadily rolled nearer, until by 2 o'clock in the afternoon of + the 20th they were in places as close as from 50 to 75 yards of the Union + works. At this distance it would be easy to mass an overpowering force + behind their cover to rush upon and instantly overwhelm the garrison. + </p> + <p> + The garrison, which had now been fighting for eight long days; which was + so short of ammunition that most of the cartridge boxes were empty, and + there was no supply from which to refill them; which was tortured with + thirst, surrounded with hundreds of animals dying from lack of water, at + last raised the white flag. + </p> + <p> + After eight days of waiting there was no more sign of rescue than there + was on the first, and everywhere they could look their enemies swarmed in + apparently limitless numbers. Gen. Price granted the garrison honorable + terms. The officers were to remain as prisoners of war, the men to lay + down their arms, take the oath not to fight any more against Missouri, and + to be sent across the river and allowed to go whither they would. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link215" id="link215"></a><span class="pn">{215}</span> + </p> + <p> + With shrewd policy he allowed Col. Mulligan to retain his sword and showed + him a great many civilities. Mulligan was a representative Irishman, and + this would bear fruit in the attitude of the Irish toward the war. In his + report to Gov. Jackson Gen. Price sums up the fruits of his victory as + follows: + </p> + <p> + Our entire loss in this series of engagements amounts to 25 killed and 72 + wounded. The enemy's loss was much greater. + </p> + <p> + The visible fruits of this almost bloodless victory are very great—about + 3.500 prisoners, among whom are Cols. Mulligan, Marshall, Peabody, White, + and Grover, Maj. Van Horn and 118 other commissioned officers, five pieces + of artillery and two mortars, over 8,000 stands of Infantry arms, a large + number of sabers, about 750 horses, many sets of cavalry equipments, + wagons, teams and ammunition, more than 8100,-000 worth of commissary + stores, and a large amount of other property. In addition to all this, I + obtained the restoration of the great seal of the State and the public + records, which had been stolen from their proper custodian, and about + $900,-000 in money, of which the bank at this place had been robbed, and + which I have caused to be returned to it. + </p> + <p> + Of Gen. Price's characteristics that of under-statement was certainly not + one; but there is no use caviling about this, since the disaster was in + all conscience bad enough for the Union side. + </p> + <p> + Col Mulligan's official report is not included in the Rebellion Records. + It was quite a rhetorical statement of the affair, with unstinted praise + for his own regiment and Irish valor generally, much condemnation for the + Germans, between whom and the Irish there was at that time a great deal of + feeling, and absolutely ignoring all the rest who participated in the + defense. This was particularly unjust to the 1st ID. Cav. While the 23d + 111. had taken the best and strongest part of the line, the 1st 111. Cav. + had defended the weakest and most exposed part, that, too, with only + pistols and sabers, and had captured the only flag taken during the siege. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link216" id="link216"></a><span class="pn">{216}</span> + </p> + <p> + The total loss of the garrison is usually given as 39 killed and 120 + wounded. + </p> + <p> + Probably Gen. Price in his report only mentioned the losses in his + organized forces. If his wounded did not exceed 72, his men showed unusual + ability in keeping under cover. + </p> + <p> + While the loss did not approach that of the desperate fight at Wilson's + Creek, yet it was respectably large according to European standards, the + garrison having lost about six per cent before surrendering. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Fremont announced this calamity to Washington in the following + telegrams: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Headquarters Western Department, St. Louis, Sept. 28, 1861. + I have a telegram from Brookfleld that Lexington has fallen + into Price's hands, he having cut off Mulligan's supply of + water. Reinforcements 4,000 strong, under Sturgis, by + capture of ferryboats, had no means of crossing the river in + time. Lane's force from the southwest and Davis's from the + southeast upwards of 11,000, could not get there in time. I + am taking the field myself, and hope to destroy the enemy + either before or after the junction of forces under + McCulloch. Please notify the President immediately. + + J. C. FREMONT, + + Major-General Commanding. Col. E. D. Townsend, Assistant + Adjutant-General, Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D.C. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Headquarters Western Department, Sept 23, 1861. Nothing + since my dispatch of this morning. Our loss 39 killed, 120 + wounded. Loss of enemy, 1,400 killed and wounded. Our non- + commissioned officers and privates sworn and released. + Commissioned officers held as prisoners. Our troops are + gathering around the enemy. I will send you from the field + more details in a few days. + + JOHN C. FREMONT, Major-General Commanding. Hon. S. + Cameron, Secretary of War. +</pre> + <p> + The patient and much enduring President answered as follows: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Headquarters of the Army, Washington, Sept. 23, 1861. John + C. Fremont, Major-General Commanding, St Louis, Mo.: Your + dispatch of this day is received. The President is glad that + you are hastening to the scene of action. His words are "He + expects you to repair the disaster at Lexington without loss + of time." WINFIELD SCOTT. +</pre> + <p> + Fremont began to topple to his fall. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link217" id="link217"></a><span class="pn">{217}</span> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. FREMONT'S MARVELOUS INEFFECTIVENESS. + </h2> + <p> + Gen. Sterling Price had scored a victory which gave him an enduring hold + upon the confidence and esteem of the Missourians. With the least means he + had achieved the most success of any Confederate General so far. His + conduct at the battle of Wilson's Creek had endeared him to the men he + commanded. He exposed himself with utmost indifference to the fiercest + firing, showed good judgment as to movements, was not discouraged after + repeated repulses, and was everywhere animating and encouraging the men + and bringing them forward into line of battle. + </p> + <p> + He sympathized with those who were wounded, and had them cared for, and + immediately returned to the fighting with fresh troops. + </p> + <p> + It is true, however, that he had shown no generalship, but merely + demonstrated himself a good Colonel, in leading up one regiment after + another and putting them into the fight. + </p> + <p> + Lexington brought an immensity of prestige to Price and encouragement to + the Secessionists and did a corresponding injury to the Union cause. It + added immeasurably to the burdens which President Lincoln had to bear. He + could make Brigadier-and Major-Generals, but he could not endow them with + generalship. + </p> + <p> + The Senate could confirm them, but they were still more confirmed in the + dull, unenterprising routine of camp and administrative regulations. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link218" id="link218"></a><span class="pn">{218}</span> + </p> + <p> + The modest bars of a Captain on their shoulder straps had been, as it + were, changed in the twinkling of an eye into the refulgent stars of a + General, but they seemed to take this as a deserved tribute to their + personal worth, rather than as an incentive and opportunity for the + greater things which had made their predecessors illustrious. + </p> + <p> + Fremont, in the palatial Brandt Mansion, for which the Government was + paying the very unusual rent of $6,000 per year, was maintaining a vice + regal court as difficultly accessible as that of any crowned head of + Europe. His uncounted and glittering staff, which seemed to have received + the Pentecostal gift of tongues—in which English was not included—was + headed by a mysterious "Adlatus,"—a title before unknown in America + or to the dictionaries, and since retired to oblivion. Naturally, the + Adlatus's command of English was limited. His knowledge of Missouri was + even more so. Though commanding Missouri and dealing intensely with + Missouri affairs, the men surrounding Fremont were everything but + Missourians or those acquainted with Missouri affairs. It would have been + surprising to find one of them who could bound the State and name its + principal rivers. + </p> + <p> + This, too, in the midst of a multitude of able, educated, influential + Missourians who were ardent Unionists and were burning with zeal to serve + the cause. Not one of them appears in the Fremont entourage. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link219" id="link219"></a><span class="pn">{219}</span> + </p> + <p> + Gens. Pope, Sturgis, Jeff C. Davis, Hunter,—all Regulars and trained + to war; Sigel, with his profound theoretical knowledge and his large + experience; Curtis, lately returned to the Army with his military training + supplemented by wide experience in civil life; Hurlbut, the brilliant + orator and politician, were all busily engaged in something or other that + kept them from interfering with Price while he lingered on the Missouri + River gathering up recruits and stripping the Union farmers of that rich + agricultural region of cattle and grain sufficient to feed his army during + the coming Winter, and of horses and wagons to haul off his spoils and + thoroly equip his army with transportation. + </p> + <p> + The only really soldierly thing done at this time was by the "political + General,"—the erratic, demagogic, trumpet-sounding "Jim" Lane. He + was commanding men who had come out from home to do something toward + fighting the war and not to stay in camp and be drilled into automatons. + He could only maintain his hold on them and his ascendency in Kansas + politics by action. + </p> + <p> + Learning that Price had left a large stock of ammunition at the important + little town of Osceola, the head of navigation on the Osage River, under + strong guard, Lane led his brigade a swift march from Kansas upon the + town, and succeeded in surprising the garrison, which, after a brief + resistance, retreated and left it to Lane's mercy, whereupon he proceeded + to not only destroy the very considerable quantity of stores which Price + had accumulated there, but to burn down the town. This was an exceedingly + ill-advised ending to a piece of brilliant soldiership, because not only + was it injustice to an enemy, but it was a severe blow upon Union men who + owned full one-third of the property destroyed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link220" id="link220"></a><span class="pn">{220}</span> + </p> + <p> + A large number of these were engaged in the trade of the Southwest, for + which Osceola was a distributing center. Goods were brought up the river + during the high water and then shipped through the country by wagons. The + town was also the County seat of St. Clair County, and contained the + public records, etc. + </p> + <p> + Still more unfortunate was it that Lane's act was taken as an excuse for + the Missouri guerrillas to retaliate upon Kansas towns and the property of + the Union people in their own State. Lane says in his report: "The enemy + ambushed the approaches to the town, and after being driven from them by + the advance under Cols. Montgomery and Weer, they took refuge in the + buildings of the town to annoy us. We were compelled to shell them out, + and in doing so the place was burned to ashes, with an immense amount of + stores of all descriptions. There were 15 or 20 of them killed and + wounded; we lost none. Full particulars will be furnished you hereafter." + </p> + <p> + This shows that even he felt the necessity of apologizing for the act, but + the apology is too transparent. The fact was that the Kansas men saw an + opportunity to pay back some of their old scores against the Missourians + and did not fail to improve it. + </p> + <p> + In spite of Gen. Fremont's promise to the President to "take the field + himself and attempt to destroy the enemy," he moved with exceeding + deliberation. It is true that he left St. Louis for Jefferson City, Sept. + 27, a week after Mulligan's surrender, but that week had been well + employed by Price in gathering up all that he could carry away and making + ready to avoid the blow which he knew must fall. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link221" id="link221"></a><span class="pn">{221}</span> + </p> + <p> + After arriving at Jefferson City, Fremont, instead of taking the troops + which were near at hand and making a swift rush upon his enemy, the only + way in which he could hope to hurt him, began the organization of a + "grande armée" upon the European model, and that which McClellan was + deliberately organizing in front of Washington. + </p> + <p> + The impatient people, who were paying the $3,000,000 a day which the war + was now beginning to cost, and who had begun to murmur for results, were + amused by stories of plans of sweeping down the Mississippi clear to New + Orleans, taking Memphis, Vicksburg and other strongholds on the way, + severing the Southern Confederacy in twain, so that it would fall into + hopeless ruin. + </p> + <p> + This was entirely possible at that time with the army that had been given + Fremont, had it been handled with the ability and boldness of Sherman's + March to the Sea. + </p> + <p> + Two weeks after Mulligan's surrender Fremont announced the formation of + this grand "Army of the West," containing approximately 50,000 men. This + was grouped as follows: + </p> + <p> + The First Division, to which Gen. David Hunter was assigned, consisted of + 9,750 men, and was ordered to take position at Versailles, about 40 miles + southwest of Jefferson City, and became the Left Wing of the Army. + </p> + <p> + Gen. John Pope was given command of the Second Division of 9,220 men and + ordered to take station at Boonville, 50 miles northwest of Jefferson + City. His position was to be the Right Wing of the army. + </p> + <p> + The Third Division, 7,980 strong, was put under command of Gen. Franz + Sigel, and made the advance of the army, with its station at Sedalia and + Georgetown, 64 miles west of Jefferson City. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link222" id="link222"></a><span class="pn">{222}</span> + </p> + <p> + The Fifth Division, commanded by Gen. Asboth, had 6,461 men, and + constituted the reserve at Tipton, on the railroad, 38 miles west of + Jefferson City. + </p> + <p> + The Fifth Division, 5,388 men, under Gen. Justus McKinstry, formed the + center and was posted at Syracuse, five miles west of Tipton. + </p> + <p> + Beside these, Gen. Sturgis held Kansas City with 3,000 men and Gen. Jas. + H. Lane, with 2,500 men, was to move in Kansas down the State line, + between Fort Scott and Kansas City, to protect Kansas from an incursion in + that direction, and as opportunity offered attack Price's flank. + </p> + <p> + Thus, there were 38,789 effectives in the five divisions, which with + Sturgis's and Lane's forces made a total force of 44,289, not including + garrisons which swell the total of the army to over 90,000. + </p> + <p> + Among these Division Commanders were two whom Fremont had discovered and + created Brigadier-Generals out of his own volition, without consultation + at Washington. + </p> + <p> + These were Gens. Asboth and McKinstry. Gen. Alexander (Sandor) Asboth, + born in 1811, was a Hungarian and an educated engineer, with considerable + experience in and against the Austrian army. He had entered ardently into + the Revolution of 1848, and built a bridge in a single night by which the + Revolutionary army crossed and won the brilliant victory of Nagy Salo. He + became Adjutant-General of the Hungarian army, and when the Revolution was + crushed by Russian troops, escaped with Kossuth into Turkey, came to this + country, and became a naturalized citizen. He was by turns farmer, + teacher, engineer, and manufacturer of galvanized articles. He sided with + the Union Germans, went on Fremont's staff, and was appointed a + Brigadier-General. The Senate refused to recognize the appointment, but in + consideration of his good service he was reappointed, served creditably + through the war, was brevetted a Major-General, and after the war sent as + Minister to the Argentine Confederation, where he died in 1868. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link223" id="link223"></a><span class="pn">{223}</span> + </p> + <p> + The other, Justus McKinstry, was born in New York and appointed to the + Military Academy from Michigan, where he graduated 40th in the class of + 1838, of which Beauregard, Barry, Irvin McDowell, W. J. Hardee, R. S. + Granger, Henry H. Sibley, Edward Johnson and A. J. Smith were members. He + had served creditably in the Mexican War, receiving a brevet for gallantry + at Contreras and Churubusco, and at the outbreak of the war was a Major + and Quartermaster at St. Louis, where he did very much to frustrate Lyon's + plans and was regarded by him as a Secessionist at heart. He continued to + hold his position, however, as Chief Quartermaster of the Department of + the West until Fremont appointed him Brigadier-General. + </p> + <p> + Shortly after Fremont's removal he was placed under arrest at St. Louis + and ordered before a court-martial, which did not convene, and he was at + last summarily dismissed for "neglect and violation of duty, to the + prejudice of good order and military discipline." He became a stock broker + in New York City, and afterwards a land agent at Rolla, Mo. + </p> + <p> + It will be seen by the map that the disposition of the troops was good, + and that Fremont had the advantage of short lines from Sedalia and Rolla + to cut Price's line of retreat, recapture the spoils he was hastening to a + place of safely, and destroy, or at least disperse, his army. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link224" id="link224"></a><span class="pn">{224}</span> + </p> + <p> + Fremont, however, made no use of this advantage, and Price seems to have + had no apprehension that he would. Price remained in Lexington until Oct + 1, serenely contemplating the gigantic preparations made for his + destruction, and then having gathered up all that he could readily get, + and reading Fremont's order for a forward movement of the Army of the + West, thought, like the prudent meadow lark, that probably something would + be now done, and the time had come for moving. He began a deliberate + retreat, crossing the Osage River at Osceola, and reaching Greenfield, 150 + miles away, at the very comfortable pace of 15 miles a day. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Fremont ordered the Army of the West forward, but the so-called + pursuit was very much like hunting a fox on a dray. He was encumbered with + immense trains, for which bridges had to be built over numerous streams + and roads made thru the rough country. The trains seemed to contain a + world of unnecessary things and an astonishing lack of those necessary. + Apparently almost anybody who had anything to sell could find purchasers + among the numerous men about Fremont's headquarters who had authority to + buy, or assumed it. + </p> + <p> + One astonishing item in the purchases was a great number of half barrels + for holding water, rather an extraordinary provision in a country like + Missouri, where in the month of October water is disposed to be in + excessive quantities. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the astonishing purchase of mules by everybody and + anybody, none of the Division Commanders seem to have had mules enough to + pull their wagons. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link225" id="link225"></a><span class="pn">{225}</span> + </p> + <p> + The division started out like the horses of a balky team. Gen. Pope, of + the Right Wing, left Jefferson City Oct. 11, Sigel got away from Sedalia + with the Third Division Oct. 13, the same day Hunter left Tipton with the + Left Wing, and Asboth followed on Oct 14. Even when they started their + progress was very slow, for the columns were halted at streams to build + bridges and in the rough countries to wait for the sappers and miners to + make passable roads. + </p> + <p> + When one column was halted, all the rest had to do likewise, for though + Price kept the safe distance of 100 miles away, Fremont was in constant + apprehension of battle, and held his columns in close supporting distance. + He did not get across the Osage River until Oct. 25, or nine days after + Price's leisurely crossing that important stream, on the banks of which it + was confidently expected that he would give battle. + </p> + <p> + Price, with his diminishing forces, had no such intention, but fell back + toward Neosho, to cover as long as possible the Granby Mines, seven miles + from that place, which were the most important source of lead for the + Southern Confederacy, to which they supplied 200,000 pounds per month. + </p> + <p> + Gov. Jackson took advantage of this breathing spell to call the + Legislature together at Neosho, where it held a two weeks' "rump" session + of the small minority of that body which favored Secession. They passed an + ordinance of Secession and elected Senators and Representatives to the + Confederate Congress, adjourning when they heard that Fremont had at last + passed the Osage. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link226" id="link226"></a><span class="pn">{226}</span> + </p> + <p> + Then Price took up his line of retreat toward the southern boundary of the + State to get near Gen. Ben McCulloch, who had posted his forces at Cross + Hollow, in Benton County, northwest Arkansas. Gen. Price took up his + position at Pineville, in the extreme southwestern corner of Missouri, + where the rough, hilly country offered great chances to the defense, and + again began communication with Gen. McCulloch to induce him to unite his + force with his own and attack the Union army. + </p> + <p> + He had correctly estimated Fremont's generalship, and thought there was a + possibility of massing his and McCulloch's forces, to attack a portion of + Fremont's army, drive it back and defeat him in detail. McCulloch, in + spite of his ranger reputation, entirely lacked Price's aggressive spirit, + and thought that it would be much better to fall back to the Boston + Mountain, about 50 miles farther south, and make a stand there. He so + informed Gen. Price. + </p> + <p> + While McCulloch had no disposition to enter Missouri and defend it against + the Union troops, he had no hesitation about treating it as part of + Confederate territory. Desiring to embarrass and delay Fremont's advance + as much as possible, he sent forward his Texas cavalry to burn the mills, + forage and grain as far in the direction of Springfield as they could + safely go, and urged Price to do the same. McCulloch's Texans soon lighted + up the southwest country with burning mills, barns and stacks. + </p> + <p> + To this Gen. Price was bitterly opposed. The mills and grain were in many + instances the property of the Secessionists, and to destroy them would be + to inflict worse punishment on his own people than the Union commanders + had ever done, and would embitter them against his cause. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link227" id="link227"></a><span class="pn">{227}</span> + </p> + <p> + Price repeatedly represented to McCulloch that altogether they would have + 25,000 men, and if McCulloch did not desire to go forward they could make + a good defensive battle inside the State on the hills around Pineville. To + leave it would cause the loss of very many Missourians who had enlisted in + the State Guard to defend Missouri, and who would feel that they had no + cause to fight outside of the State. + </p> + <p> + After crossing the Osage Fremont halted near Connersville, about 25 miles + south of Warsaw, where he crossed the river, and then advanced with Sigel + to Bolivar, on the Springfield road, and sent forward Maj. Charles Zagonyi + with 150 of his famous Body Guard and Maj. F. J. White with 180 men of the + 1st Mo. Cav., to make a reconnoissance in the direction of Springfield. + </p> + <p> + Fremont's Body Guard had played a large part in the pomp and circumstance + of his administration. Maj. Chas. Zagonyi was a picturesque and + effervescent Hungarian, who recounted fascinating stories of his + experience as a subordinate to Gen. Bern during the Hungarian Revolution. + Fremont had authorized him to raise a body guard, in imitation of the + famous troops of Europe, and the novelty of the organization attracted to + it a great number of quite fine young men, most of whom were from the + country around Cincinnati—one company being from Kentucky. They were + formed into three companies, mounted on fine blooded bay horses, showily + uniformed and each armed with two navy revolvers, a five-barreled rifle + and a saber. + </p> + <p> + All the officers were Americans except three—one Hollander and two + Hungarians. The members of the Guard, in addition to their expensive and + showy outfit, did not conceal from the other soldiers that they were + picked men and considered themselves superior to the ordinary run, which + did not enhance their popularity with their comrades. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link228" id="link228"></a><span class="pn">{228}</span> + </p> + <p> + Majs. Zagonyi and White marched all that night, and the next day, about + noon, when about eight miles north of Springfield, learned that there was + a force of at least 1,500 Confederates in the town. + </p> + <p> + One of the rebel pickets who had not been captured hastened back to + Springfield and gave the alarm, so that the Confederates were in readiness + for them. Feeling that this would be so, Majs. Zagonyi and White + determined to move around the town and approach it from the west on the + Mt. Vernon road. In this movement White became separated from Zagonyi, + who, about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, came most unexpectedly upon the + Secessionists drawn up in line at the end of a long lane. + </p> + <p> + A heavy rail fence intervened between Zagonyi and the head of the lane, + and an opening had to be made through this under a heavy fire from the + enemy. The moment a gap was made, Zagonyi shouted to his men to follow + him, and do as he did, raising the battle cry, "Fremont and the Union." He + dashed gallantly forward, straight for the center of the rebel line, + followed at a gallop by his command. The Confederate fire did fearful + execution upon the Guard as it was crowded in the lane, but in a few + seconds the lane was passed and the cavalry saber began doing its wild + work. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link229" id="link229"></a><span class="pn">{229}</span> + </p> + <p> + The center of the enemy's lines was at once broken by the terrible impact + of galloping horses and the Confederates began a panicky retreat, followed + by the vengeful horsemen shooting and sabering them as they ran. The + infantry ran through the town to the shelter of the woods, and the + Confederate cavalry fell back down the road, pursued by the Guard until it + was getting nightfall, when Zagonyi recalled them and returned to the + Court House, raised the Union flag from it, released the Union prisoners + confined in the jail, gathered up his dead and wounded, and after dark + decided to fall back until he met the advance of the army. + </p> + <p> + He had lost 15 men killed and 26 wounded, and reported that he had found + 23 Confederates dead after the charge was over. This brilliant action, + which was then compared with the Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaklava, + redeemed the soldiers of the Guards in the eyes of their comrades, and it + became an honor to belong to that organization. + </p> + <p> + The next morning Maj. White reached Springfield with a few Home Guards, + where he found the Confederates still dazed by the occurrences of the day + before, and he was careful not to undeceive them as to his strength. He + solemnly received the flag of truce, said that he would have to refer the + matter to Gen. Sigel, threw out his men as pickets, permitted the people + to bury their dead, and then prudently fell back to meet the advance of + the army. + </p> + <p> + Fremont took up his quarters in Springfield, and began ostentatious + preparations for an immediate decisive battle, though Price was then more + than 50 miles away from him. This Fremont should have known, for in some + mysterious manner he was within ready communication with him, so much so + as to be able to conclude the following remarkable convention which was + duly published in a joint proclamation: + </p> + <p> + <a name="link230" id="link230"></a><span class="pn">{230}</span> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + To All Peaceably-Disposed Citizens of the State of Missouri, + Greeting: + + Whereas a solemn agreement has been entered into by and + between Maj.-Gens. Fremont and Price, respectively, + commanding; antagonistic forces in the State of Missouri, to + the effect that in the future arrests or forcible + interference by armed or unarmed parties of citizens within + the limits of said State for the mere entertainment or + expression of political opinions shall hereafter cease; that + families now broken up for such causes may be reunited, and + that the war now progressing shall be exclusively confined + to armies in the field: + + Therefore, be it known to all whom it may concern: + + 1. No arrests whatever on account of political opinions, or + for the merely private expression of the same, shall + hereafter be made within the limits of the State of + Missouri, and all persons who may have been arrested and are + now held to answer upon such charges only shall be forthwith + released; but it is expressly declared that nothing in this + proclamation shall be construed to bar or interfere with any + of the usual and regular proceedings of the established + courts under statutes and orders made and provided for such + offenses. + + 2. All peaceably disposed citizens who may have been driven + from their homes because of their political opinions, or who + may have left them from fear of force and violence, are + hereby advised and permitted to return, upon the faith of + our positive assurances that while so returning they shall + receive protection from both the armies in the field + wherever it can be given. + + 3. All bodies of armed men acting without the authority or + recognition of the Major-Generals before named, and not + legitimately connected with the armies in the field, are + hereby ordered at once to disband. + + 4. Any violation of either of the foregoing articles shall + subject the offender to the penalty of military law, + according to the nature of the offense. + + In testimony whereof the aforesaid Maj.-Gen. John Charles + Fremont, at Springfield, Mo., on this 1st day of November, + A. D. 1861, and Maj.-Gen. Sterling Price, at Cassville, Mo., + on this 6th day of November, A. D. 1861, have hereunto set + their hands, and hereby mutually pledge their earnest + efforts to the enforcement of the above articles of + agreement according to their full tenor and effect, to the + best of their ability. + + J. C FREMONT, Major-General Commanding. + + STERLING PRICE, Major-General Commanding. +</pre> + <p> + The practical effect of this was that Price was allowed to send such of + his men as he wished home for the Winter, with a safeguard against their + being molested by the Union troops, but it had no effect in protecting + Union men from being harassed by guerrilla tormentors, who cared as little + for conventions and proclamations as for the Sermon on the Mount. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link231" id="link231"></a><span class="pn">{231}</span> + </p> + <p> + In the meanwhile Fremont's astonishing ill success in purely military + matters, the freely expressed opinion of all who came in contact with him + as to his glaring incompetence, added to the fearful stories of the + corruption of the men immediately surrounding him, were making his + position very insecure. President Lincoln sent his intimate and life-long + friend, David Davis, whom he was about to elevate to the Supreme Bench, to + St. Louis with a commission to investigate the rank-smelling contracts and + disbursements. No report was ever made public, but it was generally known + that they found even worse than they feared. + </p> + <p> + The Secretary of War, Simon Cameron, undertook a tour of investigation on + his own account, accompanied by Adj't-Gen. Lorenzo Thomas. Some of the + things which they found are set forth in the following extracts from the + memorandum from Gen. Thomas to his superior officer: + </p> + <p> + Gen. Curtis said of Gen. Fremont that he found no difficulty in having: + access to him, and when he presented business connected with his command, + it was attended to. Gen. Fremont never consulted him on military matters, + nor informed him of his plans. Gen. Curtis remarked that while he would go + with freedom to Gen. Scott and express his opinions, he would not dare to + do so to Gen. Fremont. He deemed Gen. Fremont unequal to the command of an + army, and said that he was no more bound by law than by the winds. + </p> + <p> + Col. Andrews, Chief Paymaster, called and presented irregularities in the + Pay Department, and desired instruction from the Secretary for his + government, stating: that he was required to make payments and transfers + of money contrary to law and regulations. Once, upon objecting to what he + conceived an improper payment, he was threatened with confinement by a + file of soldiers. He exhibited an order for the transfer of $100,000 to + the Quartermaster's Department, which was irregular. Exhibited abstract of + payment by one Paymaster (Maj. Febiger) to 42 persons, appointed by Gen. + Fremont, viz: one Colonel, three Majors, eight Captains, 15 First + lieutenants, 11 Second Lieutenants, one Surgeon, three Assistant Surgeons; + total 42. Nineteen of these have appointments as engineers, and are + entitled to cavalry pay. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link232" id="link232"></a><span class="pn">{232}</span> + </p> + <p> + Maj. Allen, Principal Quartermaster, had recently taken charge at St + Louis, but reported great irregularities in his Department, and requested + special Instructions. These he deemed important, as orders were + communicated by a variety of persons, in a very irregular manner, + requiring disbursements of money. These orders were often verbally given. + He was sending, under Gen. Fremont's orders, large amounts of forage from + St. Louis to.... where corn was abundant and very cheap. The distance was + 160 miles. He gave the indebtedness of the Quartermaster's Department in + St. Louis to be $4,606,809.73. + </p> + <p> + By direction of Gen. Meigs, advertisements were made to furnish grain and + hay, and contracts made for specific sums—28 cents per bushel for + corn, 30 cents for oats, and $17.95 per ton for hay. In face of this + another party at St. Louis—Balrd, or Baird A Palmer (Palmer being of + the old firm in California of Palmer, Cook & Co.)—were directed + to send to Jefferson City (where hay and corn abound) as fast as possible + 100,000 bushels of oats, with a corresponding amount of hay, at 33 cents + per bushel for grain and $19 per ton for hay. + </p> + <p> + Capt Edward M. Davis, a member of his staff, received a contract by the + direct order of Gen. Fremont for blankets. They were examined by a board + of army officers consisting of Capt Hendershott, 4th U. S. Art, Capt + Haines, Commissary of Subsistence, and Capt Turnley, Assistant + Quartermaster. The blankets were found to be made of cotton and were + rotten and worthless. Notwithstanding this decision they were purchased, + and given to the sick and wounded soldiers in hospitals. + </p> + <p> + One week after the receipt of the President's order modifying Gen. + Fremont's proclamation relative to emancipation of slaves, Gen. Fremont by + note to Capt McKeever, required him to have 200 copies of the original + proclamation and address to the army, of same date, printed and sent + immediately to Ironton, for the use of Maj. Gavitt, Indiana Cavalry, for + distribution through the country. Capt McKeever had the copies printed and + delivered. The order is as follows: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Adjutant-General will have 200 copies of proclamation of + Commanding General, dated Aug. 30, together with the address + to the army of same date, sent immediately to Iron-ton, for + the use of Maj. Gavitt Indiana Cavalry. Maj. Gavitt will + distribute it through the country. + + "J. C. Ft. + + "Commanding General. + + "Sept. 23, 1861." +</pre> + <p> + As soon as I obtained a view of the several encampments at Tipton, I + expressed the opinion that the forces there assembled could not be moved, + as scarcely any means of transportation were visible. I saw Gen. Hunter, + second in command, and conversed freely with him. He stated that there was + great confusion, and that Fremont was utterly incompetent; that his own + division was greatly scattered, and the force then present defective in + many respects; that he required 100 wagons, yet he was ordered to march + that day, and some of his troops were already drawn out on the road. His + cavalry regiment (Ellis's) had horses, arms (indifferent), but no + equipments; had to carry their cartridges in their pockets; consequently, + on their first day's march from Jefferson City, in a heavy rain, the + cartridges carried about their persons were destroyed. This march to + Tipton (36 miles) was made on a miry, heavy earth road parallel to the + railroad, and but a little distance from it. The troops were directed by + Gen. Fremont to march without provisions or knapsacks, and without + transportation. A violent rainstorm came up, and the troops were exposed + to it all night, were without food for 24 hours, and when food was + received the beef was found to be spoiled. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link233" id="link233"></a><span class="pn">{233}</span> + </p> + <p> + Gen. Hunter stated that he had just received a written report from one of + his Colonels, informing him that but 20 out of 100 of his guns would go + off. These were the guns procured by Gen. Fremont in Europe. I may here + state that Gen. Sherman, at Louisville, made a similar complaint of the + great inferiority of these European arms. He had given the men orders to + file down the nipples. In conversation with Col. Swords, Assistant + Quartersmaster-General; at Louisville, just from California, he stated + that Mr. Selover, who was in Europe with Gen. Fremont, wrote to some + friend In San Francisco that his share of the profit of the purchase of + these arms was $30,000. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Hunter expressed to the Secretary of War his decided opinion that + Gen. Fremont was incompetent and unfit for his extensive and important + command. This opinion he gave reluctantly, owing to his position as second + in command. + </p> + <p> + President Lincoln sent the following characteristic letter to Gen. S. R. + Curtis, who, being in command at St. Louis, was directly accessible, and a + man in whose discretion the President felt he might trust: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Washington, Oct 24, 1861. Brig.-Gen. S. R. Curtis. + + Dear Sir: On receipt of this with the accompanying + incisures, you will take safe, certain and suitable measures + to have the inclosure addressed to Maj.-Gen. Fremont + delivered to him with all reasonable dispatch, subject to + these conditions only, that if, when Gen. Fremont shall be + reached by the messenger—yourself or anyone sent by you—he + shall then have, in personal command, fought and won a + battle, or shall then be actually in battle, or shall then + be in the immediate presence of the enemy in expectation of + a battle, it is not to be delivered, but held for further + orders. After, and not until after, the delivery to Gen. + Fremont, let the inclosed addressed to Gen. Hunter be + delivered to him. + + Tour obedient servant, + A. LINCOLN. +</pre> + <p> + The following decisive order was one of the inclosures: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Headquarters of the Army, Washington, Oct. 24, 1861. + + General Orders No. 18. + + Maj.-Gen. Fremont, of the U. S. Army, the present Commander + of the Western Department of the same, will, on the receipt + of this order, call Maj.-Gen. Hunter, of the U. S. + Volunteers, to relieve him temporarily in that command, when + he (Maj.-Gen. Fremont) will report to General Headquarters, + by letter, for further orders. + WINFIELD SCOTT. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link234" id="link234"></a><span class="pn">{234}</span> + </p> + <p> + A special messenger arrived at Springfield, Nov. 2, with the order, which + created consternation at Fremont's headquarters. It is more than probable + that Fremont felt his elevation to be such that he could try conclusions + with the Administration, and refuse to obey the order. + </p> + <p> + There was considerable talk at that time about military headquarters as to + a dictator, and this was so rife about McClellan's that his journal + constantly abounds in allusions which indicate that he was putting the + crown away from him with increasing gentleness each time. There was much + of the same atmosphere about the headquarters of the Army of the West, and + it is claimed that Fremont at first decided not to obey the order, but on + Sigel's urgent representations finally concluded to do so, and issued the + following farewell order to his troops: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Headquarters Western Department, + + Springfield, Mo., Nov. 2, 1861. Soldiers of the Mississippi + Army: + + Agreeably to orders this day received I take leave of you. + Altho our army has been of sudden growth, we have grown up + together, and I have become familiar with the brave and + generous spirit which you bring to the defense of your + country, and which makes me anticipate for you a brilliant + career. Continue as you have begun, and give to my successor + the same cordial and enthusiastic support with which you + have encouraged me. Emulate the splendid example which you + have already before you, and let me remain, as I am, proud + of the noble army which I had thus far labored to bring + together. + + Soldiers, I regret to leave you. Most sincerely I thank you + for the regard and confidence you have invariably shown me. + I deeply regret that I shall not have the honor to lead you + to the victory which you are just about to win, but I shall + claim to share with you in the joy of every triumph, and + trust always to be fraternally remembered by my companions + in arms. + + J. C. FREMONT, + + Major-General, U. S. Army. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link235" id="link235"></a><span class="pn">{235}</span> + </p> + <p> + He left at once for St Louis, with his Body Guard for an escort. Though + these men had been enlisted for three years, they were ordered by Gen. + McClellan to be mustered out, and Maj. Zagonyi was offered the Colonelcy + of a new regiment. + </p> + <p> + The time and manner of the removal enabled Gen. Fremont's ardent partisans + to complain loudly that he was relieved on the eve of a battle in which he + would have accomplished great things, and was thus denied an opportunity + to achieve lasting fame and render essential service to the country. The + evidence, however, is conclusive that at that time Price was at Pineville, + fully 50 miles away, and in the midst of a very rough country, instead of + being in Fremont's immediate front, as Fremont certainly supposed. + </p> + <p> + Whether he would have accepted battle after Fremont had reached him at + Pineville, is a matter of conjecture. The pressure in favor of Fremont + continued strong enough, however, to bring about the offer of a new + command to him the following year, but it was grotesquely shrunken from + the proud proportions of that from which he had been relieved. It was + styled the Mountain Department, and embraced a large portion of West + Virginia. Even in this restricted area he again failed to give + satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + June 8, 1862, he fought an indecisive battle against Stonewall Jackson at + Cross Keys, took umbrage at being placed under the command of Gen. John + Pope, whom he had once commanded, asked to be relieved from command, and + joined the ranks of the bitter critics of President Lincoln's + Administration, though still retaining his commission and pay as a + Major-General. + </p> + <p> + He still thought his was a name to conjure with, and May 31,1864, accepted + the nomination for President from a convention of dissatisfied Republicans + assembled at Cleveland, resigning his commission at last, June 4, 1864. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link236" id="link236"></a><span class="pn">{236}</span> + </p> + <p> + The chill reception with which the country received his nomination at last + disillusionized even him, and in September he withdrew from the field, to + clear the way for Lincoln's re-election. He then became connected with the + promotion of a Pacific railway over the southern of the routes which he + had surveyed, lost his money and property in the course of time, appealed + to Congress for relief, and in 1890 was by special act put on the retired + list of the Army with the rank of Major-General. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link237" id="link237"></a><span class="pn">{237}</span> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. THE SAD RETREAT FROM SPRINGFIELD. + </h2> + <p> + The partisans of Gen. Fremont bitterly blamed Gen. David Hunter for having + intrigued to succeed Fremont, and they rejoiced that his tenure of that + office proved to be so short-lived. This was both fallacious and unjust. + </p> + <p> + Gen. David Hunter, while not of the highest type of military ability, was + yet far above mediocrity. He was one of the best examples of the Old + Regular Army officer—thoroughly devoted to his profession, a master + of all its details, incorruptible, inflexible, and intolerant to all whose + character and conduct lowered the standard of what Hunter thought an + American officer should be. + </p> + <p> + He was born in the District of Columbia, graduated from West Point in + 1822, 25th in a class of 40 members, and had an extensive experience in + Indian fighting, commanding for several years a troop of dragoons. He + resigned in 1836, but re-entered the Army in 1842 as a Paymaster and + served as Chief Paymaster of Gen. Wool's Division in the Mexican War. + </p> + <p> + At the outbreak of the war of the rebellion he had been made Colonel of + the 6th U. S. Cav.—a new regiment—and commanded a division at + Bull Run, where he showed great gallantry and was wounded. He had been + sent out to Fremont as his second in command and adviser, in the hope that + he would control in some measure the commander's erratic course and be + instrumental in promoting better methods in his administration. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link238" id="link238"></a><span class="pn">{238}</span> + </p> + <p> + He was true to his duties in communicating to his superiors just what he + found in the Department of the West and properly representing Fremont's + incompetence. It was not intended that he should have permanent command of + the army, and probably no man was less desirous that he should be than he + himself, for he had a modest opinion of his own abilities and never + hesitated to subordinate himself when he thought another man would do + better in the place. + </p> + <p> + The command was given him merely as a stop-gap until another commander + could be determined upon. + </p> + <p> + In the same envelope which contained Lincoln's letter to Gen. Curtis + inclosing the order for the supersedure of Gen. Fremont, was another + reading as follows: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Washington, Oct. 24, 1861. To the Commander of the + Department of the West + + Sir: The command of the Department of the West having + devolved upon you, I propose to offer you a few suggestions. + Knowing how hazardous it is to bind down a distant commander + in the field to specific lines and operations, as so much + always depends on a knowledge of localities and passing + events, it is intended, therefore, to leave a considerable + margin for the exercise of your judgment and discretion. + The main rebel army (Price's) west of the Mississippi is + believed to have passed Dade County in full retreat upon + northwestern Arkansas, leaving Missouri almost freed from + the enemy, excepting in the southeast of the State. + Assuming this basis of fact, it seems desirable, as you are + not likely to overtake Price, and are in danger of making + too long a line from your own base of supplies and + reinforcements, that you should give up the pursuit halt + your main army, divide it into two corps of observation, + one occupying Sedalla and the other Rolla, the present + termini of railroad; then recruit the condition of both + corps by reestablishing and improving their discipline and + instruction, perfecting their clothing and equipments, and + providing less uncomfortable quarters. Of course, both + railroads must be guarded and kept open, judiciously + employing just so much force as is necessary for this. 'From + these two points, Sedalia and Rolla, and especially in + judicious cooperation with Lane on the Kansas border, it + would be so easy to concentrate and repel an army of the + enemy returning on Missouri from the southwest that It is + not probable any such attempt to return will be made before + or during the approaching cold weather. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link239" id="link239"></a><span class="pn">{239}</span> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Before Spring the people of Missouri will probably be in no + favorable mood to renew for next year the troubles which + have so much afflicted and impoverished them during this. If + you adopt this line of policy, and if, as I anticipate, you + will see no enemy in great force approaching, you will have + a surplus of force, which you can withdraw from these points + and direct to others, as may be needed, the railroads + furnishing ready means of reinforcing their main points, if + occasion requires. Doubtless local uprisings will for a time + continue to occur, but these can be met by detachments and + local forces of our own, and will ere long tire out of + themselves. + + While, as stated in the beginning of the letter, a large + discretion must be and is left with yourself, I feel sure + that an indefinite pursuit of Price or an attempt by this + long and circuitous route to reach Memphis will be + exhaustive beyond endurance, and will end in the loss of the + whole force engaged. Your obedient servant, + + A. LINCOLN. +</pre> + <p> + This letter, undoubtedly dictated by McClellan, who was then the dominant + military influence at Washington, is yet strikingly characteristic of + President Lincoln, and abounds in that profound common sense which made + him easily the first General of the War. + </p> + <p> + The army was already 125 miles away from its base of suppliess on the + railroad, with a terrible rough intervening country. Consequently, the + problem of supplying it was of momentous seriousness and the expense + appalling. + </p> + <p> + Though in the midst of a region of wonderful fertility, with its crops + gathered in barns, no one seems to have though of utilizing these. They + left them for Price to gather in, while they hauled their supplies from + Rolla. Our officers as yet were only in the primer class in war. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link240" id="link240"></a><span class="pn">{240}</span> + </p> + <p> + The letter also shows the firm hold of the prevailing opinion that + Secession was only a temporary madness, from which the people would + recover when the Winter gave them time to reflect and reason. Probably + this would have been the case had the Government put forth its power with + crushing effectiveness. But the first year of the war was to end with the + Secessionists successful almost everywhere, and big scores to their credit + in Missouri. The fresh disaster at Ball's Bluff on the Potomac unnerved + many loyal people. + </p> + <p> + Possibly President Lincoln did not anticipate that his suggestions would + be carried out so literally. His best information was that Price's army + had virtually gone to pieces, and that by taking post at Sedalia and Rolla + the central and southwestern parts of the State could be effectually + controlled by parties sent out from there. He could not have conceived + that Price had a strong, compact, aggressive army well in hand, and that + the new commander of the Department of the West would march away from it + without striking a blow or making a manuver to reduce its capacity for + harmfulness. + </p> + <p> + Certainly some shreds of Lyon's mantle must have fallen on that proud + array of new-made Generals, and they would insist on striking a quick, + sharp blow, as a return for Lexington, for the honor of the Union army, + and to curb Price's rising conviction that he was an irresistible + conqueror. + </p> + <p> + But the next day after receiving his assignment to command, Gen. Hunter + made a reconnoissance in force to the battlefield of Wilson's Greek, where + Fremont had persisted in believing that Price was waiting to give him + battle. He found no enemy on the scene of the terrible battle of two + months before. Instead, all his information was to the effect that Price + was among the rugged fastnesses about Pineville, 50 miles away, with + McCulloch still farther off in the Boston Mountains. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link241" id="link241"></a><span class="pn">{241}</span> + </p> + <p> + Hunter therefore ordered his columns to countermarch and proceeded to + carry out the President's instructions promptly and exactly. + </p> + <p> + This backward movement, without a blow at Price, abandoned the whole of + the Union loving country of southwestern Missouri to the Secessionists, + and was a measureless calamity. + </p> + <p> + The Union people, taking heart from the advance of Fremont with his great + army, had returned to their homes and attempted to re-establish themselves + upon their farms and in their business. All these hopes were suddenly + dashed to the ground by the retirement of the army, and they had to flee + again in haste before the immediate advance of Price to occupy the + abandoned region. + </p> + <p> + It was not his army which was so terrible, but the horde of guerrilla + bands, which rushed out like venomous serpents after a warm rain, intent + upon rapine, outrage and murder. It was the "Poor White Trash" let loose + under such leaders as Quantrill, the Young-ers, Jameses, Haywards, + Freemans, and a thousand others of bandit infamy. + </p> + <p> + Aside from these calamities, the retreat, added to Price's victory at + Lexington, was a most stifling moral depression of the Union sentiment in + Missouri. + </p> + <p> + While the condition of things in the greater central and southwestern + parts of Missouri had been grievously unsatisfactory for many weeks, and + seemed to be growing steadily more so, it was otherwise in the + southeastern section. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link242" id="link242"></a><span class="pn">{242}</span> + </p> + <p> + The so-called Ozark Mountains, which are really a series of rough, + picturesque highlands, separating the watersheds of the Missouri and the + Arkansas Rivers, begin on the Mississippi at the mouth of the Meramec + River, 20 miles below St. Louis, and extend along the Mississippi, rising + frequently into cliffs of limestone 350 feet high, to Gape Girardeau, 44 + miles above Cairo, Ill. + </p> + <p> + This range, less than 100 miles wide, one of the richest in the world in + minerals, sinks away on the north and west to the valleys of the Osage and + the Missouri and the prairies which stretch across Kansas and the Indian + Territory to the Rocky Mountains. To the southeast it falls into the + lowlands and swamps along the Mississippi, making there a separate and + distinct section—about the size of Connecticut—and of entirely + different character from the rest of the State. Over 3,000 square miles of + this—or nearly three times the size of Rhode Island—are swamps + thickly wooded with towering cypresses, and covered with jungles + impenetrable to man. The principal town In the region was New Madrid, a + fever-smitten little village on the banks of the Mississippi, 44 miles + below Cairo. It had once much promise, but the terrible earthquakes of + 1811-12 had seamed the surrounding country with great crevices and + gulches, adding hopelessly to its forbidding character, and giving a + mortal blow to New Madrid's expectations. + </p> + <p> + The region was drained—as far as it was drained—by the St. + Francis River, a considerable stream, navigable nearly to the Missouri + line, and emptying into the Mississippi nine miles above Helena, Ark. + </p> + <p> + Besides the Mississippi River there were then two routes of access from + St. Louis to this region. One was by the Iron Mountain Railroad, which ran + through the Ozarks to Pilot Knob, 84 miles from the city, and the other by + common road through Fredericktown, 105 miles from St. Louis. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link243" id="link243"></a><span class="pn">{243}</span> + </p> + <p> + Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston—regarded by Jefferson Davis as a great + military genius, and appointed to command the entire Confederate army in + the West—had some idea of moving an army up through the swamps to + these roads, flanking the Union position at Cairo and taking St. Louis. + The St. Francis River would aid in supplying the army. His immediate + subordinate, Maj. Gen. Polk, was still more in favor of the plan, and it + went in this proportion down through Gen. Gideon Pillow, with his "Army of + Liberation," to the most enthusiastic advocate, of the scheme, our + poetical acquaintance, Gen. M. Jeff Thompson, file "Swamp Fox of + Missouri." The idea was to move in concert with Price coming up from the + southeast. + </p> + <p> + Maj.-Gen. Leonidas Polk, C. S. A., who had been placed in command of the + Mississippi River, and subsequently had the States of Arkansas and + Missouri added to his Department, had gathered about him in the + neighborhood of Memphis some 25,000 or 30,000 Mississippi, Louisiana, + Tennessee and other troops, with which, scorning Kentucky's claim of + neutrality, he advanced to Columbus, Ky., the terminus of the Mobile & + Ohio Railroad, and 20 miles from Cairo, Ill. Upon the high bluff there he + proceeded to construct one of those "Gibraltars" so numerous in the early + history of the war. + </p> + <p> + With the force at his command and the opposition he was likely to meet + from the Union commanders in southeast Missouri, a march on St. Louis by + the roads indicated was a promising venture. Besides the forces + immediately around him, he had control of McCulloch's, Pearce's and + Hardee's columns in Arkansas, and potential control of Price's and + Thompson's Missouri forces, making altogether an aggregate approaching + 70,000 men. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link244" id="link244"></a><span class="pn">{244}</span> + </p> + <p> + But he hesitated, while Pillow fretted and fumed, and wrote that while he + honored his superior officer as a prelate and admired him as a patriot, he + had small opinion of his military judgment. + </p> + <p> + M. Jeff Thompson, who had no mean opinion of his own abilities, wrote to + Jefferson Davis that what the Southern Confederacy needed in that quarter + was "a first-class leader," and he cast a unanimous vote for himself for + that position. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime an event occurred as to the significance of which Polk, + Pillow and Thompson were as unappreciative as the country at large. + </p> + <p> + In August, U. S. Grant, lately commissioned a Brigadier-General, was sent + down to Cape Girardeau to look after matters in southeast Missouri, + including Cairo, Ill., and he took with him his former regiment, the 21st + Ill., to the command of which Col. John W. S. Alexander had succeeded. A + peculiarity of Gen. Grant, which President Lincoln speedily noticed, was + that wherever he was "things kept moving." There were no grand reviews, no + sounding proclamations, no sensational announcements of plans, but somehow + everybody about him was found to be speedily employed in an effective way + against the enemy. But little clamor ever came from Grant for + reinforcements or additional strength. If he was given a thousand men he + at once set them to work doing all that 1,000 men were capable of. Given + 2,000 men he would do twice as much, and so on. If supplies were not + furnished him, he gathered them from the surrounding country, giving + vouchers carefully based on the prevailing market rates. If no wagons or + teams were at hand, he impressed them and gave vouchers. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link245" id="link245"></a><span class="pn">{245}</span> + </p> + <p> + As unassertive and modest as Grant seemed to be, he had a remarkable + faculty for bringing in everybody near him and securing from them prompt + and energetic obedience to his orders. + </p> + <p> + Among Gen. Grant's subordinates was our old acquaintance, Capt. J. B. + Plummer, who had done such good work at Wilson's Creek and who was now in + command of the 11th Mo. There was also Col. W. P. Carlin, a Captain in the + Regular Army, whom the Governor of Illinois had wisely made Colonel of the + 88th 111. Carlin, a graduate of West Point in the class of 1850, was a + somewhat austere, highstrung man, wrapped up in his profession, an + excellent soldier, and feverishly anxious to do his duty and justify his + promotion to the important position he held. + </p> + <p> + Like all Regulars he was jealously sensitive about his rank, and one of + his first performances was insistence that he outranked Col. C. E. Hovey, + of the 33d Ill., and should therefore have command of the post. Hovey, who + had been Principal of the Normal Institute before becoming a Colonel, felt + that his position had been quite as high as that of a Captain in the + Regular Army, and his men, who entered warmly into the dispute, could + hardly understand how the Colonel of the 38th Ill. could outrank the + Colonel of the 33d, and though they at last gave way, there was some + bitterness of feeling. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link246" id="link246"></a><span class="pn">{246}</span> + </p> + <p> + Though Gen. Grant had only about 14,000 men all told, he kept Johnston, + Polk and Thompson, with their 30,000, so well employed guarding points + that he threatened, or might take without threatening, that their + superiority was neutralized and they were kept on the defensive. + </p> + <p> + Burning with desire to do something, M. Jeff Thompson, who, in spite of + his gasconade, was really a brave, enterprising man, and a good deal of a + soldier, started out from Columbus early in October with some 2,000 men, + expecting to be joined by other forces on the way, capture Ironton and + Frederick-town, open up the road for Pillow's columns to St. Lous, and to + co-operate with Gen. Price. + </p> + <p> + He went down the river in boats to New Madrid and there began a march + across the country toward Bloomfield, which was to become the base of so + many of his subsequent operations. Leaving his infantry under the command + of Col. Aden Lowe, of the 3d Mo. State Guards, a prominent young attorney + and politician, to follow more slowly, Thompson pushed on with 500 mounted + men, whom he calls "dragoons," made a wide circuit, and struck the + railroad north of Ironton at Big River Bridge, only about 40 miles from St + Louis. He had made astonishing progress so far, and jubilantly reported to + Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston, who had come to Columbus to watch the + movement, that his men were so anxious to fight that he reached his + objective point two days ahead of the appointed time. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link247" id="link247"></a><span class="pn">{247}</span> + </p> + <p> + At the Big River Bridge he struck a small company of a somewhat noted + regiment, the 33d Ill. (the Normal Regiment), largely made up of students + and teachers in the Normal Institute of Illinois, who, despite the + disparity in numbers, gave him a sharp little fight, in which he lost two + killed and quite a number wounded. He reported having captured 45 + prisoners, with a quantity of supplies, and succeeded in burning the + bridge across the river. While engaged in distributing the supplies, + another company of the 33d Ill., hearing the noise, came up to the + assistance of their comrades, and Thompson had another fight on his hands, + in which he admits he lost four men killed and quite a number wounded, but + insists that he "killed another lot of the enemy and took 10 prisoners." + He said he "had the enemy terribly frightened," and that if Albert Sidney + Johnston had the rest of his men in striking distance that he could take + Ironton, with its 12,000,000 rations stored for the Winter, in an hour. + </p> + <p> + Johnston transmitted Thompson's report to Richmond with a complimentary + indorsement. Thompson also reported having received several hundred + recruits and captured about 17,000 pounds of lead. These were destined to + be the last of his rejoicings for some time. + </p> + <p> + Thompson sent word to all the commanders of Confederate forces in the + neighborhood to join in his attack on Ironton, promising them victory and + unlimited spoils. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Grant ordered Col. Carlin to move forward with his force from Pilot + Knob and attack Thompson's main body, which was then in the neighborhood + of Fredericktown. He also ordered Col. J. B. Plum-mer to march from Cape + Girardeau, strike at Thompson's line of retreat, and endeavor to capture + his whole force. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link248" id="link248"></a><span class="pn">{248}</span> + </p> + <p> + Thompson had cunningly magnified the number of his troops, and Plummer and + Carlin were both impressed with the idea that he had somewhere in the + neighborhood of 5,000 or 6,000 men and was likely to be joined by Gen. + Hardee's column from Pocahontas, Ark., with many more. + </p> + <p> + Grant, with that accurate knowledge of his enemy which was one of his + conspicuous traits and never failed him at any time during the war, + informed them that Thompson had only between 2,000 and 3,000 men. As usual + in Grant's operations, the columns moved on time and arrived when + expected. + </p> + <p> + Col. Carlin moved Oct. 20 from Pilot Knob with about 3,000 men made up of + the 21st Ill., Col. Alexander; 33d HI., Col. C. E. Hovey; 38th Ill., Maj. + Gilman; 8th Wis., Col. Murphy; part of the 1st Ind. Cav., Col. Conrad + Baker, and some of the guns of the 1st Mo. Art., under the charge of Maj. + Schofield. + </p> + <p> + Col. Plummets column, about 1,500 strong, consisted of the 17th Ill., Col + Ross; 20th Ill., Col. Marsh; 11th Mo., Lieut.-Col. Panabaker; Lieut. + White's section of Taylor's Illinois Battery, and two companies of cavalry + commanded by Capts. Stewart and Lan-gen. + </p> + <p> + Col. Plummer moved to Dallas, on Johnston's line of retreat, and there + sent through a messenger to Col. Carlin, stating where he was and what his + intentions were, so that the two forces could cooperate. The messenger was + captured by some of the Missourians, and therefore Thompson came into + possession of the plans of his enemies. He moved back with his train until + he saw it safely on its way to Greenville, and then returned with his + command toward Fredericktown to accommodate his opponents with a fight if + they desired it and to gain time for his train to get back to Bloomfield + and New Madrid. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link249" id="link249"></a><span class="pn">{249}</span> + </p> + <p> + Not finding Thompson at Dallas, Col. Plummer moved up to Fredericktown, + arriving there at noon, Monday, Oct. 21, and found that Col. Carlin had + arrived with his forces about 8 o'clock in the morning. There was + immediately one of those squabbles over rank which were so frequent on + both sides during the early part of the war and not absent from its + history at any time. + </p> + <p> + In spite of being a younger man than Col. Plummer, a younger Captain in + the Regular Army, and in spite of Plummer's experience in the Mexican War + and at Wilson's Creek, Carlin insisted upon the command of the whole, upon + the grounds that he had been commissioned a Colonel Aug. 15, and by the + Governor of Illinois; while Plummer's commission was from Fremont. Carlin + insisted that he had a plan by which Thompson's whole force could be + captured, but was at length induced to yield the command to Plummer, who + went ahead with the combined force to attack Thompson, leaving Carlin, who + was exhausted and ill, in town with a portion of his command. + </p> + <p> + Possibly, what helped induce Carlin to yield was the knowledge of an + agreement between Col. Plummer and Col. Ross, of the 17th Ill., who + outranked both of them, that if Carlin persisted in his claim, Ross should + assert his seniority and take command of the whole. Carlin retained the + 8th Wis. and two 24-pound howitzers in Fredericktown to hold the place, + while Plummer took the rest of the force and started out in search of + Thompson. + </p> + <p> + He did not have to go very far. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link250" id="link250"></a><span class="pn">{250}</span> + </p> + <p> + A half mile from town shots were heard, and the cavalry came back with the + information that the enemy was just ahead. The leading infantry regiment, + the 17th Ill., went into line to the left and moved forward into a + cornfield, where the enemy's skirmishers were immediately encountered. + </p> + <p> + Lieut. White came up with his section of artillery and opened fire upon a + hill about 600 yards distant where it was likely that Thompson had his + artillery masked. Thompson's guns could not stand the punishment quietly + and opened up only to be speedily suppressed by other guns which Maj. + Schofield hurried up to join two which had been firing. + </p> + <p> + Col. Lowe, commanding the Missouri State Guards, first engaged, was soon + shot through the head and his regiment began falling back before the + steady advance of the 17th Ill., to which was soon added the fire of the + 33d Ill. and a part of the 11th Mo. + </p> + <p> + At first the Missourians fell back steadily, but after the rough handling + of the artillery their retreat became a rout and Col. Baker dashed forward + with the 1st Ind. Cav. in pursuit.. A half mile in the rear Thompson + succeeded in rallying his men and also brought one piece of artillery into + action, receiving the cavalry with a fierce volley, by which Maj. Gavitt, + who had been active and prominent in the operations in that section, and + Capt. Highman were killed. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding this, the cavalry rallied, charged, and took the gun, + which they had, however, to soon give up under a charge led by Thompson + himself. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link251" id="link251"></a><span class="pn">{251}</span> + </p> + <p> + The 17th Ill. had already secured one gun, and now as the infantry came up + Thompson's men broke and retreated rapidly in every direction. Hearing the + noise of the fighting, Col. Carlin arose from a sick-bed, galloped to the + battlefield, and took command of a part of the troops. The pursuit was + continued by the infantry for 10 miles, and by the cavalry 12 miles + farther, when it was decided that Thompson's men had scattered and gained + a refuge in the swamps, and that further pursuit would be useless. + </p> + <p> + Plummer recalled his forces to Fredericktown. He claims that he took 80 + prisoners, of whom 38 were wounded, and buried 158 of Thompson's dead, + with other bodies being found from time to time in the woods. His own loss + he reports as six killed and 16 wounded. + </p> + <p> + Thompson reported that he had lost 20 killed, 27 wounded, and 15 + prisoners, but that he "had mowed down the enemy as with a scythe;" that + "they acknowledge a loss of 400 killed and wounded," etc, etc. He admitted + he had lost one cannon by its being disabled so that it could not be + brought from the field. He said that his "dragoons" had stampeded in a + shameful way, but that his infantry had behaved very well. Later, he + reported from New Madrid that his command was "very much demoralized." + </p> + <p> + Gen. Polk seems to have been much depressed by the news of Thompson's + defeat, because he ordered an abandonment of the post at New Madrid and + the bringing over of the men and guns to his "Gibraltar" at Columbus. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Grant, though probably disappointed at the failure of his plans to + capture Thompson's force, was careful to write complimentary letters to + all the commanders, recognizing their good services in the expedition. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link252" id="link252"></a><span class="pn">{252}</span> + </p> + <p> + The fight at Fredericktown quieted things pretty effectually in + southeastern Missouri, and ended for a long while the project of capturing + St Louis by the New Madrid route. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Grant was preparing some startling things to occupy the attention of + Johnston, Polk and Pillow in quite another quarter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link253" id="link253"></a><span class="pn">{253}</span> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. GEN. H. W. HALLECK IN COMMAND. + </h2> + <p> + Henry Wager Halleck, who succeeded Gen. Fremont in command of the + Department of Missouri, Nov. 9, 1861, had been pointed to as a brilliantly + shining example of what West Point could produce. He was born in 1819 near + Utica, N. Y., of a very good family, and had graduated July 1, 1839, from + West Point, third in a class of which Isaac I. Stevens, afterward to + conclude a brilliant career by dying a Major-General on the field of + battle, was the head. Other conspicuous members of the class were + Maj.-Gens. James B. Ricketts, E. O. C. Ord, H. J. Hunt, and E. R. S. + Can-by, of the Union army, and A. R. Lawton, a Confederate + Brigadier-General. Halleck was commissioned in the Corps of Engineers, and + during the Mexican War received a couple of the brevets so easily won in + that conflict. + </p> + <p> + With his attainments and cast of mind, he made an admirable staff officer + for Commodore Shubrick and Gens. Mason and Riley in their administration + of California while the territory was being reduced to an American + possession. He became a Captain in his Corps in 1852, but the + opportunities in California were so tempting, that he resigned to enter + the practice of the law and embark in various business enterprises of + railroad building and quicksilver mining. He was unusually successful in + all these, becoming Director-General of the New Almaden Quicksilver Mining + Company, President of a railroad, and a member of a leading law firm. He + kept up his military connection by accepting the commission of + Major-General commanding the California Militia. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link254" id="link254"></a><span class="pn">{254}</span> + </p> + <p> + He was a constant student and a ready writer, and during this time + published a number of military and scientific books, some of which were + original and others translations. + </p> + <p> + Intellectually, professionally and socially he stood very high, and the + bestowal of a Major-General's commission upon him, dating from Aug. + 19,1861, met with universal approval, though it gave him seniority in that + coveted rank to many distinguished soldiers. At that time Halleck was in + his 46th year and the very prime of his powers. He was tall, spare, and + commanding in figure, with a clean-shaven, authoritative, intellectual + face in which men read great things. He had large, searching eyes, which + seemed to penetrate the one with whom he was talking. As far as education + and observation could go, Halleck was as complete a soldier as could be + produced. Whatever could be done by calculation and careful operation, he + could do on a high plane. He only lacked military instinct and soldierly + intuition. Of that moral force which frequently overleaps mere physical + limitation he seems to have had little, nor could he understand it in + others. + </p> + <p> + There was in him none of the fiery zeal of Lyon, or the relentless + pugnacity of Grant; apparently these qualities were so absent in him that + he did not know how to deal with them in others. He never put himself at + the head of his troops to lead them in battle. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link255" id="link255"></a><span class="pn">{255}</span> + </p> + <p> + He could build up, block by block, with patient calculation, without + comprehension that somewhere might be a volcanic energy suddenly unloosed + which would scatter his blocks like straws. + </p> + <p> + If he had political convictions, they were so unobtrusive as to be rarely + mentioned in connection with him. Probably his views were the same as + generally prevailed among the Regular Army officers of that day which were + represented by the attitude of the Douglas Democrats and "Old Line Whigs." + </p> + <p> + He believed, above all things, in law and system, and wanted all the + affairs of this world to go ahead in strict accordance with them. The + soldier epithet of "Old Brains" was bestowed upon him, and he seemed to + relish the appellation. + </p> + <p> + In the long and specific letter of instructions accompanying his + assignment to command, Gen. McClellan directed him to carefully scrutinize + all commissions and appointments, and revoke those not proceeding from the + President or Secretary of War; to stop all pay and allowances to them, and + if the appointees gave any trouble, send them out of the Department, and + if they returned, place them in confinement. He was to examine into the + legality of all organizations of troops serving in the Department, and + deal with those unauthorized in a similar summary way. All contracts were + to be rigidly probed, and payment suspended on those of which there was + the slightest doubt. All officers who had in any way violated their duty + to the Government were to be arrested and brought to prompt trial. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link256" id="link256"></a><span class="pn">{256}</span> + </p> + <p> + Halleck began at once to justify the high expectations entertained of him. + Order and system followed the erratic administration of his predecessor. + Soldiers were subjected to vigorous discipline, but they were given the + supplies to which they were entitled, and they were made to feel that they + were being employed to some purpose. + </p> + <p> + The futile and aggravating marches made in pursuit of the elusive + guerrillas and bushwhackers, who were never caught, were replaced by + well-directed movements striking at the heart of the trouble. + </p> + <p> + Acting under Gen. Price's orders sometimes, but frequently under their own + impulses to commit outrages, inflict blows, and create excitement, a large + part of the State was covered by bands of guerrillas who appeared as + citizens, were well armed, rode good horses, and were annoyingly + successful in sweeping down on the railroad stations, water tanks, + bridges, and settlements of Union people, burning, destroying, and + creating havoc generally. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Halleck proclaimed martial law, and issued an order that any man + disguised as a peaceful citizen, if caught in the act of burning bridges, + etc., should be immediately shot. The troops proceeded to execute this + order with good hearts. A large number of the offenders were shot down in + the neighborhoods where they had committed their offenses; others were + taken before a military commission and condemned to the same fate. + </p> + <p> + Gens. Pope, Prentiss, Schofield and Henderson were given sufficient forces + and ordered to move directly upon the more important bodies of + Secessionists who formed a nucleus and support for these depredators. They + all did so with good effect. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Prentiss moved against a force about 3,000 strong operating in + Howard, Boone and Calloway Counties, and succeeded in striking them very + heavily at Mount Zion Church, where they were dispersed with a loss of 25 + killed, 150 wounded, 30 prisoners, 90 horses, and 105 stands of arms. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link257" id="link257"></a><span class="pn">{257}</span> + </p> + <p> + Gen. Pope operating from Sedalia achieved even better success, capturing + Col. Robinson's command of 1,300 men and about 60 officers, 1,000 horses + and mules, and 73 wagons loaded with powder, lead and supplies and 1,000 + stands of arms. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Prentiss very effectually cleaned out the State north of the Missouri + River, and in conjunction with Gen. Pope's operations south of it, made it + so threatening for Gen. Price, who had advanced to the Osage River to + support the Secessionists there, that he broke up his camp and rather + hurriedly retreated to Springfield. + </p> + <p> + The year 1861 therefore ended with the Union men again in possession of + nearly four-fifths of the State, with their hands full of prisoners and + supplies captured from the enemy. + </p> + <p> + The Secessionists of St. Louis had been encouraged by the untoward course + of events in the East. After Bull Run had come the shocking disaster of + Ball's Bluff, and with Gen. Price only a short distance away on the Osage + threatening Jefferson City and north Missouri, they felt their star in the + ascendant, and became unbearably insolent. Gen. Halleck repressed them + with a vigorous hand, yet without causing the wild clamor of denunciation + which characterized Gen. Butler's Administration of New Orleans. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link258" id="link258"></a><span class="pn">{258}</span> + </p> + <p> + It will be remembered that at that time it was thought quite the thing for + young Secessionist women to show their "spirit" and their devotion to the + South by all manner of open insult to the Yankee soldiers. Spitting at + them, hurling epithets of abuse, and contemptuously twitching aside their + skirts were regarded as quite the correct thing in the good society of + which these young ladies were the ornaments. This had become so + intolerable in New Orleans, that Gen. Butler felt constrained to issue his + famous order directing that women so offending should be treated as "women + of the town plying their vocation." This was made the pretext of "firing + the Southern heart" to an unwarranted degree, and Jeff Davis issued a + proclamation of outlawry against Ben Butler, with a reward for his head. + </p> + <p> + Sanguine Secessionists hoped that this "flagrant outrage" by "Beast + Butler" would be sufficient cause for the recognition of the Southern + Confederacy by France and England. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Halleck met the same difficulty as Butler very shrewdly. The Chief of + Police of St. Louis had some measure of control over the disreputable + women of the city, and made law for them. Under Gen. Hal-leek's order he + instructed these women to vie with and exceed their respectable sisters in + their manifestations of hostility to the Union cause and of devotion to + the South. Where the fair young ladies of the Southern aristocracy were + wearing Secession rosettes as big as a rose, the women of the demimonde + sported them as big as a dahlia or sunflower. Where the young belle gave a + little graceful twitch to her skirts to prevent any possible contamination + by touching a passing Yankee, the other class flirted theirs' aside in the + most immodest way. It took but a few days of this to make the exuberant + young ladies of uncontrollable rebel proclivities discard their Secession + rosettes altogether, and subside into dignified, self-respecting persons, + who took no more notice of a passing Union soldier than they did of a + lamp-post or tree-box. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link259" id="link259"></a><span class="pn">{259}</span> + </p> + <p> + Another of Gen. Halleck's orders did not result so happily. It will be + remembered that Gen. Fremont declared free the slaves of men in arms + against the Government, and that their freedom would be assured them upon + reaching the Union lines. + </p> + <p> + In the inflamed condition of public sentiment in the Border States on the + negro question this was very impolitic, and the President promptly + overruled the order. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Halleck went still further in the issuance of the following order, + which created as intense feeling in the North as Gen. Fremont's "Abolition + order" had excited in the Border States: + </p> + <p> + It has been represented that important information respecting: the number + and condition of our forces is conveyed to the enemy by means of fugitive + slaves who are admitted within our lines. In order to remedy this evil, it + is directed that no such persons be hereafter permitted to enter the lines + of any camp, or of any forces on the march, and that any now within such + lines be immediately excluded therefrom. + </p> + <p> + It was particularly distasteful to the Radicals in Missouri who had been + represented by Gen. Fremont. During his administration the Union party in + the State had divided into two wings—the Radicals and the + Conservatives, who soon came to hate each other almost if not quite as + badly as they did the Secessionists. The Radicals, or, as their enemies + called them, "the Charcoals," were largely made up, as before stated, of + the young, aggressive, idealistic Germans who had poured into Missouri + after the suppression of the Rebellion of 1848, and who looked upon + slavery as they did on "priest-craft" and "despotism"—all monstrous + relics of barbarism. They had absolutely no patience with the "peculiar + institution," and could not understand how any rational, right-thinking + man could tolerate it or hesitate about sweeping it off the earth at the + first opportunity. Those of them who had gone into the army had only done + so to fight for freedom, and without freedom the object of their crusade + was lost. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link260" id="link260"></a><span class="pn">{260}</span> + </p> + <p> + The German newspapers attacked Halleck with the greatest bitterness, + meetings were held to denounce him and secure his removal, and strong + efforts were made to obtain Sigel's promotion to a Major-General and his + assignment to the command. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Halleck, in a letter to F. P. Blair, explained and justified this + order, as follows: + </p> + <p> + Order No. 3 was, in my mind, clearly a military necessity. Unauthorized + persons, black or white, free or slave, must be kept out of our camps, + unless we are willing to publish to the enemy everything we do or intend + to do. It was a military, and not a political order. + </p> + <p> + I am ready to carry out any lawful instructions in regard to fugitive + slaves which my superiors may give me, and to enforce any law which + Congress may pass. But I cannot make law, and will not violate it. You + know my private opinion on the policy of confiscating the slave property + of the rebels in arms. If Congress shall pass it, you may be certain that + I shall enforce it. + </p> + <p> + Among other well-taken measures was the passage of a law by Congress + authorizing the enrollment of citizens of Missouri into regiments to be + armed, equipped and paid by the United States, but officered by the + Governor of Missouri, and employed only in the defense of the State. This + had many advantages besides giving the services to the Government of about + 13,000 very good soldiers. It brought into the ranks many wavering young + men who did not want to fight against the Union, nor did they want to + fight against the South. To enlist for the "defense of the State" + satisfied all their scruples. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link261" id="link261"></a><span class="pn">{261}</span> + </p> + <p> + The time had come when every young man in the State had to be lined up + somewhere. He could not remain neutral; if he was not for the Union he + would inevitably be brought into the Secession ranks. + </p> + <p> + The law authorized the necessary staff and commanding officers for this + force, and prescribed that it should be under the command of a + Brigadier-General of the United States selected by the Governor of + Missouri. + </p> + <p> + Our old acquaintance, John M. Schofield, Gen. Lyon's Chief of Staff at the + battle of Wilson's Creek, who had since done good work in command of a + regiment of Missouri artillery, was commissioned a Brigadier-General to + date from Nov. 21, 1861, and put in command of the Missouri Enrolled + Militia, beginning thus a career of endless trouble, but of quite extended + usefulness. + </p> + <p> + It will be remembered that Brig.-Gen. U. S. Grant, recently promoted from + the Colonelcy of the 21st Ill., had been relieved from his command at + Jefferson City, and sent to that of a new district consisting of southeast + Missouri and southern Illinois. He had made his headquarters temporarily + at Cape Girardeau, to attend to M. Jeff Thompson, who was determined to + lead the way for Gens. Leonidas Polk and Gideon Pillow into St. Louis by + the Mississippi River route. Grant, as we have seen, organized his + movements so well that Thompson was driven back from Fredericktown and + Ironton with some loss, and returned to his old stamping-ground at New + Madrid, below Columbus, Ky., where Polk had established his headquarters + and the fighting center of the Confederacy in the West. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link262" id="link262"></a><span class="pn">{262}</span> + </p> + <p> + Polk was reputed to have at that time some 80,000 men under his command, + and Grant, following his usual practice of getting into proximity to his + enemy, transferred his headquarters to Cairo, where, also in accordance + with his invariable habit, he begun to furnish active employment for those + under him in ways unpleasant for his adversary. An enemy in the territory + assigned to Gen. Grant was never allowed much opportunity to loll in + careless indolence. This idiosyncrasy of Gen. Grant made him rather + peculiar among the Union Generals at that stage of the war. + </p> + <p> + Two days after Grant arrived at Cairo he learned that Gen. Polk was moving + to take Paducah, at the mouth of the Tennessee River, 45 miles above + Cairo. This was a most important point, as a lodgment there would have + stopped navigation on the Ohio, and absolutely controlled that on the + Cumberland and Tennessee. Grant at once decided that he would anticipate + him and telegraphed for permission to St. Louis, but his telegram and + another one still more urgent received no attention, and he proceeded to + act on his own volition, loading his men on the steamers and starting for + Paducah in the night, arriving there in the morning, thereby anticipating + the rebel advance some six or eight hours. This was characteristic of + Grant's other operations around Cairo, and it was not long until he had + that point not only free from apprehension as to what Polk might do + against it with his mighty army, but he had Polk becoming anxious as to + what Grant might do against him at Columbus, which he had proclaimed as + the "Gibraltar of the West." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link263" id="link263"></a><span class="pn">{263}</span> + </p> + <p> + Everywhere in his district Grant had introduced the best discipline into + the force of 20,000 men which he had collected. He had looked out + carefully for their wants, and had them well supplied, and he was gaining + their confidence as well as his own by well directed movements which + always led to considerable results. + </p> + <p> + Fremont, who had at last started out in his grand movement against Price, + was fearful that Price's army might be strongly reinforced by Polk from + Columbus, and it was made Grant's duty to prevent this. + </p> + <p> + Grant with his habitual boldness had been desirous of moving directly + against Columbus, but the reputed strength of the works and the force + there made the suggestion carry shivers to the minds of his superiors, + where the memories of Bull Run and Ball's Bluff were so painfully recent. + But if Grant was not allowed to do one thing, he would always do another. + He heard of a force under M. J. Thompson, numbering about 3,000, on the + St. Francois River, about 50 miles to the southwest of Cairo, and promptly + started Col. Richard J. Oglesby with about 3,000 men to beat up Jeff + Thompson and destroy him. + </p> + <p> + Later he ordered Col. W. H. L. Wallace to take the remainder of the 11th + Ill., and some other troops to move after Oglesby, to give him help should + he need it. + </p> + <p> + Soon after, believing that Jeff Thompson had gotten out of Col. Oglesby's + reach, he sent another order to Oglesby to move directly upon New Madrid + and take the place. This was a bold performance, for the capture of New + Madrid would have placed him on the Mississippi below Columbus and cut off + Polk's principal line of supplies. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link264" id="link264"></a><span class="pn">{264}</span> + </p> + <p> + Urgent dispatches continued to come from Fremont to prevent any + reinforcement of Price from Columbus, and Grant started in to impress Gen. + Polk with the idea that he would have quite enough to attend to at home. + He sent orders to Gen. C. F. Smith, commanding at Paducah, to send a + column out to threaten Columbus from that side, and to Col. Marsh to + advance from Mayfield, Ky., and Grant himself, gathering up about 3,000 + men from the troops he had around Cairo, embarking them on steamers, and + under the convoy of two gunboats (the Lexington and Tyler), steamed down + the river directly for Columbus, 20 miles away. + </p> + <p> + Nov. 6 the flotilla dropped down the river to within six miles and in full + view of Columbus, and landed a few men on the Kentucky side. This was to + still further confuse the mind of Gen. Polk, and make him believe that he + must expect an attack on the land side in co-operation with the forces + advancing from Paducah and from Mayfield directly in front of Cairo. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Grant says that when he started out he had no intention of making a + fight, and of course did not contemplate any such thing as a direct attack + with the force he had upon the immensely superior numbers at Columbus, but + he saw his men were eager to do something, and that they would be greatly + discontented if they returned without a fight. Therefore, on learning that + the enemy was crossing troops to the little hamlet of Belmont, opposite + Columbus, presumably with the intention of cutting off and crushing + Oglesby, he resolved to strike a blow, and determined to break up the + small camp at Belmont, which would give the enemy something else to think + about. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link265" id="link265"></a><span class="pn">{265}</span> + </p> + <p> + About an hour after daybreak he began landing his men on the west side of + the Mississippi River, while the gunboats moved down a little further and + waked up the enemy by throwing shells into the works at Columbus. Grant + handled his men with the skill he always displayed on the field of battle, + pushing forward the main body through the corn fields and woods, but + leaving a regiment in a secure position in a dry slough as a resource for + an emergency. They with the gunboats were to protect the transports. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Polk probably saw all this, but interpreted it as a mere feint to get + him to send troops across the river and thus strip his fortifications so + as to make easier the work of the columns advancing from Paducah and + Mayfield. He therefore held his men with him and did not interfere with + Grant's movements. + </p> + <p> + Grant pushed on through the cornfields and woods for a mile or more, and + then rearranged his lines and pushed forward a heavy line of skirmishers. + By this time the enemy in camp at Belmont had learned of the movement, and + started out to meet it. The two lines of skirmishers soon came in contact, + and there was a spiteful, bickering fire opened between them. Both sides + were expert woodsmen and riflemen, and thoroly at home at this kind of + work. The Union line pressed the Confederates slowly back for four hours, + receiving and inflicting considerable losses. Grant's horse was shot under + him, but he got another, and kept his place in the advance, directing and + encouraging the men, whom he says acted like veterans and behaved as well + as any troops in the world could have done. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link266" id="link266"></a><span class="pn">{266}</span> + </p> + <p> + He pushed the enemy so closely that when the latter reached the abatis + they broke into confusion and rushed over the river bank for shelter, + yielding possession of their camp to the victorious Unionists. + </p> + <p> + This triumph completely intoxicated the victors. They broke ranks, threw + down their guns, began rummaging through the camps for trophies, running + up and down and cheering wildly. Their officers were no better than they. + Many of them had been political "spellbinders" in civil life and very + naturally proceeded to "improve the occasion" by getting on stumps and + delivering enthusiastic Union speeches and addresses of congratulation + over the gallantry of their men and the wonderful victory achieved. In + vain did Gen. Grant try to recall them to a sense of soldierly duty and + discipline. He alone appeared to comprehend the object of the expedition, + and what was necessary to be next done. He could not rally enough men to + go down the river bank and capture the garrison which was sheltered there. + A number of the men who were attracted by the captured cannon began firing + them with great jubilation down the river at steamboats which they saw + there, and Grant tried to have them, since they would fire guns, turn them + upon the steamers which were coming across from Columbus loaded with + troops. Polk had at last waked up to what was being done across the river, + and began a fire upon Belmont from his siege guns, while he hurried troops + aboard steamers to recover the lost position. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link267" id="link267"></a><span class="pn">{267}</span> + </p> + <p> + The shells began to startle the exultant soldiers, and Grant took + advantage of this to employ them in setting fire to the tents and other + camp equipage. Presently the sky of victory was overcast by the sudden + announcement that the rebels were in line of battle between them and the + transports, and that they were cut off and surrounded. The exultation of + victory was followed by almost a panic, but Grant steadied them with the + quiet assurance "We have cut our way in here, and we can cut it out + again." This was taken up by the officers as they reformed their men for + the battle. + </p> + <p> + Again the skirmish line was pushed forward in search of the enemy, but he + offered only a moderate resistance, and the troops made their way back to + the transports with little difficulty, though the excitement was + tremendous. + </p> + <p> + The commanders of the gunboats had kept alert, and came promptly forward + to engage the guns on the Columbus bluffs and later to discourage the + pursuing rebels with liberal volleys of grape and canister, which, as the + bend of the river gave them an enfilade on the river line, were delivered + with great effect and considerable slaughter. + </p> + <p> + The troops were gotten again on board the transports without any + particular trouble, though about 25 wounded were left in the hands of the + enemy. The Union troops had brought off about 175 prisoners and two guns, + besides spiking four other cannon. + </p> + <p> + While the wounded were being gathered up and brought aboard, Gen. Grant + rode out some distance to reconnoiter, and almost rode into a body of the + enemy. He turned and made his way back to the transports, which were just + starting; the Captain recognized him, and held his boat for a moment while + Gen. Grant's horse slipped down the steep bank and then trotted on board + over the single gangway. The expedition returned to Cairo immediately. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link268" id="link268"></a><span class="pn">{268}</span> + </p> + <p> + Gen. Grant officially reported his losses as 485 in killed, wounded and + missing. Gen. Polk officially reported his losses as killed, 105; wounded, + 419; missing, 117; total, 641. He estimated the Union losses at 1,500; + "fourteen-fifteenths of that number must have been killed, wounded or + drowned." He also said that he had a stand of colors, something over 1,000 + stand of arms, with knapsacks, ammunition, and other military stores. + </p> + <p> + Medical Director J. H. Brinton gives the following list of losses by + regiments: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Command. Killed. Wounded + + 27th Ill. Vol.......................... 11 47 + + 80th Ill. Vol......................... 9 27 + + 31st Ill. Vol.......................... 10 70 + + 22d Ill. Vol........................... 23 74 + + 7th Iowa Vol........................... 26 93 + + Cavalry and Artillery................. 1 11 + + Total.................................. 80 322 +</pre> + <p> + While Gen. Grant and the officers and men under him regarded the affair as + a great victory, and deservedly plumed themselves upon their achievements + that day, there was a decidedly different opinion taken in the North, and + the matter has been the subject of more or less sharp criticism ever + since. It was pronounced by the McClellan-Halleck school of military men + as a useless waste of men in gaining no object, and probably the most + charitable of Gen. Grant's critics could find no better excuse for him + than that he was like the man in the Bible who had bought two yoke of oxen + and wanted to go and try them. All this did not disturb the equanimity of + Gen. Grant and his men in the least. He knew he had accomplished what he + had set out to do, to give Gen. Polk something else to occupy his mind + than capturing Oglesby or reinforcing Thompson and Price. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link269" id="link269"></a><span class="pn">{269}</span> + </p> + <p> + Col. Oglesby made his way unmolested back to Cairo. Polk was probably + beginning to think that he would have quite enough to do to stay in + Columbus, and his dreams as to St. Louis were dissipated. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Grant's men knew that they had met their enemies on equal terms in + the open field, and had driven them, whether they were in their front or + rear, and so they were content. + </p> + <p> + The Confederates of course proclaimed a great victory, and made the most + of it. Albert Sidney Johnston enthusiastically congratulated Polk, + Jefferson Davis did the same, and the Confederate Congress passed a + resolution of thanks to Maj.-Gen. Polk and Brig.-Gens. Pillow and Cheatham + and the officers and soldiers under their commands. + </p> + <p> + The battle was the occasion of still further increasing the bitterness + between Polk and his insubordinate subordinate, Gideon J. Pillow, who + resigned his commission, and sent to the Confederate War Department a long + and bitter complaint against Gen. Polk, a large part of which was taken up + with charges against his superior for non-support when he, Pillow, was + engaged in a terrible struggle on the west side of the river with a force + "three times my own." Pillow asserted that he had repeatedly driven back + the Unionists at the point of the bayonet, after his ammunition had been + exhausted, and no more was furnished him by Gen. Polk. He said that Polk + had thus needlessly sacrificed many brave men, and that a like, if not + greater, calamity was possible if he were to continue in command. "His + retention is the source of great peril to the country." Pillow said: "As a + zealous patriot, I admire him; as an eminent minister of the Gospel, I + respect him; but as a Commanding General I cannot agree with him." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link270" id="link270"></a><span class="pn">{270}</span> + </p> + <p> + Southeastern Missouri had, therefore, a season of rest for some time. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link271" id="link271"></a><span class="pn">{271}</span> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. HUNTER, LANE, MISSOURI AND KANSAS. + </h2> + <p> + Maj.-Gen. David Hunter felt that fortune was not smiling on him according + to his deserts. He had graduated from West Point in 1822, and had been in + the Army 39 years, or longer than any but few of the officers then in + active employment. He was a thorough soldier, devoted to his profession, + highly capable, inflexibly upright, strongly loyal, an old-time friend of + President Lincoln, and enjoyed his full confidence. He had done a very + painful piece of necessary work for the Administration in investigating + the conditions in Gen. John C. Fremont's command, faithfully reporting + them, and in relieving that officer, thereby incurring the enmity of all + his partisans. Then he had handed the command over to Maj.-Gen. H. W. + Hal-leck, who had graduated 17 years later than he, and who had been seven + years out of the Army. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Hunter had been assigned to Kansas, which was created a Department + for him, but it had few troops, and was remote from the scene of important + operations. He was particularly hurt that Brig.-Gen. Don Carlos Buell, 19 + years his junior, should be assigned to the command of a splendid army of + 100,000 men in Kentucky; and Brig.-Gen. Thos. W. Sherman, 14 years his + junior, should be selected to lead an important expedition to the coast of + South Carolina and Georgia. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link272" id="link272"></a><span class="pn">{272}</span> + </p> + <p> + Like the faithful soldier he was, however, he made little plaint of his + own grievances, but addressed himself earnestly to the work to which he + was assigned. He soon had other troubles enough to make him forget his + own. His hardest work was to keep the Kansans off the Missourians. In the + strained and wavering conditions of public opinion, every effort had to be + made to prevent any pretext or incentive to take the young men of Missouri + into the ranks of Price's army. Gen. Halleck estimated that indignation at + the border raids of Lane, Jennison and Montgomery had given Price fully + 20,000 men. The years of strife along the borders had arrayed the people + in both States against one another. Every Kansan considered every + Missourian the enemy of himself and the State, and the feeling was + reciprocated by the Missourians. + </p> + <p> + For years Kansas had been inflicted with raids by the "Poor White Trash," + "Border Ruffians," and "Bald Knobbers," who had, beside committing other + outrages, carried off into Missouri horses, cattle, furniture, farm + implements, and other portable property. + </p> + <p> + The Kansans held all Missourians responsible for these crimes by the + worser element, and the war seemed a chance to get even. When opportunity + offered, Kansas parties invaded Missouri, bringing back with them + everything which they could load on wagons or drive along the road. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link273" id="link273"></a><span class="pn">{273}</span> + </p> + <p> + The great mass of the Missourians still held aloof from both sides, + remaining as neutral as they would be allowed. Douglas Democrats, + Bell-and-Everett Old-Line Whigs, two-thirds of the entire population, were + yet halting between their attachment for the Union and their political and + social affiliations. It was all-important that they should be kept loyal, + or at least out of the Confederate camps, hence the stringency of + Halleck's orders against any spoliations or depredations by Union troops, + and hence his orders that the negroes should be kept out of the camps, and + their ownership settled by the civil courts. Every offense by Union + soldiers was made the most of by Price's recruiting agents to bring into + their ranks the young men for the "defense of the State." + </p> + <p> + At the head of the vengeful Kansas element was the meteoric James H. Lane, + who had for years ridden the whirlwind in the agitation following the + passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Bill, and the rush of settlers into those + Territories. Volumes have been written about "Jim Lane," but the last + definitive word as to his character is yet to be uttered. Arch demagogue + he certainly was, but demagogues have their great uses in periods of storm + and stress. We usually term "demagogues" those men active against us, + while those who are rousing the people on our own side are "patriotic + leaders." No man had more enemies nor more enthusiastic friends than "Jim + Lane." + </p> + <p> + As with all real leaders of men, the source of his power was a mystery. + Tall, thin, bent, with red hair, a rugged countenance and rasping voice, + he had little oratorical attractiveness, and what he said never read + convincingly in print. No man, however, ever excelled him before an + audience, and he swayed men as the winds do the sea. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link274" id="link274"></a><span class="pn">{274}</span> + </p> + <p> + Lane was born in Lawrenceburg, Ind., in 1814, and was therefore 47 years + of age. His father was Amos Lane, a lawyer of great ability, a member of + Congress, and conspicuous in Indiana. James H. Lane went into politics at + an early age, and entered the Mexican War as Colonel of the 3d Ind., + distinguishing himself at Buena Vista, where he was wounded. Upon the + expiration of the term of service of his regiment he raised the 5th Ind., + and became its Colonel. This gave him quite a prestige in politics, and he + was elected Lieutenant-Governor, and Representative in Congress. The + atmosphere of Indiana was, however, too quiet for his turbulent spirit. He + broke with his party, joined in the rush to Kansas, and speedily became + the leader of the out-and-out Free State men. On the strength of his + Mexican War reputation these elected him Major-General of their troops, in + the troubles they were having with the Pro-Slavery men and the United + State troops sent to assist in making the Territory a Slave State. When + the Free State men gained control of the Territory, he was made + Major-General of the Territorial troops. His principal lieutenants were + James Montgomery and Dr. Charles R. Jenni-son, brave, daring men, + colleagues of "Old Osawatomie Brown," entertaining the same opinions as he + with regard to slavery, and with even fewer scruples than he as to other + forms of property. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link275" id="link275"></a><span class="pn">{275}</span> + </p> + <p> + When the United States troops were assisting the Pro-Slavery men, + Montgomery and Jennison went into active rebellion at the head of some + hundreds of bold, fighting men—"Jayhawkers"—who carried terror + into the ranks of their adversaries. They insisted that they were acting + according to the light of their own consciences and the laws of God. So + terrible did they become that, Nov. 26, 1860, Geo. M. Beebe, Acting + Governor of the Territory, reported to President Buchanan that Montgomery + and Jennison, at the head of between 300 and 500 "well-disciplined and + desperate Jayhawkers," equipped with "arms of the latest and most deadly + character," had hung two citizens of Linn County, and frightened 500 + citizens of that County into flight from the Territory. One of their + number having been captured, was about to be brought to trial before the + United States District Court at Fort Scott, and what they alleged was a + packed jury. They had proceeded to so frighten the court that the Judge + and Marshals incontinently fled to Missouri, leaving a notice on the door + that there would be no session of the court. Therefore Gov. Beebe humanely + recommended to the President that Montgomery and Jennison be immediately + killed, as there would be no peace in the Territory until they were. + </p> + <p> + In spite of Lane's constant prominence, there was always a faction in + Kansas as bitterly his enemies as his friends were enthusiastic for him, + and it was ever a question which of the two were the stronger. It demanded + his utmost activity and cunning to keep himself on top. Upon the admission + of the State, Lane succeeded in having himself elected Senator, but the + legality of the proceeding was questioned and this called for more + activity to keep himself at the front. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link276" id="link276"></a><span class="pn">{276}</span> + </p> + <p> + When the Union army retreated after the battle of Wilson's Creek, Aug. 10, + there went back with it the 1st and 2d Kan.—all the organized troops + the State had in the field. This left the border exposed to the vengeance + of Price's on-sweeping hordes, who made loud threats of what they proposed + to do. Lane sounded the trumpet. Wilson's Creek with Bull Run had awakened + the people to the stern realities of the contest, and there speedily + gathered into camp the men who formed the 3d, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th Kan., + Montgomery becoming Colonel of the 3d Kan.; Jennison of the 7th + (Jennison's Jayhawkers). Lane took command of the troops assembled at Fort + Scott, moved out aggressively on Price's flank, gave Rains, who was in + command there, a sharp skirmish at Dry Wood, and his manuvers were so + menacing that Price called Rains back when within five miles of the Kansas + line, relinquishing his cherished idea of "scourging the Abolitionist + nest," and pushed on to Lexington. Lane then made a dash into Missouri in + Price's rear, fought a lively skirmish at Papinsville, and followed up the + retreating Confederates, capturing Osceola, as has been previously stated. + </p> + <p> + After Gen. Hunter assumed command Lane reappeared with a commission as + Brigadier-General of Volunteers, of which he had beguiled President + Lincoln, and began playing a game which gave intense annoyance to the + bluff, straightforward old soldier. To Hunter he represented that he was + there merely as a Senator and a member of the Senate Military Committee, + which latter he was not. To the President and War Department he + represented that he and Hunter were in brotherly sympathy and confidence, + and planning a movement of mighty importance. The "sympathy" and + "confidence" part were believed so completely, that the War Department did + not take the trouble to communicate with Hunter in regard to the details + of the proposed movement. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link277" id="link277"></a><span class="pn">{277}</span> + </p> + <p> + To his friends and to the press he talked magniloquently about a grand + "Southern expedition" to be made up of 8,000 or 10,000 Kansas troops, + 4,000 Indians, seven regiments of cavalry, three batteries of artillery, + and four regiments of infantry from Minnesota and Wisconsin, which he + would command. It would move from Kansas down into Texas, and there meet + an expedition coming up from the Gulf of Mexico. The War Department seems + to have been impressed with the feasibility of this, and began ordering + troops, officers and supplies to Fort Leavenworth to report to "Brig.-Gen. + James H. Lane." + </p> + <p> + Lane's enemies as well as his friends in Kansas heartily approved of this, + as it would take him away from Kansas, and the Kansas Legislature united + in a request to have him appointed a Major-General, as that would vacate + his seat in the Senate. + </p> + <p> + General-in-Chief McClellan "invited" Gen. Hunter's attention to the + proposed expedition, and suggested that he prepare for it and report what + might be necessary. Gen. Hunter replied that he had had no official + information as to the expedition, and gently complained that the War + Department seemed entirely unmindful of the Commander of the Department, + and had consistently ignored him. As to the expedition, he regarded it as + impracticable. It was 440 miles from Leavenworth to the nearest point in + Texas, and the road was over a wild, barren country, which would require + an immense train of supplies for the troops. He had in the Department only + about 3,000 men, entirely too few to successfully defend Fort Leavenworth + and its valuable supplies against a raid such as Price and McCulloch were + continually threatening. He said he knew no such person as "Brig.-Gen. J. + H. Lane," to whom so many came with orders to report. He also said that + Lane himself now saw that he had raised expectations which he could not + fulfill, and that he was seeking to pick a quarrel with the Department + Commander to give him an excuse for dropping the whole business, and was + making himself very annoying in a thousand ways. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link278" id="link278"></a><span class="pn">{278}</span> + </p> + <p> + Secretary Stanton was profoundly distrustful of Lane, and said that he + would leave the Cabinet rather than put him in independent command. + Finally the matter came to President Lincoln, who wrote the following + characteristic letter: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Executive Mansion, Washington, Feb. 10. Maj.-Gen. Hunter and + Brig.-Gen. Lane, Leavenworth, Kan.: + + My wish has been and is to avail the Government of the + services of both Gen. Hunter and Gen. Lane, and, so far as + possible, to personally oblige both. Gen. Hunter is the + senior officer, and must command when they serve together; + tho in so far as he can, consistently with the public + service and his own honor, oblige Gen. Lane, he will also + oblige me. If they cannot come to an amicable understanding, + Gen. Lane must report to Gen. Hunter for duty, according to + the rules, or decline the service. + + A. LINCOLN. +</pre> + <p> + Lane, who then thought his seat in the Senate safe, decided that he would + rather serve his country in the forum than in the field, and his + commission was cancelled. Five years later, dismayed to find he had lost + his hold on the people of Kansas by his support of Andrew Johnson, he + ended his strange, eventful history with a pistol-shot from his own hand. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Hunter having reported that the division of Kansas from Missouri was + unwise, the Department was merged into Gen. Halleck's command, and Gen. + Hunter assigned to duty in South Carolina. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link279" id="link279"></a><span class="pn">{279}</span> + </p> + <p> + Gen. Halleck's laboriously elaborate system received a little shock so + ludicrous as to be almost incredible were it not solemnly told in an + official communication by himself to Gen. Sterling Price: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + St Louis, Jan. 27, 1862. Maj.-Gen. Sterling Price, + Commanding, etc., Springfield, Mo. General: A man calling + himself L. V. Nichols came to my headquarters a day or two + since, with a duplicate of your letter of the 12th instant. + On being questioned, he admitted that he belonged to your + service; that he had come in citizen's dress from + Springfield, avoiding some of our military posts and passing + through others in disguise, and without reporting himself to + the Commander. He said that he had done this by your + direction. On being asked for his flag of truce, he pulled + from his pocket a dirty pocket-handkerchief, with a short + stick tied to one corner. +</pre> + <p> + Gen. Halleck then proceeded to read Gen. Price a lecture on the etiquette + of flags of truce. + </p> + <p> + A feature of peculiar pathos was the war storms' reaching and rending of + the haven of refuge which the Government had provided for its wards in the + Indian Territory. More than a century of bitter struggling between the + Creeks, Seminoles, Cherokees, Choctaws, and Chickasaws, and the + Carolinians, Georgians, Floridians, Alabamians, and Mississippians, marked + by murderous massacres and bloody retaliations, had culminated in the + Indians being removed in a body from their tribal domains, and resettled + hundreds of miles west of the Mississippi, where it was confidently hoped + they would be out of the way of the advancing wave of settlement and out + of the reach of the land-hungry whites. Their mills, churches, and school + houses were reerected there, and the devoted missionaries, the + Congregationalists, Methodists, Baptists, Moravians and Jesuits resumed + with increased zeal the work of converting them to Christianity and + civilization, which had been so far prosecuted with gratifying success. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link280" id="link280"></a><span class="pn">{280}</span> + </p> + <p> + In their new home they had prospered wonderfully. Their numbers increased + until they were estimated from 100,000 to 120,000. Many of them lived in + comfortable houses, wore white men's clothes, and tilled fields on which + were raised in the aggregate great quantities of wheat, corn, cotton and + potatoes. They had herds of horses, cattle, sheep and swine large beyond + any precedent among the whites. It was common for an Indian to number his + horses and cattle by the thousands, while the poorest of them owned scores + which foraged in the plenty of limitless rich prairies and bottom land. + Churches, school houses and mills abounded, and they had even a printing + press, from which they issued a paper and many religious and educational + works in an alphabet invented by a full-blood Cherokee. Each tribe + constituted an individual Nation under a written Constitution, with a full + set of elective officers. Slavery had been introduced by the half-breeds, + and the census of 1860 shows the following number of slaves and + slave-owners in the five Nations: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Owners. Slaves. + + Choctaws..........................385 2,297 + + Cherokees.........................384 2,604 + + Creeks............................287 1,661 + + Chickasaws........................118 917 + + Semlnoles..................... ....— ———. +</pre> + <p> + One Choctaw owned 227 negroes. + </p> + <p> + Into the Territory the Government also gathered other tribes and remnants + of tribes, Quapaws, Kiowas, Senecas, Comanches, etc., mostly in the + "blanket" stage of savagery. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link281" id="link281"></a><span class="pn">{281}</span> + </p> + <p> + The dominant sentiment in the civilized tribes was strongly averse to the + war and in favor of peace. The memories and traditions as to the meaning + of war were too fresh and grievous. The object lessons as to the advantage + of peace were everywhere striking and overwhelming. They hoped to maintain + a complete neutrality in the struggle, and pleaded to be allowed to do so. + June 17, 1861, John Ross, Principal Chief of the Cherokees, wrote a long + official letter to Gen. Ben. McCulloch, in which he said that his people + had done nothing to bring about the war, were friends to both sides, and + only desired to live in peace. + </p> + <p> + As in the rest of the South, the Confederates were not listening to any + talk of neutrality, and they proceeded as energetically to stifle it as + they had the Union and peace advocates in the several Southern States. All + the Indian Agents and officials were ardent Secessionists, and at the head + of them was Superintendent Albert Pike, originally a Massachusetts Yankee, + and the son of a poor shoemaker. He had gone South as one of the numerous + "Yankee schoolmasters" who invaded that section in search of a livelihood, + had become a States Rights Democrat, and, as usual with proselytes, was + the most zealous of believers. He was a lawyer of some ability, a + successful politician, an active worker in Masonry, and made much pretense + as a poet. Nothing that he ever wrote survives today. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0021" id="linkimage-0021"> + <!-- IMG --> </a> <img src="images/281-Gen%20Albert%20Pike.jpg" + alt="281-general Albert Pike" width="100%" /><br /> + </p> + <p> + Each of the Indian Agents began enlisting men into the Confederate service + and using them to impose Secession ideas upon their fellow-tribesmen who + were either indifferent or actually hostile. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link282" id="link282"></a><span class="pn">{282}</span> + </p> + <p> + The missionaries, being mostly from the North, were strongly for the + Union, and their influence had to be encountered and broken down. + </p> + <p> + The Indian Agents were commissioned Colonels in the Confederate service, + and were expected to raise regiments, with the Chiefs as subordinate + officers. The leader among the Agents was Douglas H. Cooper, Agent for the + Choctaws, a man of courage, decision and enterprise, who raised a regiment + mainly of the half-breeds of the Choctaws and Chickasaws. + </p> + <p> + The Cherokee regiment was almost wholly half-breeds, with Stand Waitie, a + half-breed, courageous, implacable, merciless, as its Colonel. Albert Pike + was rewarded for his great service in bringing the Indians into line with + a commission of Brigadier-General, C. S. A., and placed in command of the + whole force. + </p> + <p> + Principal Chief John Ross temporarily bowed to superior force and gave his + adhesion to the Southern Confederacy. A large portion of his people would + not do this. They, with a similar element in the other Nations, gathered + around the venerable Chief Hopoeithleyohola, nearly 100 years old, and + whose span of life began before the Revolutionary War. He had been a + dreaded young war leader against Gen. Jackson in the sanguinary scenes at + Fort Mimms, Tallapoosa, and Red Sticks in 1813-14. When he was a boy his + people were allied with the Spaniards in Florida to resist the British + encroachments upon their tribal empire in Georgia. When he was a War + Chief, the British at Pensacola and Mobile had put muskets and ammunition + into his hands for his men to resist the North Carolinians, Georgians, + Tennesseeans and Kentuckians. In every decade he had fought and treated + with the grandfathers and fathers of the same men who were trying to + coerce him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link283" id="link283"></a><span class="pn">{283}</span> + </p> + <p> + Every battle and every treaty had ended in a further spoliation of the + "hunting grounds" of his people. He was now to end his career as he began, + and consistently pursued it, in stern resistance to his hereditary + enemies. He calculated that he could put into the field about 1,500 + reliable, well-armed warriors, who would be more than a match for the + Indians who had entered into the Confederate service. If the white + Confederates came to their assistance, he could make an orderly retreat + into Kansas, where he hoped to receive help from Union troops, if they + should not have advanced before then. + </p> + <p> + Col. Douglas H. Cooper was sent against him, and at first tried diplomacy, + but the wily old Hopoeithleyohola had seen the results of too many + conferences, and refused to be drawn into one. Cooper then assembled a + force of 1,400 men, consisting of some companies of white Texas cavalry + and the Chickasaw, Creek, and Seminole regiments, under their War Chiefs, + D. N. Mcintosh and John Jumper, and moved out to attack Hopoeithleyohola, + who beat them back with considerable loss. + </p> + <p> + The advance of Gen. Fremont called for the concentration of every + available man to oppose him, so Hopoeithleyohola was given a few weeks' + respite. As soon, however, as the Union army retreated to Rolla and + Sedalia, Col. Cooper resumed his operations against Hopoeithleyohola, who + at Chusto-Talasah, Dec. 9, inflicted such a severe defeat upon him that + Cooper retreated in a crippled condition to Fort Gibson. There Col. James + Mcintosh, commanding the Confederate forces at Van Buren, Ark., went to + his assistance with some 1,600 mounted Texans and Arkansans, and the + combined force closed in upon the Union Indians at Shoal Greek. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link284" id="link284"></a><span class="pn">{284}</span> + </p> + <p> + Hopoeithleyohola and his Lieutenant, Haleck-Tustenugge, handled their men + with the greatest skill and courage in an obstinate battle, but after four + hours of resistance the overpowered Union Indians were driven, pursued by + Stand Waitie's murderous half-breeds, who took no men and but few women + and children prisoners. Back over the wide, shelterless prairie, bitten by + the cruel cold and pelted by the storms of an unusually severe Midwinter, + Hopoeithleyohola led his defeated band to a refuge in far-away Kansas. The + weather was so severe that Col. Cooper reports some his men as frozen to + death as they rode along, but the scent of blood was in the half-breed + Stand Waitie's nostrils, and he pressed onward remorselessly. + </p> + <p> + More than 1,000 men, women and children of Hopoeithleyohola's band left + their homes to whiten and mark the dismal trail, and the aged Chief + himself died shortly after reaching Fort Scott, where he was buried with + all the honors of war. + </p> + <p> + Upon the fertile Indian Territory descended the war storm which blighted + the work of the missionaries, and completely ruined the fairest prospects + in our history for civilizing and Christianizing the aborigines. When the + storm ended, one-quarter of the people had perished, the fences, houses, + mills, schoolhouses and churches were all burnt, and the hundreds of + thousands of horses, cattle, sheep and hogs had disappeared so completely + that the Government was compelled to furnish the Indians with animals to + stock their farms anew. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link285" id="link285"></a><span class="pn">{285}</span> + </p> + <p> + Sterling Price had reached his zenith in the capture of Lexington, Sept + 20, 1861. In substantial results it was the biggest achievement of the war + that far. Bull Run had been, indeed, a much larger battle, but at + Lexington Price had captured 3,000 prisoners, including five Colonels and + 120 other commissioned officers; 1,000 horses and mules; 100 wagons; seven + pieces of artillery; 3,000 stands of arms; $900,000 in money, and a very + large quantity of Commissary and Quartermaster's supplies. + </p> + <p> + Though he was to fight nearly four years longer with the greatest + enterprise and determination, though he was to command vastly stronger + forces, and though he was to be followed by myriads of Missourians with + unfaltering courage and enthusiasm, he was never to approach a parallel to + this shining achievement. + </p> + <p> + It was felt that Lexington was only the earnest of incomparably greater + things he was going to do in delivering Missouri from the hated Yankees, + and making hers the brightest star in the Southern Confederacy, paling + with her military glory even historic Virginia. Then McCulloch would come + up with his Texans, Louisianians and Arkansans, and Albert Pike with his + horde of Indians. There would be such an overthrow and annihilation of + their enemies as the world had never before seen, followed by a race to + get to St. Louis before Polk, Pillow and M. Jeff Thompson could reach her + from down the Mississippi. + </p> + <p> + Sterling Price was eager to fight Fremont among the rough, high lands + south of Springfield, and his ardent followers wanted a repetition of the + triumph of Lexington; but McCulloch would not come up from his fastness at + Cross Hollows. Without him Sterling Price, his strength depleted by + defections on his long retreat, did not feel warranted in offering battle, + even with the advantage of the defensive hills. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link286" id="link286"></a><span class="pn">{286}</span> + </p> + <p> + McCulloch was importuned to come forward without success. The best comfort + he could give Sterling Price was to destroy that part of Missouri and make + it worthless to the enemy. McCulloch wanted to advance into Kansas, + however, and utterly destroy that Territory, to strike terror to the + Abolitionists. It speaks very badly for their intelligence system that + both Price and McCulloch maintained, that neither of them was aware for + days that the Union army had left Springfield, Nov. 8, on its retreat to + Rolla and Sedalia. Although their camps were only some 70 miles from + Springfield, they did not learn of the retreat until Nov. 16, when + McCulloch, seized at last with a sudden desire to enter Missouri, rushed + all his mounted men forward in hopes to capture trains and detachments. + They were disgusted to find upon arriving at Springfield that the last + Union soldier and wagon had left there more than a week previous. + </p> + <p> + After some destruction of property, McCulloch sullenly returned to his old + position in Arkansas, where, leaving his command to Col. James Mcintosh, + lately Captain in the United States Army, he departed for Richmond to give + the Confederate War Department his version of the occurrences in his + territory. + </p> + <p> + Sterling Price had learned the same day, Nov. 16, of the departure of the + Union army, and set his columns in motion northward, announcing that he + was going to winter on the Missouri River. Again he sent an appeal to + McCulloch to cooperate, but Col. Mcintosh declined, on the ground that the + troops were not properly clad for the rigorous weather so far north, and, + besides, he did not think that the expedition would do any good. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link287" id="link287"></a><span class="pn">{287}</span> + </p> + <p> + Sterling Price simply let loose his army on the country evacuated by the + Union troops, and a reign of indescribable misery ensued for the Union + people and those who were vainly trying to keep the neutral middle of the + road. The army was spread out as much as possible in order to gather in + recruits and supplies and assert its influence most widely. + </p> + <p> + From Marshall, in Saline Co., Sterling Price issued a most remarkable + proclamation to the people, calling for 50,000 volunteers. He reminded + them that their harvests had been reaped, their preparation for Winter had + been made, and now they had leisure to do something to relieve the people + from the "inflictions of a foe marked with all the characteristics of + barbarian warfare." He admitted that the great mass of the people were not + in the war, and especially the substantial portion of the population, for, + he said, "boys and small property-holders have in the main fought the + battles." He begged, he implored that the herdsman should leave his folds, + the lawyer his office, and come into camp to win the victory. He even + dropped into poetry in his tearful earnestness, quoting the school boy's + declamation from Marco Bozarris: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Strike, till the last armed foe expires; Strike, for your + altars and your fires! Strike for the green graves of your + sires, God, and your native land! +</pre> + <p> + An infinitely harmful part of the proclamation was the following: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Leave your property at home. What if it be taken—all taken? + We have $200,000,000 worth of Northern means in Missouri + which cannot be removed. When we are once free the State + will indemnify every citizen who may have lost a dollar by + adhesion to the cause of his country. We shall have our + property, or its value, with interest. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link288" id="link288"></a><span class="pn">{288}</span> + </p> + <p> + This was naturally interpreted as meaning that all those not distinctly + favorable to Secession forfeited their property to those who were. + </p> + <p> + This seemed ample warrant to the Poor White Trash banditti for seizure of + the property of any man whose principles might not be of exactly the right + shade. + </p> + <p> + Experience teaches us that that class of people are pretty certain to find + heterodox the opinions of any man who has something they may want. It + certainly made a very dark outlook for anybody in Missouri to hold + moveable property. + </p> + <p> + The turbid thrasonics of the proclamation shows that it was not written by + Price's Adjutant-General, Thomas L. Snead, who was a literary man. He was + then absent at Richmond looking after the fences of his General. The + proclamation sounds the more as if it came from the pen of our poetical + acquaintance, M. Jeff Thompson, the "Swamp Fox" of the Mississippi. It + concluded in this perfervid style: + </p> + <p> + But, in the name of God and the attributes of manhood, let me appeal to + you by considerations infinitely higher than money! Are we a generation of + driveling, sniveling, degraded slaves? Or are we men who dare assert and + maintain the rights which cannot be surrendered, and defend those + principles of everlasting rectitude, pure and high and sacred, like God, + their author? Be yours the office to choose between the glory of a free + country and a just Government, and the bondage of your children! I will + never see the chains fastened upon my country. I will ask for six and + one-half feet of Missouri soil in which to repose, but will not live to + see my people enslaved. + </p> + <p> + Do I hear your shouts? Is that your war-cry which echoes through the land? + Are you coming? Fifty thousand men! Missouri shall move to victory with + the tread of a giant! Come on, my brave boys, 50,000 heroic, gallant, + unconquerable Southern men! We await your coming. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link289" id="link289"></a><span class="pn">{289}</span> + </p> + <p> + Sterling Price established his headquarters again at Osceola, on the banks + of the Osage, but sent forward Gens. Rains and Steen to Lexington, the + best point on the Missouri to hold the river and afford a passage for + recruits coming in from the northern part of the State. + </p> + <p> + The results of the proclamation were not commensurate with the desperate + urgency of the appeal. Large parties of recruits, it is true, tried to + make their way toward Price's camp, but many of them were intercepted, and + dispersed; strong blows were delivered against Price's outlying + detachments, driving them in from all sides. Meanwhile those he had in + camp were melting away faster than hew ones were coming in. + </p> + <p> + Sterling Price had other troubles. He was not a favorite in Richmond. + Jefferson Davis was a man never doubtful as to the correctness of his own + ideas, and he was most certain of those relating to military men and + affairs. He had had extraordinary opportunities for familiarizing himself + with all the fighting men, and possible fighting men, in the country. He + graduated from West Point in 1828, 23d in a class of 33; none of whom, + besides himself, became prominent. He had served seven years as a + Lieutenant in the Regular Army on frontier duty, and as Colonel of a + regiment in the Mexican War, where he achieved flattering distinction. He + had been four years Chairman of the Senate Committee on Military Affairs, + and four years Secretary of War. It must be admitted that his judgment + with regard to officers was very often correct; yet he was a man of strong + likes and dislikes. His reputation was that of "having the most quarrels + and the fewest fights of any man in the Army." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link290" id="link290"></a><span class="pn">{290}</span> + </p> + <p> + Undoubtedly his partialities drew several men into the Confederate army + who would otherwise have remained loyal, and his antipathies retained some + men in the Union army who would otherwise have gone South. His reasons for + disliking Price are obscure, further than that Price was a civilian, who + had had no Regular Army training or experience, and that he believed Price + to be in conspiracy to set up a Trans-Mississippi Confederacy. But little + evidence of such intention is to be found anywhere, yet that little was + sufficient for a man of Davis's jealous, suspicious nature. Repeatedly, at + the mere mention of Price's name, he flew into an undignified passion and + denounced him unsparingly. + </p> + <p> + Price's men were carrying havoc as far as they could reach. Nov. 19 they + burned the important little town of Warsaw, the County seat of Benton + County and a Union stronghold. In 1860 the people of Benton County had + cast but 74 votes for Lincoln and but 100 for Breckinridge, while they + gave Bell and Everett 306 votes and Douglas 574. Dec 16 Platte City, + County seat of Piatt County, was nearly destroyed by them. This was + another Union community, and a large majority of the people were + Bell-and-Everett Unionists or Douglas Democrats. Dec. 20 a concerted foray + of guerrillas and bushwhackers burnt the bridges and otherwise crippled + nearly 100 miles of Northern Railroad. But Halleck's splendid + systematizing had begun to tell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link291" id="link291"></a><span class="pn">{291}</span> + </p> + <p> + The northern part of Missouri was made unbearably hot for bridge-burners + and other depredators by the swift execution of a number of "peaceful + citizens" caught red-handed, and the probability that others would be + caught and served in the same way. Gen. John Pope, commanding in Central + Missouri, began at last to show the stuff that was in him, and by a + skillful movement got into the rear of Bains and Steen, compelling them to + hurriedly abandon the line of the Missouri River, and striking them so + sharply in their flight as to capture 300 prisoners, 70 wagons, with loads + of supplies for Price's army, and much other valuable booty. Another of + Pope's columns, under Col. Jeff C. Davis, surprised a camp at Mil-ford, + Dec. 18, and forced its unconditional surrender, capturing three Colonels + (one of whom was a brother of Gov. Magoffin, of Kentucky), 17 Captains, + and over 1,000 prisoners, 1,000 stands of arms, 1,000 horses and mules, + and a great amount of supplies, tents, baggage, and ammunition. In a + couple of weeks Gen. Pope, with a loss of about 100 men, captured 2,500 + prisoners. + </p> + <p> + Jan. 2 Gen. Fred Steele, commanding at Sedalia, and a level-minded man, + who kept himself well informed, telegraphed to Gen. Halleck: + </p> + <p> + Price's whole force not over 16,000. In all 63 pieces of artillery, none + rifled. Horses very poor. Price says he is going to Jefferson City as soon + as they are organized. At present he has no discipline; no sentinels or + picket to prevent passing in and out. Rains drinking all the time. Price + also drinking too much. + </p> + <p> + Clearly Price had in him none of the startling aggressiveness which + distinguished Lyon and Stonewall Jackson. He made no effort to suddenly + collect his forces and inflict an overwhelming blow upon one after another + of the columns converging upon him and defeat them in detail. Instead, he + lost heart, and, abandoning the strong lines of the Osage and the Pomme de + Terre, fell back to Springfield, where comfortable quarters were built for + his men, and he gathered in an abundance of supplies from the Union + farmers of the surrounding country, expecting that he would be left + undisturbed until Spring. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link292" id="link292"></a><span class="pn">{292}</span> + </p> + <p> + Thus the year 1861 ended with some 61 battles and considerable skirmishes + having been fought on the soil of Missouri, with a loss to the Union side + of between 500 and 600 killed, treble that number wounded, and about 3,600 + prisoners. + </p> + <p> + The Confederate loss was probably in excess in most of the engagements. + Besides, they had lost fully four-fifths of the State, and were in + imminent danger of being driven from the restricted foothold they still + retained in the southwestern corner. + </p> + <p> + The Union State Government, with the conservative, able Hamilton R. Gamble + at the head, was running with tolerable smoothness. Courts were sitting in + most of the Counties to administer justice. Under Halleck's orders Judges, + Sheriffs, Clerks, jurors, parties and witnesses had to take the oath of + allegiance. Gen. Schofield was rapidly organizing his 13,000 Missouri + Militia to maintain peace in the State, and incidentally to keep many of + the men enrolled out of the rebel army. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link293" id="link293"></a><span class="pn">{293}</span> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. PRICE DRIVEN OUT OF THE STATE. + </h2> + <p> + When he abandoned the strong line of the Osage and took up his position at + Springfield, Gen. Sterling Price, like the Russians against Napoleon, + relied upon his powerful allies, Gens. January, February and March. At + that time the roads in Missouri were merely rough trails, running over + hills and deep-soiled valleys of fertile loam, cut every few miles by + rapid streams. The storms of Winter quickly converted the hills into icy + precipices, the valleys into quagmires, and the streams into raging + torrents. The Winters were never severe enough to give steady cold + weather, and allow operations over a firmly-frozen footing. Rain, sleet + and snow, hard frosts and warm thaws alternated with each other so + frequently as to keep the roads in a condition of what the country people + call a "breakup," when travel is very difficult for the individual and + next to impossible for an army. + </p> + <p> + When, therefore, at the last of December, Gen. Price returned to + Springfield, in the heart of the rich farming district of southwest + Missouri, and 125 miles or more distant from the Union bases—Rolla + and Sedalia, at the ends of the railroads, he had much reason for + believing he would be left undisturbed for at least two months, which rest + he very much needed to prepare for the strenuous campaign that he knew the + industrious Halleck was organizing against him. He wanted the rest for + many reasons. Yielding to the strong pressure of Missourians, Jefferson + Davis had agreed to appoint Price a Major-General, C. S. A., but upon the + condition that he bring in the Confederate service a full division of + Missouri troops. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link294" id="link294"></a><span class="pn">{294}</span> + </p> + <p> + With his towering influence in Misssouri this would not have been a + difficult thing to do with the whole State to draw from. It was quite + otherwise with three-fourths of Missouri held by the Union troops and + Halleck's well-laid nets everywhere to catch parties of recruits trying to + make their way to Price. + </p> + <p> + Still, Price was justified in his confidence that the Union troops would + be satisfied with holding northern and central Missouri during the Winter, + and would not venture far from their base of supplies on the Missouri + River and the termini of the railroads at Rolla and Sedalia. + </p> + <p> + Whatever aggressive disposition they might have which the condition of the + roads would not dampen would be quelled by the knowledge that McCulloch's + army of Texans, Louisianians, Arkansans and Indians lay at Cross Hollow, + within easy supporting distance of him. + </p> + <p> + Therefore, Price settled down at Springfield, and his men built + comfortable cabins in which to pass the time until Spring. The Union + farmers in the country roundabout were stripped of their grain and cattle + for supplies, and Price proceeded with the organization of his Confederate + division. + </p> + <p> + Jefferson Davis's feelings toward Price and Missouri are in a measure + revealed in the following querulous letter, which also indicates Mr. + Davis's tendencies to pose as a much-enduring, martyr-like man: + </p> + <p> + <a name="link295" id="link295"></a><span class="pn">{295}</span> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Hon. W. P. Harris, Confederate States Congress. + + My Dear Sir: Language was said by Talleyrand to be useful + for the concealment of one's thoughts; but in our day it + falls to communicate any thought. If it had been otherwise, + the complaint in relation to Gen. Price of which you speak + could not have been made. The Commissioners of Missouri were + informed that when that State offered troops they would be + organized according to our military laws, and Generals would + be appointed for brigades and divisions. Until then I have + no power to appoint Generals for those troops. The same + statements, substantially, were made to the members of + Congress from Missouri who called on me yesterday. They were + also informed that, from conversation with Informed persons + and from correspondence now on file in the War Department, I + was convinced that it was needful to the public interest + that a General should be sent to the Arkansas and Missouri + Division who had not been connected with any of the troops + on that line of operations; and to the statement that the + Missouri troops would not fully enlist under any one except + Gen. Price, I asked if they required their General to be put + in command of the troops of Arkansas, of Texas, and of the + other Southern States. To bring these different forces into + harmonious co-operation is a necessity. I have sought to + effect it by selecting Gen. Heth to command them in + combination. If it is designed, by calling Heth a West Point + Cadet, merely to object to his education in the science of + war, it may pass for what it is worth; but if it be Intended + to assert that he is without experience, his years of active + and distinguished service on the frontier of Missouri and + the territory west of it will, to those who examine before + they censure, be a sufficient answer. The Federal forces are + not hereafter as heretofore to be commanded by pathfinders + and holiday soldiers, but by men of military education and + experience in war. The contest is therefore to be on a scale + of very different proportions than that of the partisan + warfare witnessed during the past Summer and Fall. I have + long since learned to bear hasty censure, in hope that + justice, if tardy, is sure; and in any event to find + consolation in the assurance that all my ends have been my + country's. + + With high respect, + + JEFFERSON DAVIS. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link296" id="link296"></a><span class="pn">{296}</span> + </p> + <p> + Gen. Ben McCulloch thought best to go on to Richmond to explain his course + since Wilson's Creek, and also to look after the very tender subject of + his rank and powers. He left Gen. James S. Mcintosh in command of his + troops. Mcintosh had grievances of his own. He was not being recognized by + the Confederate authorities as he thought a man of his abilities and + soldierly experience should have been, and he seems to have liked + cooperation with Gen. Price very much less even than did Gen. McCulloch. + In no very gentlemanly terms he repelled Price's proposition to combine + their forces and push forward to the Missouri River. The best that Price + could get out of him was the assurance that if the Federals advanced upon + him at Springfield he, Mcintosh, would come forward to his assistance. + </p> + <p> + Price had greatly underestimated Gen. Halleck's energy and aggressiveness. + Gen. Halleck was the first of our commanders to really rise to the level + of the occasion and take a comprehensive grasp upon affairs. Unlike some + others, he wasted no time in sounding proclamations or in lengthy letters + of advice to the Administration as to the political conduct of the war. He + was a soldier, proud of his profession, true to his traditions, and + possibly had ambition to be reckoned among the great commanders. He had + been noted for high administrative ability, and this trait was well + illustrated in his grasp of the situation in Missouri and on the borders + of the State. His main communications to the people were orders, plain, + practical, and to the point. Whatever he did was on the highest plane of + the science of warfare as he understood it. + </p> + <p> + Proper military discipline and subordination were introduced everywhere + and a rigid system of accountability. He had troubles with his own men to + add to his difficulties with the enemy. We find the most note of this with + reference to the Germans. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link297" id="link297"></a><span class="pn">{297}</span> + </p> + <p> + The Missouri Germans were a splendid lot of men, taken as a whole, and had + an unusual number of officers who were trained soldiers of considerable + military experience. At the head of this class was Gen. Peter J. + Osterhaus, who had been a private soldier under Lyon in securing the + Arsenal, and had commanded a battalion with high credit to himself at + Wilson's Creek. He was now a Colonel commanding a brigade. + </p> + <p> + With this excellent material there was a large per cent that ranged from + worthless to actually criminal. Many adventurers from the European armies + had hastened to this country to sell their swords to the best advantage, + and many black sheep, who had been forced out of their armies, sought in + our troubles and our ignorance of military matters an opportunity for + their own exaltation and profit. Halleck dealt with all with a firm, + unsparing hand. He began to weed out the worthless officers and to + court-martial the rascals. Company, battalion and regimental organizations + which he found too mutinous and disorderly for hopeful management, he + either disarmed and set to hard labor or discharged from the service. + </p> + <p> + The raids of the vengeful Kansans across the Missouri borders gave him + excessive annoyance, and he issued orders that all Kansas parties entering + the State should be arrested and disarmed. That he might have more + complete control of them, however, he recommended that the Department of + Kansas be merged with his command, and as this was in had mony with Gen. + Hunter's ideas, it was subsequently done. In the meanwhile he had to look + out for the Mississippi River and the highly important point of, Cairo. He + started to construct a fleet of gunboats to help control the river and + assist the Army in its operations. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link298" id="link298"></a><span class="pn">{298}</span> + </p> + <p> + His next neighbor to the eastward was Maj. Gen. Don Carlos Buell, + commanding the Department of the Ohio, which extended from the Cumberland + River to the Allegheny Mountains. Gen. Buell's complete cooperation was + necessary to the management of affairs in the Mississippi Valley, but this + seems to have been difficult to secure. Buell had his own ideas, and they + frequently did not harmonize with those of Gen. Halleck. Halleck + recommended that Buell's Department be put under his own command, which + was also done later. + </p> + <p> + Bridge-burning and other outrages by straggling bands claiming to be + Confederates seriously disturbed the peace, embarrassed operations, and + worried the Commanding General. Halleck reported that within 10 days prior + to Jan. 1, 1862, these bridge-burners had destroyed $150,000 worth of + railroad property and that they had concocted a plan to burn, + simultaneously, every railroad bridge in the State, and set fire to the + city of St. Louis in a number of places. In his comprehensive order + advising summary and severe punishment against these marauders he took + careful guards against such being made the pretext for any private + vengeance or official malice, and instituted Military Commissions of not + less than three responsible officers, acting under the solemnity of an + oath, and making written reports of their proceedings. This order brought + down a storm of abuse from the Secessionist and semi-Secessionist press, + which Halleck calmly disregarded. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Sterling Price on Jan. 12 wrote Gen. Halleck a strong letter + protesting against the order and asking the question whether "individuals + and parties of men specially appointed and instructed by me to destroy + railroads, culverts, bridges, etc." were, if captured, to be regarded as + deserving of death. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link299" id="link299"></a><span class="pn">{299}</span> + </p> + <p> + Gen. Halleck in reply said: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + You also complain that "individuals and parties of men + specially appointed and instructed by you to destroy + railroads, culverts and bridges by tearing them up, burning, + etc., have been arrested and subjected to a general court- + martial for alleged crimes." This statement is in the main + correct. Where "individuals and parties of men" violate the + laws of war they will be tried, and if found guilty will + certainly be punished, whether acting by your "special + appointment and instruction" or not. You must be aware, + General, that no orders of yours can save from punishment + spies, marauders, robbers, incendiaries, guerrilla bands, + etc., who violate the laws of war. You cannot give immunity + to crime. But let us fully understand each other on this + point. If you send armed forces wearing the garb of soldiers + and duly organized and enrolled as legitimate belligerents + to destroy railroads, bridges, etc., as a military act, we + shall kill them, if possible, in open warfare, or, if we + capture them, we shall treat them as prisoners of war. + + But it is well understood that you have sent numbers of your + adherents in the garb of peaceful citizens, and under false + pretenses, through our lines into northern Missouri, to rob + and destroy the property of Union men and to burn and + destroy railroad bridges, thus endangering the lives of + thousands, and this, too, without any military necessity or + possible military advantage. Moreover, peaceful citizens of + Missouri, quietly working on their farms, have been + instigated by your emissaries to take up arms as insurgents, + to rob and plunder and to commit arson and murder. They do + not even act under the garb of soldiers, but in false + pretenses and in the guise of peaceful citizens. You + certainly will not pretend that men guilty of such crimes, + although "specially appointed and instructed by you," are + entitled to the rights and immunities of ordinary prisoners + of war. If you do, will you refer me to a single authority + on the laws of war which recognizes such a claim? + + You may rest assured, General, that all prisoners of war not + guilty of crime will be treated with all proper + consideration and kindness. With the exception of being + properly confined, they will be lodged and fed, and where + necessary clothed, the same as our own troops. I am sorry to + say that our prisoners who have come from your camps do not + report such treatment on your part. They say that you gave + them no rations, no clothing, no blankets, but left them to + perish with want and cold. Moreover, It is believed that you + subsist your troops by robbing and plundering the non- + combatant Union inhabitants of the southwestern Counties of + this State. Thousands of poor families have fled to us for + protection and support They say that your troops robbed them + of their provisions and clothing, carrying away their shoes + and bedding, and even cutting cloth from their looms, and + that you have driven women and children from their homes to + starve and perish in the cold. I have not retaliated such + conduct upon your adherents here, as I have no intention of + waging such a barbarous warfare; but I shall, whenever I + can, punish such crimes, by whomsoever they may be + committed. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link300" id="link300"></a><span class="pn">{300}</span> + </p> + <p> + An examination of the correspondence leads to the conclusion that Halleck + possessed very superior talents as a letter writer. + </p> + <p> + Contrasted with Fremont, McClellan, Buell and others, Halleck gave great + satisfaction in Washington, and Secretary Stanton telegraphed him as + follows: + </p> + <p> + Your energy and ability receive the strongest commendation of this + Department You have my perfect confidence, and may rely upon the utmost + support in your undertakings. The pressure of my engagements have + prevented me from writing, but I shall do so fully in a day or two. + </p> + <p> + Though he made the most of every resource, Halleck was sorely pressed for + money and supplies for his force. His letters and messages mention the + shipment of pantaloons to this one, shoes to another, blankets to a third, + as he could get hold of articles to supply present wants, and of counsels + of patience as to delays in paying off, since the Paymasters were far + behind in their work. Jan. 17 he telegraphed to Gen. Curtis: + </p> + <p> + General: Yours of yesterday received. I regret to inform you that neither + the Pay nor Quartermaster's Departments have any money. Troops are sent + from here to Cairo without pay. I can do no better for you. The moment + money is received the forces under your command shall be supplied. They + were all paid to the 31st of October. Some here and in north Missouri are + not paid for September and October. I have done everything in my power for + the troops at Rolla, and they have no cause to complain of me. + </p> + <p> + The truth is that Congress is so busy discussing the eternal nigger + question that they fail to make any appropriations, and the financial + departments are dead broke. No requisitions for money are filled. + </p> + <p> + The extra-duty pay will be forthcoming as soon as we get any money. Assure + these men that they will be paid, but they must have patience. I am doing + everything in my power for them. + </p> + <p> + We must all do the best we can to make the men comfortable and contented + till we get more means. I rely upon you to use all your powers of + conciliation, especially with the German troops. You told me you could + manage them, and I rely upon you to do it At present we have more + difficulties to conquer with our own men than with the enemy. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link301" id="link301"></a><span class="pn">{301}</span> + </p> + <p> + While engaged in these numberless activities Gen. Halleck came down with a + severe attack of measles, and was confined to his room for two weeks, but + there does not appear to have been any intermittence in his energy. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Halleck's plans contemplated sending forward a column sufficient to + crush Price, if he could be brought to battle, and drive him out of the + State anyway. Another column was to advance from Ironton or Fredericktown + and interpose between Polk at Columbus and Price, to prevent the former + from assisting the latter. In the meanwhile Gen. Polk would have + sufficient to occupy his attention in his "Gibraltar," as Gen. Grant would + make a flank movement up the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers. Halleck had + come to the conclusion that Columbus would cost too much in life and blood + to be taken by a direct assault, and it would be better therefore to turn + it. + </p> + <p> + This plan was an excellent one, as Halleck's plans usually were, at that + time, and it was subsequently carried out substantially as conceived. + </p> + <p> + There were the most conflicting reports as to the number of men Price had + with him at Springfield at that time, but it was supposed all the way from + 25,-000 to 50,000, with rather the stronger emphasis on the greater + number. The Secessionists insisted upon the immensity of the army which + had flocked to Price encouraged by the events untoward to the Union cause + of the last half of 1861 and the indignation aroused by the invasion and + depredations of the Kansas Jayhawkers and the "St. Louis Dutch." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link302" id="link302"></a><span class="pn">{302}</span> + </p> + <p> + It was reasonable to suppose, from the state of feeling in Missouri, that + Price might have from 40,000 to 50,000 men, but Halleck, who was unusually + well-informed for our Generals at that period of the war, decided that a + column of about 10,000 men would be sufficient for the work. In this he + was at a disagreement with Gen. Curtis and others in nearer contact with + Price, who estimated the Secessionist force at Springfield in the + neighborhood of 20,000 or 25,000. Yielding to their urgent + representations, he increased his force to about 15,000, of which 3,000 + were required to guard the lengthening line of communications, leaving a + movable column of 12,000 to move directly against Price. This force was + officially designated the "Army of the Southwest," and there was assigned + to its command our old acquaintance, Brig.-Gen. Samuel R. Curtis, West + Point graduate, lawyer, Mexican veteran, railroad engineer, and + Congressman. This made more or less heart-burning among Brig.-Gens. Franz + Sigel, B. M. Prentiss, S. A. Hurlbut, S. D. Sturgis and others who had + hopes in that direction. Sigel stood no chance for the place, however, for + Halleck had conceived a strong distrust of him growing out of his action + at Wilson's Creek, and also because he was a leader among the radical + Germans who wanted to pull slavery up by the roots. Sturgis felt that more + consideration should have been given to him as commander of the army at + Wilson's Creek after Lyon fell. Curtis, in turn, gave strong + dissatisfaction to some of the brigade commanders by selecting Jeff C. + Davis, a Captain in the Regular Army and Colonel of the 22d Ind., and + Eugene A. Carr, also a Captain in the Regular Army and Colonel of the 3d + Ill. Cav., to command two of his four divisions. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link303" id="link303"></a><span class="pn">{303}</span> + </p> + <p> + In its forward movement the commanders had the benefit of the burning zeal + of the young volunteers. These, who had enlisted to put down the + rebellion, wanted to lose no time in doing their work. They were not + minded to lie around camps, no matter how comfortable, during the long + Winter months. In the Northern homes from which they came the Winter had + always been a season of great activity. They could not understand why it + should not be so in Missouri and they hungered for active employment to + the great end of suppressing the rebellion. Their recent successes had + inspired them with hopes that they might be able to finish up the work and + get back home in time for their Spring duties. + </p> + <p> + Though the Winter of 1861-'62 was an exceptionally hard, disagreeable one + in Missouri, the volunteers left their camps with alacrity, pressing + forward through the storms and mud with sanguine hopefulness that they + were now about to accomplish their great purpose. Gen. Curtis selected his + first base at Lebanon, 55 miles distant from Springfield, and sent forward + Col. Carr with about 1,700 infantry and cavalry to occupy that point, gain + information as to the condition of things in Price's camp, and to set on + foot preparation for supplying the advancing army from the surrounding + country. + </p> + <p> + The Union commanders were to learn a lesson from Price, who did not + encumber himself with long trains, but "compelled war to support war" by + drawing his supplies from the country through which he operated. Under + Halleck's orders Gen. Curtis directed that the cavalry should locate all + the mills convenient to the line of march, set them to work grinding + grain, and encourage the Union farmers to bring in their grain, hogs and + cattle, for which the Quartermaster would pay them fair prices. This work + was an admirable education for Halleck's Chief Quartermaster, a young + Captain named Philip H. Sheridan, who was to turn the lessons then learned + to magnificent account afterwards. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link304" id="link304"></a><span class="pn">{304}</span> + </p> + <p> + Lebanon was taken possession of without more resistance than a running + fight in which a notorious Capt. Tom Craig, of the Confederate army, was + killed. Gen. Curtis arrived at Lebanon Jan. 31, leaving Sigel and Asboth + at Rolla to follow as fast as the roads would permit. The recent severe + storms of sleet and snow had been quite trying to the men and animals, but + the columns were pressed forward, and on Feb. 7 Sigel's and Asboth's men + were all in Lebanon, where they were joined by Jeff C. Davis's Division + marching from Otterville by the way of Linn Creek. + </p> + <p> + Halleck's orders to Curtis were clear, comprehending and purposeful. + Curtis seems to have been not a little apprehensive of the force he might + have to encounter, but Halleck constantly urged him forward, at the same + time enjoining him to keep his troops well in hand, and not allow Price to + attack him in detail. He was to "throw out his cavalry carefully, like + fingers to the hands." Most particularly he was not to allow Sigel to go + off on any independent expedition and serve him as Sigel had served Lyon + at Wilson's Creek. Halleck urged Hunter to advance his Kansas troops down + through his department so as to threaten Price's left flank, and he told + Curtis that if he, Curtis, would take care of Price, that he himself would + look out for Johnson, Polk, Beauregard and Hardee. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link305" id="link305"></a><span class="pn">{305}</span> + </p> + <p> + The splendid young Missouri, Iowa and Illinois volunteers, welded into + superb regiments by months of service, with the worthless of their + officers removed by Halleck's rigid pruning, pressed forward with an + enthusiasm that no storms could diminish or wretchedness of roads + discourage. They forded swollen, icy streams, pulled their wagons up steep + hills, or pried them out of quagmires, and bore the fury of the storm with + sanguine cheerfulness, believing they were now moving directly forward to + the great end of crushing the enemies of the Government and closing the + war. + </p> + <p> + Price's outlying detachments were come up with and struck with a + suddenness and vigor that sent them flying in utter rout. It speaks very + ill for Price, with all his means for accurate information, that he knew + nothing of this rapid advance of the Union army until the heads of + Curtis's columns were at his very pickets. He was entirely unready for + battle, and could only hastily gather his men together and make a quick + retreat to the rough hills south of Springfield, leaving all his stores + and his laboriously-constructed cantonments for the Union army. Feb. 13 + Curtis had the satisfaction of reporting to Hal-leck as follows: + </p> + <p> + The Flag of the Union floats over the Court House of Springfield, Mo. The + enemy attacked us with small parties at 10:30 o'clock 12 miles out, and my + front guards had a running Are with them most of the afternoon. At dusk a + regiment of the Confederate cavalry attacked the outer picket, but did not + move it. A few shots from a howitzer killed two and wounded several. The + regiment retreated to this place, and the enemy immediately commenced the + evacuation of the city. I entered the city at 10 a. m. My cavalry is in + full pursuit. They say the enemy is making a stand at Wilson's Creek. + Forage, flour and other stores in large quantities taken. Shall pursue as + fast as the strength of the men will allow. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link306" id="link306"></a><span class="pn">{306}</span> + </p> + <p> + In Gen. Sheridan's "Memoirs" he gives this sidelight on the advance upon + Springfield: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + By hard work we soon accumulated a sufficient quantity of + flour and corn meal to justify the resumption of our march + on Springfield, at or near which point the enemy was + believed to be awaiting us, and the order was given to move + forward, the Commanding General cautioning me, in the event + of disaster, to let no salt fall into Gen. Price's hands. + Gen. Curtis made a hobby of this matter of salt, believing + the enemy sadly in need of that article, and he impressed me + deeply with his conviction that our cause would be seriously + injured by a loss which would inure so greatly and + peculiarly to the enemy's benefit; but we discovered + afterward, when Price abandoned his position, that about all + he left behind was salt. + + When we were within about eight miles of Springfield Gen. + Curtis decided to put his troops in line of battle for the + advance on the town, and directed me to stretch out my + supply train in a long line of battle, so that in falling + back, in case the troops were repulsed, he could rally the + men on the wagons. I did not like the tactics, but, of + course, obeyed the order. +</pre> + <p> + The line moved on to Springfield, and took the town without resistance, + the enemy having fled southward, in the direction of Pea Ridge, the + preceding day. Of course, our success relieved my anxiety about the + wagons; but fancy has often pictured since the stampede of six-mule teams + that, had we met with any reverse, would have taken place over the + prairies of southwest Missouri. + </p> + <p> + It was felt almost certain that Price had only abandoned Springfield in + order to offer battle more advantageously in the rough hills south of the + town where Wilson's Creek had been fought. The spirit of the army was up, + and it moved promptly forward to engage him in his chosen fastness. The + Secessionist historians and the admirers of Price, Marmaduke, Shelby and + others give thrillingly sanguinary stories of the fierce resistance + offered in the defiles and passes through the foothills of the Ozarks, but + these statements are not supported by either the official reports or the + regimental histories of the Union army. These all concur in the statement + that while there was a great deal of noisy cannonading, Price's troops + yielded ground quite easily, and all were surprised that no more effective + resistance was made at places that offered such wonderful opportunities + for defense. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link307" id="link307"></a><span class="pn">{307}</span> + </p> + <p> + In his report to Gov. Jackson Gen. Price gives this succinct statement of + his share in the movement: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + About the latter part of January my scouts reported that the + enemy were concentrating in force at Rolla, and shortly + thereafter they occupied Lebanon. Believing that this + movement could be for no other purpose than to attack me, + and knowing that my command was inadequate for such + resistance as the Interest of my army and the cause + demanded, I appealed to the commanders of the Confederate + troops In Arkansas to come to my assistance. This from + correspondence I was confidently led to expect, and, relying + upon it, I held my position to the very last moment, and, as + the sequel proved, almost too long, for on Wednesday, Feb. + 12, my pickets were driven in, and reported the enemy + advancing upon me in force. No resource was now left me + except retreat, without hazarding all with greatly unequal + numbers upon the result of one engagement. This I deemed it + unwise to do. I commenced retreating at once. I reached + Cassville with loss unworthy of mention in any respect. Here + the enemy in my rear commenced a series of attacks running + through four days. Retreating and fighting all the way to + Cross Hollows, in this State, I am rejoiced to say my + command, under the most exhausting fatigue all that time, + with but little rest for either man or beast and no sleep, + sustained themselves and came through, repulsing the enemy + upon every occasion with great determination and gallantry. + My loss does not exceed four to six killed and some 15 to 18 + wounded. That of the enemy we know to be ten times as great. +</pre> + <p> + Gen. Price's estimate of the losses he inflicted is widely divergent from + that of Gen. Curtis, who does not admit any losses in killed in the noisy + engagements while pushing Price back through the rough gorges, until he + arrived at the Sugar Creek Crossing, six miles into Arkansas, where he + lost 13 killed and 15 or 20 wounded in a very spirited little fight with + the combined troops of Price and McCulloch, and camped that night upon the + battlefield from which the enemy had retreated. Here Col. Cyrus Bussey + joined him with five companies of the 3d Iowa Cav., having made a forward + march from Rolla, Mo., in four days. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link308" id="link308"></a><span class="pn">{308}</span> + </p> + <p> + Curtis was so encouraged by his success that he kept on pushing Price back + upon McCulloch, even upon the boasted "Gibraltar" at Cross Hollows, and + then, to the astonishment and delight of himself and the whole army, + forced the evacuation of this stronghold by a flank movement The rebels' + abandonment of it was so complete that they burned all their stores and + the great array of cabins built for quarters, leaving only the chimneys to + mark the long rows. + </p> + <p> + Thus any expectation of a sanguinary battle fell in disappointment. So + much had been said about Cross Hollows that the Union troops were certain + that they would have to fight a desperate battle at or near it. It was + known that at least 4,000 regularly-organized troops had been quartered + there for months, subjected to thorough drill and discipline. Gen. + McCulloch had boasted that he had prepared a trap in which to catch and + ruin the Federal General if he ventured that far south. McCulloch's only + fear was of being unable to draw the Federal General into the trap. + </p> + <p> + The Confederates left their sick and wounded behind them in the hospitals, + and the untiring Gen. Asboth, commanding the cavalry, pushed the rear + guard rapidly through to Bentonville. Returning to Curtis's camp a day or + two later, Gen. Asboth was sent with a force of cavalry to Fayetteville, a + most important town in northwestern Arkansas, where he learned that his + enemies had hid themselves in the Boston Mountains. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link309" id="link309"></a><span class="pn">{309}</span> + </p> + <p> + Gen. Curtis had completed his work of driving Price from Missouri and some + distance beyond her borders. He then drew his forces together and + established himself at Cross Hollows, with the ultimate intention of + retiring to the better position of Sugar Creek Crossing, in the event of + the enemy concentrating any force against him. In the meanwhile he would + hope that the turning movements which Halleck had planned would occupy + Price's and McCulloch's attention, and draw them away from him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link310" id="link310"></a><span class="pn">{310}</span> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. GEN. EARL VAN DORN TAKES COMMAND. + </h2> + <p> + Jefferson Davis carried out his determination to appoint an officer + superior in rank to both Gens. McCulloch and Price. After first appointing + Gen. Harry Heth, and then offering the appointment to Gen. Braxton Bragg, + he selected another of his favorites, Gen. Earl Van Dorn, who had been a + fiery partisan among the officers of the Regular Army for States Rights + and Secession, was a native of Mississippi, and had graduated from West + Point in 1842, 52d in a class of 56. Whatever his intellectual qualities + may have been, he was a man of great force and energy, and had won two + brevets for distinguished gallantry in the Mexican War. He gained still + more distinction by his successful expeditions against the fierce + Comanches, a tribe then in the hight of its power. In one of these his + small command killed 56 Indians. In his engagements with the Comanches he + had received four wounds, two of which were quite serious. He had been + very active in bringing about Gen. Twiggs's disgraceful surrender of his + command in Texas. + </p> + <p> + When Jefferson Davis, as Secretary of War, organized the additional + regiments for the Regular Army he took particular pains to promote into + them men of his way of thinking on States Rights, and who would be useful + in the coming contest which he foresaw. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link311" id="link311"></a><span class="pn">{311}</span> + </p> + <p> + One of these new regiments,—then called the 2d U. S. Cav., later + changed to the 5th U. S. Cav., was quite remarkable for this selection, as + it showed Mr. Davis's thorough acquaintance with the character of the + Regular officers, and what they could be relied upon to do when Secession + should be brought about. He made Colonel of the regiment Albert Sidney + Johnston, later General, C. S. A.; Lieutenant-Colonels, Robert E. Lee, + afterward General, C. S. A.; W. J. Hardee, Lieutenant-General, C. S. A., + and E. Kirby Smith, General, C. S. A., and the Majors were George H. + Thomas, W. H. Emory, Major-Generals, U. S. A., and Earl Van Dorn, + Major-General, C. S. A. + </p> + <p> + Mississippi seceded Jan. 9,1861. Earl Van Dorn promptly tendered his + resignation and became active, if he had not been before, in bringing + about the surrender by Gen. Twiggs of the United States troops, stores and + munitions of war in Texas, by which we lost nearly half of the entire + strength of the Regular Army, besides some $2,000,000 of supplies, the + control of the Mexican frontier, and a large portion of Indian frontier. + Van Dorn had been commissioned Colonel in the Confederate army, and hoped + to add the surrendered troops to the military establishment of the + Southern Confederacy. He put a great deal of pressure upon the officers + and men to induce them to change their allegiance, but was remarkably + unsuccessful in the latter, not a single enlisted man accepting his offers + of promotion and increased pay. Only those officers went over whose course + had been predetermined. None of previous loyalty wavered for an instant. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link312" id="link312"></a><span class="pn">{312}</span> + </p> + <p> + Gen. Twiggs had made a capitulation with Gen. McCulloch, of Texas, as if + treating with another Nation. The terms were that the troops should be + conveyed to the nearest seaport, and thence sent home. The steamer "Star + of the West," which had come into notoriety as being the object at which + the first gun of the rebellion was aimed, had been sent to Indianola, + Tex., to receive Twiggs's troops. Van Dorn, enraged by his failure to + accomplish his purpose, violated the terms of the capitulation. He marched + his forces upon the unarmed troops gathered near Indianola, compelled them + to surrender, and captured the "Star of the West." The officers and men + were kept prisoners in Texas for months afterwards, and subjected to much + hardship. + </p> + <p> + Halleck wrote to Curtis: "Beware of Van Dorn. He is an energetic officer." + </p> + <p> + Van Dorn was not to justify the high expectations entertained of him, and + after several failures to improve great opportunities he finally fell, in + 1863, at the age of 42, before the pistol of an injured husband. + </p> + <p> + Van Dorn promptly repaired to his command, and seems to have been welcomed + with entirely loyal subordination by both Price and McCulloch, though both + were much older than he, and had held higher commands, Gen. Price having + been a Brigadier-General at a time when Van Dorn was only a First + Lieutenant. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link313" id="link313"></a><span class="pn">{313}</span> + </p> + <p> + At first Van Dorn meditated moving into Missouri by the Pocahontas route, + intermediate between the Mississippi route and that by the way of + Springfield. He began assembling troops at Jacksonport, Ark., to move + directly up through the Ozark Mountains. Then the isolated situation of + Gen. Curtis's little army, with scattered detachments thrown out in every + direction, tempted him to concentrate suddenly his forces and make the + effort to cut off the outlying Union detachments and finally crush the + main body. Therefore, he hastened to the Boston Mountains, sending + messages to the scattered Confederates to meet him there, and was welcomed + on a chilly, snowy March 3 with the Major-General's salute of 40 guns, + which were heard by Gen. Curtis at Cross Hollow. + </p> +<p> + <a name="link314" id="link314"></a><span class="pn">{314}</span> + </p> + <p> + After driving Gen. Price off into the Boston Mountains and successfully + flanking Gen. McCulloch out of his "Gibraltar" at Cross Hollow, Gen. + Curtis prudently halted his army there to consider his next move. The line + of Sugar Creek offered fine opportunities for defense, and from there he + could hope to maintain his communications along the great road leading to + Springfield and Holla. Not having been able to force either McCulloch or + Price to a decisive battle in which he might destroy or at least cripple + them, it did not seem discreet to venture further forward where every step + made them stronger and him weaker. + </p> + <p> + Halleck had relied upon Gen. Hunter sending down a flanking column from + Leavenworth by the way of Fort Scott, but this had not materialized, owing + to the disputes between Gens. Hunter and Jas. H. Lane. Thus 5,000 men who + should have been effectively employed, either in menacing Van Dorn's flank + or increasing Curtis's strength, were held idly, at Leavenworth. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Transcriber's Note: The print copy has a + two page error in numbering.] +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link316" id="link316"></a><span class="pn">{316}</span> + </p> + <p> + Halleck had also relied upon the effect of Gen. Grant's startling victory + at Fort Donelson, which shattered the first Confederate line, to withdraw + a large portion of the forces west of the Mississippi, and relieve + pressure upon Curtis. Nor had this at that time resulted. Though the + general Confederate the roads leading northward crossed Sugar Greek, and + several of them came together some two or three miles north of a country + hostelry known as Elkhorn Tavern on the main road to Springfield, at the + northeastern end of Pea Ridge. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0022" id="linkimage-0022"> + <!-- IMG --> </a> <img src="images/316-Battle%20of%20Pea%20Ridge.jpg" + alt="316-battle of Pea Ridge" width="100%" /><br /> + </p> + <p> + At 2 p. m., March 4, Gen. Curtis was at Gross Hollow with Col. Carr's + Fourth Division. The extreme left of his army was Col. Wm. Vandever, of + the 9th Iowa, at War Eagle Mills, near White River, 42 miles to the + southeast. The extreme right—the First and Second Divisions, under + Gen. Franz Sigel—was at Cooper's Farm, four miles in front of + Bentonville and 14 miles to the southwest of Sugar Creek. The Third + Division, under Col. Jefferson C. Davis, had moved back to the line + selected in rear of Sugar Creek, where Col. Bussey with his regiment was + in camp. + </p> + <p> + By 2 o'clock scouts and fugitives had convinced Gen. Curtis that Van Dorn + had concentrated his forces, and was in rapid march upon him, only a few + miles away. He sent orders by swift riders to all his outlying parties to + march at once to the designated rendezvous at Sugar Creek, and started + back himself with Carr's Division, arriving on the crest about 2 a. m. of + March 5, and immediately setting his men to work preparing for the battle. + Col. Dodge worked until midnight blockading with fallen trees the road + from Bentonville to Springfield west of Leetown. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link317" id="link317"></a><span class="pn">{317}</span> + </p> + <p> + In spite of their wide dispersion, Gen. Van Dorn brought McCulloch's, + Pike's and Price's forces together with great rapidity. How many fighting + men he was able to assemble is a question. Gen. Curtis gravely estimated + it at 30,000. Gen. Van Dorn in his reports after the battle, when he was + putting the best face upon matters, stated his force at one time at 16,000 + men, and again at "less than 14,000." + </p> + <p> + Probably if we follow an old arithmetical device, adding Curtis's + overstatement and Van Dom's understatement together and dividing the sum + by two—the number of statements—we may get somewhat near the + truth. This would give Van Dorn 22,000 men. Students since the war have + arrived at the conclusion that he actually had 26,000 men. + </p> + <p> + Analysis of the various reports points to this being nearly correct. + </p> + <p> + Feb. 24—nine days before the battle—Van Dorn reported to + Albert Sidney Johnston that with the combined forces of McCulloch, Pike + and Price, he would "be able to take about 26,000 men into battle." + </p> + <p> + The best organized and drilled troops west of the Mississippi were + McCulloch's. March 2 he reported his "effective total" to be 8,384 men, + with 18 cannon. He received some accessions after that, raising his whole + force to nearly 10,000 men. + </p> + <p> + His division was organized as follows: + </p> + <p> + FIRST BRIGADE. + </p> + <p> + Col. James Mcintosh commanding:—1st Ark. M. R., Col. T. J. + Churchill; 2d Ark. M. R., Col. James Mcintosh; 4th (9th) Tex. Cav., Col. + W. B. Sims; 6th Tex. Cav., Col. B. W. Stone; South Kansas-Texas Regiment, + Col. E. Greer; Lamar Cav., Capt. H. S. Bennett. + </p> + <p> + SECOND BRIGADE. + </p> + <p> + Col. Louis Hebert commanding—4th Ark., Col. E. McNair; 14th Ark., + Col. M. C. Mitchell; 16th Ark., Col. Hill, 17th Ark., Col. Frank Rector; + 21st Ark., Col. D. McRae; 1st Ark. Battery, Maj. W. H. Brooks; 3d La., + Col. Louis Hebert; Tex. Cav., Col. W. C. Young; Tex. M. R., Maj. J. W. + Whitfield; Art. Bat. (four companies), Capt. W. R. Bradfute. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link318" id="link318"></a><span class="pn">{318}</span> + </p> + <p> + Nothing definite can be ascertained as to Albert Pike's force. A short + time before the battle he wrote confidently about having 10,000 men. The + force he actually brought up is generally stated at 6,000, two of the + regiments being white. + </p> + <p> + The following extract from Gen. Sterling Price's report of March 22—eight + days after the battle—gives us the best obtainable idea of the + strength and organization of his force: + </p> + <p> + My forces consisted of the First Brigade, Missouri Volunteers, Col. Henry + Little commanding; the Second Brigade, Brg.-Gen. Slack commanding; a + battalion of cavalry, under command of Lieut.-Col. Cearnal, and the State + troops, under the command of Brig.-Gens. Rains, Green, and Frost, Cols. + John B. Clark, Jr., and James P. Saunders, and Maj. Lindsay; numbering in + all 6,818 men, with eight batteries of light artillery. + </p> + <p> + Price, most probably, did not differ from other beaten commanders in + minimizing his force to the utmost, so that it is entirely reasonable to + assume that he had 2,000 or 3,000 more than he reported. Probably he and + Van Dorn excluded from their fighting strength thousands, like Pike's + In-lians, who proved themselves worthless in the actual shock of battle. + </p> + <p> + Therefore we have the following aggregate of minimum strength: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + McCulloch...................................... 10,000 + + Pike........................................... 6,000 + + Price.......................................... 9,000 + + 26,000 +</pre> + <p> + It seems, therefore, entirely fair to say that Van Dorn had at least + double Curtis's 10,000 when he left Cove Greek on the morning of March 4, + with three days' cooked rations in his men's haversacks, and the intention + of destroying the invaders and recovering the State of Missouri. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link319" id="link319"></a><span class="pn">{319}</span> + </p> + <p> + Both sides were keenly eager for battle. The Confederates had been + harangued with stories of great victories in the East, which they were to + emulate; the Indians were fierce for scalps and plunder; the Missourians + burning to march back to their homes m triumph. + </p> + <p> + On the other hand, Curtis's men, weary of interminable marching and + skirmishing, longed to deliver a decisive blow which would end all. + </p> + <p> + Van Dorn's plan of battle was well-conceived, and if his immense + preponderance of force had been adequately handled it would have won a + crushing victory. + </p> + <p> + McCulloch, during his long stay at Cross Hollow, had familiarized himself + with the ground, and Price was also well acquainted with it. In the + conference held in Gen. Van Dorn's tent it was decided not to attack in + front, where Gen. Curtis had prepared, and where he had in addition to his + obstructions the advantage of the steep side of the ridge. Instead, a + movement would be made on Bentonville, to the southwest of Curtis, where + it was hoped to catch Sigel and destroy him before he could receive + assistance, then destroy Curtis before Vandever's Brigade could reach him + from Huntsville. Pike's Indians were to follow McCulloch's Division, and + when Curtis was beaten the wild Indian riders would be let loose to + exterminate the fugitives. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link320" id="link320"></a><span class="pn">{320}</span> + </p> + <p> + Sigel, with his usual indifference to orders, did not immediately obey + Curtis's command to abandon his camp four miles west of Bentonville and + move back to Sugar Creek. Instead he deferred starting his troops from + Cooper's Farm until 2 o'clock of the morning of the 6th, and stopped + himself with a small force at Bentonville while his troops and train were + passing through the town, and he was attacked about 11 o'clock. Van Dorn + reports that it was 11 o'clock before he could get the head of his column + to Ben-tonville, and "we had the mortification of seeing Sigel's Division, + 7,000 strong, leaving it as we entered. Had we been an hour sooner we + should have cut him right off with his whole force, and certainly have + beaten the enemy the next day." + </p> + <p> + Sigel had kept back about 600 men. His troops were part of the 12th Mo. + and seven companies of cavalry, besides five field guns. They were resting + with stacked arms when the rebel cavalry swarmed in upon the town from + various directions. Sigel was able, however, to get his men together and + march out of town to cover of some woods, where his artillery drove back + the Confederates, who charged them, and the retreat was resumed. + </p> + <p> + This performance was repeated several times along the road, which ran + around the ridges through a growth of scrubby blackjacks, which broke up + Sigel's men and also the eager Confederates who were trying to cut them + off. + </p> + <p> + Col. Elijah Gates, 1st Mo. Cav., Price's Division, led the pursuers with + great activity and skill. There were incessant assaults with constant + volleys of artillery, until Col. Osterhaus, who had reached Curtis's line, + was ordered back to his relief, preceded by Col. Bussey with the 3d Iowa + Cav. When they met Gen. Sigel he had just broken through the Confederate + cavalry, which was still making efforts to surround him, but the arrival + of the reinforcements caused the Confederates to withdraw, and the Union + troops marched back to the camp which had been formed at Sugar Creek. The + Union loss in this affair was reported as 35 killed and wounded. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link321" id="link321"></a><span class="pn">{321}</span> + </p> + <p> + After a forced march of 42 miles from Huntsville, Col. Vandever's Brigade + reached Pea Ridge at dusk, and Curtis had his whole army together. A night + attack from the south was confidently expected, and every preparation was + made for it. + </p> + <p> + When night came on Van Dorn built fires, pretending to go into camp, but + moved forward until he came upon the blocked road, which halted him until + after midnight, when he moved forward much embarrassed by the obstructions + Dodge had placed in the wretched roads. Dodge on his return from + blockading the roads notified Gen. Curtis of Price's movement to the rear, + but Gen. Curtis did not believe it, as other reports were to the effect + that Van Dorn's attack would be on the Sugar Creek front. + </p> + <p> + Price having been delayed until after midnight, did not reach the + telegraph road, a mile or so north of Elkhorn Tavern, until 7 o'clock on + the morning of the 7th. + </p> + <p> + McCulloch, in the meanwhile, was forming his men in the fields and woods + near Leetown, west of Pea Ridge, with Albert Pike's Indians behind him. + </p> + <p> + While, therefore, Curtis's men were straining their eyes southward from + his strongly fortified position on Sugar Creek for the advance of the + enemy, the whole Confederate army had gained their flank and rear, with + Price's Division directly across their line of communication and retreat. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link322" id="link322"></a><span class="pn">{322}</span> + </p> + <p> + Seeing no enemy in front, Curtis's men had a good, leisurely breakfast, + but about 7 o'clock their commander was startled to learn of McCulloch's + position on his right and Van Dorn and Price in his rear. With great + promptness he faced his men about and swung his line back so that his new + right—formerly his left—rested on Elkhorn Tavern, while his + left rested where his old right had been, on the slope above Sugar Creek. + This reversed the order of the divisions—Col. Carr's being the right + at Elkhorn Tavern and Gen. Asboth's the extreme left, with Col. + Osterhaus's and Col. Davis's in the center. + </p> + <p> + It was now about 8:80 o'clock, and Gen. Curtis directed Col. Osterhaus to + advance a force of cavalry, artillery and infantry and bring on the + battle. + </p> + <p> + There was soon after a swelling up of the firing about Elkhorn Tavern, + where Carr was, which disturbed Curtis. He wanted the battle where he was + preparing for it, and hoped that his opening it would stop any flank + movements to his right. While Osterhaus was getting ready to advance, + Curtis rode over to Elkhorn Tavern to see what the trouble was with Carr. + </p> + <p> + During the early morning Price's troops getting into position on the main + road had run afoul of the Union pickets about a mile northeast of Elkhorn + Tavern. A little after 7 o'clock two companies of cavalry and one of + infantry were sent out in that direction to investigate. They found a + force of cavalry, which they drove back until they saw the woods full of + Confederates, when they took cover behind trees and rocks and began a + noisy skirmish, with the enemy slowly pressing forward and extending out + on both flanks, as Van Dorn and Price brought their troops up and put them + into line. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link323" id="link323"></a><span class="pn">{323}</span> + </p> + <p> + The affair showed such seriousness that Col. Dodge came up about 9 o'clock + with his brigade, and formed in line of battle to the right of Elkhorn + Tavern, with the 85th Ill. on the left, the 4th Iowa in the center, the 3d + Ill. Cav. on the right, and the pieces of the 1st Iowa Battery distributed + along the line, and immediately moved forward and engaged the enemy. + </p> + <p> + In the meanwhile Van Dorn and Price were placing their strong force of + eight batteries in advantageous positions to crush out the Union artillery + and pave the way for the advance of the infantry. When the storm burst the + Confederate artillery quickly overwhelmed the Union guns, but Col. Dodge + was able, after a sharp struggle, to beat back across the open fields the + advance of the very much superior forces of the Missouri divisions, + commanded by Gens. Steen, Clark, Frost, Rains and Green. He was so hard + pressed, however, that Col. Carr, who accompanied Col. Dodge, sent back + for his other brigade—Col. Vandever's—a mile and a half away, + which arrived and went into position near Elkhorn Tavern in time to aid in + repelling a fresh assault. + </p> + <p> + More artillery had been brought up, but not enough to successfully contend + with Van Dorn's massed guns. + </p> + <p> + The Union infantry lay behind the cover of fences, logs and stumps, and + when the Confederate infantry was pushed forward waited until it was + within 100 paces, and then poured a deadly fire into it which shattered + the ranks and drove it in retreat. Gen. Slack, one of Price's ablest + brigade commanders, was killed and Lieut.-Col. Cearnal severely wounded. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link324" id="link324"></a><span class="pn">{324}</span> + </p> + <p> + There was a lull in the battle about 2 o'clock while Van Dorn and Price + were reforming their men for a fresh and more determined assault. The + brunt of it fell upon Col. Vandever on the crest of a hill about 300 yards + north of Elkhorn Tavern. Vandever succeeded in driving back the enemy, + though at a great cost, since the 9th Iowa lost upward of 100 men and Col. + Phelps's 26th Mo. about 75. + </p> + <p> + Though the enemy was repulsed, Col. Vandever deemed it better to fall back + to Elkhorn Tavern, leaving the battleground in the possession of the + enemy. + </p> + <p> + Col. Carr sent to Gen. Curtis for reinforcements, but Curtis, still + believing that the main fighting was in front of Leetown, could only spare + him his headquarters guard, with two howitzers. He also sent urgent + counsel to Carr to "persevere" and hold his ground with the utmost + obstinacy. + </p> + <p> + Another lull in the battle occurred while Van Dorn and Price were bringing + up and forming fresh troops. This time it was Gen. Clark's Missouri + Division, reinforced by other troops. The Union soldiers received it, as + they had the others, lying behind fences and logs and waiting until the + enemy was where every shot would tell. + </p> + <p> + It was about 3 o'clock when this charge was repulsed. + </p> + <p> + Again Col. Carr sent to Gen. Curtis for reinforcements, and this time the + General sent him five companies of the 8th Ind., under Lieut.-Col. Shunk, + and three rifled cannon. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link325" id="link325"></a><span class="pn">{325}</span> + </p> + <p> + Van Dorn and Price now brought up everything, and concentrated their + energies for a supreme effort to drive the stubborn Yankees from the field + and achieve a victory before darkness should intervene. Their artillery + speedily overpowered and drove off the Union guns, but when the infantry + advanced it met the same terrific fire. This time the rebels did not give + way, but pressed on around the left flank so that the Second (Vandever's) + Brigade had to fall back. The First Brigade (Dodge's) held its position + until night. The log barricades it had built enabled it to defeat charge + after charge of the enemy, and when they swung around this flank a part of + the 8th Ind. and 3d Ill., in a countercharge, drove the enemy back, + protecting and holding that flank until dusk. In this bloody melee + Lieut.-Col. Herron and Lieut.-Col. Chandler were wounded and captured, and + nearly all the field officers were more or less severely wounded. Col. + Dodge had three horses shot under him, and was himself wounded, and Col. + Carr received the fourth wound of that day. Three of the Union guns were + taken. + </p> + <p> + The Second Brigade when it fell back took up a new and strong position a + quarter of a mile to the rear, facing open ground, and resumed the battle. + </p> + <p> + As evening was coming on, Curtis became at last convinced that the + fighting in his front was over, and started the First and Second Divisions + over to the right to the assistance of the Fourth. Gen. Asboth hurried + forward in person with four companies of the 2d Mo. and four guns of the + 2d Ohio Battery, and assisted in checking and driving back the last + assault. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Curtis came up, formed a new line along the edge of the timber, with + the fields in front, and the men lay down on their arms for the night. + </p> + <p> + Let us return to the left, in front of Leetown, where the main battle had + been expected by both sides. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link326" id="link326"></a><span class="pn">{326}</span> + </p> + <p> + Col. Osterhaus does not seem to have formed any very dear plan when he + went out from the center at 9 o'clock to open the battle with McCulloch's + and Pike's forces. Gen. Curtis sent Col. Bussey out in advance with five + companies of the 3d Iowa Cav., four of the 5th Mo. Cav., four companies of + the 1st Mo. Cav., and two companies of the 4th Mo. Cav., with three pieces + of Capt. Elbert's Battery. Col. Greuset's Brigade of infantry followed the + cavalry at a short distance. + </p> + <p> + Col. Bussey went out to Leetown and thence to the open fields about half a + mile north. The infantry took position in the fields north of Leetown. + Col. Osterhaus came up to the head of the cavalry column where Col. Bussey + was, and they saw the Confederates in plain view about a quarter of a mile + away. It was Van Dorn's trains and cavalry guards which they saw moving + towards the telegraph road. They did not see, however, McCulloch's troops, + Mcintosh's Brigade of cavalry and Pike's Indians formed in heavy masses to + the right and close to them. + </p> + <p> + Col. Osterhaus ordered Capt. Welfley to open on the men in front, and the + shells caused a very visible stampede. Osterhaus then ordered Col. Bussey + to send two companies down the road to investigate the position. Col. + Bussey ordered Lieut-Col. Trimble, who commanded the 3d Iowa Cav., to + execute this order, while he gave his attention to the Fremont and Benton + Hussars, then coming forward and forming line in rear of the guns. + </p> + <p> + Lieut-Col. Trimble started with five companies of the 3d Iowa Cav., only + to run into a heavy line of battle at close musket range, receiving a + deadly fire which killed several of his men and was himself severely + wounded in the face. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link327" id="link327"></a><span class="pn">{327}</span> + </p> + <p> + A minute later Mcintosh, at the head of five regiments of cavalry, and + Pike leading three Indian and two Texas regiments, burst upon the cavalry + and over the guns with appalling yells and a tempest of bullets. The Union + cavalry was simply ridden down by overwhelming numbers and mixed up in a + hand-to-hand conflict, but fought their way out and retreated through the + open field to Osterhaus's infantry, where Col. Bussey rallied them and + formed in line. + </p> + <p> + The yelling Confederates rushed on until they came upon Greusel's line, + where their yells were hushed by a storm of canister and bullets which + stopped their advance. The Union line moved into the timber, where + McCulloch was found working his way towards Curtis's camp. A terrible + battle was fought with varying success until at 11 o'clock Col. Jeff Davis + came to Osterhaus's assistance with the Third Division. The fighting was + obstinate and bloody, generally duels between opposing regiments which + crept slowly toward one another until they got within 60 or 70 yards, when + they would open fire, maintaining it until one or the other gave way. The + irregular lines thus surged back and forward for perhaps an hour, with the + Union troops generally gaining ground. + </p> + <p> + During this fighting Gens. McCulloch and Mcintosh were both shot through + the heart by Union sharpshooters. Gen. McCulloch, who was easily + distinguished by his peculiarly-colored clothes, was killed by Peter + Pelican, of Co. B, 36th Ill. How Gen. Mcintosh was killed does not appear, + further than he was shot through the heart. The shooting that day was + remarkably accurate. The men who held the rifles were perfectly accustomed + to their use. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link328" id="link328"></a><span class="pn">{328}</span> + </p> + <p> + After four hours of constant and desperate fighting there was a noticeable + fading in the vim of the Confederate assaults and diminishing stubbornness + of resistance to the Union blows. When the Union soldiers pushed on + through the woods after their enemies they found them falling back across + the fields beyond in great disorder. A few shells from the Union guns + frustrated all attempts to rally them. Osterhaus and Davis pushed their + skirmishers through the woods for a mile, and the cavalry went still + further, finding the three guns of the flying battery with the carriages + burned off, and reporting back that everything seemed to be in full + retreat for Bentonville. + </p> + <p> + One squad of cavalry came back with Col. Hebert, the next in command to + Gen. Mcintosh; Col. Mitchell and Maj. W. F. Tunnard, of the 3d La., of the + same division; a Major, two Captains and 33 privates, all having been + separated from their commands in the rush through the woods, and unable to + regain them. + </p> + <p> + After the fall of Gens. McCulloch and Mcintosh the command in that part of + the field devolved upon Gen. Albert Pike, and it is rare that so great a + responsibility falls upon one so unfit. Something of a poet Pike certainly + was; much more of a successful politician and place-hunter, but nothing of + a leader of men upon the battlefield. His soldiership became sicklied o'er + when he went beyond the parade ground. Apparently he did not know what to + do, nor, if he did, how to do it. + </p> + <p> + Regimental commanders reported that they were unable to find him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link329" id="link329"></a><span class="pn">{329}</span> + </p> + <p> + His own verbose report, made six days after the battle, is quite full of + unintentional humor. He says that after the first charge the field was "a + mass of the utmost confusion, all talking, riding this way and that, and + listening to no orders from any one." He could get no one to pay any + attention to what he said. His Indians, who had stopped in the charge to + scalp the dead and wounded, would at once stampede whenever a shell was + thrown in their direction. He devoted himself for a couple of hours to + what has been described as "heavy standing around." + </p> + <p> + Then he fell back with some of the troops a short distance and did some + more standing around, until a Union artillerist noticed him and threw a + shell in his direction, when he fell back out of range, and again stood + around until some one informed him that a body of 7,000 Federals was + moving around the left flank. He quickly decided that the "position was + not tenable," and fell back still more, "when the officers assured me that + the men were in such condition that it would be worse than useless to + bring them into acton again that day." Such is the demoralization of + "standing around." + </p> + <p> + Finally, it occurred to him to take what troops he could gather and join + Gen. Van Dorn, whose cannon had been thundering two or three miles away + all this time. First, however, he decided to march them back some distance + to a creek, "where they could all get a drink, and join Gen. Van Dorn in + the morning." + </p> + <p> + Col. E. Greer, 3d Tex. Cav., who became the senior officer of McCulloch's + Division, reported that he gathered up fragments of regiments to the + number of 3,000 after the casualties to his superiors, and being informed + that Gen. Pike had left the field with the remainder of the command, + retired some distance, sending word to Gen. Van Dorn that, unless he + ordered otherwise, he would march to join him at 1:30 in the morning. Van + Dorn approved of this. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link330" id="link330"></a><span class="pn">{330}</span> + </p> + <p> + The night of March 7 closed down with a tumult of widely-varying emotions + in the 33,000 men who joined battle in the morning. All of Gen. Pike's + Indians, except a portion of Col. Standwaitie's regiment of Cherokee + half-breeds, and several thousand whites were rushing off toward the + Arkansas River at full speed. The remnant of McCulloch's Division, which + Col. Greer had rallied, and which had some fight left in it, unutterably + weary, hungry and depressed, bivouacked near the battlefield, awaiting Van + Dora's orders. Price's Missourians, who were no less weary and hungry than + their comrades, from a night of severest marching and a day of sharp + fighting, camped on the ground which they had wrung from Carr's Division + by seven hours of bitter struggling and the cost of a number of prominent + officers and several hundred men. Their success, though dearly bought, was + sufficient to encourage them. They had captured several hundred prisoners + and two pieces of artillery. They had driven Carr's Division back a + quarter of a mile, were across the Union line of retreat, and Van Dorn had + his headquarters at Elkhorn Tavern. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link331" id="link331"></a><span class="pn">{331}</span> + </p> + <p> + Price had greatly endeared himself to his troops by his conduct during the + day. He was everywhere at the front, leading and encouraging his men, and + though wounded in the arm had refused to quit the field. His generalship + was not so conspicuous as his soldiership. With him and Van Dorn it was + the story of Wilson's Creek over again. Instead of lining up their + superior force and sending all forward with a crushing solidarity, they + had personally led detachments, and when these had been fought out, gone + back and brought up fresh forces, Van Dorn had shown generalship only in + the concentration of his artillery. He had been so engrossed in this, and + in pushing forward detachments he had better left to the Missouri + leadership that he neglected his powerful right wing, which had gone to + pieces, as there was no one left to take the place of McCulloch and + Mcintosh. He hoped, though, with the aid of 3,000 men whom Greer was + bringing to him, to complete his victory in the morning. + </p> + <p> + There was much to depress Curtis's men in their tireless bivouac south of + Elkhorn Tavern. Dodge's and Vandever's Brigades had been very roughly + handled in the long struggle. Rebel bullets had made sad havoc in their + ranks. They had lost two guns and over a quarter of their force in killed + and wounded. Osterhaus's and Davis's Divisions, in the center, had had + costly encounters with the enemy, and had lost five pieces of artillery. + They did not then know that in reality the victory was theirs, but + believed that most of the enemy had merely left their front to augment the + mass which was formed across their line of retreat They therefore looked + forward to the morrow with well-grounded apprehension. They had no rations + in their haversacks, and their animals had been without forage for two or + three days. Unless the enemy could be driven from their "cracker line" the + very next day, starvation for man and beast stared them in the face. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link332" id="link332"></a><span class="pn">{332}</span> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. THE VICTORY IS WON. + </h2> + <p> + Gen. Curtis's army was far from realizing as the night closed down on that + exciting March 7 how completely it had whipped the overwhelming numbers of + Van Dorn, Price, McCulloch, Mcintosh and Pike. Those of Jeff C. Davis's + and Osterhaus's Divisions, who had done the heavy fighting on the Leetown + front, knew that they had driven away the mass of the enemy in their front + until there was no longer any show of opposition. They of Carr's Division, + on the extreme right, the brigades of Dodge and Vandever, realized that + they had had a terrible fight, in which they had generally defeated the + enemy, inflicting great slaughter, though they had suffered heavily + themselves. Still, the enemy had gained a little ground. The men of Carr's + Division felt that now, since the rest of the army was coming to their + help, they would undoubtedly win a victory in the morning, and clear the + rebels from the road leading back to Springfield. This confidence was + shared by the men of Jeff C. Davis's and Osterhaus's Divisions, who had + come to their assistance, and they all felt more hopeful than did Sigel + and Asboth's Division, which had taken little or no part in the fighting. + The following remarkable letter from Gen. Asboth to Gen. Curtis, written + at 2 o'clock in the morning of March 8, reveals the general belief of that + portion of the army that the condition was desperate and it would require + extraordinary efforts to release the army from a very hazardous situation: + </p> + <p> + <a name="link333" id="link333"></a><span class="pn">{333}</span> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Headquarters Second Division, Camp Near Sugar Creek, Ark., + + March 8, 1862; 2 a. m. General: As Oen. Sigel, under whose + command you have placed me, with my division, has not yet + returned to our camp, I beg to address you, General, + directly, reporting that all the troops of the Second + Division were yesterday, as well as now, in the night, + entirely without forage; and as we are cut off from all + supplies by the enemy, outnumbering our forces several + times, and as one more day without forage will make our + horses unserviceable, consequently the cavalry and artillery + as well as the teams, of no use at all, I would respectfully + solicit a decided concentrated movement, with the view of + cutting our way through the enemy where you may deem it more + advisable, and save by this, if not the whole, at least the + larger part of our surrounded army. +</pre> + <p> + Gen. Curtis seems to have realized quite early in the afternoon the + condition of affairs on his left in front of Leetown, and that the fight + there was over. He therefore directed the cavalry under Col. Bussey to + take up the best positions, holding the ground. All the infantry and + artillery were ordered over toward the Springfield road to form a new line + of battle, substantially a prolongation of that established at the close + of the fighting by the stubborn resistance of Dodge's and Vandever's + Brigades, which had so decisively repulsed the last attacks upon them the + previous evening. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link334" id="link334"></a><span class="pn">{334}</span> + </p> + <p> + Sigel, who had a remarkable faculty for incurring criticism in every + battle, had not made use of Gen. Asboth's Division at any time to relieve + the pressure upon Davis and Osterhaus, so that it had hardly fired a shot. + He now had trouble about getting his troops into line, and it was 8 + o'clock in the morning before he finally took his place on the left, + notwithstanding the fact that he was ordered to have his divisions in line + before daylight. Curtis had now all his artillery up, and though it was + not so numerous as that opposed to him, it was better equipped and + drilled, and promptly opened the battle with a fire to which the + Confederate guns could make no adequate reply. The whole line then moved + forward with blazing rifles, sweeping unchecked up the hillsides, straight + for the enemy's front. In a few minutes the Confederate line parted in the + center and disappeared. Most of the Missourians fell back toward + Keetsville, directly north. Greer and his remnants ran around our left + toward Bentonville, pursued by Col. Bussey's cavalry. Van Dorn and Price + with another remnant broke around our right, going through an obscure + hollow and taking the road to Huntsville. Like most men of impetuous + initiative, Van Dorn when he was whipped was badly whipped. He sent riders + post haste to order his trains burned, but Gen. Green, who commanded the + train guard, was of cooler mettle, and succeeded in getting the trains + away safely. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Sigel pursued the central portion through Keetsville, seven miles to + the north, capturing nearly 200 prisoners and a great quantity of arms and + stores. He believed Curtis would retreat, and was well on his way to + Springfield when ordered back by Curtis to make his camp on the + battlefield with the rest. Gen. Curtis officially reported his loss as + follows: + </p> + <p> + <a name="link335" id="link335"></a><span class="pn">{335}</span> + </p> + <p> + UNION LOSSES. + </p> + <p> + Command. + </p> + <p> + Killed. + </p> + <p> + Wounded + </p> + <p> + It will be noticed by the above figures that Davis's Division lost four + officers and 42 men killed, 18 officers and 256 men wounded, while Sigel's + two divisions lost only three officers and 28 men killed, seven officers + and 149 men wounded. + </p> + <p> + The heaviest loss fell upon the 9th Iowa, which had 39 killed, 176 wounded + and four missing. The next heaviest was upon the 4th Iowa, which had 18 + killed, 139 wounded and three missing. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Van Dorn estimated his loss at 1,000 killed and wounded and 300 + missing. This is known to be inaccurate, because more Confederate than + Union dead were buried on the battlefield, and Gen. Curtis sent 500 + prisoners to the rear. + </p> + <p> + The question naturally occurs: Why did Van Dorn relinquish such a supreme + effort with such a small loss? + </p> + <p> + <a name="link336" id="link336"></a><span class="pn">{336}</span> + </p> + <p> + Our amusing acquaintance, Gen. Pike, does not conceal the fact that he and + those around him were very badly whipped. After joining Van Dorn he + resumed his old habit of standing around "observing the enemy." He reports + that he did this for two hours at a stretch when Curtis was delivering the + final crushing blows upon Van Dorn. He then moved with much promptness + toward the rear, for an officer came up with the stunning intelligence, + "You are not safe here, for the enemy's cavalry are within 150 yards of + you." This seemed to have escaped his "observation" up to that time. He + rode on, and his pace was accelerated by hearing another officer cry out + "Close up; close up; or you will all be cut to pieces." + </p> + <p> + He halted presently, but had to start again, for a shell was sent by the + enemy up the road from the point of the hill around which he had just + passed. The cry of "The cavalry are coming was raised, and everything + became confusion." He escaped the "enemy's cavalry by rapid riding," but + was unable to get ahead of his fastgoing troops and stop them, until they + reached Elm Spring, many miles away. He came to this sage conclusion: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The enemy, I learn, had been encamped at Pea Vine Ridge for + three weeks, and Sigel's advance was but a ruse to induce + our forces to march northward and give them battle in + positions selected by themselves. +</pre> + <p> + There were others who shared his feelings; for he says: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Just before night, Saturday afternoon, I had met Col. Rector + in the hills, who told me he had about 500 men with him; + that they were in such condition that they could not go more + than six or eight miles a day, and that he thought he would + take them into the mountains, hide their arms in a secure + place, and, as he could not keep them together and feed + them, let them disperse. He asked my opinion as to this, and + I told him that no one knew where the rest of the army was; + that Gens. Van Dorn and Price were supposed to be captured + and the train taken; that if his men dispersed with their + arms they would throw them away, and that I thought the + course he proposed was the wisest one under the + circumstances. The enemy were pursuing on all the roads, and + as it was almost impossible for even a dozen men in a body + to procure food, I still do not see what better he could + have done. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link337" id="link337"></a><span class="pn">{337}</span> + </p> + <p> + Curtis's cavalry found these guns and brought them into camp; also, all + the artillery that was captured the day before from Davis's and Carr's + Divisions. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Van Dorn made several reports which are strangely inconsistent with + one another, and seem the natural efforts of a man to find the best + excuses that will present themselves from day to day for his failure in a + great effort. His first report, which was to Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston + and the Confederate War Department, and sent two days after the battle, + reads as follows: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Headquarters Trans-Mississippi District, March 9, via Hog + Eye; March 10, 1862. + + Fought the enemy, about 20,000 strong, 7th and 8th, at + Elkhorn, Ark. Battle first day from 10 a. m. until after + dark; loss heavy on both sides. Gens. McCulloch and Mcintosh + and Col. Hebert were killed; Gens. Price and Slack were + wounded (Gen. Price flesh wound in the arm); the others + badly wounded, if not mortally; many officers killed and + wounded; but as there are some doubts in regard to several I + cannot yet report their names. Slept on the battlefield + first night, having driven the enemy from their position. + The death of Gens. McCulloch and Mcintosh and Col. Hebert + early in the action threw the troops on the right under + their commands in confusion. The enemy took a second and + strong position. Being without provisions and the right wing + somewhat disorganized, determined to give battle on the + right on their front for the purpose only of getting off the + field without the danger of a panic, which I did with + success, but with some losses. + + I am now encamped with my whole army 14 miles west of + Fayetteville, having gone entirely around the enemy. I am + separated from my train, but think it safe on the Elm + Springs road to Boston Mountains. The reason why I + determined to give battle at once upon my arrival to assume + command of the army I will give in report at an early day. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link338" id="link338"></a><span class="pn">{338}</span> + </p> + <p> + In this it will be seen that he disclaimed any intention on the second day + of making more than a fight to cover his retreat. This is clearly an + afterthought to excuse the poor battle that he put up. There is no doubt + that he had still hoped to whip Curtis's army, and that he had men enough + to do it, if they had been handled properly and had fought with the same + determination and aggressiveness that the Union troops did. For some weeks + he continued to send in reports, explanatory and partially contradictory + of his first. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Sterling Price's report, made March 22, gives no idea that the + retreat was determined on after the events of the first day, but says with + relation to the close of the struggle on the evening of March 7: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The fiercest struggle of the day now ensued; but the + impetuosity of my troops was Irresistible, and the enemy was + driven back and completely routed. My right had engaged the + enemy's center at the same time with equal daring and equal + success, and had already driven them from their position at + Elkhorn Tavern. Night alone prevented us from achieving a + complete victory of which we had already gathered some of + the fruits, having taken two pieces of artillery and a + quantity of stores. + + My troops bivouacked upon the ground which they had so nobly + won, almost exhausted and without food, but fearlessly and + anxiously awaiting the renewal of the battle in the morning. + + The morning disclosed the enemy strengthened in position and + numbers and encouraged by the reverses which had unhappily + befallen the other wing of the army when the brave Texan + chieftain, Ben McCulloch, and his gallant comrade, Gen. + Mcintosh, had fallen, fearlessly and triumphantly lead-. ing + their devoted soldiers against the Invaders of their native + land. They knew, too, that Hebert—the accomplished leader + of that veteran regiment, the Louisiana Third, which won so + many laurels on the bloody field of the Oak Hills, and which + then as well as now sustained the proud reputation of + Louisiana—was a prisoner in their hands. They were not slow + to renew the attack; they opened upon us vigorously, but my + trusty men faltered not. They held their position unmoved + until (after several of the batteries not under my command + had left the field) they were ordered to retire. My troops + obeyed it unwillingly, with faces turned defiantly against + the foe. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link339" id="link339"></a><span class="pn">{339}</span> + </p> + <p> + It will be noticed that Price is not as frank as usual in giving reasons + for his rapid retirement at the moment when, he claims, he was in the full + flush of victory. "The retirement of several batteries not under my + command" is a conspicuously inadequate excuse. + </p> + <p> + In the course of a month or so Van Dorn managed to gather himself together + again so as to begin voluminous communications with Richmond, explaining + that "I was not defeated, but only foiled in my intentions." + </p> + <p> + He proposed to return to his old Pocahontas plan, "relieve Gen. Beauregard + by marching my army upon the Federals at New Madrid or Cape Girardeau, and + thence on to St. Louis." He would turn his cavalry loose on Gen. Curtis's + long line of communications, and send Gen. Pike with his Indians to harry + southwestern Missouri and Kansas. + </p> + <p> + The Confederate War Department did not think highly of this, but shortly + transferred him and his troops east of the Mississippi. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Price was also transferred east of the Mississippi, with the Missouri + troops he had taken into the Confederate army, and his farewell to the + Missouri State troops is worth reproducing as a specimen of the heated + rhetoric customary in those days: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Headquarters Missouri State Guard, + + Des Arc, Ark., April 8, 1862. (General Orders No. 79.) + + Soldiers of the State Guard: I command you no longer. I have + this day resigned the commission which your patient + endurance, your devoted patriotism and your dauntless + bravery have made so honorable. I have done this that I may + the better serve you, our State and our country—that I may + the sooner lead you back to the fertile prairies, the rich + woodlands and majestic streams of our beloved Missouri—that + I may the more certainly restore you to your once happy + homes and to the loved ones there. + + Five thousand of those who have fought side by side with us + under the Grizzly Bears of Missouri have followed me into + the Confederate camp. They appeal to you, as I do, by all + the tender memories of the past, not to leave us now, but to + go with us wherever the path of duty may lead, till we shall + have conquered a peace and won our independence by brilliant + deeds upon new fields of battle. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link340" id="link340"></a><span class="pn">{340}</span> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Soldiers of the State Guards! Veterans of six pitched + battles and nearly 20 skirmishes! Conquerors in them all! + Tour country, with Its "ruined hearths and shrines," calls + upon you to rally once more In her defense, and rescue her + forever from the terrible thraldom which threatens her. I + know that she will not call In vain. The Insolent and + barbarous hordes which have dared to Invade our soil and to + desecrate our homes have Just met with a signal overthrow + beyond the Mississippi Now Is the time to end this unhappy + war. If every man will but do his duty, his own roof will + shelter him In peace from the storms of the coming; Winter. + + Let not history record that the men who bore with patience + the privations of Cowskln Prairie, who endured + uncomplainingly the burning heat of a Missouri Summer and + the frosts and snows of a Missouri Winter; that the men who + met the enemy at Carthage, at Oak Hills, at Fort Scott, at + Lexington and on numberless lesser battlefields In Missouri, + and met them but to conquer them; that the men who fought so + bravely and so well at Blkhorn; that the unpaid soldiery of + Missouri were, after so many victories and after so much + suffering, unequal to the great task of achieving the + Independence of their magnificent State. + + Soldiers, I go but to mark a pathway to our homes. Follow + me! +</pre> + <p> + Very few but those who had already been cajoled into the Confederate + service followed. + </p> + <p> + A great deal of bitterness was developed from the discovery upon the + battlefield of a number of Union dead who had been scalped by Pike's + Indians. Many of these belonged to the 3d Iowa Cav., and the investigation + of the matter was conducted by order of Col. Bussey, by his Adjutant, John + W. Noble, afterwards Secretary of the Interior. Col. Bussey became + Assistant Secretary of the Interior. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link341" id="link341"></a><span class="pn">{341}</span> + </p> + <p> + The bodies of at least eight of the 3d Iowa Cav. were exhumed and found to + have been scalped and the bodies otherwise maltreated after their deaths + by the scalping knives and tomahawks of merciless Indians. The matter was + made subject of a strong communication from Gen. Curtis to Gen. Van Dorn, + and the latter's Adjutant-General, Dabney H. Maury, replied, cordially + condemning any such deeds, but claiming that, on the other hand, many + prisoners of war had been killed in cold blood by Curtis's men, who were + alleged to be Germans. The letter said: + </p> + <p> + The General commanding feels sure that you will do your part as he will in + preventing such atrocities in the future, and that the perpetrators of + them will be brought to justice, whether Germans or Choctaws. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Curtis was promoted to Major-General for his victory, and well + deserved that honor, in spite of some bitter critics. Sigd was also made a + Major-General, with much less reason. Asboth had his withheld + Brigadier-Generalcy confirmed to him. Cols. Carr, Davis and Dodge were + made Brigadier-Generals, but Cols. Osterhaus, White and Bussey, who had + done conspicuous fighting, had to wait some months for their promotion, + and Cols. Greusel and Pattison never received it. + </p> + <p> + Among those who received praise for their gallantry that day was Maj. John + Charles Black, of the 37th Ill., later a Colonel and Brigadier-General, + Commissioner of Pensions under President Cleveland, + Representative-at-large from Illinois, Commander-in-Chief of the Grand + Army of the Republic, and now President of the United States Civil Service + Commission. Maj. Black was severely wounded in the sword arm in the fight, + but refused to leave the field until Gen. White ordered him to do so. + </p> + <p> + Another was Maj. Phillip Sidney Post, of the 59th Ill. He later became + Colonel and Brigadier-General; was left for dead on the field at + Nashville, but recovered, to be Consul-General at Vienna and represent + Illinois for many years in Congress. He was also wounded in the sword arm, + and also refused to leave the field until he was peremptorily ordered to + do so. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link342" id="link342"></a><span class="pn">{342}</span> + </p> + <p> + The moral effect of the victory was prodigious and far-reaching. High + expectations had been raised by Van Dora, McCulloch, Mcintosh, Price and + Albert Pike, which were abjectly prostrated. The mass of fugitives, white + and red, who scattered over Missouri, Arkansas and the Indian Territory, + each with his tale of awful slaughter and disheartened defeat, had a + blighting effect upon the Secessionists, and greatly strengthened the + Union sentiment. + </p> + <p> + It was a desperate two-days' wrestle between the very best that the + Southern Confederacy could produce west of the Mississippi River—the + ablest commanders and the finest troops—and a small Union army. It + was breaking, test, under the fairest conditions, of the fighting + qualities of the two combatants. + </p> + <p> + Though bitter, merciless, sanguinary fighting was to perturb the State for + three years longer, it was no longer war, but guerilla raiding and + bandittism, robbery and murder under a pretext of war. Price, indeed, made + an invasion of the State two years later, but it was a hurried raid, + without hope of permanent results. + </p> + <p> + At the conclusion of the battle Missouri was as firmly anchored to the + Union as her neighbors, Illinois, Iowa and Kansas. + </p> + <p> + The battle for Missouri had been fought and won. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><a name="linkindex" id="linkindex"></a> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + INDEX. + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br />A <br /><br />Abolitionists, <a href="#link17"> {17}</a>, <a + href="#link29"> {29}</a>, <a href="#link32"> {32}</a>. <br /><br />Anderson, + Robert, Maj., moves to Fort Sumter, <a href="#link23"> {23}</a>. <br /><br />Andrews, + G. L., at Wilson's Creek, <a href="#link165"> {165}</a>. <br /><br />Arsenals, + St. Louis,<a href="#link35"> {35}</a> et seq., <a href="#link37"> {37}</a>,<a + href="#link44"> {44}</a>; Liberty,<a href="#link35"> {35}</a>. <br /><br />Asboth, + Alexander, Gen., sketch of ; <a href="#link222"> {222}</a> et seq. ; + arrives at Lebanon, <a href="#link304"> {304}</a>; at Pea Ridge, <a + href="#link325"> {325}</a>; writes Curtis, <a href="#link333"> {333}</a>; + promoted, ail. <br /><br />Atchison, D. R., defeats Col. Scott, <a + href="#link209"> {209}</a>. <br /><br />B <br /><br />Bates, Edward, Attorney- + General, helps to restore Harney,<a href="#link96"> {96}</a>. <br /><br />Bell, + John,<a href="#link21"> {21}</a>. <br /><br />Bell, Wm. Haywood, Maj., in + command at arsenal,<a href="#link36"> {36}</a>; understanding with Frost, + <a href="#link37"> {37}</a>; relieved from com- mand,<a href="#link40"> + {40}</a>. <br /><br />Belmont, battle of, <a href="#link264"> {264}</a> et + seq. <br /><br />Benton, Thos. H., sketch of,<a href="#link20"> {20}</a>. + <br /><br />Bingham, Geo. A., elected Treasurer of State, <a href="#link136"> + {136}</a>. <br /><br />Black, John Charles, receives praise for gallantry at + Pea Ridge, <a href="#link341"> {341}</a>. <br /><br />Blair, Chas. W., at + Wilson's Creek, <a href="#link165"> {165}</a>. <br /><br />Blair, Frank P., + sketch of, <a href="#link19"> {19}</a> et seq. ; thwartx Frost's plans,<a + href="#link39"> {39}</a> et seq.; activity of,<a href="#link43"> {43}</a>; + secures Lyon's as- signment to command,<a href="#link57"> {57}</a>; + procures arms from War Department, <a href="#link64"> {64}</a> ; marches + to Camp Jackson,<a href="#link75"> {75}</a>; dis- trusts Harney's + agreement with Price,<a href="#link98"> {98}</a>,<a href="#link99"> {99}</a>; + pres- ent at interview at Plant- er's House, <a href="#link109"> {109}</a> + et seq. <br /><br />Blair, Montgomery,<a href="#link40"> {40}</a>. <br /><br />Blandowski, + C, mortally wounded by rioters,<a href="#link78"> {78}</a>. <br /><br />Bowen, + John S.,<a href="#link62"> {62}</a> et seq. <br /><br />Boonville, Mo., <a + href="#link121"> {121}</a>; skirmish at, <a href="#link124"> {124}</a> et + seq. <br /><br />Breckinridge, John C,<a href="#link21"> {21}</a>. <br /><br />Brown, + Gratz B., Col.,<a href="#link65"> {65}</a>. <br /><br />Buchanan, President, + on seces- sion,<a href="#link23"> {23}</a>. <br /><br />Buell, Don Carlos, + in command of Department of the Ohio, <a href="#link298"> {298}</a>. <br /><br />Bussey, + Cyrus, Col., at Pea Ridge, <a href="#link325"> {325}</a> et seq.; takes + cavalry to Leetown Road, <a href="#link333"> {333}</a>; Assistant + Secretary of the Interior, <a href="#link340"> {340}</a>. <br /><br />C + <br /><br />Campbell, Robert,<a href="#link33"> {33}</a>. <br /><br />Carlin, + W. P., Col.,<a href="#link33"> {33}</a>d <a href="#link111"> {111}</a>., + <a href="#link245"> {245}</a>; at Big River Bridge, <a href="#link247"> + {247}</a>; insists upon com- mand, <a href="#link249"> {249}</a> ; + Frederick- town, <a href="#link250"> {250}</a> et seq.. <br /><br />Carr, E. + A., Col., at Cross Hol- lows, <a href="#link316"> {316}</a>; SSkhorn Tav- + ern, <a href="#link322"> {322}</a>; sends to Curtis for reinforcements, <a + href="#link324"> {324}</a> ; wounded, <a href="#link325"> {325}</a> ; + promoted, <a href="#link341"> {341}</a>. <br /><br />Census, <a + href="#link185"> {185}</a>0,<a href="#link14"> {14}</a>. <br /><br />Champion, + Brock,<a href="#link38"> {38}</a>. <br /><br />Cherokee Indians, <a + href="#link280"> {280}</a>. <br /><br />Choctaw Indians, <a href="#link279"> + {279}</a> et seq. <br /><br />Clayton, Powell, at Wilson's Creek, <a + href="#link165"> {165}</a>. <br /><br />Committee of Safety,<a href="#link43"> + {43}</a> et seq.,<a href="#link53"> {53}</a>; meets Lyon at arsenal,<a + href="#link72"> {72}</a>. <br /><br />Cole Camp, skirmish, <a href="#link131"> + {131}</a> et seq. <br /><br />Cole, Nelson, at Wilson's Creek, <a + href="#link165"> {165}</a>. <br /><br />Commissioner from Mississippi» <a + href="#link34"> {34}</a>. <br /><br />Convention, State, meets at Jefferson + City, Feb.<a href="#link28"> {28}</a>, <a href="#link49"> {49}</a>; adopts + Union report and adjourns,<a href="#link50"> {50}</a>. <br /><br />Cook, A. + H. W., organizes Home Guards, <a href="#link131"> {131}</a> ; cap- tures + supplies, <a href="#link132"> {132}</a>. <br /><br />Cooper, Douglas H., + Col., at- tacks Hopoeitihleyohola, <a href="#link283"> {283}</a>; retreats + to Fort Gib- son, <a href="#link283"> {283}</a>; joined by Col. James + Mcintosh, <a href="#link283"> {283}</a>; at- tacks Indians at Shoal Creek, + <a href="#link284"> {284}</a>. <br /><br />Cotton States, secession of,<a + href="#link23"> {23}</a>. <br /><br />Crawford, Sam*l J., at Wilson's Creek, + <a href="#link165"> {165}</a>. <br /><br />Croghan, St. George, visits; + Sweeny,<a href="#link45"> {45}</a> ; death,<a href="#link46"> {46}</a>. + <br /><br />Curtis, Sam'l B., sketch of, <a href="#link198"> {198}</a>; + assigned to command Army of the Southwest, <a href="#link302"> {302}</a>; + selects Davis and Carr for commands, <a href="#link302"> {302}</a>; base + at Lebanon, <a href="#link303"> {303}</a> ; marches against Price, <a + href="#link305"> {305}</a>; captures Springfield, <a href="#link305"> + {305}</a>; forces evacuation of Cross Hollows, <a href="#link308"> {308}</a>; + es- tablishes himself at Cross Hollows, <a href="#link309"> {309}</a> ; + Organiza- tion of army, <a href="#link314"> {314}</a>; de- cides to make + stand at Pea Ridge, <a href="#link316"> {316}</a>; position of army, <a + href="#link316"> {316}</a>; battle of Pea Ridge, <a href="#link322"> {322}</a> + et seq.; sends Bussey with cavalry to Leetown Road. <a href="#link333"> + {333}</a> ; re- port of losses, <a href="#link335"> {335}</a> ; pro- + moted, <a href="#link341"> {341}</a>. <br /><br />D <br /><br />Davis, + Jeffebson,<a href="#link49"> {49}</a> ; sends ar- tillery for attack on + arse- nal,<a href="#link70"> {70}</a>; army record, <a href="#link289"> + {289}</a>; dislikes Price, <a href="#link290"> {290}</a> ; the 5th U. S. + Oav., <a href="#link311"> {311}</a>. <br /><br />Davis, Jeff. C, in the Lex- + ington campaign, <a href="#link208"> {208}</a> ; forces surrender at Mil- + ford, <a href="#link291"> {291}</a>; joins Curtis at Lebanon, <a + href="#link304"> {304}</a>; goes to Os- terhaus's assistance, <a + href="#link327"> {327}</a> ; promoted, <a href="#link341"> {341}</a>. + <br /><br />Democrats,<a href="#link14"> {14}</a>,<a href="#link20"> {20}</a>. + <br /><br />Dietzler, Geo. W., at Wilson's Creek, <a href="#link165"> {165}</a>. + <br /><br />Dodge, Col., at Pea Ridge, <a href="#link325"> {325}</a>. <br /><br />Doniphan, + Alex., Gen., stands by the Union,<a href="#link94"> {94}</a>. <br /><br />Douglas, + Stephan A.,<a href="#link14"> {14}</a>,<a href="#link21"> {21}</a>. <br /><br />Dug + Springs, engagement at, <a href="#link153"> {153}</a>. <br /><br />Duke, + Basil Wilson,<a href="#link38"> {38}</a>,<a href="#link42"> {42}</a>; + matures plot,<a href="#link56"> {56}</a> et seq. ; burns Osage River + bridge, <a href="#link90"> {90}</a>. <br /><br />F <br /><br />Flags, + secession,<a href="#link39"> {39}</a>; Union flag torn down,<a + href="#link39"> {39}</a>. <br /><br />Fredericktown, skirmish at, <a + href="#link250"> {250}</a> et seq. <br /><br />Freesoilism,<a href="#link57"> + {57}</a>. <br /><br />Fremont, Gen., sketch of, <a href="#link133"> {133}</a> + et seq. ; comes into colli- * sion with Gen. Kearny, <a href="#link135"> + {135}</a>; nominated for Presi- dent, <a href="#link135"> {135}</a>; takes + command of Department of the West, <a href="#link136"> {136}</a> ; + establishes Court at St. Louis, <a href="#link148"> {148}</a>; reinforces + Cairo, <a href="#link149"> {149}</a>; asks for men and supplies, <a + href="#link194"> {194}</a> ; testifies with regard to Lyon, <a + href="#link194"> {194}</a> et seq. r declares martial law, <a + href="#link197"> {197}</a> et seq.; topples to his fall, <a href="#link216"> + {216}</a>; moves to Jefferson City, <a href="#link220"> {220}</a> et seq. + ; forms Army of the West, <a href="#link221"> {221}</a> et seq.; pursues + Price, <a href="#link224"> {224}</a>; Fre- mont body guard, <a + href="#link227"> {227}</a> et seq.; at Springfield, <a href="#link229"> + {229}</a>; issues joint proclamation with Price, <a href="#link230"> {230}</a>; + relieved from command, <a href="#link233"> {233}</a>; takes leave of + troops, <a href="#link234"> {234}</a>; given command of Moun- tain + Department, <a href="#link235"> {235}</a>; put on retired list, <a + href="#link236"> {236}</a>. Frost, Daniel M., Maj.-Gen., sketch of,<a + href="#link36"> {36}</a> et seq. ; is- sues secret circular,<a + href="#link39"> {39}</a> ; recommendation to Gov. Jackson,<a href="#link62"> + {62}</a> ; establishes Camp Jackson,<a href="#link68"> {68}</a> et seq. ; + writes to Lyon,<a href="#link73"> {73}</a> et seq. ; surrenders Oamp + Jackson, <a href="#link76"> {76}</a> et seq. ; protests to Harney against + Lyon's at- tack,<a href="#link82"> {82}</a> et seq. <br /><br />Gamble, + Hamilton R.,<a href="#link33"> {33}</a>,49, <a href="#link84"> {84}</a>; + elected Governor, <a href="#link136"> {136}</a>. <br /><br />Germans dn + Missouri,<a href="#link14"> {14}</a> et seq.;<a href="#link33"> {33}</a>,<a + href="#link39"> {39}</a>,<a href="#link44"> {44}</a>,<a href="#link80"> + {80}</a>, <a href="#link142"> {142}</a>; resent Halleck's order, <a + href="#link259"> {259}</a> et seq. <br /><br />Gilbert, C. C, Oapt., at Wil- + son's Creek, <a href="#link167"> {167}</a>. <br /><br />Granger, Gordon, + Capt., record of, <a href="#link164"> {164}</a> ; at Wilson's Creek, <a + href="#link174"> {174}</a>. <br /><br />Giant, U. S., sketch of, <a + href="#link198"> {198}</a> et seq. ; commissioned Brig- adier-General, <a + href="#link244"> {244}</a>; at Cape Girardeau, <a href="#link244"> {244}</a> + et seq.; orders Carlin and Plummer to attack Thomp- son, <a href="#link247"> + {247}</a>; headquarters at Cairo, <a href="#link262"> {262}</a>; starts + for Pa- ducah, <a href="#link262"> {262}</a>; activity of, <a + href="#link263"> {263}</a>; at Belmont, <a href="#link264"> {264}</a> et + seq. <br /><br />Greeley, Horace, views on co- ercion,<a href="#link33"> + {33}</a>. <br /><br />Greene, Colton, Capt.,<a href="#link38"> {38}</a>. + <br /><br />Green, James S., U. S. Sena- tor, sketch of,<a href="#link27"> + {27}</a> et seq.; defeated for Senate,<a href="#link47"> {47}</a>. <br /><br />Hagner, + Peter B., Maj., suc- ceeds Bell in command of arsenal,<a href="#link41"> + {41}</a> ; comes into col- lision with Lyon,<a href="#link54"> {54}</a>. + <br /><br />Halderman, John A., record of, <a href="#link164"> {164}</a>. + <br /><br />Halleck, Henry Wager, suc- ceeds Fremont, <a href="#link253"> + {253}</a> : sketch of, <a href="#link253"> {253}</a> et seq. ; checks se- + cession insolence, <a href="#link258"> {258}</a> ; slaves debarred from + camp, <a href="#link259"> {259}</a>; explains order, <a href="#link260"> + {260}</a>; Department of Kansas consolidated with his, <a href="#link297"> + {297}</a>; constructs fleet of gun- boats, <a href="#link297"> {297}</a>; + institutes mil- itary commission to pun- ish bridge-burners, <a + href="#link298"> {298}</a> et seq.; writes Price, <a href="#link299"> + {299}</a>; commended by Stanton, <a href="#link300"> {300}</a> ; + telegraphs Curtis, <a href="#link300"> {300}</a>; plans for crushing + Price, <a href="#link301"> {301}</a>; forms Army of the Southwest, <a + href="#link302"> {302}</a>; orders Hunter to reinforce Curtis, <a + href="#link313"> {313}</a>. <br /><br />Hardee, Gen., asked to join Price + and McCuIloch, <a href="#link196"> {196}</a>. <br /><br />Harding, Chester, + Col., <a href="#link104"> {104}</a>, <a href="#link120"> {120}</a>; + applies to Fremont for supplies for Lyon, <a href="#link148"> {148}</a>. + <br /><br />Harney, William Selby, sketch of,<a href="#link29"> {29}</a> et + seq.; sustains Hagner,<a href="#link55"> {55}</a>; attitude to- ward Lyon,<a + href="#link59"> {59}</a>; removed from command,<a href="#link65"> {65}</a>; + re- turns to St. Louis and re- sumes command,<a href="#link81"> {81}</a>; + issues proclamation,<a href="#link81"> {81}</a>; puts re- striction on + Home Guards, <a href="#link82"> {82}</a> ; approves Lyon's course and + issues proclamation, <a href="#link84"> {84}</a> et seq. ; telegraphs Ad- + jutant-General for arms, <a href="#link96"> {96}</a>; enters into + agreement with Price and Jackson. <a href="#link97"> {97}</a> ; issues + proclamation, <a href="#link97"> {97}</a>; calls Price's attention to + secession outrages,<a href="#link98"> {98}</a> et seq. ; relieved from + com- mand, <a href="#link101"> {101}</a>; writes letter to + Adjutant-General, <a href="#link101"> {101}</a> et seq. ; death, <a + href="#link102"> {102}</a>. <br /><br />Herron, Francis J., at Wilson's + Creek, <a href="#link165"> {165}</a>. <br /><br />Holt, Willard P., elected + Lieu- tenant-Governor of Mis- souri, <a href="#link136"> {136}</a>. <br /><br />Home + Guards,<a href="#link59"> {59}</a>,<a href="#link65"> {65}</a>,<a + href="#link99"> {99}</a>, <a href="#link108"> {108}</a>. <br /><br />Hopoeithieyohola, + sketch of, <a href="#link282"> {282}</a> et seq. ; defeats Coop- er at + Chusto-Talasah, <a href="#link283"> {283}</a> ; Shoal Creek, <a + href="#link284"> {284}</a>; retreats to Kansas, <a href="#link284"> {284}</a> + ; death, <a href="#link284"> {284}</a>. <br /><br />Hunter, David, Gen., + succeeds Fremont, <a href="#link233"> {233}</a>; sketch of, <a + href="#link237"> {237}</a> et seq.; gives up pur- suit of Price, <a + href="#link240"> {240}</a> et seq. ; assigned to 'Department of Kansas, <a + href="#link271"> {271}</a> et seq.; trou- ble with Lane, <a href="#link276"> + {276}</a> et seq. ; assigned to duty in South Carolina, <a href="#link278"> + {278}</a>. <br /><br />I <br /><br />Illinois, forays from,<a href="#link39"> + {39}</a>. <br /><br />Immigration to Missouri,<a href="#link10"> {10}</a>. + <br /><br />Indian Territory, tribes gath- ered there, <a href="#link279"> + {279}</a>; op- posed to war, <a href="#link280"> {280}</a>; effect of war + storm on, <a href="#link284"> {284}</a>. <br /><br />Irish in Missouri,<a + href="#link14"> {14}</a>,<a href="#link38"> {38}</a>,<a href="#link40"> + {40}</a>. <br /><br />J <br /><br />Jackson, Claiborne F., sketch of,<a + href="#link20"> {20}</a>; Inaugural Address, <a href="#link25"> {25}</a>; + resents removal of gold,<a href="#link41"> {41}</a>; reply to Presi- dent + Lincoln's call for troops,<a href="#link62"> {62}</a> et seq.; applies to + Jefferson Davis for ar- tillery for attack on ar- senal,<a href="#link69"> + {69}</a>; receives letter from Davis,<a href="#link69"> {69}</a> et seq. ; + is- sues proclamation calling militia into service, <a href="#link119"> + {119}</a> et seq. ; attacks Boonville, <a href="#link121"> {121}</a>; + establishes capital at Lamar, <a href="#link137"> {137}</a>; hears of Si- + gel's advance, <a href="#link138"> {138}</a>; joins McCullodh at Neosho, + <a href="#link141"> {141}</a>; sets up capital at Lexing- ton, <a + href="#link207"> {207}</a>; calls Legislature at Neosho, <a href="#link225"> + {225}</a>; death,<a href="#link27"> {27}</a>. <br /><br />Jackson, Camp, is + established, <a href="#link68"> {68}</a> et seq.; visited by Lyon,<a + href="#link72"> {72}</a>; surrounded by Lyon's troops,<a href="#link75"> + {75}</a> et seq.; surrender,<a href="#link77"> {77}</a>; in charge of + Sweeny,<a href="#link79"> {79}</a>; account of stock taken,<a + href="#link86"> {86}</a> et seq. "Jaybawkers," <a href="#link274"> {274}</a> + et seq. <br /><br />Jefferson City, Capital of Mis- souri,<a href="#link26"> + {26}</a>. <br /><br />Johnson, Waldo P., succeeds Senator Green,<a + href="#link47"> {47}</a>. <br /><br />Johnston, Albert Sydney, as- signed to + command Con- federate army in the West, <a href="#link243"> {243}</a>. + <br /><br />L <br /><br />Lane, James H., recruits Kan- sas regiments, <a + href="#link201"> {201}</a>; skir- mish at Dry Wood, <a href="#link202"> + {202}</a>; crosses the Osage and throws up fortifications, <a + href="#link202"> {202}</a>; marches to Osceola, <a href="#link219"> {219}</a> + et seq.; burns town, <a href="#link219"> {219}</a>; sketch of, <a + href="#link273"> {273}</a> et seq. ; elected U. S. Senate. <a + href="#link275"> {275}</a> ; commissioned Briga- dier-General of + Volunteers, <a href="#link276"> {276}</a>; plans Southern expe- dition, <a + href="#link276"> {276}</a> et seq.; death, <a href="#link278"> {278}</a>. + <br /><br />Legislature of Missouri meets Dec.<a href="#link31"> {31}</a>, + <a href="#link186"> {186}</a>0,<a href="#link24"> {24}</a> ; political + complexion,<a href="#link24"> {24}</a> ; secession bills introduced,<a + href="#link32"> {32}</a>; de- clare against coercion,<a href="#link35"> + {35}</a>; calls convention,<a href="#link48"> {48}</a>; panic after Camp + Jackson,<a href="#link89"> {89}</a>. <br /><br />Lexington, description of, + <a href="#link206"> {206}</a> et seq. ; Six Days' Battle, <a + href="#link210"> {210}</a> et seq. ; garrison sur- renders, <a + href="#link214"> {214}</a>. <br /><br />Liberty, Mo.,<a href="#link35"> {35}</a>; + arsenal seized,<a href="#link63"> {63}</a>. <br /><br />Lincoln, Abraham,<a + href="#link17"> {17}</a>,<a href="#link20"> {20}</a>,<a href="#link22"> + {22}</a>; supports Blair's request for removal of Bell,<a href="#link40"> + {40}</a>; call for troops,<a href="#link62"> {62}</a>; writes Blair with + regard to Harney, <a href="#link100"> {100}</a>; writes to Gen. Curtis, <a + href="#link233"> {233}</a>; advice to Gen. Hunter, <a href="#link238"> + {238}</a> et seq.; defends Hunter, <a href="#link278"> {278}</a>. <br /><br />Losses, + Union, Wilson's Creek, <a href="#link176"> {176}</a> et seq.; Lexington, + <a href="#link216"> {216}</a>; Fredericktown, <a href="#link251"> {251}</a>; + Belmont, <a href="#link267"> {267}</a>; Pea Ridge, <a href="#link335"> + {335}</a>; Boonville, <a href="#link124"> {124}</a>. <br /><br />Lothrop, + Warren L., reinforces Lyon at arsenal,<a href="#link53"> {53}</a>. <br /><br />Lyon, + Nathaniel, Capt., arrives at arsenal,<a href="#link50"> {50}</a> et seq. ; + pro- tests against Hagner's as- signment,<a href="#link54"> {54}</a> et + seq. ; pre- pares arsenal for defense, <a href="#link60"> {60}</a>; + elected Brigadier-Gen- eral of Missouri Militia, <a href="#link65"> {65}</a>; + transfers stores to Al- ton,<a href="#link66"> {66}</a>; resolves to cap- + ture Gamp Jackson,<a href="#link70"> {70}</a> et seq.; visits Camp + Jackson, <a href="#link72"> {72}</a> ; meets Committee of Safety at + arsenal,<a href="#link72"> {72}</a> et seq. ; demands surrender of camp,<a + href="#link76"> {76}</a>; appointed Brig- adier-General U. S. V., <a + href="#link100"> {100}</a> ; in full command, <a href="#link103"> {103}</a> + ; sends passports to Price and Jackson, <a href="#link109"> {109}</a>; + inter- view at Planter's House, <a href="#link100"> {100}</a> et seq. ; + starts for Boonville, <a href="#link121"> {121}</a>; skirmish ąt + Boonville, <a href="#link123"> {123}</a> ; captures supplies, <a + href="#link124"> {124}</a>; Gov. Jack* son's letter falls into his hands, + <a href="#link127"> {127}</a>; welcomes Fre- mont, <a href="#link135"> + {135}</a>; command dwin- dles, <a href="#link146"> {146}</a>; applies to + Fremont for troops and supplies, <a href="#link149"> {149}</a>; makes bold + move, <a href="#link152"> {152}</a> et seq. ; requests not honored, <a + href="#link156"> {156}</a>; writes Fremont, <a href="#link157"> {157}</a>; + learns of juncture of McCulloch's and Price's forces, <a href="#link158"> + {158}</a>; determines to attack, <a href="#link158"> {158}</a>; Wilson's + Creek, <a href="#link167"> {167}</a> et seq.; wounded, <a href="#link170"> + {170}</a>; death of, <a href="#link171"> {171}</a>; burial, <a + href="#link186"> {186}</a>; re- mains removed to East- ford, Conn., <a + href="#link187"> {187}</a>; Lyon's will, <a href="#link187"> {187}</a>; + Congress passes resolution in recognition of, <a href="#link187"> {187}</a> + et seq. <br /><br />M <br /><br />MacDonald, Emmet, refuses to accept parole,<a + href="#link79"> {79}</a>. <br /><br />McCook, Daniel, at Wilson's Creek, <a + href="#link165"> {165}</a>. <br /><br />McCulloch, Ben, Gen., sketch of, <a + href="#link144"> {144}</a> et seq. : crosses Missouri line with <a + href="#link3"> {3}</a>, troops, <a + href="#link145"> {145}</a>; joins Price at Crane Creek, <a href="#link150"> + {150}</a>; assumes supreme command, <a href="#link152"> {152}</a> ; + unwilling to attack Lyon, <a href="#link154"> {154}</a> et seq.; orders + army forward, <a href="#link155"> {155}</a>; attacks Si- gel, <a + href="#link172"> {172}</a>; (reports as to battle, <a href="#link181"> + {181}</a>; delivers up Lyon's body, <a href="#link186"> {186}</a>; ad- + vances to Springfield, <a href="#link190"> {190}</a> ; denounces Missouri + troops, <a href="#link191"> {191}</a> et seq. ; at Cross Hol- low, <a + href="#link294"> {294}</a>; abandons Cross Hollow, <a href="#link308"> + {308}</a> ; at Pea Ridge, <a href="#link321"> {321}</a> et seq. ; death + of, <a href="#link327"> {327}</a>. <br /><br />McDonough, James, Chief of + Police, tries to preserve municipal peace,<a href="#link79"> {79}</a> et + seq. <br /><br />Mcintosh, James, <a href="#link152"> {152}</a>, <a + href="#link155"> {155}</a>; trusties 3d La. and 2d Ark. against Plummer, + <a href="#link169"> {169}</a>; re- fuses to combine with Price, <a + href="#link296"> {296}</a>; at Pea Ridge, <a href="#link326"> {326}</a> et + seq. ; death of, <a href="#link327"> {327}</a>. <br /><br />McKinstry, + Justus, Lyon dis- trusts him,<a href="#link73"> {73}</a>; sketch, <a + href="#link223"> {223}</a> <br /><br />McNeill,' Gen.,<a href="#link65"> + {65}</a>. <br /><br />Marmaduke, John S., sketch of, <a href="#link122"> + {122}</a> et seq.; troops at Boonville routed, <a href="#link124"> {124}</a>. + <br /><br />Merrefct, W. H., at Wilson's Creek, <a href="#link165"> {165}</a>. + <br /><br />Middle Class,<a href="#link12"> {12}</a> et seq.,<a + href="#link17"> {17}</a>, <a href="#link18"> {18}</a>,<a href="#link26"> + {26}</a>,<a href="#link96"> {96}</a>. <br /><br />Militia, Gen. Frost begins + or- ganization,<a href="#link37"> {37}</a>; camp of instruction,<a + href="#link62"> {62}</a>. <br /><br />Military Bill,<a href="#link89"> {89}</a> + et seq.; di- visions organized under,<a href="#link94"> {94}</a> et seq., + <a href="#link108"> {108}</a>. <br /><br />Minute Men organize,<a + href="#link38"> {38}</a>,<a href="#link60"> {60}</a>. <br /><br />Mississippi + River, <a href="#link4"> {4}</a>, <a href="#link8"> {8}</a>. <br /><br />Mississippi, + State,<a href="#link10"> {10}</a>; sends commissioner to Missouri, <a + href="#link34"> {34}</a>. <br /><br />Missouri River highway, <a + href="#link5"> {5}</a>. <br /><br />Missouri, formation of the State at + admission, <a href="#link5"> {5}</a> et seq. ; early struggles be- tween + slavery and anti- slavery, <a href="#link7"> {7}</a>; slow growth of + State, <a href="#link8"> {8}</a> ; character of first settlers,<a + href="#link11"> {11}</a>; German im- migration,<a href="#link14"> {14}</a>; + party lines, <a href="#link38"> {38}</a>; secession beginnings, <a + href="#link19"> {19}</a>; policy of,<a href="#link25"> {25}</a>; + Presidential campaign of <a href="#link186"> {186}</a>0,<a href="#link21"> + {21}</a>; added to Mc- Oellan's command, <a href="#link133"> {133}</a> ; + convention reconvenes, de- clares offices vacant, and elects new officers, + <a href="#link136"> {136}</a> et seq. <br /><br />Mitchell, Robert B., at + Wil- son's Creek, <a href="#link165"> {165}</a>. <br /><br />Mulligan, James + A., is ordered to Lexington, <a href="#link205"> {205}</a> ; assumes + command, <a href="#link206"> {206}</a> ; telegraphs Jeff C Davis far help, + <a href="#link207"> {207}</a> et seq. ; forced to sur- render, <a + href="#link214"> {214}</a> et seq. <br /><br />O <br /><br />Oglesby, Richard + J., ordered to take New Madrid, <a href="#link263"> {263}</a>. <br /><br />O'Kane, + Walter S., attacks Cook's Home Guards, <a href="#link131"> {131}</a>. + <br /><br />Oliver, Mordecai, elected Sec- retary of State, <a + href="#link336"> {336}</a>. <br /><br />Ordinance of <a href="#link178"> + {178}</a>7, <a href="#link4"> {4}</a>. <br /><br />Osage River, Confederates + fall behind, <a href="#link126"> {126}</a>; strategic ad- vantage of, <a + href="#link129"> {129}</a>. <br /><br />Osterhaus, Peter Joseph, Maj., + sketch of, <a href="#link162"> {162}</a> et seq.; opens battle of Pea + Ridge, <a href="#link322"> {322}</a> et seq. <br /><br />Ozark Mountains, + description of, <a href="#link241"> {241}</a> et seq. <br /><br />P <br /><br />Paschall, + Nathaniel,<a href="#link33"> {33}</a>. <br /><br />Pea Ridge, battle of, <a + href="#link322"> {322}</a> et seq. <br /><br />Pike, Albert, Gen., sketch + of, <a href="#link281"> {281}</a>; commissioned Briga- dier-General, <a + href="#link282"> {282}</a>: force at Pea Ridge, <a href="#link318"> {318}</a>; + takes command upon deaths of McCulloch and Mcintosh, <a href="#link328"> + {328}</a> et seq. ; makes for the rear, <a href="#link335"> {335}</a> et + seq. <br /><br />Pillow, Gideon, advances with <a href="#link12"> {12}</a>, men, <a href="#link152"> {152}</a>; asks Hardee + for help, <a href="#link203"> {203}</a>; at New Madrid, <a href="#link204"> + {204}</a>; resigns commission, <a href="#link269"> {269}</a> et seq. <br /><br />Plummer, + Jos. B., Capt., sketch of, <a href="#link161"> {161}</a> et seq.; sends C. + C. Gilbert forward, <a href="#link167"> {167}</a>; commands<a + href="#link11"> {11}</a>th Mo., <a href="#link245"> {245}</a>; dispatch to + Oarlin cap- tured, <a href="#link248"> {248}</a>; skirmish at + Fredericktown, <a href="#link250"> {250}</a> et seq. <br /><br />Polk, + Leonidas, Gen., threat- ens Cairo, <a href="#link148"> {148}</a>; + establishes Gibraltar at Columbus, <a href="#link243"> {243}</a> ; + Belmont, <a href="#link266"> {266}</a> et seq. <br /><br />Polk, Trusten, + Senator,<a href="#link28"> {28}</a>. <br /><br />Pope, John, Gen., ordered + by Fremont to reinforce Mul- ligan, <a href="#link208"> {208}</a>; + captures Rob- inson's command, <a href="#link257"> {257}</a> ; strikes + Rains and Steen, <a href="#link291"> {291}</a>. <br /><br />Post, Phillip + Sydney, gallant conduct at Pea Ridge, <a href="#link341"> {341}</a>. <br /><br />Prentiss,. + Gen., at Mount Zion Church, <a href="#link256"> {256}</a> et seq. <br /><br />Price, + Sterling, Gen., mention- ed,<a href="#link27"> {27}</a>; elected President + of convention,<a href="#link49"> {49}</a>; sketch of,<a href="#link90"> + {90}</a> et seq. ; offers services to secessionists,<a href="#link93"> + {93}</a> et seq. ; made Major-General of forces in Missouri,<a + href="#link94"> {94}</a>; interview with Lyon at Planter's House, <a + href="#link109"> {109}</a> et et seq. ; result of interview, <a + href="#link118"> {118}</a> et seq.; turns over command to McCul- loch, <a + href="#link151"> {151}</a> et seq.; insists upon attack on Lyon, <a + href="#link154"> {154}</a>; reinforces Raines, <a href="#link168"> {168}</a> + ; opens on Union front, <a href="#link174"> {174}</a>; battle of Wilson's + Creek, <a href="#link174"> {174}</a> et seq.; reports of battle, <a + href="#link181"> {181}</a> et seq ; sore- ness between him and Mc- + Culloch, <a href="#link191"> {191}</a> et seq. ; urges McCulloch forward, + <a href="#link193"> {193}</a>; advances to the Mis- souri, <a + href="#link202"> {202}</a>; at Lex- ington, <a href="#link207"> {207}</a> + ; reports as to battle, <a href="#link215"> {215}</a>; crosses Osage, <a + href="#link224"> {224}</a>; starts for Missouri River, <a href="#link286"> + {286}</a> et seq. ; appeal to the people, <a href="#link287"> {287}</a> et + seq.; establishes headquarters at Osceola, <a href="#link289"> {289}</a>; + burns Warsaw, <a href="#link290"> {290}</a>; falls back to Springfield, <a + href="#link291"> {291}</a>; protests against Halleck's order, <a + href="#link298"> {298}</a>; evacu- ates Springfield, <a href="#link305"> + {305}</a>; re- ports to Gov. Jackson, <a href="#link307"> {307}</a>; + strength of force, <a href="#link318"> {318}</a>; at Pea Ridge, <a + href="#link322"> {322}</a> et seq.; reports of battle, ; farewell to troops, <a href="#link339"> {339}</a> et seq. + Pro-Slavery doctrine, <a href="#link7"> {7}</a>. <br /><br />R <br /><br />Raines; + James S., Gen.,<a href="#link61"> {61}</a>; commands Second Division, M. + S. G., <a href="#link138"> {138}</a>; discovers enemy, <a href="#link166"> + {166}</a>; at Wilson's Creek, <a href="#link168"> {168}</a>. <br /><br />Republican + Party,<a href="#link17"> {17}</a>,<a href="#link25"> {25}</a>. <br /><br />Reynolds, + Thos. C, Lieut.-Gov-, sketch of,<a href="#link27"> {27}</a>; letter to + General Assembly,<a href="#link31"> {31}</a> et seq.; plans for reception + of Mississippi Commission, <a href="#link34"> {34}</a>,<a href="#link42"> + {42}</a>; assumes guberna- torial powers, <a href="#link201"> {201}</a>; + estab- lishes military despotism, <a href="#link204"> {204}</a> et seq. + <br /><br />Ross, Chief John, <a href="#link282"> {282}</a>. <br /><br />S + <br /><br />St. Louis, monster mass meet- ing called by Gamble and others,<a + href="#link33"> {33}</a>; archbishop of, <a href="#link40"> {40}</a>; U. + S. troops pro- tect U. S. Sub-treasury, <a href="#link41"> {41}</a>; + secession flag hoisted, <a href="#link37"> {37}</a>; riots and panic after + capture of Camp Jackson, <a href="#link81"> {81}</a> et seq. <br /><br />Saxton, + Rufus, Gen.,<a href="#link53"> {53}</a>. <br /><br />Schofield, John M., + Gen.,<a href="#link65"> {65}</a>; sketch of, <a href="#link104"> {104}</a> + et seq., <a href="#link106"> {106}</a> ; professor of physics, <a + href="#link107"> {107}</a>; offers services, <a href="#link107"> {107}</a>; + Major Home Guards, <a href="#link108"> {108}</a>; at Wilson's Greek, <a + href="#link164"> {164}</a>, <a href="#link171"> {171}</a>; letter to + Balleck opposing Sigel's promotion, <a href="#link184"> {184}</a> ct seq. + ; Brigadier-General, <a href="#link261"> {261}</a>; organizes Missouri + Militia, <a href="#link292"> {292}</a>. <br /><br />Scott, Winfield, + Lieut-Gen.,<a href="#link31"> {31}</a>, <a href="#link60"> {60}</a>, <a + href="#link108"> {108}</a>. <br /><br />Secession,<a href="#link18"> {18}</a> + et seq. ; States secede,<a href="#link23"> {23}</a>. <br /><br />Secessionists, + U. S. forts, etc., seized,<a href="#link24"> {24}</a>; zeal of,<a + href="#link38"> {38}</a> et seq.,<a href="#link34"> {34}</a>; Union men + per- secuted by,<a href="#link39"> {39}</a>; score point,<a href="#link60"> + {60}</a> ; rejoice over sur- render of Sumter,<a href="#link61"> {61}</a> + ; seize arsenal at Liberty, <a href="#link63"> {63}</a>; lose arsenal at + St. Louis,<a href="#link66"> {66}</a>; attack officers and residences,<a + href="#link79"> {79}</a> et seq. ; flee from city,<a href="#link80"> {80}</a> + et seq. ; enraged at surrender of Camp Jackson,<a href="#link83"> {83}</a>; + rejoice over Bull Run, <a href="#link146"> {146}</a>; ac- quire + Southwestern Mis- souri, <a href="#link241"> {241}</a>. <br /><br />Shepard, + I. F., at Wilson's Creek, <a href="#link164"> {164}</a>. <br /><br />Sheridan, + Philip H., <a href="#link106"> {106}</a>. <br /><br />Sigel, Franz, Gen., + mentioned, <a href="#link65"> {65}</a>; determines to attack Jackson, <a + href="#link137"> {137}</a> et seq.; bat- tle of Carthage, <a + href="#link139"> {139}</a> et seq. ; sketch of, <a href="#link142"> {142}</a> + et seq. ; joins Sweeny at Spring- field, <a href="#link143"> {143}</a>; at + Wilson's Creek, <a href="#link172"> {172}</a> et seq. ; returns to + Springfield, <a href="#link175"> {175}</a>; placed in command, <a + href="#link176"> {176}</a>; reports, <a href="#link183"> {183}</a> ; + official accusation against, <a href="#link184"> {184}</a> et seq.; made + Brigadier-General, <a href="#link2"> {2}</a>; reaches Lebanon, <a + href="#link304"> {304}</a>; at Pea Ridge, <a href="#link319"> {319}</a> et + seq.; pursues enemy through Keetsville, <a href="#link334"> {334}</a>; + promoted, <a href="#link341"> {341}</a>. <br /><br />Slaveholders shy, <a + href="#link8"> {8}</a>. <br /><br />Slavery, plans for a slave em- pire, <a + href="#link3"> {3}</a> et seq.; slaves in census of <a href="#link186"> + {186}</a>0, <a href="#link9"> {9}</a>; dying or dead, <a href="#link6"> + {6}</a>,<a href="#link26"> {26}</a> ; vote on,<a href="#link21"> {21}</a>. + <br /><br />Slaves in Missouri, <a href="#link9"> {9}</a>. "Squatter + Sovereignty,"<a href="#link21"> {21}</a>, <a href="#link26"> {26}</a>. + <br /><br />Stand Watie, Cherokee leader, <a href="#link282"> {282}</a>. + <br /><br />Stanley, D. S., attacks Con- federates at Dug Springs, <a + href="#link153"> {153}</a>. <br /><br />Steele, Frederick, Capt, at- tacks + rebels at Dug Springs, <a href="#link153"> {153}</a>; at Wilson's Creek, + <a href="#link164"> {164}</a> ; commission- ed Colonel, <a href="#link199"> + {199}</a>. <br /><br />Stewart, Robert M., last mes- sage as Governor,<a + href="#link24"> {24}</a>. <br /><br />Sturgeon, Isaac H., Assistant U. S. + Treasurer, guards gold,<a href="#link41"> {41}</a>. <br /><br />Sturgis, S. + D., Maj., Tecord of, <a href="#link164"> {164}</a>; takes command on + Lyon's death, <a href="#link171"> {171}</a>; orders retreat, <a + href="#link175"> {175}</a>; resumes com- mand, <a href="#link185"> {185}</a>; + made Briga- dier-Ceneral, <a href="#link199"> {199}</a>; (retreats from + Lexington, <a href="#link209"> {209}</a>. <br /><br />Sweeny, Thoe. W., + Lieut, or- dered to Jefferson Bar- racks,<a href="#link40"> {40}</a>; + Croghan and Sweeny,<a href="#link45"> {45}</a> et seq. ; made + Brigadier-General,<a href="#link66"> {66}</a> ; prepares to open on Camp + Jackson,<a href="#link75"> {75}</a> et seq. ; takes possession of,<a + href="#link79"> {79}</a>. <br /><br />T <br /><br />Tallmadge "proviso,** <a + href="#link6"> {6}</a>. <br /><br />Thompson, M. Jeff, descrip- tion of,<a + href="#link95"> {95}</a>; starts out from Columbus, <a href="#link246"> + {246}</a>; at Big River Bridge, <a href="#link246"> {246}</a> et seq. ; + engagement at Fred- ericktown, <a href="#link250"> {250}</a> et seq. <br /><br />Totten, + James, Gen.,<a href="#link54"> {54}</a>,<a href="#link56"> {56}</a> ; at + Wilson's Creek, <a href="#link163"> {163}</a>; bat- tery opens fire, <a + href="#link167"> {167}</a>. <br /><br />Twiggs, David B., Brig.-Gen., <a + href="#link31"> {31}</a>. <br /><br />U <br /><br />Unconditional Union Men, + <a href="#link39"> {39}</a>,<a href="#link48"> {48}</a> et seq.,<a + href="#link50"> {50}</a>. <br /><br />V <br /><br />Vandeveb, Col., at Pea + Ridge, <a href="#link323"> {323}</a> et seq. <br /><br />Van Darn, Earl, + Gen., sketch of, <a href="#link310"> {310}</a> et seq.; captures "Star of + «the West," <a href="#link312"> {312}</a>; succeeds Price and McCul- loch + in command, <a href="#link312"> {312}</a>; as- sembles troops at Jackson- + port, Ark., <a href="#link312"> {312}</a>; hastens to Boston Mountains, <a + href="#link313"> {313}</a>; force at Pea Ridge, <a href="#link318"> {318}</a>; + plan of battle, <a href="#link319"> {319}</a>; Pea Ridge, <a + href="#link322"> {322}</a> et seq. ; retired, <a href="#link324"> {324}</a>; + reports, <a href="#link337"> {337}</a>; death, <a href="#link312"> {312}</a>. + <br /><br />Vest, Geo. Graham, U. S. Sen- ator, resolution introduced by, <a + href="#link35"> {35}</a>. <br /><br />W <br /><br />Whigs,<a href="#link14"> + {14}</a>,<a href="#link21"> {21}</a>. <br /><br />White, Robert, + Lieut.-Col., at- tacked by rioters,<a href="#link80"> {80}</a>. "White + Trash,"<a href="#link10"> {10}</a> et seq.,<a href="#link30"> {30}</a>, <a + href="#link96"> {96}</a>, <a href="#link241"> {241}</a>. <br /><br />War + Department, men control- ling it,<a href="#link58"> {58}</a>. <br /><br />Wilson's + Creek, <a href="#link154"> {154}</a> ; battle of, <a href="#link168"> + {168}</a> et seq.; analysis of, <a href="#link178"> {178}</a> et seq. + <br /><br />Witzig, J. J., goes with Lyon to visit Camp Jackson,<a + href="#link71"> {71}</a>. <br /><br />Y <br /><br />Yates, Gov., <a + href="#link111"> {111}</a>., <a href="#link40"> {40}</a>; sends troops to + Lyon,<a href="#link64"> {64}</a>. Yeatman, James E.,<a href="#link33"> + {33}</a>,<a href="#link84"> {84}</a>. <br /><br />Z <br /><br />Zagonyi, + Chas., Maj., men- tioned, <a href="#link227"> {227}</a>; makes gallant + charge, <a href="#link228"> {228}</a> et seq. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Struggle for Missouri, by John McElroy + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE STRUGGLE FOR MISSOURI *** + +***** This file should be named 31770-h.htm or 31770-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/1/7/7/31770/ + +Produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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