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OFFICIAL ARMY RECORDS 1861

SAINT LOUIS, Mo., May 17, 1861.

Lieut. Col. E. D. TOWNSEND,

Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. of the Army, Washington, D.C.

SIR: I deem it of the highest importance that 10,000 stand of arms be placed at my disposal

at the earliest moment possible for issue to reliable Union men in Missouri. Loyal men are now

being driven from the State by the secessionists. Calls are constantly made upon me by Union

men for arms, that they may be enabled to defend themselves.

I also earnestly advise that Iowa be called upon to furnish at least 6,000 men for the war and

Minnesota 3,000, and that this force be placed at my disposal for operations in Missouri, should

it be required for the purpose.

Please answer by telegraph.

WM. S. HARNEY,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

WASHINGTON, May 27, 1861.

Brig. Gen. W. S. HARNEY,

Commanding Department of the West, Saint Louis, Mo.:

SIR: The President observes with concern that, notwithstanding the pledge of the State

authorities to co-operate in preserving peace in Missouri, loyal citizens in great numbers

continue to be driven from their homes. It is immaterial whether these outrages continue from

inability or indisposition on the part of the State authorities to prevent them. It is enough that

they continue to devolve on you the duty of putting a stop to them summarily by the force under

your command, to be aided by such troops as you may require from Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois.

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 their desisting from their

wicked purposes when it is out of their power to prosecute them. You will therefore be

unceasingly watchful of their movements, and not permit the clamors of their partisans and

opponents of the wise measures already taken to prevent you from checking every movement

against the Government, however disguised, under the pretended State authority. The authority

of the United States is paramount, and whenever it is apparent that a movement, whether by

color of State authority or not, is hostile, you will not hesitate to put it down.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

L. THOMAS,

Adjutant-General.

BOONEVILLE, Mo., June 18, 1861.

DEAR HARDING: You have heard of us and our leaving Jefferson City on the 16th. We

debarked next morning a little above Rockport, and had not proceeded more than 2 miles before

we met their advanced pickets, and soon after their whole force. At first the secessionists made a

weak effort, which doubtless was intended to lead us on to their stronghold, where they held on

with considerable resolution, and gave us a check for a short time and made some havoc. On

moving forward, however, a straggling fire from the right and left made it necessary to move on

with caution and slowness, and we reached the city about 2 o'clock p.m., where we were met by

many people, under consternation from the erroneous impression that great violence would be

perpetrated upon persons and property. I have been engaged more or less in removing this

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impression. I regret much that my proclamation was not published promptly, so that I could have

had it here for distribution. I get no news of what is going on around us, but much fear the

movement from Texas, and hope the subject will engage the attention of the General

Government. Keep McClellan advised upon the matter. I had hoped some of our Iowa troops

would have been in this region by this time, but hear nothing of them. My suspense just now is

painful.

Yours, truly,

N. LYON,

Commanding.

Reports of Brig. Gen. Nathaniel Lyon, U. S. Army.

CAMP CAMERON,

Near Booneville, Mo., June 22, 1861.

DEAR SIR: I have received the orders from the War Department including this State in the

military department under your command. Prior to the receipt of these orders I had, in

consequence of the proclamation of Governor Jackson, of this State, which seemed to me

tantamount to a declaration of war, ordered a movement of a portion of the: troops under my

command to Jefferson City and in the direction of Springfield, Mo., for the purpose of breaking

up the hostile organizations which I had reason to believe had been formed in those parts of the

State to resist the authority of the Government. On reaching Jefferson City with the force under

my immediate command, consisting of the regular troops and the regiment of Colonel Blair,

Missouri volunteers, I found that the governor and the State troops had retired to this place, and

had collected together three or four thousand men.

As soon therefore as I was joined at Jefferson City by the regiment of Colonel Boernstein,

Missouri Volunteers, I left that city under his command with three companies, and proceeded to

this place with the balance of the regiment of Colonel Boernstein, the regiment of Colonel Blair,

and the regular troops, consisting of Captain Totten's battery and three companies of infantry, the

whole command amounting to about 1,700 men. With this force I landed, on the morning of the

17th June, about 6 miles below Booneville, and about 2 miles below the camp of the enemy, and

had proceeded a short distance in the direction of Booneville when the enemy opened fire upon

us. The action, however, lasted a very short time, and the enemy were soon routed, their camp

taken, and the city of Booneville occupied by our troops. I will in a few days prepare and

forward to you a more detailed account of the affair.

I have ascertained to-day, from reliable and undoubted information, that another camp of the

State troops which had collected at Lexington, in this State, consisted of many of those who fled

from this place and the force that had collected at Blue Mills to oppose the movement of troops

from Leavenworth and Kansas City, and variously estimated from 5,000 to 6,000 men, broke up

their camp yesterday, and started toward the south with the intention of uniting with the troops

said to be collecting in Arkansas to invade this State. The rumor which has been so long

prevalent in regard to the contemplated movement from Arkansas under Ben. McCulloch

appears to me to have assumed shape and consistency, and it is no longer to be doubted that such

an enterprise is on foot. To meet it, I had already, before leaving Saint Louis, dispatched a large

force, consisting of the regiments of Colonel Sigel, Colonel Salomon, and Colonel Brown, under

the command of Brigadier General Sweeny, commanding the Home Guard in Saint Louis. I

cannot speak with precision as to the amount of force under Ben. McCulloch, but I am disposed

to think it Cannot be less than 5,000 men, and all that I hear makes it much greater.

It is my purpose to order the force under Captain Sturgis and the volunteers with him from

Kansas and Iowa to follow the retreating forces of the State from Lexington in the direction of

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Springfield, and to follow with all the speed I can, and as soon as I can procure transportation,

another body of the State troops under General Parsons and Governor Jackson, who are

retreating in the same direction through the town of Warsaw. I have hopes that the retreat of the

party from Lexington may be cut off by the cavalry under Captain Sturgis, and that the party

under General Parsons maybe intercepted by the command which has already been to

Springfield. But if these parties should be able to unite with McCulloch and the troops from

Arkansas, it will swell his numbers to 10,000 or 12,000 men; and as it will be necessary for me

to leave detachments at various points to secure my communications with Saint Louis, it will be

necessary to have an additional force to repel the invading force from Arkansas, and I will

therefore ask, if you approve the disposition of the troops made and contemplated by me, that

you will order three regiments from Illinois to march out by the Southwestern Branch of the

Pacific Railroad to Springfield. This route has already been secured and guarded, and the passage

of :troops can be rapid and safe, and when the force is concentrated at Springfield will, I trust,

enable me to repel any force which may be brought from Arkansas.

Allow me to add that I think too much attention cannot be given to the necessity of reenforcing

the troops now in the southwestern part of this State, as I am persuaded that formidable

preparations have been made by the enemy in that quarter.

Colonel Blair, who is on his way to Washington to attend the session of Congress, will see

you and give you fan explanations in regard to affairs here and in Missouri.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

N. LYON,

Brig. Gen., U.S. Volunteers, Commanding.

Maj. Gen. GEORGE B. McCLELLAN,

Commanding Western Division.

P. S.--I am not advised whether this State continues a portion of the Department of the West,

nor whether the Department of the West, with the troops of it, will co-operate with you in this

State.

QUINCY, July 17, 1861.

Major-General FREMONT, New York:

I am ordered to hold the Hannibal and Saint Joseph Railroad. I have three regiments posted

along the road, in communication at the west with Iowa troops, for detached service and

breaking up camps of rebels. I need better arms than the smooth musket. I have one regiment

wholly unarmed in camp here, and can get no arms in Saint Louis or Springfield. Can you send

me minies and ammunition?

S. A. HURLBUT,

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE WEST,

Springfield, Mo., July 19, 1861.

The following troops will move to this point at an early hour to-morrow morning and report

to Brigadier-General Sweeny, viz: Second Regiment Kansas Volunteers, under Colonel Mitchell;

a battalion, about 500 strong, of First Regiment Iowa Volunteers, under command of Lieutenant-

Colonel Merritt; two companies of cavalry, to be designated by Major Sturgis, and one section of

Captain Totten's battery. The troops will take one wagon to each company, with the necessary

camp equipage. Provisions and the necessary transportation will be furnished from this place.

By order of General Lyon:

J. M. SCHOFIELD,

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Acting Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT NORTH MISSOURI,

Saint Charles, July 23, 1861.

His Excellency SAMUEL J. KIRKWOOD, Governor of Iowa:

SIR: Your letter to General Hurlbut, with a communication from Colonel Bussey, has been

transmitted to me. In reply to it I have to say that I most cordially accept the proffered aid in

maintaining peace and quiet in those portions of North Missouri bordering on the Iowa line. In

sending your State or other forces into Missouri be pleased to intrust their command to discreet

and prudent officers, who should be directed to keep me advised of all their operations, and who

should inform me frequently of all matters of interest or importance connected with the condition

of that region. It is not my purpose to make arrests for opinion's sake, but rather to force the

people throughout this section to keep the peace among themselves, and to keep open their own

lines of public communication. It is impossible that the Federal Government can employ for any

length of time so large a force merely to protect public works against destruction by those for

whose benefit they were built, and it is my purpose to offer such inducements to the citizens of

this State as will be sufficient to secure their own active agency in protecting their lines of

railroad and other works of public convenience or necessity. I have published a Notice to the

people along the line of the North Missouri Railroad, which I intend also to apply to the

Hannibal and Saint Joe Road, based on these views, a copy of which I herewith transmit. As I

shall enforce the penalty to the letter I hope to see good results follow before many days.

Your active interference in North Missouri will, I fear, be very shortly necessary, and in a

stronger force than you suggest. The unfortunate repulse of our forces at Manassas has aroused

the whole secession element in this State to renewed activity, and intelligence received this

morning from Saint Louis has compelled me to suspend, for the present, further movements of

the troops from this place in the direction of the Hannibal and Saint Joe Road.

It is by no means improbable that I may be obliged within a few days to move the whole

force in North Missouri into Saint Louis to protect that city from civil tumult and bloodshed, and

in that case I shall call upon yourself and Governor Yates to replace them by State forces. I will

communicate further with you in a day or two, when affairs have assumed somewhat more

definite shape.

I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. POPE,

Brig. Gen., U. S. Army, Commanding in North Missouri.

PLEASANT PLAINS, IOWA, July 28, 1861.

Governor S. J. KIRKWOOD:

DEAR SIR: Since my dispatch to you, dated Leon, July 23, communicating a general

account of the recent troubles on the border of Ringgold County, I have the honor to report to

you further troubles, with my action in the premises, with the hope that it will meet your

sanction.

On my return home from Leon, I was met by a messenger from Capt. W. C. Drake, of

Corydon, who was at that time stationed at Allenville, on the border of Ringgold County,

informing me that Colonel Cranor, of Gentry County, Missouri, had sent to him for assistance

and re-enforcements, as the rebels were fortified on Grand River, reported to be from 800 to

1,200 strong, with three pieces of artillery. Colonel Cranor had under his command about 300

Union Missouri men, badly armed, and over 100 Iowans, who had volunteered under him. I

dispatched a messenger from Garden Grove to the various armed companies within reach,

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ordering them to march and concentrate at Allenville immediately, also at Chariton.

Communications were sent to Keokuk and Burlington for two pieces of artillery, to be forwarded

to me, if they could be obtained. I also sent a messenger to Captain Drake, to ascertain more

minutely the facts as to the condition of affairs in his vicinity. I started for Captain Drake's camp,

but was met 25 miles this side by the returning messengers, whom I had sent the day before.

These confirmed all the intelligence brought me the day previous.

On reaching Captain Drake's camp I ascertained that messengers had just arrived from

Colonel Cranor's command, conveying the information that the belligerents, then within 4 miles

of each other, had made a treaty of peace. I have seen a copy of it, and it is in substance as

follows: Each party was to lay down its arms, return home, and assist each other in enforcing the

laws of Missouri against all offenders. This was a decided victory gained by the rebels, as the

terms were general, and embraced the obnoxious "military bill" of that State, and such laws as

the rebel legislature, then in session in the southern part of the State of Missouri, might thereafter

pass, under the auspices of Governor Jackson.

Colonel Cranor resides in the neighborhood of a large body of secessionists, and was no

doubt influenced to enter into such a treaty in consequence of intimidation and threats against his

life and property. The secessionists in that region are more bold than before, and have

recommenced mustering under the military laws of the State, which are obnoxious to the Union

men, and to which they will not submit. The Union men of that region of the State are indignant

and mortified at the terms of the treaty. Many have become disheartened, have abandoned their

property and their crops, and are leaving the State. The same feelings have taken hold? really

families on the border, in Iowa. I have seen several families who, abandoning everything to the

fates, have returned to friends in other States. The loyal men of both States, separated merely by

an imaginary line, have the same sympathies in a common cause. Whatever excitement is raised

or demonstration made in Missouri tending to injure the property and destroy the lives of Union

men of that State appeals for aid to friends and neighbors in Iowa; nor do they appeal in vain.

The arming and military parades made by our companies along the border at most points have

produced most salutary effects; it strengthens and inspires the Union men of Missouri, and

carries over to them the neutrals and a great many terror-stricken secessionists. They voluntarily

come forward every day and take the oath of allegiance.

In connection with the subject of my last dispatch to you, I would say that at least 1,500

citizens of Iowa left their harvest fields and families and rushed into Missouri to the relief of the

Union men. These citizens were armed in every conceivable manner, without officers, system, or

drill. They generally traversed a country broken with timber and undergrowth. Had the rebels

displayed sufficient nerve and skill they might have killed and captured them all; or had a

general engagement taken place, our citizens, without officers, system, or drill, might have

slaughtered each other.

The loyal men of Missouri express their gratitude to the people of Iowa for their timely aid

and support on every trying occasion. Everything they possessed was cheerfully offered free of

charge to render our citizens as comfortable as possible. I know several gentlemen who not only

fed hundreds of Missouri citizens and their horses daily, for over a week at a time, but spent

hundreds of dollars, sometimes their last dollar, in this benevolent manner. On account of the

excitement and constant alarm along the border our citizens lost much valuable time by frequent

hurrying to arms; therefore a vast amount of grain was lost on the fields.

In view of apprehended outbreaks, sooner or later, on the border of Ringgold and Taylor

Counties, I have ordered into camp at this place those companies which have received marching

orders and are already on the way to the scene of difficulty. For the reasons before stated,

coupled with the news of our late reverses at Manassas Junction, the rebels here and elsewhere

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will be inspired with new vigor. I came into camp last night with three companies; the rest will

follow to-day and to-morrow. I have commenced systematizing every department of the service,

placing the most competent men in the various positions; the strictest discipline will be adopted,

and drill performed as in the United States service. Every arrangement necessary for the comfort

and health of the soldiers will be carried out. The most rigid economy will be practiced, and an

exact account rendered of every cent of expense incurred. The times are such that the people

demand that something be done at once and effectively. We are so situated on the border that

when we are called upon to act we must act at once. Heretofore we had no system; if called into

action our men were liable to be cut off by the and by one enemy another. All the companies

called into camp are armed except the cavalry, decidedly the most effective on the border. For

want of better, I shall arm them with muskets as far as I can.

I have ordered into camp on the line between Taylor and Ringgold Counties two companies

for thirty days, unless sooner ordered to disband, as you may direct. I will keep out scouts for the

next ten days in the vicinity where danger will be most likely to occur. I will be ready to strike at

a moment's notice. If I am convinced that matters are settled, I will in less than two weeks strike

camp.

By that time I am of the opinion we shall be able to determine, with some degree of certainty,

the shape things will assume at the strong secession holds. There has been a settled

understanding among the secessionists throughout Missouri to strike a blow simultaneously with

Governor Jackson, who is operating in the southern portion of the State. I will report to you as

often as I can my proceedings.

The principal design of the secessionists in the northern portion of the State is to keep up the

excitement as much as possible, to divert attention from Jackson's operations, while they will do

all in their power to harass the Union men in both States. They will not come to a regular

engagement. In Gentry County alone they will number at least 1,000, who are continually on the

tramp, day and night, skulking in the bush.

We have derived a great deal of authentic information through our scouts, who have

penetrated their camps and councils, coming in upon them from the southeast and passing for

secessionists.

The 300 muskets have just arrived.

I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN EDWARDS,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Aide-de-Camp.

HEADQUARTERS WESTERN DEPARTMENT,

Saint Louis, Mo., July 30, 1861.

Brig. Gen. JOHN POPE, U.S. A.,

Commanding North Missouri District, Mexico, Mo.:

SIR: The general has ordered the Fifth and Sixth Iowa Regiments from Burlington to

Keokuk, Iowa. Colonel Worthington is the senior officer, and has been ordered to report to you

immediately upon the arrival of the regiments under his command. The general has also

authorized a battalion of riflemen, which is now employed along the Southern Iowa line, under

the command of Governor Kirkwood's aide, to move into Missouri, for the protection of citizens,

when called upon, reporting any such movement to you.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. C. KELTON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

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HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT NORTH MISSOURI,

Mexico, August 2, 1861.

To COMMANDING OFFICER Iowa Forces, Keokuk, Iowa:

SIR: Inclosed are instructions for your movement with your command upon Memphis,

Waterloo, Monticello, and Edina. I desire this movement to be made as rapidly as possible, as it

is my purpose to concentrate in one camp the entire force in North Missouri as soon as it can

possibly be done. If you have not the means to transport the rations necessary for your command,

buy at Memphis, Monticello, Waterloo, and Edina what provisions are needed, and give orders

on brigade commissary here.

In selecting members for the committee of public safety you are directed to appoint, be sure

to put upon it at least two, or, better still, three of the most worthy and prominent secessionists. It

is the service of the secessionists I specially require, and I desire that you will give them plainly

to understand that unless peace is preserved, their property will be immediately levied upon, and

their contribution collected at once in any kind of property at hand.

When once the secessionists are made to understand that upon peace in their midst depends

the safety of their families and property, we shall soon have quiet again in North Missouri. Take

care that your men are orderly and commit no excesses.

Respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,

JNO. POPE,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT NORTH MISSOURI,

Mexico, August 2, 1861.

Colonel WORTHINGTON, Commanding Iowa Troops, Keokuk:

SIR: Immediately upon receipt of this order you will direct Colonel Bussey, with his cavalry,

to march forthwith to Memphis, in Scotland County, and having discharged the duty hereafter

specified in this order, to effect a junction at Edina with the remainder of the forces under your

command. You will please put one of your infantry regiments on march for Edina by the way of

Waterloo, and with the other regiment under your immediate command you will take boat for

Canton, and proceed to Edina by way of Monticello. When you have effected a junction there

with your other forces report to me your operations and all matters of interest. Buy provisions for

your troops whenever you need them, and give orders for payment on the chief commissary at

these headquarters.

You will disperse all bands of armed secessionists, and if any are captured in arms, send

them direct to this place for trial. I send you a printed notice to be distributed along the routes

pursued by your respective columns, and direct the commanding officer to appoint committees

specified in the printed order, selecting for that purpose the most wealthy and prominent men in

the county, preferring mostly the secessionists. The printed orders and accompanying letter will

inform you fully of the system I intend to adopt in Northeast Missouri. I wish to give the

secessionists such inducements as loss of property and danger to families to aid Union men in

keeping the peace. Notify all the population that the forces stand prepared to enforce this printed

notice fully and vigorously, and commence it with your forces as soon as you think it desirable.

Act promptly and vigorously, and I think peace will result to all parts of North Missouri.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. POPE,

Brigadier-General, Commanding North Missouri.

HDQRS. U.S. TROOPS, McCULLA’S FARM,

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24 miles from Springfield, Fayetteville Road, August 4, 1861.

SIR: On the 1st instant I found the enemy advancing upon Springfield, and, so far as my

information went, it was his intention to center upon it three columns, and this road being the one

on which was the largest force and most advanced, I started out to meet it, in hopes to drive it

back in time to turn upon other points to the west and northwest, where the other columns are

expected. I reached Wilson's Creek, about 10 miles out, on the first day, and on the second

moved about 6 miles, and found an advanced party about 1 mile on from Hayden's farm. Having

little else than meat for my troops, and for nearly three weeks past having less than half rations

of everything but beef, which has caused considerable diarrhea, my command of volunteers,

badly disciplined and clothed, were unfit to march forward and drive in the enemy's advance, and

proceed to the only camp in advance where water could be obtained, some 4 or 5 miles farther

on, and where the rebel forces under Rains were some 3,000 strong, and who must be dislodged

before we could camp for the night. I therefore stopped at Hayden's.

The rebels' advance perceived my halt, and being mostly mounted, became bold, and

threatened me from various points, though in small force--though about 1,000 infantry advanced

pretty well forward at one time under an advance of cavalry force. My advance guards of

infantry opened fire upon them, and without orders from me, by a spontaneous emotion, the

advance guard of my cavalry charged and drove back the rebels, but lost 4 killed and 5 wounded.

Cavalry again advanced, but were driven back by my artillery, under Captain Totten.

Yesterday (3d) I advanced to this point, where General Rains, of Jackson's forces, had his

headquarters, and from which he retired without resistance. I cannot say with definiteness how

far in advance the main body is, but without supplies, and the danger of being turned by a force

to cut off our communication with Springfield, I deem it impracticable to advance; and now, as I

determine to fall back upon Springfield, I perceive evidence of an attempt on the part of the

enemy to reach Springfield, by a road to the north of us, in advance of our return. I hope the

forces in Springfield will be able to hold out till our return. But, painful as it is to announce, I

fear much my inability to retain position in Springfield, for the enemy, mostly mounted and very

numerous, will cut off our means of obtaining flour, and we shall be forced to retire. I should still

hope to retain Springfield and hold out against the enemy in this region but for the expiration of

the term of the three-months' volunteers, of whom Colonel Bates' First Iowa Regiment claiming

discharge on the 14th instant, Colonel Salomon's Fifth Missouri Regiment at different periods by

companies from the 9th to the 18th instant, and a considerable portion of Colonel Sigel's

regiment in a similar manner, by which my force will be reduced to about 3,500 men, badly

clothed and without a prospect of supplies. Prudence seems now to indicate the necessity of

withdrawing, if possible, from the country, and falling upon either Saint Louis or Kansas. Saint

Louis via Rolla will most likely be selected, with a view to re-enforcements and supplies. My

forces are now nearly as follows, which I make up from recollection, not having returns for some

time past, in consequence of the troops having been scattered around in the vicinity of

Springfield:

First Brigade, Major Sturgis'.

Four companies cavalry 250

Four companies First U.S. Infantry (Plummer's) 350

Two companies Second Missouri Volunteers 200

One company artillery (Captain Totten's battery) 84 ----884

Second Brigade, Sigel's.

Third Missouri Volunteers 700

Fifth Missouri Volunteers 600

Second Artillery (battery.) 190 ----- 1,420

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Third Brigade, Lieutenant-Colonel Andrews'.

First Missouri Volunteers.. 900

Four companies infantry (regulars) 300

One battery artillery 64 ----1,264

Fourth Brigade, Deitzler's.

Two Kansas regiments 1,400

First Iowa Regiment (Colonel Bates) 900 ------2, 300

Grand total 5, 868

I have made every exertion to ascertain the enemy's forces; and though this is very difficult, I

am satisfied it will reach 15,000, and in an attempt to surround and cut me off there may be

gathered 20,000, most of whom will be ill-conditioned troops, collected from Missouri and

Arkansas, with such fire-arms as each man may have, and being mounted? have the means of

threatening and annoying my command. In addition to the above will be of the enemy's forces

the organized forces of McCulloch, of Texas, supposed to be 4,000, well-armed, and prepared

for effective service.

In fact, I am under the painful necessity of retreating, and can at most only hope to make my

retreat good. I am in too great haste to explain at length more fully. I have given timely notice of

my danger, and can only in the worst emergencies submit to them.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

N. LYON,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Capt. JOHN C. KELTON,

Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the West, Saint Louis, Mo.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT NORTH MISSOURI,

Mexico, August 4, 1861.

Capt. JOHN C. KELTON:

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report, for the information of the general commanding the

department, that by a simultaneous movement I shall to-night or to-morrow morning occupy in

force the county seats of the nineteen counties lying east of the North Missouri Railroad and its

proposed continuation north to the Iowa line. The three Iowa regiments have been instructed to

move as follows: The cavalry regiment to Memphis, the county seat of Scotland County, and

thence to Edina, the county seat of Knox, near which it is reported that a camp of 2,500

secessionists has been established; one infantry regiment to march upon Edina direct from

Keokuk; the other to come down to Canton, and thence to march upon Edina by way of

Monticello. These three regiments will effect a junction to-night or to-morrow morning at that

point. Brigadier General Hurlbut is instructed to occupy Palmyra, Shelbyville, and Bloomington,

the county seats of Marion, Shelby, and Macon. He has probably done so today. Colonel

Marshall, with 500 infantry, 100 cavalry, and two pieces of horse artillery moved from this place

day before yesterday with the design of occupying Paris, the county seat of Monroe, and thence

upon New London and Hannibal; Captain McNulta, with 100 cavalry, upon Bowling Green, the

county seat of Pike County, from Montgomery City, on the line of North Missouri road. Captain

Peck, Twenty-first Illinois Volunteers, with 300 infantry, from Warrenton, on this road, marched

yesterday, and occupies to-day Troy, the county seat of Lincoln. Five companies of infantry,

under Major Goddard, occupy Fulton? the county seat of Callaway County. Lieutenant-Colonel

Johnson, with 400 hundred men, occupies Huntsville, seat of Randolph County, to-day. Macon

City, the junction of Hannibal and Saint Joe road, is held by five companies of Sixteenth Illinois

Volunteers; and Sturgeon, on line of North Missouri road, by four companies of the Fourteenth.

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If these movements have been made promptly and vigorously, by to-morrow morning the

forces will occupy all those points, and as no place of retreat for armed parties of secessionists

will be left in all that region without the certainty of encountering some portion of the United

States forces, it is expected that they will either be taken or dispersed. The object of these

movements was as much to put in operation the policy marked out in General Orders, No. 3,

from these headquarters, copies of which are inclosed, as with an expectation of finding any

considerable force in arms against the United States. I inclose also copy of instructions issued to

officers in command of these various columns, as also copy of a letter addressed to J. H.

Sturgeon, esq. These various papers will explain fully the policy I am pursuing and the reasons

therefor. In addition to the reasons thus assigned, I have to say that, by pursuing the system of

hunting out these guerrilla parties, the whole force under my command will be as much

demoralized and as little fitted for active service in campaign as the marauding parties

themselves. I am compelled to pursue some policy, however harsh, which will enable me to

assemble my forces in a camp of instruction, that I may establish that discipline and habit of

service essential to any efficiency in the field hereafter. Raw troops such as these grow worse

every day by this system of small detachments scattered over the country on police duty, and if it

be pursued for two months, I shall have a mob and not an army to command.

I have selected a point near Brookfield, on the Hannibal and Saint Joe Railroad, for a camp

for all the forces under my command. Water is abundant and good, and the ground fine rolling

prairie, with timber at hand on both sides. I shall move to that point as soon as the quartermaster

in Saint Louis can send forward transportation. It is my design in moving to that point to occupy

in succession Columbia, Fayette, Glasgow, and Keytesville.

I am, captain, respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. POPE,

Brigadier-General, Commanding in North Missouri.

CAMP ON WILSON'S CREEK, August 10, 1861.

GENERAL: I have the honor to report that about breakfast the enemy opened one of their

batteries upon my camp. Being in an open field and exposed to a raking fire of grape and shell,

and not supported by any of our own batteries, I fell back to the woods, and there formed my

regiment. I then moved down the road in the direction of Springfield. Having reached the hollow,

I was met by an aide of General Price, asking for a re-enforcement to come to the support of

General Slack. I instantly moved up my regiment to his aid amid a shower of grape and

musketry, and took my position on his left, and ordered my men to commence firing. We

disputed the ground there with the enemy inch by inch, for about three or four hours, amidst a

most terrific fire from their battery, posted on the hill, supposed to be Totten's, and continued

volleys of musketry. I there encountered the forces commanded by General Lyon in person,

mostly all regulars, with a regiment of Iowa troops. The battle raged fiercely, and the firing

scarcely ceased for a moment. The contest seemed doubtful. At times we would drive them up

the hill, and in turn they would rally and cause us to fall back. At length we shouted and made a

gallant charge and drove them over the hill.

At this moment the Louisiana regiment, with Colonel Dockery, flanked them upon my left,

made a charge, and drove them completely from the field. This was the last position they

abandoned, and the last stand they made. In the engagement I had two horses shot under me. The

adjutant, James Harper, was shot down, mortally wounded, at his post, with his sword in hand,

leading and cheering on the men. The sergeant-major, N. T. Roberts, was wounded in the

shoulder while leading on the left. My volunteer aide, A. H. Sevier, was wounded in the breast

while encouraging our men to stand by their colors, and had to be taken from the field. The

11

lieutenant-colonel and major evinced great bravery and gallantry in leading their different wings

to the charge; and I must say that no men displayed greater coolness than they did upon the field.

Captain McAlexander was killed advancing on the enemy at the head of his company. At the

same time fell Lieutenants Dawson, Chambers, and Johnson; Captains Ramsaur and Porter, and

Lieutenants Thomas King, Adams, Hardesty, and McIvor severely wounded. Captains Pearson

and Gibbs and Lieutenants Saddler Wair, and Head slightly wounded. Major Harper at one time

was taken prisoner by the enemy, but made his escape. Captain Reynolds was thrown from his

horse early in the action, and was cut off from his company.

Too much praise cannot be bestowed upon the officers of my command, for they were ever

seen in the thickest of the fight, cheering on their men, who always gallantly responded to the

call.

I lost in the engagement 42 killed and 155 wounded.

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

T. J. CHURCHILL,

Commanding First Regiment Arkansas Mounted Riflemen.

Brig. Gen. B. McCULLOCH,

Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT NORTH MISSOURI,

Saint Louis, August 10, 1861.

Col. CYRUS BUSSEY, Commanding Regiment Iowa Cavalry:

SIR: I inclose herewith copies of printed order to regulate the policy to be pursued by any

forces serving in the District of North Missouri. You will please concentrate your regiment as

rapidly as possible, with such arms for their use as you can in any way procure. So soon as they

are thus concentrated you will enter the State of Missouri with your whole force, and march

slowly through the several counties of Clarke, Lewis, Scotland, Adair, and Shelby, occupying in

turn the county seats of each long enough to restore peace and to appoint the committees of

public safety specified in the order. These committees will consist of not less than five persons,

three if possible to be secessionists and men of property and standing. You will notify each of his

appointment by official letter, and receive no excuse from any of them against serving. You will

read and carefully explain to them the special order and the responsibilities they as well as their

people incur under it, and impress upon them the certainty of the immediate execution of every

penalty specified for breach of the peace among them. Make public their names everywhere and

report them to me. Distribute the printed order along the line of march, calling the special

attention of the people to it.

If armed bodies of men are authentically reported to you, march upon and disperse them,

sending all prisoners taken in arms to this place for trial. Assume the command of all the Home

Guards or other armed bodies serving in your region on the behalf of the United States or for the

protection of Union citizens of that section. Furnish me at once with a return of all such forces,

showing their number, station, place of enrollment, equipment, and the authority under which

they are acting. Leave a confidential person at Keokuk to communicate every day with me by

telegraph, giving me all information pertaining to your operations, the state of your command,

and of the country you are operating in. Communicate with the commanding officer along the

line of Hannibal and Saint Joseph road, and comply with any instructions he may give you for

concerted action.

A brigadier-general in the United States service will be sent to that region of country, under

whose command you will place yourself and all your forces, as well as the Home Guards. Until

his arrival you will yourself exercise this command. I wish you always to bear in mind that it is

12

my purpose to enlist the entire agency of the secessionists in the preservation of peace among

themselves and their neighbors, under the severe penalties prescribed. I call your particular

attention to Special Orders, No. 9, herewith inclosed.

I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. POPE,

Brigadier-General, Commanding in North Missouri.

SAINT LOUIS, August 13, 1861.

Colonel LAUMAN [Seventh Iowa]:

SIR: You are hereby ordered to proceed by railroad forthwith to Rolla, to re-enforce and

support Brigadier-General Sigel, with five other regiments ordered there. As it is apprehended

that the rebels under Hardee will threaten Rolla from Salem, and endeavor to cut off General

Sigel's communication with Saint Louis, that place (Rolla) is to be held at all hazards.

The command will be assumed by the senior colonel, who will report at once to this

department.

J. C. FREMONT,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS,

Ironton, Mo., August 15, 1861.

Capt. JOHN C. KELTON, Assistant Adjutant-General:

SIR: I have to-day to note the arrival of two regiments of infantry--Colonel Lauman, Seventh

Iowa Regiment, and Colonel Thayer, First Nebraska Regiment. I have also ordered the Twentyfirst

Regiment Illinois Volunteers, under Colonel Alexander, forward upon the Greenville road,

and Col. Frederick Hecker, Twenty-fourth Illinois Volunteers, upon the Fredericktown road,

taking five days' rations, with instructions to form a conjunction at Brunot. I expect to follow tomorrow

with artillery, should any arrive, a few companies of infantry, and more provisions, if

means of transportation can be procured; otherwise I shall send teams back from Brunot or

Greenville for additional rations.

I purchased to-day sixteen wagons and sixty-eight mules, subject to the approval of Major-

General Frémont. These teams are well adapted for our use--more suitable and more efficient

than those which we have heretofore employed or found in the service of this command. I shall

to-morrow purchase five more wagons and twenty mules on the same terms. The teams which I

have conditionally purchased have been for some time in the service of the Government without

charge if now purchased; otherwise to receive compensation.

Requisitions were made upon Quartermaster McKinstry some days since for camp equipage,

&c., but as yet I have received nothing. At this time I have not a single tent for my headquarters,

nor is there any stationery in the quartermaster's department.

Several prisoners now in my charge I shall at the earliest convenience send to the arsenal,

with charges accompanying.

Since writing the above a messenger has come in from a spy I have out, who reports the rebel

force much greater than has heretofore been represented--from 25,000 to 30,000. The spy

mentioned is an officer in disguise. From representations made by the messenger, the

information which has caused them to retreat was obtained from a preacher of this place, who

managed to get out of camp and is now back again, without a pass. I have ordered his arrest, and

will have him sent to Saint Louis if caught.

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I shall move with the detachments of my command, viz, the Twenty-first and Twenty-fourth

Illinois Regiments, towards Brunot, subject to any order from your department, and will report as

often as practicable.

U.S. GRANT,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT NORTH MISSOURI,

Saint Louis, August 17, 1861.

Capt. JOHN C. KELTON, Assistant Adjutant-General:

CAPTAIN: In compliance with directions from the general commanding the department, I

have the honor to submit the following brief remarks concerning the condition of the district

under my command:

In consequence of the firing on the trains of the Hannibal and Saint Joseph road, General

Hurlbut, with 600 men and two pieces of artillery, has been occupying Marion County for the

past ten days, and enforcing the provisions of General Orders, No. 3, from these headquarters,

which requires the inhabitants to furnish quarters, subsistence, and transportation in case of

difficulties of the kind. The effect has been complete, and in compliance with solemn pledges on

the part of the citizens, presented by a delegation sent to me, they were yesterday relieved from

the penalty. The force under Martin Green has been driven into the northern part of Adair

County. Colonels Moore and Bussey from the east, and 550 men and two pieces of artillery from

the south, are moving upon him, and will probably unite to-day in the immediate vicinity of his

camp. No doubt his forces will disperse, as has been usual. No surprises are possible in a country

where all the inhabitants are willing to warn, if not to assist, such parties. With these exceptions

all is quiet in North Missouri, as reported to me by the committees of public safety appointed in

conformity to General Orders, No. 3. That order seems to have united all responsible persons

who have anything to lose in efforts to preserve the peace, and they have organized for that

purpose. If any skirmishing is done, it will be done by the people themselves, who are

abundantly able to protect themselves, and who have a motive to do so which they had not

before. Of course they wish troops sent to do this service, as it will save them the necessity of

personal exertion, but I think it best that they should do the work themselves where it can be

done.

Both railroads are undisturbed since the penalty inflicted in Marion County. Of course there

is much excitement and uneasiness among the people since the affair at Springfield, but I think

from the best information I can get that it will result in no disturbance of moment. I have

ordered all the forces in and near Jefferson City to concentrate at some strong point in the town

or immediate vicinity, and shall order Colonel Worthington's Iowa regiment, after visiting

Booneville, Glasgow, Lexington, and Brunswick, to return and take position also at Jefferson

City. I transmit a letter from General T. L. Price, bearing on this subject.

Authentic intelligence from Booneville represents everything quiet and no fear of a

disturbance. I have encouraged the formation of Home Guards to act under the orders of the

commanders of the U.S. troops at every point occupied by them, but have given them no

encouragement as to being armed, equipped, or rationed by Government, except such as have

been authorized by the general commanding the department. I have the honor to request to be

furnished with the names, place of residence, and forces authorized to be thus raised within my

district. Rumors and exaggerated stories are current, but after as full information as can be

procured by letters and reports, I think North Missouri can be left as it stands without

apprehension of serious disturbance.

14

If consistent with the views of the general commanding, I would be glad if two companies of

Marshall's cavalry and a section of Davidson's artillery, now at Jefferson Barracks, could be

placed at my disposal for temporary service of six or eight days.

I am, captain, respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. POPE,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE MISSOURI VOLUNTEERS,

Camp of Good Hope, near Rolla, August 18, 1861.

GENERAL: I respectfully submit to you the report of the battle at Wilson's Creek, as far as

the troops under my command are concerned:

On Friday, the 9th of August, General Lyon informed me that it was his intention to attack

the enemy in his camp at Wilson's Creek on the morning of the 10th; that the attack should be

made from two sides, and that I should take the command of the left. The troops assigned to me

consisted of the Second Brigade Missouri Volunteers (900 men, infantry, of the Third and Fifth

Regiments, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Albert and Colonel Salomon, and six

pieces of artillery, under Lieutenants Schaefer and Schuetzenbach), besides two companies of

regular cavalry, belonging to the command of Major Sturgis.

I left Camp Frémont, on the south side of Springfield, at 6.30 o'clock in the evening of the

9th, and arrived at daybreak within a mile of the enemy's camp. I advanced slowly towards the

camp, and after taking forward the two cavalry companies from the right and left, I cut off about

forty men of the enemy's troops, who were coming from the camp in little squads to get water

and provisions. This was done in such a manner that no news of our advance could be brought

into the camp. In sight of the enemy's tents, which spread out in our front and right, I planted

four pieces of artillery on a little hill, whilst the infantry advanced towards the point where the

Fayetteville road crosses Wilson's Creek, and the two cavalry companies extended to the right

and left to guard our flanks. It was 5.30 o'clock a.m. when some musket firing was heard from

the northwest. I therefore ordered the artillery to begin their- fire against the camp of the enemy

(Missourians), which was of so much effect, that the enemy's troops were seen leaving their tents

and retiring in haste towards the northeast of the valley. Meanwhile the, Third and Fifth

Regiments had quickly advanced, passed the creek, and, traversing the camp, formed almost in

the center of it.

As the enemy made his rally in large numbers before us, about 3,000 strong, consisting of

infantry and cavalry, I ordered the artillery to be brought forward from the hill, and formed them

in battery across the valley, with the Third and Fifth Regiments to the left and the cavalry to the

right. After an effective fire of half an hour the enemy retired in some confusion into the woods

and up the adjoining hills. The firing towards the northwest was now more distinct, and

increased till it was evident that the main corps of General Lyon had engaged the enemy along

the whole line. To give the greatest possible assistance to him, I left the position in the camp and

advanced towards the northwest, to at attack the enemy's line of battle in the rear. Marching

forward, we struck the Fayetteville road, making our way through a large number of cattle and

horses until we arrived at an eminence used as a slaughtering place, and known as Sharp's farm.

On our route we had taken about 100 prisoners, who were scattered over the camp.

At Sharp's place we met numbers of the enemy's soldiers, who were evidently retiring in this

direction, and, as I suspected that the enemy on his retreat would follow in the same direction, I

formed the troops across this road, by planting the artillery on the plateau and the two infantry

regiments on the right and left across the road, whilst the cavalry companies extended on our

flanks. At this time, and after some skirmishing in front of our line, the firing in the direction of

15

northwest, which was during an hour's time roaring in succession, had almost ceased entirely. I

therefore thought that the attack of General Lyon had been successful, and that his troops were in

pursuit of the enemy, who moved in large masses towards the south, along the ridge of a hill,

about 700 yards opposite our right.

This was the state of affairs at 8.30 o'clock in the morning, when it was reported to me by Dr.

Melchior and some of our skirmishers that Lyon's men were coming up the road. Lieutenant-

Colonel Albert, of the Third, and Colonel Salomon, of the Fifth, notified their regiments not to

fire on troops coming in this direction, whilst I cautioned the artillery in the same manner. Our

troops in this moment expected with anxiety the approach of our friends, and were waving the

flag, raised as a signal to their comrades, when at once two batteries opened their fire against us,

one in front, placed on the Fayetteville road, and the other upon the hill on which we had

supposed Lyon's forces were in pursuit of the enemy, whilst a strong column of infantry,

supposed to be the Iowa regiment, advanced from the Fayetteville road and at tacked our right.

It is impossible for me to describe the consternation and frightful confusion which was

occasioned by this unfortunate event. The cry "They (Lyon's troops) are firing against us," spread

like wildfire through our ranks; the artillerymen, ordered to here and directed by myself, could

hardly be brought forward to serve their pieces; the infantry would not level their arms till it was

too late. The enemy arrived within ten paces from the mouth of our cannon, killed the horses,

turned the flanks of the infantry, and forced them to retire. The troops were throwing themselves

into the bushes and by-roads, retreating as well as they could, followed and attacked incessantly

by large bodies of Arkansas and Texas cavalry. In this retreat we lost five cannon, of which

three were spiked, and the color of the Third Regiment, the color-bearer having been wounded

and his substitute killed. The total loss of the two regiments, the artillery and the pioneers, in

killed, wounded, and missing, amounts to 292 men, as will be seen from the respective lists.

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 execute, whatever the consequences might be.

2d. The time of service of the Fifth Regiment Missouri 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 Third 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 Third

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 the consequence of the system of the three-months service.

After the arrival of the army at Springfield, the command was intrusted to me by Major

Sturgis and the majority of the commanders of regiments. Considering all the circumstances, and

in accordance with the commanding officers, I ordered the retreat of the army from Springfield.

The preparations were begun in the night of the 10th, and at daybreak the troops were on their

march to the Gasconade. Before crossing this river I received information that the ford could not

be passed well, and that a strong force of the enemy was moving from the south (West plains)

towards Waynesville, to cut off our retreat. I also was aware that it would take a considerable

time to cross the Roubidoux and the Little and Big Piney on the old road.

16

To avoid all these difficulties, and to give the army an opportunity to rest, I directed the

troops from Lebanon to the northern road, passing Right Point and Humboldt, and terminating

opposite the mouth of Little Piney, where, in case of the ford not being passable, the train could

be sent by Vienna and Linn to the mouth of the Gasconade, whilst the troops could ford the river

at the mouth of Little Piney to re-enforce Rolla. To bring over the artillery, I ordered the ferryboat

from Big Piney Crossing to be hauled down on the Gasconade to the mouth of Little Piney,

where it arrived immediately after we had passed the ford. Before we had reached the ford Major

Sturgis assumed the command of the army. I therefore respectfully refer to his report in regard to

the main body of the troops engaged in the battle.

With the greatest respect, your most obedient servant,

F. SIGEL,

Commanding Second Brigade Missouri Volunteers.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo., August 19, 1861.

SIR: In obedience to instructions, I have the honor to make the following report relative to

the part taken by my company in the battle on Wilson's Creek, August 10, 1861:

Light Company F, Second Regiment of Artillery, marched, in company with the other troops

composing General Lyon's command, from Springfield on the evening of Friday, August 9, for

the position occupied by the enemy. Early on the following morning (August 10, 1861), the

camp of the Southern army was discovered about one mile and half south of the head of General

Lyon's command, and soon after the infantry of our advance was fired upon by the pickets of the

enemy. From this time our march, as directed by General Lyon in person, lay through a small

wheat field, across a hill, and down into a small valley which debouches into that through which

Wilson's Creek runs at the point immediately occupied by the front of the enemy, and just where

the main road to Springfield enters the valley. Keeping somewhat to the west, oar advance

crossed this road along the foot of the hills, and Soon afterwards our skirmishers found those of

the enemy, and the battle opened. Here the left section of my battery, under Lieutenant, Sokalski,

was at first brought to bear upon the enemy in the woods in front, and shortly afterwards the

other four pieces were thrown forward into battery to the right on higher ground. A few rounds

from the artillery assisted the infantry of our advance in driving the enemy back from their first

position, and they fell back towards the crests of the hills nearer and immediately over their own

camp. I now conducted my battery up the hills to the left and front, and soon found a position,

where I brought it into battery directly over the northern position of the enemy's camp.

The camp of General Rains (as I afterwards learned) lay directly beneath my front and to the

left, very close to my position, and a battery of the enemy to my front and right, within easy

range of my guns. The camp of General Rains was entirely deserted, and therefore my first

efforts were directed against the battery of the enemy to the right and front. The left half battery

was then brought into position, but the right half battery, in reality occupying the most favorable

ground, was principally directed against the enemy's battery, although the whole six pieces, as

opportunity occurred, played upon the enemy's guns. As the position of the enemy's guns was

masked, the gunners of my pieces were obliged to give direction to their pieces by the flash and

smoke of the opposing artillery.

In the mean time the battle was raging in the thick woods and underbrush to the front and

right of the position occupied by my battery, and the First Regiment Missouri Volunteers was

being hardly pressed. I now received an order from General Lyon to move a section of my

battery forward to the support of the First Missouri, which I did in person, coming into battery

just in front of the right company of this regiment. Within 200 yards of the position occupied by

this section of my battery a regiment of the enemy were in line, with a secession flag and a

17

Federal flag displayed together. This trick of the enemy caused me for a moment some

uncertainty, fearing that by some accident a portion of our own troops might have got thus far in

advance, but their fire soon satisfied me upon this head. I immediately opened upon them with

canister from both pieces, in which service, I am happy to be able to say, I was ably and gallantly

assisted by Capt. Gordon Granger, acting adjutant-general, and First Lieutenant D. Murphy, First

Missouri Volunteers.

The next step in the progress of the battle was where the enemy tried to force his way up the

road passing along by their battery towards Springfield. This was an effort to turn the left of our

position on the hill where my battery first came into position, and for a time the enemy seemed

determined to execute his object. Four pieces of my battery were still in position there, and

Captain Du Bois' battery of four pieces on the left nearer the road. As the enemy showed himself

our infantry and artillery opened upon his ranks and drove him back, and they appeared no more

during the day.

About this time, and just after the enemy had been effectually driven back, as last mentioned,

I met General Lyon for the last time. He was wounded, he told me, in the leg, and I observed

blood trickling from his head. I offered him some brandy, of which I had a small supply in my

canteen, but he declined, and rode slowly to the right and front. Immediately after he passed

forward General Lyon sent me an order to support the Kansas regiments on the extreme right,

who were then being closely pressed by the enemy. I ordered Lieutenant Sokalski to move

forward with his section immediately, which he did, and most gallantly, too, relieving and saving

the Kansas regiments from being overthrown and driven back. After this the enemy tried to

overwhelm us by an attack of some 800 cavalry, which, unobserved, had formed below the crests

of the hills to our right and rear. Fortunately, some of our infantry companies and a few pieces of

artillery from my battery were in position to meet this demonstration, and drove off their cavalry

with ease. This was the only demonstration made by their cavalry, and it was so effete and

ineffectual in its force and character as to deserve only the appellation of child's play. Their

cavalry is utterly worthless on the battle-field.

The next and last point where the artillery of my battery was engaged was on the right of the

left wing of the Iowa regiment and somewhat in their front. The battle was then, and had been for

some time, very doubtful as to its results. General Lyon was killed, and all our forces had been

all day engaged, and several regiments were broken and had retired. The enemy, also sadly

dispirited, were merely making a demonstration to cover their retreat from the immediate field of

battle. At this time the left wing of the Iowa regiment was brought up to support our brave men

still in action, while two pieces of my battery were in advance on their right. The last effort was

short and decisive, the enemy leaving the field and retiring down through the valley, covered by

thick underbrush, to the right of the center of the field of battle towards their camp on Wilson's

Creek. After this we were left unmolested, and our forces were drawn off the field in good order

under Major Sturgis, who had assumed command directly after General Lyon's death.

It should be borne in mind that in the foregoing report I have only glanced at the main points

of the battle where the pieces of my own battery of artillery were engaged. I have not entered

into details at all, and could not without entering into a more elaborate history of the affair than

appears to be called for on this occasion from me.

I wish simply now, in conclusion, to make a few deserving remarks upon the conduct of my

officers, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers during the battle. In reference to Lieutenant

Sokalski, it gives me the liveliest satisfaction to bear witness to his coolness and bravery

throughout the entire day. No officer ever behaved better under as trying circumstances as he

found himself surrounded by at times during the day.

18

The non-commissioned officers and men to a man behaved admirably, and it is hard to

distinguish between them in this particular; but I am constrained to mention Sergeants Robert

Armstrong and Gustavus Deyand, Corporals Albert Watchman and Lorenzo D. Trummel, who

were on several occasions during the day greatly exposed and severely tried, and bore

themselves with great credit. The other non commissioned officers and men were equally

deserving and meritorious according to the time they were in action, but those mentioned were

constantly engaged nearly, and deserve particular notice, because they were always equal to the

duties imposed upon them.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAS. TOTTEN,

Capt., Second Artillery, Comdg. Light Co. F.

Capt. GORDON GRANGER, U.S. A.,

Acting Adjutant-General, Army of the West.

HDQRS. FIRST REGIMENT KANSAS VOLUNTEERS,

Camp Rolla, August 19, 1861.

SIR: The regimental commander has the honor to report, that after a fatiguing night march of

12 miles, the First Kansas came upon the battle-field near Springfield, Mo., on the morning of

August 10, in rear of the First Missouri and Iowa Regiments, the former, with a battalion of

regular infantry, having been deployed as skirmishers. Very soon the enemy's outposts were

driven in, and Totten's battery took position and opened fire, while the First Missouri was closed

up in line on the right and in front, where they engaged the enemy and maintained position for

some moments under a heavy fire.

At this time, under order from General Lyon, the First Kansas moved to the front in doublequick,

while the right wing and one company from the left, under command, respectively, of

Captains Chenoweth, Walker, Swift, Zesch, McFarland, and Lieutenant McGonigle, all under

Colonel Deitzler, advanced to a position beyond that occupied by the First Missouri, and here,

forming in the very face of the enemy, engaged a rebel force four times their number, and held

their ground steadfastly under an uninterrupted and murderous fire of artillery and infantry.

The four remaining companies of Captains Clayton, Roberts, Stockton, and Lieutenant

Agniel, all under command of Major Halderman, having been posted on the right of Totten's

battery as support, where they suffered severely from a constant fire from the enemy's lines, were

here ordered to the front, where they aligned upon the remnant of the six right companies, which

had thus far borne the brunt of the battle. With but slight and immaterial changes of position the

First Kansas occupied this ground for over two hours, repulsing or cutting to pieces one regiment

after another as it was brought to the front. While thus employed, Captain Chenoweth, Captain

Clayton, and a portion of Captain McFarland's company, under Lieutenant Malone, were ordered

to charge the enemy with their commands, which order they executed with great promptness,

driving the enemy inside their encampment lines at the base of the hill, and returning to the main

force, when threatened by a flank movement, at their own imminent peril and with considerable

loss of life. While leading this charge Colonel Deitzler had his horse shot under him and was

himself severely wounded.

About this time the Second Kansas Regiment was ordered to the front, but when at a point in

rear of that occupied by the First Kansas they were fired upon by the enemy from an ambuscade,

by which General Lyon was killed and Colonel Mitchell severely wounded, both of whom were

at the head of the column. Here, too, many officers and men of the Second were killed and

wounded.

19

After this the regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Blair, fell back in order to the brow of the

hill, where it formed, and at which place the remaining companies of the First Kansas formed

upon their left, three companies having been posted on the brow of the hill and on the right of the

battery.

After a short cessation of the volley firing it was recommenced by the enemy with great fury,

and so continued for at least ten minutes, when our whole line opened upon them a most

destructive fire, at which they broke and fled down the hill towards their encampment. At this

time, by command of Major Sturgis, who throughout the engagement had acted with the utmost

courage and self-possession, we retired from the field in good order, preceded by the ambulances

containing our wounded. With scarcely any material change of position, the First Kansas stood

under fire; maintained every ground assigned it, without once turning its back upon the foe, for

the five long hours during which the battle raged.

With about 800 men we marched upon the field; we left it with but 500.

The regimental commander deems it hardly necessary to say that all the officers and men of

this command fought with a courage and heroism rarely, if ever, equaled. The list of killed,

wounded, and missing, hereto attached, is the strongest witness for the valor of the living as well

as for the memory of the gallant dead.

I am, sir, very respectfully, yours,

JOHN A. HALDERMAN,

Major, First Regiment Kansas Volunteers, Commanding.

Capt. G. GRANGER,

Acting Adjutant-General.

CAMP NEAR ROLLA, Mo.,

August 20, 1861.

From the time of the arrival of General Lyon's command at Springfield till that of the battle

we were well informed through our scouts and spies of the movements and strength of the

enemy. It was General Lyon's opinion, and doubtless a correct one, that could we have moved

forward at once and succeeded in bringing the enemy to an engagement, we would have gained

an easy victory; but this movement was impossible. We found our commissary stores, which had

been ordered from Saint Louis at the time of our marching from Booneville, were still lying at

Rolla for transportation. We were consequently thrown upon such resources as the country

afforded for subsistence. The heavy rains prevented the farmers from thrashing their wheat, and

our daily expected supplies from Rolla failed to come, so that at no time could our troops have

full rations of bread, and launch of the time they had no coffee or sugar. In the event of a forward

movement even these limited supplies must have failed. Under these circumstances, the general

made frequent and urgent appeals to the Government for aid in troops and provisions. It was well

known that the strength of the enemy was rapidly increasing; that he was continually receiving

small-arms and artillery from the South, with well-disciplined troops, while our numbers were

continually diminishing by the discharge of three-months' volunteers, and the strength of our

troops wasting from privation, and large numbers of them were entirely without shoes. To all

these appeals for aid no favorable response was received. We were not even encouraged to hope

for re-enforcements. Amidst these embarrassments General Lyon early and frequently expressed

the most gloomy forebodings for the future. He saw clearly the inevitable necessity of either

retiring to Rolla, and abandoning to the enemy all the southwest portion of Missouri and

Southern Kansas, or of risking the utter destruction of his little army and the loss of all his

material of war in a desperate engagement with a vastly superior force of the enemy.

20

It soon appeared that the enemy's design was to move upon Spring field in three different

columns, by the routes leading to that place from Cassville, Harrisonville, and Greenfield.

General Lyon at once determined to await their approach only till they were within about two

days' march of our position, and then to move out and attack the strongest column, and in the

event of success to turn upon the others. In pursuance of this plan, it having been ascertained that

the advance guard of the enemy had reached a point on the Cassville road about 18 miles from

Springfield, General Lyon marched on the [1st] of August to the crossing of Wilson's Creek, 10

miles from Springfield, and was there joined by the force under Major Sturgis, then encamped

near Little York, about 4 miles west from the crossing; two detachments, under Colonel Deitzler

and Captain Carr, which were absent, obtaining provisions, having been ordered to join the

command as soon as possible.

A small advanced picket of the enemy was met at about 9 o'clock the next morning, and fled

upon our approach. Toward evening of the same day the enemy's advanced guard, of

considerable strength, was met near Dug Springs, about 23 miles from Springfield, and after a

brisk skirmish of several hours with a few companies of infantry, under Capt. Frederick Steele,

Second Infantry, and Lieut. W. L. Lothrop, Fourth Artillery, a company of cavalry under Captain

Stanley, and, finally, Captain Totten's battery, together with two pieces of the battery attached to

Colonel Sigel's brigade, was driven in confusion from the field, suffering considerable loss.

The next morning a small force was again discovered at Curran Post Office, 3 miles from

Dug Springs, but fled upon the first fire of artillery, our whole column moving forward and

occupying their camp, the Second Regiment Kansas Volunteers (Colonel Mitchell) even pushing

on by the left flank of our position to McCulla's, 2 miles beyond, without seeing any sign of the

enemy in force. It was too late in the day to make an attack upon what appeared to be the

enemy's position, and hence our troops bivouacked for the night.

It had now become apparent that the enemy was only seeking to amuse us by demonstrations

upon our front and flanks while he could retire to a strong position and be re-enforced by the

columns that had been moving towards Springfield by the other routes, and which were making

forced marches to join him. The general therefore called a council of the principal officers of his

command, and laid before them the question whether we should advance or retreat, explained at

some length the possible and probable consequences of either course, and asked the opinion of

each officer present. The question was discussed at considerable length and opinions freely

given. While all appeared to be willing, and most, if not all, anxious, to risk a pitched battle, if

one could be brought on before our supplies were exhausted and our men so far weakened as to

leave no chance of success, it was the unanimous opinion of all present that under the existing

circumstances there was nothing left us but to retire. The order to retire was therefore given, and

on the afternoon of the 6th the main body encamped about Springfield, while about 2,000

regulars and volunteers, under Major Sturgis and Lieutenant-Colonel Andrews, remained 4 miles

from the town.

The enemy did not make his appearance during our retreat, but the next day after our arrival

at Springfield, His advance guard encamped at Wilson's Creek. An attack upon this advanced

force was planned for the night after its arrival at Wilson's Creek, and orders were issued for the

advance of a portion of the force under Major Sturgis and Lieutenant-Colonel Andrews; but

owing to the lateness of the hour when our spies returned with the necessary information, and

other adverse circumstances, the plan was abandoned, and the commands of Major Sturgis and

Lieutenant-Colonel Andrews took position in the line of defense about Springfield the next day.

Strong advanced parties of the enemy moved forward during the day, and were engaged by

our cavalry scouts. An attack was hourly expected, and our troops were kept upon their arms

during the day. Frequent alarms from country people and Home Guards, who came rushing into

21

town and reporting the advance of the enemy, served to worry and fatigue the troops, and deprive

them of the rest which was absolutely necessary to fit them for battle after their fatiguing march.

At length, about the middle of the day, a report from one of our scouting parties showed the

enemy advancing, with a considerable force of infantry and two pieces of artillery, on the Little

York road, and a force of regulars and Kansas volunteers, with two pieces of artillery from

Colonel Sigel's brigade, was sent out to meet them. The report proved in the main false, the small

force of the enemy fled, and our troops returned without meeting it, having made a rapid march

of 9 miles.

General Lyon then determined to make a night march with his entire force down the

Cassville road, upon the front of the enemy's position, and attack him at dawn in the morning.

The chief officers of his command were called together to receive instructions relative to the

order of march and plan of attack. Many of the officers were so strongly of the opinion that the

execution of the plan was impossible, on account of the exhausted condition of a large portion of

the troops, that the plan was abandoned, and the evening and next day spent in recruiting the

strength of the men, supplying them with shoes, which had recently arrived from Rolla, and in

making all possible preparations for battle. Meanwhile our scouts were kept well out towards the

enemy's position, and attacked his scouts with vigor whenever opportunity offered the enemy

showed no indication of an intention to advance in force, and hence our troops enjoyed

comparative quiet during the day, and at evening were in good condition for battle.

During the forenoon of that day, the 9th of August, General Lyon and Colonel Sigel held a

consultation, the result of which was the plan of attack upon the enemy's position at Wilson's

Creek, which led to the battle of the 10th. I was not present at the conference, having spent the

morning in going the rounds of the camp to see if any improvement could be made in our

dispositions for defense, thinking all intention of making an attack had been abandoned. Upon

my return General Lyon informed me of his determination to make the attack the next morning,

and gave me the general features of the plan, but owing to press of business did not go much into

detail. Colonel Sigel was to move with his brigade, consisting of the Third and Fifth Regiments

of Missouri troops, six pieces of artillery, and two companies of cavalry (regulars), to the left of

the main Cassville road, and leading to the right of the enemy's position, while General Lyon,

with the remainder of his force, consisting of the First Missouri, First Iowa, First and Second

Kansas, two companies of the Second Missouri, a company of riflemen, eight companies of

regular infantry and rifle recruits, ten pieces of artillery, and two companies of cavalry,

amounting to about 4,000 men, besides about 250 mounted Home Guards, was to move down the

road towards Little York to a point nearly opposite the enemy's advanced pickets on Wilson's

Creek, and thence across the prairie, and attack his left flank. Colonel Sigel was to make the

attack as soon as he heard that of General Lyon.

The column under General Lyon reached the point where the enemy's most advanced picket

was expected to be found at about 1 o'clock at night. The picket not having been found, the

column halted and the men lay on their arms till early dawn, when the march was resumed,

Captain Plummer's battalion of regular infantry in advance, Major Osterhaus' battalion of

Missouri volunteers following, with Captain Totten's battery. At about 4 o'clock the enemy's

picket was reached, stud fled upon our approach. Major Osterhaus' battalion was then sent on the

right as -skirmishers, Captain Plummer being on the left, and the First Regiment Missouri

Volunteers, under Lieutenant-Colonel Andrews, brought forward to the support of Totten's

battery.

With this disposition the column moved forward about one and a half miles, when at about 5

o'clock a brisk skirmish was opened along our entire front. The enemy was now discovered in

considerable force, occupying the crest of a ridge running nearly perpendicularly to our line of

22

march and also to the valley of Wilson's Creek, and lying between us and his main camp. The

First Missouri Volunteers was now sent forward and deployed in line of battle, at once advancing

upon the ridge under a brisk fire, and driving the enemy from his position on our right, while the

First Kansas came forward and engaged the enemy on our left, causing him to retire. Captain

Totten's battery meanwhile moved forward in the center and reached the crest of the ridge.

The enemy now rallied in large force near the foot of the slope, and under considerable cover

opposite our left wing and along the slope in front and on our right towards the crest of the main

ridge running parallel to the creek. During this time Captain Plummer, with his four Companies

of infantry, had moved flown a ridge about 500 yards to our left, and separated from us by a deep

ravine, and reached its abrupt terminus, where he found his farther progress arrested by a large

force of infantry occupying a corn field in the valley in his front. At this moment an artillery fire

was opened from a high point about 2 miles nearly in our front, from which Colonel Sigel was to

have commenced his attack. This fire was answered from the opposite side of the valley, and at a

little greater distance from us, the line of fire of the two batteries being nearly perpendicular to

our own. After about ten or twelve shots on either side the firing ceased, and we neither heard

nor saw anything more of Colonel Sigel's brigade till about 8.30 o'clock, when a brisk

cannonading was heard for a few minutes about a mile to our right of that heard before, and from

2 to 3 miles distant. This was the last during the battle.

Our whole line now advanced with much energy upon the enemy's position, the firing, which

had been spirited for the last half hour, now increasing to a continuous roar. During this time

Captain Totten's battery came into action by section and by piece, as the nature of the ground

would permit (it being wooded with much undergrowth), and played upon the enemy's lines with

great effect. After a fierce engagement, lasting perhaps half an hour, and in which our troops

retired two or three times in more or less of disorder, but never more than a few yards, again to

rally and press forward with increased vigor, the enemy gave way in the utmost confusion, and

left us in possession of the position.

Meanwhile Captain Plummet was ordered to move forward on our left, but meeting with

overpowering resistance from the large mass of infantry in the corn field in his front and in the

woods beyond, was compelled to fall back; but at this moment Lieutenant Du Bois' battery,

which had taken position on our left flank, supported by Major Osterhaus' battalion, opened upon

the enemy in the corn field a fire of shells with such marked effect as to drive him in the utmost

disorder from the field.

There was now a momentary cessation of fire along nearly the whole line, except the extreme

right, where the First Missouri was still hotly engaged with a superior force of the enemy

attempting to turn our right. The general having been informed of this movement sent the Second

Kansas Regiment to the support of the First Missouri. It came up in time to prevent the

Missourians from being destroyed by the overwhelming force against which they were

unflinchingly holding their position.

The battalion of regular infantry, under Captain Steele, which had been detailed to the

support of Lieutenant Du Bois' battery, was during this time brought forward to the support of

Captain Totten's battery. Scarcely had these dispositions been made when the enemy again

appeared in very large force along our entire front and moving towards each flank. The

engagement at once became general, and almost inconceivably fierce, along the entire line, the

enemy appearing in front often in three or four ranks, lying down, kneeling, and standing, the

lines often approaching to within 30 or 40 yards, as the enemy would charge upon Captain

Totten's battery and be driven back. Early in this engagement the First Iowa Regiment came into

line, and relieved the First Kansas, which had been thrown into some disorder and compelled to

retire.

23

Every available battalion was now brought into action, and the battle raged with unabated

fury for more than an hour, the scale seeming all the time nearly equally balanced, our troops

sometimes gaining a little ground and again giving way a few yards to rally again.

Early in this engagement, while General Lyon was leading his horse along the line on the

left of Captain Totten's battery, and endeavoring to rally our troops, which were at this time in

considerable disorder, his horse was killed, and he received a wound in the leg and one in the

head. He walked slowly a few paces to the rear and said, "I fear the day is lost." But upon being

encouraged that our troops could again be rallied, that the disorder was only temporary, he

passed over to the right of the center, where our line seemed to be giving way, obtained another

horse, and, swinging his hat in the air, led forward the troops, who promptly rallied around him.

A few moments later he was carried from the field dead. His death was known at the time to but

very few, and those few seemed to fight with redoubled valor.

Meanwhile our disordered line on the left was again rallied, and pressed the enemy with great

vigor and coolness, particularly the First Iowa Regiment, which-fought like veterans. This hot

encounter lasted perhaps half an hour after General Lyon's death, when the enemy fled, and left

the field clear-as far as we could see, and almost total silence reigned for twenty-five or thirty

minutes.

As soon as the enemy began to give way, and it became apparent that the field was at least

for the present ours, the principal officers of the command were informed of General Lyon's

death, and Major Sturgis assumed command. He at once called together the chief officers in his

vicinity, and consulted with them as to the course that should be pursued. The question was a

very perplexing one. Nothing had been heard from Colonel Sigel for a long time. No one could

tell where he was or what he was doing.. Should we move forward in pursuit of the enemy

without knowing whether we should receive any support from Sigel, should we make a detour to

the left and attempt to join him, or should we withdraw from the field?

At this time a considerable force of infantry was seen to move around the right of the

position from which Sigel's cannonading had been seen some time before and advance in column

toward the front of our left wing. These troops wore a dress resembling extremely that of

Colonel Sigel's men, and carried the American flag. The opinion was general that this was.

Sigel's brigade, and preparations were commenced to move to the left and front and join him.

Meanwhile the column in front moved down the hill within easy reach of our artillery, but was

permitted to move on unmolested till it had reached the covered position at the foot of the ridge

on which we were posted, and from which we :had been so fiercely assailed before. But suddenly

a battery was planted on the hill in our front, and began to pour upon us shrapnel and canister,

species of shot which had not been fired by the enemy before. At this moment the enemy showed

his true colors, and at once commenced along our entire line the fiercest and most bloody

engagement of the day. Lieutenant Du Bois' battery on our left, gallantly supported by Major

Osterhaus' battalion and the rallied fragments of the First Missouri, soon silenced the enemy's

battery on the hill and repulsed the right wing of his infantry. Captain Totten's battery in the

center, supported by the First Iowa and regulars, was the main point of attack. The enemy could

frequently be seen within 20 or 30 feet of his guns, and the smoke of the opposing lines was

often so confounded as to seem but one.

Now for the first time during the day our entire line maintained its position with perfect

firmness. Not the slightest disposition to give way was manifested at any point, till finally the

enemy gave way and fled from the field.

A few moments before the close of the engagement the Second Kansas Regiment, which had

firmly maintained its position on the extreme right from the time it was first sent there, found its

ammunition exhausted, and was ordered to retire, which it did slowly and in good order, bringing

24

off its wounded. This left our right exposed, and the enemy renewed the attack at that point after

it had ceased along the line, but was met by Captain Steele's battalion, which had just driven the

enemy from the right of the center, and after a sharp engagement drove him precipitately from

the field.

Thus closed, at about 11.30 o'clock, an almost uninterrupted conflict of nearly six hours. The

order to retire was given immediately after the enemy gave way from our front and center, and

Lieutenant Du Bois' battery at once took position with its supports on a hill in our rear. Captain

Totten's battery, as soon as his disabled horses could be replaced, retired slowly with the main

body of the infantry, while Captain Steele was meeting the demonstration upon our right flank.

This having been repulsed, and no enemy being in sight, the whole column moved slowly to the

high open prairie about 2 miles from the battle ground. Our ambulances meanwhile passed to and

fro, carrying off our wounded, and after making a short halt upon the prairie we continued our

march to Springfield. It should be here remarked that just after the order to retire had been given,

and while it was still undecided whether the retreat should be continued or whether we should

occupy the more favorable position in our rear and await tidings of Colonel Sigel, one of his men

reached us, and reported that his brigade had been totally routed and all his artillery captured,

Colonel Sigel himself having been either killed or taken prisoner. Most of our men had fired

away all their ammunition and all that could be obtained from the boxes of the killed and

wounded. There was then nothing left us but to return to Springfield. Upon reaching the Little

York road we met Lieutenant Farrand with his company of cavalry and a considerable portion of

Colonel Sigel's command, with one piece of artillery. We reached Springfield at 5 o'clock p.m.,

and had the satisfaction of learning that Colonels Sigel and Salomon had each arrived there some

hours before in safety. I at once started for Colonel Sigel's quarters, and met him riding towards

mine. He told me of his disaster, and said we must decide upon our course for the future. A

council was called at my quarters, and was attended by nearly all the chief officers who were

able.

Major Sturgis explained the circumstances under which he had assumed command upon the

field; stated his convictions of the necessity for our retreating towards Rolla at once and before

the enemy could organize for pursuit, and resigned his command to Colonel Sigel. No difference

of opinion seemed to exist as to the propriety and even necessity of the course proposed by

Major Sturgis, and the necessary orders were at once issued, 2 o'clock a.m. being the hour

designated for the march to commence, in order that the entire column, with its long train (370

wagons), might leave the town and obtain favorable ground for defense before dawn, when an

attack would probably be made if one were contemplated.

Colonel Sigel arranged the order of march, his brigade and the Iowa regiment forming the

advance guard, followed by the baggage train, then the main body of the army, and lastly Major

Sturgis' brigade of regulars. I gave the necessary instructions for the movement of the various

portions of the train and of the different commands; made provision for the transportation of

such of the wounded as could be carried with us and for the care of such as must be left behind,

detailing four surgeons for this duty; went to the various camps, except Colonel Sigel’s, and saw

that all possible preparation was made. At 1.30 o clock I went to Colonel Sigel's camp, and

found his wagons not loaded, his men apparently making preparations to cook their breakfast,

and no preparations to march. I could find no officer to execute my commands nor any one to

pay the slightest heed to what I said. I rode at once to Colonel Sigel's quarters, arriving there at 2

o'clock, and found him asleep in bed. I aroused him, told him the hour for marching had arrived,

and that all were ready except his brigade. I urged upon him the importance of marching at once

if at all. He said, "Yes; I will move at once." I started the train immediately, and sent the Iowa

regiment ahead, directing it to halt about a mile from town. In this condition the column was

25

delayed more than two hours for Colonel Sigel's brigade, so that the rear guard could not leave

town till about 6 o'clock.

During the first three days of our retreat the same order of march was preserved, the same

troops doing the fatiguing duties of rear guard, in spite of my remonstrances. Although we made

daily marches of only ordinary length, long halts were made in the middle of the day, so that

while the advance guard would reach camp at night early enough to obtain and cook provisions,

the rear guard would be in the road till long after dark, and in the inextricable confusion resulting

from the attempt to encamp a large force with an immense train in an extremely rough and

wooded country in a dark night, many would abandon as hopeless the attempt to find their

wagons and get them in position, and lie down without food. Many of our men were compelled

to go twenty-four hours without a morsel and some much longer.

On the morning of the third day the whole column was detained three hours for Colonel

Sigel's brigade to have beef killed and cooked for breakfast, the remainder of the command

having made their breakfast upon such as they had, and, with the exception of the Iowa regiment

marched 6 miles before the killing of beef for Colonel Sigel's breakfast commenced.

By this time the clamor for relief became such that almost total anarchy reigned in the

command. At length, after numerous entreaties from officers of the command, Major Sturgis

resumed command of the army, giving as his reason for so doing, that, although Colonel Sigel

had been for a long time acting as an officer of the army, he had no appointment from any

competent authority.

Upon this change of command I was relieved from the duties of adjutant-general, and took

command of my regiment, then without a field officer, and much in need of my care. My

functions as acting adjutant-general of this command therefore ceased on the 14th instant.

Respectfully submitted.

J. M. SCHOFIELD,

Maj., First Reg. Mo. Vols., late A. A. G., Army of the West

HDQRS. ARMY OF THE WEST, CAMP CARY GRATZ,

Near Rolla, Mo., August 20, 1861.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the battle of Springfield, fought on

the 10th instant, at Wilson's Creek, some 10 miles south of the city, between the United States

troops under General Lyon and the rebel forces under McCulloch.

On the 9th instant General Lyon came to the determination of attacking the enemy's camp,

and accordingly dispositions were made on the afternoon of that day for an attack at daylight

next morning 10th). The command was to move in two columns, composed as follows:

The first, under General Lyon, consisted of one battalion regular infantry, under Captain

Plummer--Companies B, C, and D, First Infantry, Captains Gilbert, Plummer, and Huston--with

one company of rifle recruits, under Lieutenant Wood; Major Osterhaus' battalion, Second

Missouri Volunteers, two companies; Captain Totten's light battery, six pieces, and Captain

Wood's mounted company of the Second Kansas Volunteers, with Lieutenant Canfield's

company, First Cavalry, regulars. This constituted the First Brigade, under Major Sturgis.

The Second Brigade, under Lieutenant-Colonel Andrews, First Missouri Volunteers, was

composed of Captain Steele's battalion of regulars, Companies B and E, Second Infantry; one

company of recruits, under Lieutenant Lothrop, Fourth Artillery; one company of recruits, under

Sergeant Morine; Lieutenant Du Bois' light battery, consisting of four pieces, one of which was a

12-pounder gun, and the First Missouri Volunteers.

26

The Third Brigade was made up of the First and Second Kansas Volunteers, under Deitzler,

Colonel Mitchell commanding the latter regiment. The First Regiment Iowa Volunteers, with

some 200 Home Guards (mounted), completed the column under General Lyon.

The second column, under Colonel Sigel, consisted of the Third and Fifth Regiments

Missouri Volunteers; one company of cavalry, under Captain Cart; one company Second

Dragoons, under Lieutenant Farrand (First Infantry), and one light battery of six pieces. This

column was to march by road on the left of the main Cassville road, and leading to the supposed

right of the enemy's position.

Here my official information of the movements of Colonel Sigel's column ceases, as we have

not been able to procure any written report of its operations. General Lyon marched from

Springfield at 5 o'clock p.m. on the 9th, making a detour to the right, at 1 o'clock in the morning

arriving in view of the enemy's guard fires. Here the column halted and lay on their arms until

the dawn of day, when it again moved forward. Captain Gilbert's company, which had formed

the advance during the night, still remained in advance, and the column moved in the same order

in which it had halted.

A southeasterly direction was now taken, with a view to strike the extreme northern point of

the enemy's camp. At daylight a line of battle was formed, closely followed by Totten's battery,

supported by a strong reserve. In this order we advanced, with skirmishers in front, until the first

outpost of the rebels was encountered and driven in, when the column was halted, and the

following dispositions made, viz: Captain Plummer's battalion, with the Home Guards on his

left, were to cross Wilson's Creek and move towards the front, keeping pace with the advance on

the opposite bank, for the purpose of protecting our left flank against any attempt of the enemy to

turn it. After crossing ravine and ascending a high ridge, we came in full view of a considerable

force of the enemy's skirmishers. Major Osterhaus' battalion was at once deployed to the right,

and two companies of the First Missouri Volunteers, under Captains Yates and Cavender, were

deployed to the left; all as skirmishers. The firing now became very severe, and it was evident

we were approaching the enemy's stronghold, where they intended giving battle. A few shells

from Totten's battery assisted our skirmishers in clearing the ground in front.

The First Missouri and First Kansas moved at once to the front, supported by Totten's

battery; and the First Iowa Regiment, Du Bois' battery, Steele's battalion, and the Second Kansas

were held in reserve. The Missouri First now took its position in front, upon the crest of a small

elevated plateau. The First Kansas was posted on the left of the First Missouri, and separated

from it some 60 yards on account of a ravine. The First Iowa took its position on the left of the

First Kansas, while Totten's battery was placed opposite the interval between the First Kansas

and the First Missouri. Major Osterhaus' battalion occupied the extreme right, with his right

resting on a ravine which turned abruptly to our right and rear. Du Bois' battery, supported by

Steele's battalion, was placed some 80 yards to left and rear of Totten's guns, so as to bear upon a

powerful battery of the enemy, posted to our left and front, on the opposite side of Wilson's

Creek, to sweep the entire plateau upon which our troops were formed.

The enemy now rallied in large force near the foot of the slope, and under considerable cover

opposite our left wing, and along the slope in front, and on our right towards the crest of the

main range running parallel to the creek. During this time Captain Plummer, with his four

companies of infantry, had moved down a ridge about 500 yards to our left, and separated from

us by a deep ravine, and reached its abrupt terminus, where he found his farther progress arrested

by a large force of infantry occupying a corn field in the valley in his front. At this moment an

artillery fire was opened from a high point about 2 miles distant, and nearly in our front, from

which Colonel Sigel was to have commenced his attack. This fire was answered from the

opposite side of the valley, and at a little greater distance from us, the line of fire of the batteries

27

being nearly perpendicular to our own. After about ten or twelve shots on either side the firing

ceased, and we neither heard nor saw anything more of Colonel Sigel's brigade until about 8.30

o'clock, when a brisk cannonading was heard for a few minutes about a mile to the right of that

heard before, and from 2 to 3 miles distant.

Our whole line now advanced with much energy upon the enemy's position. The firing,

which had been spirited for the last half hour, was now increasing to a continuous roar. During

this time, Captain Totten's battery came into action by section and by piece, as the nature of the

ground would permit (it being wooded, with much undergrowth), and played upon the enemy's

lines with great effect. After a fierce engagement, lasting perhaps half an hour, and in which our

troops retired two or three times, in more or less disorder, but never more than a few yards, again

to rally and press forward with increased vigor, the enemy gave way in the utmost confusion, and

left us in possession of the position. Meanwhile Captain Plummer was ordered to move forward

on our left, but meeting with overpowering resistance from the large mass of infantry in the corn

field in his front and in the woods beyond, was compelled to fall back; but at this moment

Lieutenant Du Bois' battery, which had taken position on our left flank, supported by Captain

Steele's battalion, opened upon the enemy in the corn field a fire of shells with such marked

effect as to drive him in the utmost confusion and with great slaughter from the field.

There was now a momentary cessation of fire along nearly the whole line except the extreme

right, where the First Missouri was still engaged with a superior force of the enemy, attempting

to turn our right. The general having been informed of this movement, sent the Second Kansas to

the support of the First Missouri. It came up in time to prevent the Missourians from being

destroyed by the overwhelming force against which they were unflinchingly holding their

position.

The battalion of regular infantry, under Captain Steele, which had been detailed to the

support of Lieutenant Du Bois' battery, was during this time brought forward to the support of

Captain Totten's battery. Scarcely had these dispositions been made, when the enemy again

appeared in very large force along our entire front and moving towards each flank. The

engagement at once became general, and almost inconceivably fierce, along the entire line; the

enemy appearing in front often in three or four ranks, lying down, kneeling, and standing, the

lines often approaching to within 30 or 40 yards of each other, as the enemy would charge upon

Captain Totten's battery and be driven back. Early in the engagement the First Iowa came to the

support of the First Kansas and First Missouri, both of which had stood like veteran troops,

exposed to a galling fire of the enemy.

Every available battalion was now brought into action, and the battle raged with unabated

fury for more than an hour; the scales seeming all the time nearly equally balanced, our troops

sometimes gaining a little ground, and again giving way a few yards to rally again. Early in this

engagement, while General Lyon was leading his horse along the line on the left of Captain

Totten's battery and endeavoring to rally our troops, which were at this time in considerable

disorder, his horse was killed, and he received a wound in the leg and one in the head. He walked

slowly a few paces to the rear and said, "I fear the day is lost." I then dismounted one of my

orderlies, and tendered the horse to the general, who at first declined, saying it was not

necessary. The horse, however, was left with him, and I moved off to rally a portion of the Iowa

regiment, which was beginning to break in considerable numbers.

In the mean time the general mounted, and swinging his hat in the air, called to the troops

nearest him to follow. The Second Kansas, or at least a portion of it, gallantly rallied around him,

headed by the brave Colonel Mitchell. In a few moments the colonel fell, severely wounded;

about the same time a fatal ball was lodged in the general's breast, and he was carried from the

field a corpse. Thus gloriously fell as brave a soldier as ever drew a sword, a man whose honesty

28

of purpose was proverbial, a noble patriot, and one who held his life as nothing when his country

demanded it of him.

Of this dire calamity I was not informed until perhaps half an hour after its occurrence. In the

mean time our disordered line on the left was again rallied and pressed the enemy with great

vigor and coolness, particularly the First Iowa Regiment, which fought like veterans. This hot

encounter lasted perhaps half an hour.

Major Schofield now informed me of the death of General Lyon, and reported for orders.

The responsibility which rested upon me was duly felt and appreciated. Our brave little army was

scattered and broken; over 20,000 men were still in our front, and our men had had no water

since 5 o'clock the evening before, and could hope for none short of Springfield, 12 miles distant.

If we should go forward, our own success would prove our certain defeat in the end; if we

retreated, disaster stared us in the face. Our ammunition was well-nigh exhausted, and should the

enemy make this discovery through a slackening of our fire, total annihilation was all we could

expect. The great question in my mind was, "Where is Sigel?" If I could still hope for a vigorous

attack by him on the enemy's right flank or rear, then we could go forward with some hope of

success. If he had retreated, there was nothing else left for us.

In this perplexing condition of affairs I summoned the principal officers for consultation. The

question with most of them was, "Is retreat possible?" The consultation was brought to a close by

the advance of a heavy column of infantry advancing from the hill where Sigel's guns had been

heard before. Supposing they were Sigel's men, the line was formed for an advance, with the

hope of forming a junction with him. These troops wore a dress much resembling that of Sigel's

brigade, and carried the American flag. They were therefore permitted to move down the hill

within easy range of Du Bois' battery, until they had reached the covered position at the foot of

the ridge on which we were posted, and from which we had been fiercely assailed before, when

suddenly a battery was planted on the hill in our front, and began to pour upon us shrapnel and

canister--a species of shot not before fired by the enemy.

At this moment the enemy showed his true colors, and at once commenced along our entire

lines the fiercest and most bloody engagement of the day. Lieutenant Du Bois' battery on our

left, gallantly supported by Major Osterhaus' battalion and the rallied fragments of the Missouri

First, soon silenced the enemy's battery on the hill and repulsed the right wing of the infantry.

Captain Totten's battery in the center, supported by the Iowas and regulars, was the main point of

attack. The enemy could frequently be seen within 20 feet of Totten’s guns, and the smoke of the

opposing lines was often so confounded as to seem but one.

Now for the first time during the day our entire line maintained its position with perfect

firmness. Not the slightest disposition to give way was manifested at any point, and while

Captain Steele's battalion, which was some yards in front of the line, together with the troops on

the right and left, were in imminent danger of being overwhelmed by superior numbers, the

contending lines being almost muzzle to muzzle, Captain Granger rushed to the rear and brought

up the supports of Du Bois'; battery, consisting of two or three companies of the First Missouri,

three companies of the First Kansas, and two companies of the First Iowa, in quick time, and fell

upon the enemy's right flank, and poured into it a murderous volley, killing or wounding nearly

every man within 60 or 70 yards. From this moment a perfect rout took place throughout the

rebel front, while ours, on the right flank, continued to pour a galling fire into their disorganized

masses. It was then evident that Totten's battery and Steele's little battalion were safe. Among the

officers conspicuous in leading this assault were Adjutant Hescock, Captains Burke, Miller,

Manter, Maurice, and Richardson, and Lieutenant Howard, all of the First Missouri. There were

others of the First Kansas and First Iowa who participated, but whose names I do not remember.

The enemy then fled from the field. A few moments before the close of the engagement the

29

Second Kansas, which had firmly maintained its position on the extreme right from the time it

was first sent there, found its ammunition exhausted, and I directed it to withdraw slowly and in

good order from the field, which it did, bringing off its wounded. This left our right flank

exposed, and the enemy renewed the attack at that point, after it had ceased along the whole line;

but it was gallantly met by Captain Steele's battalion of regulars, which had just driven the

enemy from the right of the center, and after a sharp engagement drove him precipitately from

the field.

Thus closed, at about 11.30 o'clock, an almost uninterrupted conflict of six hours. The order

to retreat was given soon after the enemy gave way from our front and center, Lieutenant Du

Bois' battery having been previously sent to occupy, with its supports, the hill in our rear.

Captain Totten's battery, as soon as his disabled horses could be replaced, retired slowly with the

main body of the infantry, while Captain Steele was meeting the demonstrations upon our right

flank. This having been repulsed, and no enemy being in sight, the whole column moved slowly

to the high open prairie about 2 miles from the battle ground. Meanwhile our ambulances passed

to and fro, carrying off our wounded. After making a short halt on the prairie, we continued our

march to Springfield.

It should be remembered that just after the order to retire was given, and while it was

undecided whether the retreat should be continued, or whether we should occupy the more

favorable position in our rear, and await tidings of Colonel Sigel, one of his non-commissioned

officers arrived, and reported that the colonel's brigade had been totally routed and all his

artillery captured, Colonel Sigel himself being either killed or made prisoner. Most of our men

had fired away all their ammunition and all that could be obtained from the boxes of the killed

and wounded. Nothing, therefore, was left to do but to return to Springfield, where 250 Home

Guards, with two pieces of artillery, had been left to take care of the train. On reaching the Little

York road we met Lieutenant Farrand, with his company of dragoons and a considerable portion

of Colonel Sigel's command, with one piece of artillery. At 5 o'clock p.m. we reached

Springfield.

Thus closed a day long to be remembered in the annals of history; a day which has brought

gloom and sorrow to many hearts throughout the land; but fathers and mothers, widows and

orphans, may receive some consolation from the fact that their relatives and friends presented on

that day a wall of adamant to the enemies of their country, and when they fell it was in defense

of a great cause, and with their breasts to the enemy. That 3,700 men, after a fatiguing night

march, attacked the enemy, numbering 23,000, on their own ground, and after a bloody conflict

of six hours withdrew at their leisure to return to their provisions and to water, is the best

eulogium I can pass on their conduct that day; and, indeed, it would be impossible to refer to

individual acts of courage without doing injustice to many gallant men; yet I am constrained to

call the attention of the general commanding to the particularly important services rendered by

several officers which came under my own observation.

Wherever the battle most fiercely raged there was General Lyon to be found, and there, too,

was Major Schofield, his principal staff officer. The coolness and equanimity with which he

moved from point to point carrying orders was a theme of universal admiration. I cannot speak

too highly of the invaluable services of Major Schofield and the confidence his example inspired.

Captain Granger, acting assistant adjutant-general on my staff, rendered such excellent aid in

various ways, that a full mention of those services would render this report too voluminous for

an official statement. Suffice it to say that he appeared to be almost ubiquitous--now sighting a

gun of Du Bois' battery, and before the smoke had cleared away sighting one of Totten's; at one

moment reconnoitering the enemy, and the next either bringing up re-enforcements or rallying

some broken line. To whatever part of the field I might direct my attention, there would I find

30

Captain Granger, hard at work at some important service; his energy and industry seemed

inexhaustible. To the important services rendered by him I beg to call the attention of the

commanding general.

The services of Captain Totten, re so emphatically interwoven with the various operations of

the day as to appear in many, if not all the subreports, and his name deserves to become a

"household word."

Lieutenant Sokalski also deserves great credit for the energy with which he managed the

pieces of his section. I cannot speak in too high praise of the coolness and accuracy with which

Lieutenant Du Bois handled his guns, and of the valuable services he rendered throughout the

entire conflict.

The following-named officers came under my personal observation during the day, and

deserve especial mention for the zeal and courage they displayed, although it would prolong this

report to too great a length if I should particularize in each individual case: Lieutenant Conrad,

Second Infantry, A. C. S. to General Lyon (wounded); Major Wherry, volunteer aide-de-camp to

General Lyon; Major Shepard, volunteer aide-de-camp to General Lyon; Mr. E. Cozzens,

volunteer aide-de-camp to myself.

General Sweeny, inspector-general. This gallant officer was especially distinguished by his

zeal in rallying broken fragments of various regiments (even after receiving a severe wound in

the leg), and leading them into the hottest of the fight.

Assistant Surgeon Sprague, medical department, attended the wounded with as much selfpossession

as though no battle was raging around him.

Surgeon Cornyn, First Missouri Volunteers, not only took charge of the wounded as they

were brought to him, but fouled time to use a musket with good effect from time to time against

the enemy.

Colonel Deitzler, First Kansas.' He led his regiment into a galling fire as coolly and as

handsomely as if on drill. He was wounded twice.

Major Halderman, First Kansas. Early in the action he led four companies of his regiment

(which had been held in reserve) gallantly, cheering them on with the cry of "Forward, men, for

Kansas and the old flag!"

Colonel Mitchell, of the Second Kansas. He fell severely wounded in the thickest of the fight,

and, as he was carried from the field, he met a member of my staff, and called out, "For God's

sake, support my regiment."

Lieutenant-Colonel Blair, Second Kansas. This excellent soldier took command of the

regiment when Colonel Mitchell was wounded, and under a most deadly fire from the enemy

rode along the front of his line, encouraging his men, to the great admiration of all who saw him.

Major Cloud, Second Kansas; Lieutenant-Colonel Andrews, First Missouri; Lieutenant-

Colonel Merritt, First Iowa; Major Porter, First Iowa; Captain Herron, First Iowa.

The gallantry of the following officers was conspicuous from the beginning to the close of

the battle:

Captain Plummer, First Infantry; Captain Gilbert, First Infantry; Captain Huston, First

Infantry; Lieutenant Wood, First Infantry; Captain Steele, Second Infantry; Lieutenant Lothrop,

Fourth Artillery; Lieutenant Canfield, First Cavalry.

Here would I gladly close and draw the vail of silence, and had a report of the operations of

the column under Colonel Sigel been received, I would have permitted it to explain itself without

comment. But none has been received, and justice to the cause of truth compels me to give such

account of the operations of that column as 1 have received from some of the officers and men

who formed a part of it.

31

When Colonel Sigel opened his fire the enemy were completely surprised and fled from their

camp, whereupon many of Colonel Sigel's men and officers, instead of standing to their guns or

pursuing the enemy, turned their attention to plunder, and thus permitted the enemy to return,

seize all his guns, drive the entire column from the field in every possible direction, and finally

turn our own guns upon the gallant men under Lyon, who were contending against such fearful

odds already.

Lieutenant Farrand, First Infantry, temporarily in command of a company of dragoons,

happened to encounter one of the guns after they had been deserted, and brought it safely from

the field, and on our march back to Springfield we met this gallant young officer coming from

the direction of Little York at the head of a large portion of such of the command as had escaped

being taken prisoners. However it may be in regard to the loss of these guns, one thing is certain

(according to Lieutenant Powell), namely: That the gun brought in by Lieutenant Farrand had

been abandoned when there was no enemy in sight.

Accompanying this report you will please find reports of the commanders of brigades,

regiments, and battalions; also, a list of the killed, wounded, and missing. I beg to state that I am

under many obligations to Major Schofield, from whose memoranda of the movement of troops,

&c., on the field I have drawn largely, and in many cases I have copied them literally.

Our total loss in killed, wounded, and missing amounts to 1,235. That of the enemy will

probably reach 3,000.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

Report of Brig. Gen. S. A. Hurlbut, U. S. Army.

KIRKSVILLE AUGUST 21, 1861.

GENERAL: Having sent forward 500 men of Third Iowa Regiment to this point, I was

deprived for several days of any direct communication from them. It at length became certain

that a body of rebels, not less than 2,000, were assembled at a point on Bee Branch, near

Jackson's farm, some 8 miles northeast of this place, and were seriously threatening attack on

detachment at Kirksville. Having waited a long time, for reliable intelligence from John D.

Foster as to his arms, I considered it my imperative duty to move from Macon City on Kirksville

with seven companies of the Sixteenth.

I sent forward hospital stores and sick to Brookfield. I left Macon City on Tuesday night with

wagons for transportation, and marched the command to Atlanta before morning, arriving there

at 2 a.m. The latter part of the march was in a heavy rain-storm, which continued until 10 a.m.

The march was then continued through to La Plata, at which place we arrived by 5 p.m., having

passed through two heavy rain-storms. Left La Plata at 8 a.m., the weather fine, and reached

Kirksville at 3 p.m., where the force is now encamped. Health of the command remarkably good.

The position is a fine one. Water abundant and of excellent quality; and within easy reach of the

disaffected regions.

Green and Franklin abandoned their camp on Bee Branch on the day we arrived in

Kirksville, and took up position at Felb's Bridge, in the southwest corner of Knox County, on

Salt River. Their numbers are daily decreasing, but the desperate men among them are moving in

a body south, towards Monroe and Ralls Counties, and will probably cross the railroad near

Clarence.

I have sent out daily strong parties of observation, who generally succeed in meeting small

bodies going to or returning from camp. In these encounters some casualties have occurred.

Before my arrival Corporal Dix, of Company C, Third Iowa, with a few Home Guards, was

surrounded by a large body of rebels, and after a most desperate resistance, in which five of the

enemy were killed, the corporal was killed and his detachment dispersed. The enemy laid out his

32

body decently, and sent notice to this camp. The body was recovered, and buried with military

honors. Having learned on my arrival that his weapons were in the same neighborhood, and

probably in custody of a man named Jackson, on whose ground the rebel camp on Bee Branch

was situated, and well known to have furnished large supplies to them, I sent a strong body into

that neighborhood, who recovered the weapons, and found at Jackson's house some fourteen

rebels, guards on one of their officers, severely wounded in the skirmish with Corporal Dix. The

rebels fled, and were fired upon- One, a man named Brown, from Schuyler County, was killed;

Jackson wounded in the knee, and brought in, with three others, prisoners. The others escaped.

The officer was too severely wounded to be moved, and was left on parole.

Communication with Macon City had been cut off by a band under Captain Gross, from the

neighborhood of La Plata, who will be dispersed to-day. The mail-carrier is a secessionist, and

avails himself of the disturbances to refuse to perform his duty.

I am waiting anxiously for two things--to establish communications with Moore and his

command and to hear from Foster. The wealthy citizens of this county are very sick of guerrilla

warfare. I have spread your proclamation as fully as possible, and informed this neighborhood

that this force must be maintained by them, which is done with proper discrimination. I found

about 500 Home Guards here, whom I have dismissed, except about 100 active mounted men,

whom I retained for outside pickets.

A great difficulty besets us here in obtaining timely information. Union men are slow to

come in and inform us, and we rarely know the movements of the enemy until too late.

The Third Iowa are entitled to great credit for their efficiency in this detached service and the

steadiness with which they have held their post.

As soon as junction can be effected with Moore, I shall follow these marauders. I would not

hesitate to attack, disperse, or destroy them, with three discreet companies of cavalry, though

they are 1,200 strong. Without cavalry it will be difficult, but will be done.

My line of progress from this place will be down the divide of Salt River to the railroad;

thence to Marion County. I have received no communication from any source since I came here.

I send this by messenger, who visits Saint Louis to see Mr. William P. Linder, cashier of the

Branch Bank of this city, who has foolishly fled.

As soon as communications are re-established I will report again.

Very respectfully, your obedient Servant,

S. A. HURLBUT,

Brigadier-General, U. S. Army.

Brig. Gen. JOHN POPE,

U.S.A.

HEADQUARTERS WESTERN DEPARTMENT,

Saint Louis, Mo., August 27, 1861.

General POPE, U. S. A.,

Comdg. North Missouri District, Saint Louis, Mo.:

GENERAL: I have the honor to say that your letter of yesterday, transmitting information

received from General Grant, has been submitted to Major-General Frémont. He directs me to

say, in reply, that arms and ammunition have been sent to Colonel Morgan's 750 men at

Brookfield. It is believed that it will warrant the withdrawal of a portion of the Illinois volunteers

from the line of the railroad in that vicinity, with a view to a movement south and southwest. He

suggests that the service near Palmyra and Paris is so well guarded by the opportunity of succor

from Illinois on one side and from Iowa on the other, that considerable detachments may safely

be made from General Hurlbut's force to aid in operating in this, from Brookfield and vicinity

33

towards Jefferson City and Lexington, and in keeping the navigation of the Missouri River from

hostile interruption. With these suggestions the general commanding leaves the disposition of

matters to yourself.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. H. EATON,

Major, U. S. Army, and Military Secretary.

SAINT LOUIS, August 28, 1861.

CAPTAIN: My absence from the regiment in consequence of wounds, and injuries received

in the battle at Wilson's Creek, near Springfield, Mo., on the 10th instant, has necessarily delayed

my report of the part enacted on that day by the First Regiment Missouri Volunteers. I have now

the honor to report that the regiment under my command joined the column under the immediate

command of General Lyon at 6.30 o'clock p.m. on the 9th instant, and marched out on the road

to Little York about 6 miles, when, taking a road running southeast, we advanced in that

direction until the head of the column discovered the camp-fires of the rebels. Here the column

halted, and remained until 4.15 o'clock on the morning of the 10th instant,. when our advance

was continued. Soon after the column was again in motion I received an order to bring the

regiment forward, and when it arrived up with the head of the column, upon inquiry, was desired

to march parallel with it, and about 60 yards distant. In a few moments I received orders to

deploy one company forward as skirmishers, and this was the last order that reached me during

the entire day. Company H, Captain Yates, was at once thrown out as skirmishers, closely

followed by the regiment in column of companies, and advancing up the hill, the action was

commenced by a shot from my skirmishers at 10 minutes past 5 o'clock. Immediately advancing

in person, I was informed by Captain Yates, and in another instant saw for myself, that the

enemy were in force immediately in our front, and re-enforcing our line of skirmishers with

Captain Maurice's company (B), I ordered the regiment forward into line. At this moment a

heavy fire was opened upon our then left flank by a force heretofore concealed, the regiment

wheeling into line and returning the fire, while the first division, deployed as skirmishers,

assembled on the right of the regiment, and prevented our flank being turned. The action now

became general, and for a short time the fire was very hot. The enemy giving way, the firing

almost ceased for a short time. Again they advanced upon us in front, and the right division

having been brought into the line of battle, the regiment continued to advance under a galling fire

until the enemy again gave way.

At this moment our advance unmasked one of their batteries, which up to this time had

played no part in the action. Before I could compete my arrangements to charge this battery I

noticed an apparent attempt on the part of the enemy to turn our right flank, and was forced to

abandon the attempt; but, sending word to Captain Totten of its position, I placed the first

division of the regiment in its original position at right angles with the line of battle, and opening

our fire, we after a time again drove them back. The battery we had unmasked had during this

time been playing upon us, and caused no little uneasiness, as the shells which fell in our ranks

were pronounced to be those supplied to our column which took the Cassville road. During all

this time the firing had been equally heavy upon the left of our line, and finding the right wing

apparently able to stand its ground, I went towards the left. As I passed each company I found it

well up to its work, both officers and men cool and determined, using their arms with care and

precision.

Upon arriving to the left of Du Bois' battery and approaching Company E, I met Captain

Cole, of that company, being taken to the rear in consequence of a wound in the lower jaw, and,

although unable to speak, still by every action encouraging his men.

34

Continuing on, I missed Capt. Cary Gratz, commanding Company E, and soon learned, while

advancing at the head of his men, he discovered a body of the enemy approaching, led on by a

mounted officer, carrying a Union flag. Captain Gratz, drawing his revolver, fired and knocked

him off his horse, but upon reaching the ground he immediately arose and rushed through his

lines, at which instant Captain Gratz fired a second shot, pitching him headlong out of sight. The

enemy now opened fire, and Captain Gratz fell, pierced by five shots.

I soon came up with Captain Cavender, who, with his company (G), still maintained an

advanced position, and had already by their courage and firmness several times prevented our

left flank from being turned. Once more the enemy advanced upon us, and the fire again became

very heavy. I now received a shot myself, and returning towards the right of the regiment and

meeting Captain Yates, informed him I had been hit, and he must, in case he missed me, assume

the command and keep the men together, as by this time the alignment was considerably broken.

Feeling faint, I returned again to our left and obtained a stimulant, and soon after my horse being

killed and falling upon me prevented my again being able to reach the right of the regiment.

The enemy now made another rally, and would undoubtedly have forced us back had not the

First Iowa Regiment, led on by General Lyon and Major Schofield, arrived at the critical

moment, together with the battalion of the Second Regiment, led by Major Osterhaus, assisted by

Lieut. David Murphy, of our regiment, who came up at the same time, and most gallantly

seconded the efforts of our now nearly exhausted men. As the fire again slackened I met General

Lyon, and asked him, "Have you seen or heard from our other column?" To this inquiry he shook

his head. I now noticed he appeared to be suffering, and found he had just received a shot in his

leg.

The firing had now ceased for so long a time I concluded the engagement over, and going to

Du Bois' battery, was met by our surgeon and by him sent to the rear, but had hardly got out of

his hands when the enemy made another and last rally, and for a few moments the fire was

terrible, but they were again repulsed. After a time our infantry were seen approaching, and at a

few minutes past 11 o'clock a.m., being six hours after I heard the first shot, I saw them in three

columns emerge from the timber into the small cleared space between myself and our recent line

of battle.

Never have I found it so difficult to do justice to all, and in a position where every man so

well performed his part it is almost impossible to single out individuals. That every officer did

his duty no better evidence can be adduced than the fact that 13 out of 27 officers who went into

the action bore away with them the marks of the enemy's shot. That the men did their duty I have

but to refer you to our mortality report, forwarded some days since.

With every desire to be strictly impartial, I cannot close this report without expressing our

obligations to Captain Totten and Lieutenant Du Bois, who by their masterly co-operation so

effectually assisted the regiment to maintain its position.

Capt. Madison Miller, commanding Company I, who, by his coolness and deliberate

observation, discovered at the critical moment a large body of cavalry preparing to charge us in

rear, and who, by his well-directed fire, assisted by a few shells from Captain Totten's battery,

rapidly dispersed them. Capt. John S. Cavender, who, though severely wounded, still refusing to

leave his post, mounted his horse, and remained there until exhausted nature could do no more.

Lieut. David Murphy, although shot through the leg, I saw advancing at the head of the battalion,

brought to our aid, with a spirit and courage that defied his wounds. Surg. F. M. Cornyn, who,

while carrying aid and comfort wherever they were required, utterly regardless of personal

danger, forgot not, when human aid was of no avail, to seize the musket of the dying man, and

with unerring aim avenging his death. Lieut. and Adjt. Henry Hescock, who, from the

35

organization of the regiment, has been of invaluable service in rendering, it efficient, and in

action was always found where his services were most valuable.

Among the men I must be allowed to call attention to Corporal Kane, of Company K, who,

when the color sergeant was killed and nearly all the color guard either killed or wounded,

brought the colors safely off the field; also Sergt. Chas. M. Callahan, of same company, who so

ably filled the place of his lieutenant, and materially assisted Captain Burke when his only

subaltern was disabled; Sergt. Christ. Conrad, of Company G, whose assistance was

indispensable to Lieutenant Sheldon when he alone was left to rally his men; Private Elworthy,

of Company F, who was particularly observed for his coolness and bravery.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. L. ANDREWS,

Lieutenant-Colonel First Regiment Missouri Vols., Comdg.

Capt. G. GRANGER,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Saint Louis, Mo.

HEADQUARTERS,

Jefferson City, Mo., September 3, 1861.

GENERAL: Last night I started an expedition, consisting of the Fifth Iowa Regiment, under

command of Colonel Worthington, with some cavalry, across the river in the direction of

Columbia, Boone County, with orders to capture or disperse all armed parties he could find, and

also to take into possession all property belonging to such parties. This expedition was sent under

my immediate supervision, during the terrible rain, which continued most of the night, and is by

this (11 o'clock) time on its march from the river to Columbia. I hope to surprise some of the

rebel camps. Colonel Worthington's command will return on Saturday. I have taken steps to

secure the money in the banks at Kansas City, Independence, and Lexington, and will

immediately take steps to secure that at the other points mentioned, if possible.

An expedition which I sent out a few days ago in the direction of Iberia returned yesterday

with some four or five prisoners, two of whom were captured with United States muskets in their

possession. I have them confined. Colonel McClelland, who commanded this expedition, reports

troops collecting there for the Confederate Army.

Reports vary much in estimating the number of troops collecting in the vicinity of Warsaw,

but all agree that this part of the country is very active in furnishing recruits and supplies.

It is now time for the mail to leave.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JEFF. C. DAVIS,

Colonel, Commanding.

Maj. Gen. JOHN C. FREMONT,

Saint Louis, Mo.

No. 3.

Letters from General Lane relative to future operations.

HEADQUARTERS KANSAS BRIGADE,

Fort Lincoln, September 4, 1861.

Capt. W. E. PRINCE, Commanding Post Fort Leavenworth:

SIR: I dispatched Lieutenant Hollister to you to intelligently post you as to the situation of

affairs on this border. I also inclose you a note from Colonel Montgomery, the last dispatch from

him. I am holding Fort Scott with a cavalry force, regular and irregular, of about 800 men within

4 miles of the border and 12 miles of the enemy's position. I am holding Barnesville, 12 miles

36

northeast of Fort Scott, within 1 miles of the border, with an irregular force of about 250 men,

stationed in log buildings, and am now strengthening their position with earth intrenchments.

I have here a regular force of about 1,200 men, and an irregular force I am now organizing,

amounting in all to about 400 or 600 men, and am strengthening the position to stay. I have

before given you all the information as to the strength of the enemy. All sources of information

concur that their force is in the neighborhood of 6,000; that they have fortified themselves on the

Dry Wood, 10 miles northeast of Fort Scott, and are rapidly re-enforcing; that they have seven

pieces of artillery, either one or two 12-pounder howitzers, and the balance 6-pounders; that

they have already 1,000 mounted men, that are increasing much more rapidly than their infantry.

The cavalry that we engaged are armed with minie rifles, and from the prisoners we have taken

we learn the entire force is armed with the same. In their artillery are some of the guns taken

from our army at the battle near Springfield. To retake those guns it seems to me would benefit

the cause of the country as much as any other event that could transpire. Cannot this Government

supply me without delay with sufficient artillery and men to destroy that army and capture those

guns? It is within 15 miles of me, with a smooth prairie between us. In twelve hours after being

re-enforced I can be upon them, give peace to Kansas, confuse the enemy, and advance the cause

of the Union. I have detailed Lieutenant Hollister to the command, in the absence of Colonel

Johnson, of the two companies of Iowa troops, and should like to retain him here in that

command and as mustering officer. He has proved himself a gallant officer.

Rumors that the enemy is moving are coming in, but I do not fully rely upon them.

I send you the last note from Montgomery.

J. H. LANE,

Commanding Kansas Brigade.

No. 2.

Report of Col. Nelson G. Williams, Third Iowa Infantry.

MACON, September 5, 1861.

SIR: In obedience to your order, I respectfully submit the following statement of facts

connected with the Paris expedition and the reasons why I retired from Shelbina:

Late Friday evening (August 30) I received a telegraphic dispatch from General Pope to take

my effective command, together with Loring's cavalry, proceed to Palmyra, open the road, and

then go to Paris and take the specie and funds in the bank, and send it to Saint Louis. Early

Saturday morning I started from Brookfield to execute the order. I arrived at Palmyra about

noon, was there informed by the railroad employés that we would have to go to Hannibal in

order to turn the engine west, they telling me it would be impossible to back the train. As a

further reason for going to Hannibal, there was $150,000 in specie on board, and from

instructions I received it would be in some danger of being seized by the rebels. I arrived at

Hannibal, and while feeding my men the Second Kansas Regiment arrived per boat, en route for

Kansas, to recruit. I immediately invited them to join me in the Paris expedition, as I had learned

on my down trip that it would be unsafe with my force (320 men) to go into Monroe County.

They consented, and we started Sunday morning. Arrived at Shelbina about noon. I pressed into

service some wagons to carry provisions and sick men, and started for Paris about 8 o'clock in

the evening. My entire force consisted of about 620 men, viz, 520 infantry and 100 cavalry. I

arrived in Paris at daylight Monday morning, September 2. I immediately proceeded to the bank,

in company with M. Cassel, esq. (agent to receive money). We called the directors together.

They informed us that the cashier had taken the money to a safe place, and that they did not

know where he or the money was. We waited during the day, thinking that they would get the

money. In the afternoon I learned that the whole country was rising in arms against us. About 5

37

o'clock I gave the order to prepare for our return march, but a tremendous storm coming up I

countermanded the order, and resolved to stay in Paris overnight. I quartered my men in the

court-house and vacant buildings. About midnight we received an alarm and turned out under

arms, and remained so during the night. Started on our return at daybreak. In the mean time I had

learned that Green and his forces had got past General Hurlbut, and that he had prepared an

ambush for me on the straight road to Shelbina. I determined to take the road to Clinton, making

a detour of 10 miles. Every step of the way I found evidence that the whole people were in arms.

I arrived, however, in Shelbina at night, having escaped the ambush, but had one man wounded

(supposed mortally) by the enemy's pickets. When I arrived in Shelbina I found no

communication east or west; also learned that General Hurlbut had left that day for Brook field.

During the night had two alarms. In the morning, and after the enemy had shown himself in

force, a train arrived from the west, and brought word that another train was coming to take my

command away. In the mean time the enemy was gathering in still greater force, so that I could

make out about 3,000. About noon I received a note from the rebel commander, giving me thirty

minutes to move the women and children and to surrender. I ordered the women to leave, but

made no reply to Green. I barricaded the streets and prepared to resist the enemy. After a short

time the enemy opened on us with two pieces of artillery, one 9 and one 6 pounder (reported to

me to be brass by an escaped prisoner). Their battery was planted a full mile off. I am satisfied

that at this time the enemy numbered full 4,000. With my glass I could discover a strong force

under cover of timber to support their artillery. I offered to lead the men out on the plain and

offer the enemy battle. Major Cloud, of the Second Kansas, objected. I did not insist, as I thought

the opposing force too great. During the firing I discovered the enemy some 2 miles in the west

tearing up the track. I immediately ordered one company on the train to run up to them, which

was done, and the enemy driven from that point. I observed also a force in the east tearing up

track, and started a train that way, but the train came back, as the enemy opened upon it with

their artillery. The officer in command reported to me that he supposed the engine and train of

more value than a little piece of track. I told him he did right.

The enemy fired well. Almost every shot was well pointed, either striking the building or

falling in the square. Captain McClure, of the Second Kansas, had his foot shot off. After

receiving some thirty shots, the officers of the Second Kansas held a meeting, and sent Major

Cloud to me, demanding that I should withdraw the men, saying they had been in one Springfield

fight and did not wish to be in another (meaning fighting against such odds), and also that if I

would withdraw and get artillery they would come back with me. He further stated that his men

were discontented, and supposed they were going home, and did not like being brought on the

expedition; that he, to encourage them, had held out the inducement to them that the money in

the bank was to pay them off with; that they only considered themselves in the light of

volunteers, &c. I still resisted, and declared I would not mention the subject of retreating to my

men, as I had been to them and told them we could hold the place; but finally they insisted so

strongly, and fearing there might be a stampede, I consented to call the officers together. When

they met, I said to them I had nothing further to say. After they had decided it to be expedient to

retire, I told them to wait orders. I delayed giving orders any further than to tell them to go to

their companies and prepare to move. After a few minutes I saw the Kansas men starting for the

cars. They filled the first train and started. I jumped on the engine, and ordered the engineer to

move slow, so that the cavalry could keep up with him on the right flank (the enemy was on the

south). I then jumped off, and started back for my own men (280), but they, seeing the Kansas

men off, had got on the second train and started before I got back. In the confusion the Iowa men

left some of their coats and knapsacks in quarters. They did not know at the time we were

retiring from the enemy. There were also one transportation wagon and four mules left, all of

38

which might have been brought off had they waited for orders. It is proper for me to state that I

had but one captain with me at the time, and he had been quite sick some days, and was unfit for

duty at the time, but he turned out and rendered me valuable assistance.

I was extremely short for officers. I had sent three home sick. I then moved the trains to

Hudson and reported to you in person. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

N. G. WILLIAMS,

Colonel Third Iowa.

No. 2.

Report of Brig. Gen. John Pope, U. S. Army.

HUNNEWELL, September 10, 1861.

I marched on Green at dark Sunday. Reached his camp at daylight in morning. As usual, he

had received notice of our approach, but, in consequence of night marches, few hours before I

reached there. His force, about 3,000, scattered in every direction, leaving much baggage,

provisions, and forage, as also the public property captured at Shelbina. The infantry of my

command was, of course, unable to pursue after a forced night march of 23 miles. The few

horsemen followed the train for 10 or 15 miles until it scattered in various directions. The bulk of

his force has crossed the North Missouri road at Renick, and are making for woods of Chariton. I

go west with Sixteenth Illinois and Third Iowa immediately in pursuit.

Moore's force proceeded by land to Canton, and will there organize. Four hundred of

Bussey's cavalry are in Northeast Missouri, but I think not doing much. As soon as I can run

down Green's force I will go to Keokuk. Please send Colonel Tindall back to Brook field

immediately; he went down for his arms to Saint Louis, and can now be of much service.

Glover and Moore will organize their regiments I hope in a few days. Green's force is

mounted, and infantry cannot do much in overtaking them.

The railroad east of Brookfield is open, and I think no more secession camps will be made

within 20 miles.

JOHN POPE,

Brigadier-General.

Major-General FREMONT.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT SOUTHEAST MISSOURI,

Cairo, Ill., September 11, 1861.

Maj. Gen. JOHN C. FREMONT, Saint Louis, Mo.:

Since my report of last night nothing has transpired of note, except the information that reenforcements

to the number of about 5,000 men arrived at Columbus last night. About that

number crossed to the Missouri shore. The rebels have not shown themselves as far up the river

to-day as yesterday. To-day a soldier, representing himself as a member of Colonel Bowen's

regiment, deserted, and succeeded in reaching our gunboats. He states that he is from Wisconsin,

emigrated to Southern Missouri last year, and when our difficulties broke out was pressed into

service. He says that Jeff. Thompson's forces, about 2,600 men (700 of them cavalry), occupy

ground opposite Columbus. They are badly armed and clothed. Last night 5,000 men from

Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee arrived, and about an equal number crossed to the

Missouri shore. These troops are represented as well clothed and armed. Provisions, blankets,

clothing, ammunition, and arms are plenty in their camp; thinks most of their pork is obtained

from Ohio. Heard the officers talk of attacking Bird's Point and Cairo at times; then again of

awaiting an attack where they are. Are throwing up breastworks along the whole front of

Columbus. They are represented to have thirty-five to forty pieces of artillery (a portion rifled)

39

and six or seven siege pieces in position, and more on the ground ready to put up. In Colonel

Bowen's regiment there are quite a number of Northern men, who are not there from choice, but

only await an action to turn on their officers and leave the Southern Confederacy forever.

I would respectfully urge the necessity of having clothing of almost every description,

particularly shoes, blankets, and shirts, forwarded here as soon as possible. Tents also are

required. Cavalry is much needed; also cavalry equipments for the troops here and more batteries

of light artillery. All the re-enforcements that can be spared for this post, of every arm of service,

would be welcome. There are two companies of the Seventh Iowa Regiment now stationed at

Potosi, Mo.; the balance of the regiment here. I would recommend that they be relieved and sent

to their regiment.

U.S. GRANT,

Brigadier-General.

Jefferson CITY, September 12, 1861.

Two Indiana regiments, 1,986; Twenty-fifth Illinois, 860; Fifth Iowa, 850; Davidson's

battery, 4 pieces, 4 horses each, and 99 men; Home Guards, 1,362, not efficient----want of

organization and equipments. Some ammunition wanted for all. Will present requisition.

JEFF. C. DAVIS.

Maj. Gen. JOHN C. FREMONT.

Jefferson CITY, September 13, 1861.

Major-General FREMONT:

Green has crossed at Arrow Rock and is marching on to Booneville. The Iowa Fifth leaves

early to-morrow morning on War Eagle to that place. The Indiana regiments I shall send to

Syracuse, and make a forced march to-morrow night, so as to get in Green's rear with a view to

capture him. Send me the troops, and I will take care of this place and Booneville. Let General

Sturgis operate higher up the river and support Lexington. Let Sturgis send a courier to me when

he leaves the Hannibal and Saint Joseph road, informing me where he will strike the river.

JEFF. C. DAVIS,

Colonel, Commanding.

WAR DEPARTMENT, September 14, 1861.

Maj. Gen. JOHN C. FREMONT, Saint Louis:

On consultation with the President and heads of Departments, it was determined to call upon

you for 5,000 well-armed infantry, to be sent here without a moment's delay. Give them three

days' cooked rations. This draft from your forces to be replaced by you from the States of

Illinois, Iowa, and Kansas. How many men have you under arms in your department? Please

answer fully and immediately.

SIMON CAMERON,

Secretary of War

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT SOUTHEAST MISSOURI,

Cairo, September 15, 1861.

General JOHN C. FREMONT,

Commanding Department of the West, Saint Louis, Mo.:

SIR: Reconnaissances which I had made yesterday disclose the fact that the enemy have

broken up their camp above Belmont, also that they have no force from there to some distance

beyond Charleston. As telegraphed by me to-day, I believe they are leaving Columbus; whether

40

marching upon Paducah or leaving Kentucky altogether I will try and determine to-morrow. I

have ordered the Tenth Illinois Volunteers, Colonel Morgan commanding, to Fort Holt, to take

the place of the Twenty-fourth, leaving to-night, and the Seventh [?] Iowa to Elliott's Mills, near

Fort Jefferson, to take the place of the Nineteenth Illinois. I would call your attention to the fact

that there are many troops here without arms, and some armed with the Austrian musket, which,

with the caps now furnished, is unreliable; also that clothing, camp and garrison equipage, and

accouterments are deficient. Requisitions, I am told, are before the proper Departments for all

these articles. Money is much required here to pay for secret services. It is highly necessary to

get information which cannot be obtained from our own reconnoitering parties, and without

money to pay, the services of citizens cannot much longer be obtained.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

U.S. GRANT, Brigadier-General,

Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT SOUTHEAST MISSOURI,

Cairo, Ill, September 15, 1861.

Brig. Gen. JOHN A. McCLERNAND,

Commanding, &c., Cairo and Bird's Point:

You will please direct Colonel Morgan to move his regiment to Fort Holt this evening to

relieve Colonel Hecker, who is under marching orders; also direct the Second [?] Iowa to move

with all dispatch to Colonel Ross' command, at Elliott's Mills.

U.S. GRANT,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

SAINT JOE, September 15, 1861.

Major-General FREMONT:

Road to Hannibal open, except Platte River Bridge (finished to-morrow), and all quiet.

Secessionists, numbering some 2,500, in detached bands, retreating southward, to cross river

below Independence. I have sent column of 1,000 men and three pieces of artillery, under

Colonel Smith, to march rapidly from this place in pursuit, and the Iowa regiment, with one

piece of artillery and 50 irregular horse, to move rapidly from Cameron upon Liberty, and there

effect junction with Smith. There is no doubt in my judgment that the large train of plunder will

be captured, though, as usual, I presume the forces will disperse, and, being cavalry, will mostly

escape, unless Smith can surprise them. I have put all irregular threes--Home Guards and others--

in motion scouting the country on all sides. Colonels Cranor and Edwards--the first commanding

irregular forces of Missouri volunteers, the second about 600 Iowa State troops--will be here today,

having swept whole region north of this place clean. I put them immediately in motion

along both sides of railroad, to clean out the small squads remaining in the woods from Saint

Joseph to Chillicothe. In five days North Missouri will be again quiet, and the regiments of

Tindall, Moore, Foster, Morgan, and Glover will return. So will you please send Tindall's

regiment as soon as possible to Chillicothe?

I go East to-day to urge into the field the regiments named. There are some disturbances of

minor importance in the extreme northeast, and I must get to Canton and Keokuk, without

awaiting the return of Smith's command. Can Glover and Bussey get their cavalry armed at

once?

JNO. POPE,

Brigadier-General.

41

HUDSON, Mo., September 16, 1861.

General FREMONT:

Just arrived here on my way to Keokuk. Find Ohio regiments on their way to Utica. If you

can send Tindall's regiment to Chillicothe immediately, the Sixteenth Illinois and Third Iowa can

also be forwarded to Lexington. There will be no more considerable trouble in North Missouri.

JNO. POPE,

Brigadier-General.

HUDSON, September 16, 1861.

Presuming from General Sturgis' dispatches that there is imminent want of troops at

Lexington, I have dispatched Colonel Smith to move forward to that place with Sixteenth

Illinois, Third Iowa, and three pieces of artillery from Liberty as soon as he completed the object

of his expedition. He reaches Liberty to-morrow morning, and will accomplish his purpose very

soon after. His pursuit will lead him in direction of Lexington. I have used the 3,000 troops under

Colonels Trainor and Edwards, mentioned in yesterday's dispatch, to replace Smith and Iowa

regiment on line. Tindall is back at Chillicothe. There will be no danger in North Missouri. My

presence at Canton and Keokuk is imperative, and must be there as soon as possible.

JOHN POPE,

Brigadier-General

Major-General FREMONT.

PALMYRA, September 16, 1861.

From papers just handed me, I learn for first time that important matters are occurring at

Lexington. The troops I sent to Lexington will be there day after to-morrow, and consist of two

full regiments of infantry, four pieces of artillery, and 150 irregular horse. These, with the two

Ohio regiments, which will reach there Thursday, will make a re-enforcement of 4,000 men and

four pieces of artillery. Do you wish me to come down to Saint Louis, or go to Canton and

Keokuk, to finish matters in this section? The following force along this road: At Hannibal, ---;

at Kansas, 480; at Palmyra, 320 of Twentieth Illinois; at Hudson, 450 of Foster's men; at

Brookfield, 650 of Morgan's regiment; at Saint Joseph (coming east), 3,000 Iowa and Missouri

irregular troops. Please answer to Quincy.

JOHN POPE,

Brigadier-General

Major-General FREMONT.

SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 210.

HDQRS. WESTERN DEPARTMENT,

Saint Louis, Mo., September 17, 1861.

Brig. Gen. B. M. Prentiss, volunteer service, is assigned to the command of that section of

the State of Missouri bordering on and lying north of the Hannibal and Saint Joseph Railroad.

Brigadier-General Prentiss will open, and use stringent measures to keep open, said railroad,

and preserve the telegraph line from interruption by the secessionists. In order to prevent the

secessionists from meeting in bands for camp and drill for a few days or a week, as has been

their custom in Northeast Missouri, Brigadier-General Prentiss will use the Third Regiment of

Iowa Cavalry, Colonel Bussey, and the cavalry of Major Bishop, as soon as they are ready for

service.

By order of Major-General Frémont:

CHAUNCEY McKEEVER,

42

Assistant-Adjutant General

No. 1.

Report of Lieut. Col. John Scott, Third Iowa Infantry.

HDQRS. THIRD REGIMENT IOWA VOLUNTEERS,

Liberty, September 18, 1861.

SIR: In relation to an affair of yesterday which occurred near Blue Mills Landing, about 5

miles from this place, I have the honor to report:

Agreeably to your orders I left Cameron at 3 p.m. of the 15th inst., and through a heavy rain

and bad roads made but 7 miles during that afternoon. By a very active march on the 16th I

reached Centreville, 10 miles north of Liberty, by sunset, where the firing of cannon was

distinctly heard in the direction of Platte City, which was surmised to be from Colonel Smith's

Sixteenth Illinois command. Had sent a messenger to Colonel Smith from Hainesville, and sent

another from Centreville, apprising him of my movements, but got no response. On the 17th, at 2

a.m., started from Centreville for Liberty, and at daylight the advanced guards fell in with the

enemy's pickets, which they drove in and closely followed. At 7 a.m. my command arrived at

Liberty, and bivouacked on the hill north of and overlooking the town. I dispatched several

scouts to examine the position of the enemy, but could gain no definite information. They had

passed through Liberty during the afternoon of the 16th to the number of about 4,000, and taken

the road to Blue Mills Landing, and were reported as having four pieces of artillery. At 11

o'clock a.m. heard firing in the direction of the landing, which was reported as a conflict between

the rebels and forces disputing their passage over the river. At 12 m. moved the command,

consisting of 500 of the Third Iowa, a squad of German artillerists, and about 70 Home Guards,

in the direction of Blue Mills Landing. On the route learned that a body of our scouts had fallen

in with the enemy's pickets, and lost 4 killed and 1 wounded. Before starting dispatched courier

to Colonel Smith to hasten his command. About 2 miles from Liberty the advance guard drove in

the enemy's pickets. Skirmishers closely examined the dense growth through which our route

lay, and at 3 p.m. discovered the enemy in force, concealed on both sides of the road, and

occupying the dry bed of a slough, his left resting on the river and the right extending beyond our

observation. He opened a heavy fire, which drove back our skirmishers, and made simultaneous

attacks upon our front and right. These were well sustained, and he retired with loss to his

position. In the attack on our front the artillery suffered so severely that the only piece, a brass 6-

pounder, was left without sufficient force to man it, and I was only able to hare it discharged

twice during the action. Some of the gunners abandoned the piece, carrying off the matches and

primer, and could not be rallied.

The enemy kept up a heavy fire from his position. Our artillery useless, and many of the

officers and men already disabled, it was deemed advisable to fall back, which was done slowly,

returning the enemy's fire, and completely checking pursuit. The 6-pounder was brought off by

hand, through the gallantry of Captain Trumbull, Lieutenants Crosley and Knight, and various

officers and men of the Third Iowa, after it had been entirely abandoned by the artillerists. The

ammunition wagon, becoming fastened between a tree and log at the road-side in such a manner

that it could not be released without serious loss, was abandoned.

The engagement lasted one hour, and was sustained by my command with an intrepidity that

merits my warmest approbation.

I have to regret the loss of a number of brave officers and men, who fell gallantly fighting at

their posts. I refer to the inclosed list of killed and wounded as a part of this report. The heaviest

fire was sustained by Company I, Third Iowa Volunteers, which lost 4 killed and 20 wounded,

being one-fourth of our total loss.

43

Major Stone, Captains Warren, Willett, and O'Neill were severely wounded, and also

Lieutenants Hobbs, Anderson, Tullis, and Knight. The latter refused to retire from the field after

being three times wounded, and remained with his men till the close of the engagement.

Among the great number who deserve my thanks for their gallantry, I might mention Sergt.

James F. Lakin, of Company F, Third Iowa, who bore the colors, and carried them into the

thickest of the fight with all the coolness of a veteran.

The loss of the enemy cannot be certainly ascertained, but from accounts deemed reliable is

not less than 160, many of whom were killed. His total force was about 4,400.

Your most obedient servant,

JOHN SCOTT,

Lieutenant-Colonel Third Iowa Volunteers.

S. D. STURGIS,

Brigadier-General, U. S Army.

Jefferson CITY, September 20, 1861.

I shall leave about 3,000 Home Guards and Iowa Sixth to take care of this place. I would

recommend some one of energy be appointed to command them. General Thomas [L.] Price,

who is now in Saint Louis, would be an excellent man. They must be kept at work on these field

works, &c.

JEFF. C. DAVIS,

Acting Brigadier-General, Commanding.

General JOHN C. FREMONT.

No. 2.

Report of Col. Jacob G. Lauman, Seventh Iowa Infantry, of skirmish on Mayfield Creek, Ky.

FORT JEFFERSON, September 22, 1861.

GENERAL: My outposts, consisting of a detachment of 8 or 10 men, infantry, stationed on

the road beyond Elliott's Mills, were attacked this afternoon by the enemy's cavalry, about 100 in

number, and were repulsed with the loss of 4, known to be either killed or wounded, as they

tumbled out of their saddles, and were carried off in their precipitate retreat. One horse was

killed, and the horse furniture remains in the hands of my picket as a trophy.

If possible send us some addition to our cavalry force, and I pledge you they won't approach

our pickets again with impunity.

Respectfully, yours,

J. G. LAUMAN,

Colonel Seventh Iowa, Commanding Post.

General U.S. GRANT,

Commanding, &c.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT SOUTHEAST MISSOURI,

Cairo, Ill., September 23, 1861.

Col. J. G. LAUMAN,

Seventh Iowa, Commanding, &c., Fort Jefferson, Ky.:

Move two regiments and all your cavalry but one company to Norfolk as soon as possible.

The balance must be held in readiness for a move. Put your baggage on board of a steamboat, to

be taken to Bird's Point, where it will have to be discharged.

U.S. GRANT,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

44

SEPTEMBER 23, 1861.

We left Saint Louis October 12 for General Frémont's headquarters at Tipton, 160 miles

distant, passing the night at Jefferson City, the capital of Missouri, 125 miles from Saint Louis.

General Price was in command of the place, with a force of 1,200 men. The Eighth Iowa was

there, en route for Tipton. At this place there were accumulated a large quantity of forage landed

from steamboats, and some wagons and mules, for transportation; also the half barrels for

carrying water, and a number of mules, which Captain Turnley said he could not get forward,

having no control over the transportation by railroad.

Leaving Jefferson City on the 13th, we arrived at Tipton at 9 o'clock a.m. The Secretary of

War was called upon by General Frémont, and, upon the general's invitation, accompanied him

to Syracuse, 5 miles distant, to review the division under General McKinstry, nearly 8,000

strong. This body of troops is said to be the best equipped and best supplied of the whole army.

They certainly are, so far as means of transportation are concerned. At Tipton, besides General

Frémont and staff, his body guard, &c., I found a part of General Hunter's First Division and

General Asboth's Fourth Division. The force designed to act against Price consists of five

divisions, as follows:

First Division, Hunter's, at Tipton 9,750

Second Division, Pope’s at Georgetown 9,220

Third Division, Sigel's, at Sedalia 7,980

Fifth Division, Asboth's, at Tipton 6,451

Sixth Division, McKinstry's, at Syracuse 5,388

Total 38,789

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 General Hunter, second in command, and conversed freely with him. He stated that

there was great confusion, and that Frémont 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') 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 (35 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 General Frémont to march without provisions,

knapsacks, and without transportation. A violent rain storm came up, and the troops were

exposed to it all night, were without food for twenty-four hours, and when food was received the

beef was found to be spoiled.

General 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

General Frémont in Europe. I may here state that General 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 Colonel Swords, assistant quartermaster-general, at

Louisville, just from California, he stated that Mr. Selover, who was in Europe with General

Frémont, wrote to some friend in San Francisco that his share of the profit of the purchase of

these arms was $30,000.

When General Hunter, at Jefferson City, received orders to march to Tipton, he was directed

to take 41 wagons with him, when he had only 40 mules, which fact had been duly reported to

45

headquarters. At this time Colonel Stevenson's Seventh Missouri Regiment was, without General

Hunter's knowledge, taken from him, leaving him, when under marching orders, with only one

regiment at Jefferson City fit to take the field (see paper No. 9). General Hunter showed me the

order for marching, dated October 10, which he only received the 12th (see paper No. 10). (See

Hunter's reply, showing the great wants of his command, marked No. 11). The same day the

order was changed to one day's march (see paper No. 12). (§)

When General Pope, at Georgetown, 25 miles distant, received this order of march, he wrote

a private letter to Hunter, which I read. It set forth the utter impossibility of his moving for the

want of supplies and transportation, and asked whether General Frémont could mean what he

said. All of the foregoing goes to show the want of military foresight and soldierly judgment on

the part of General Frémont in directing the necessary means for putting and maintaining in the

field the forces under his command.

General Hunter stated that, though second in command, he never was consulted by General

Frémont, and knew nothing whatever of his intentions. Such a parallel, I venture to assert, cannot

be found in the annals of military warfare. I have also been informed that there is not a

Missourian on his staff, not a man acquainted personally with the topography and physical

characteristics of the country or its people.

The failure of General Frémont to re-enforce General Lyon demands a brief notice. General

Frémont arrived at Saint Louis July 26, called thither from New York by telegraph stating that

General Lyon was threatened by 30,000 rebels. At this time General Pope had nine regiments in

North Missouri, where the rebels had no embodied force, the Confederate forces in the State

being those under Price and McCulloch, near Springfield, Southwest Missouri, and those under

Pillow, Jeff. Thompson, and Hardee, in Southeast Missouri. Two regiments held Rolla, the

terminus of the Southwestern Branch of the Pacific Railroad, whilst Jefferson City, Booneville,

Lexington, and Kansas City had each a garrison of 300 or 400 men, behind entrenchments. Cairo

and Bird's Point were fortified and defended with heavy artillery. (Pilot Knob and Cape

Girardeau were fortified after General Frémont's arrival.) All these places could be re-enforced

by railroad and river from Saint Louis and the Northwestern States, and could hold out until reenforced,

even if attacked by superior forces.

On his arrival in Saint Louis, General Frémont was met by Captain Cavender, First Missouri,

and Major Farrar, aide-de-camp to General Lyon, with statements from the latter, and asking for

re-enforcements. Major Phelps, M. C. from Springfield, Dr. Miller, of Omaha, and many other

citizens, having ample means of information, made the same representations, and urged the

sending of re-enforcements. To Governor Gamble he said, "General Lyon is as strong as any

other officer on this line." He failed to strengthen Lyon, and the result, as is well known, was the

defeat of that most gallant officer. The two regiments at Rolla should have been pushed forward,

and the whole of Pope's nine regiments brought by rail to Saint Louis and Rolla, and thence sent

to Lyon's force. Any other general, in such an emergency, would have pursued this obvious

course.

The battle of Springfield (or, more strictly, Wilson's Creek)--one of the most desperate ever

fought on this continent--took place August 10, when the brave Lyon fell, and the troops, borne

down by greatly superior numbers, were obliged to fall back, but unpursued by a badly beaten

foe.

General Frémont called four regiments from North Missouri, and went with them to Cairo. It

is evident he had no intention of re-enforcing General Lyon, for the two regiments at Rolla, 125

miles only from Springfield, received no orders to march, and were not supplied with

transportation, and 30 or 40 hired wagons, just returned from Springfield, were discharged at

Rolla August 4, seven days before the battle, and returned to Saint Louis.

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After the news of the battle reached Saint Louis four other regiments were drawn from Pope

in North Missouri and sent to Rolla. Better to have called in these troops before the battle, as

after the battle the whole revolutionary elements were called forth. The six regiments

accomplished nothing, and were not ordered to advance and cover the retreat of Lyon's army,

although it was supposed in Saint Louis that Price and McCulloch were following it, and that

Hardee had moved up to cut off its retreat on the Gasconade.

An advance of these regiments would have enabled the army to retrace its steps and to beat

the forces of Price and McCulloch so badly, that they would have been unable to follow our

forces in their retreat. It is said that every officer in Lyon's army expected to meet reenforcements,

and to return with them, and drive Price and McCulloch from the southwest.

General Hunter arrived at Saint Louis from Chicago, called thither on a suggestion from

Washington, as an adviser. General Frémont submitted to him, for consideration and advice, a

paper called "Disposition for retaking Springfield (See Exhibit No. 13, C). It sets out with a

statement that Springfield is the strong strategical point of that wide elevation which separates

the waters of the Osage from those of the Arkansas, the key to the whole of Southwestern

Missouri, commanding an area of nearly 60,000 miles. Why did not this enter the brain of the

major-general before the fall of Lyon, and he strain every nerve to hold that important key when

in his possession!

General Hunter, in answer to the paper, replied, "Why march on Springfield, where there is

no enemy and nothing to take. Let me take the troops and proceed to Lexington," in which

direction Price was marching, and where he expected to be joined by 40,000 rebels. Instead of

this, he was sent to Rolla, without instructions, and remained there until ordered to Jefferson

City, still without instructions, and thence to Tipton, where we found him.

No steps having been taken by General Frémont to meet Price in the field, he moved forward

his line of march, plainly indicating his intention of proceeding to Lexington. When within some

35 miles of the place he remained ten or more days, evidently expecting that some movement

would be made against him. None being made, he advanced, and with his much superior force

laid siege to Lexington, defended by Mulligan, with 2,700 men, September 12, and captured it

the 21st, nine days thereafter.

Now for the facts to show that this catastrophe could have been prevented, and Price's army

destroyed before or after that disastrous affair.

Before Price got to Lexington the forces to resist him were as follows: Jefferson City, 5,500;

at Rolla, 4,000; along the Hannibal and Saint Joseph Railroad, about 5,000; western line of

Missouri, under Lane, down near Fort Scott, 2,300; Mulligan's force at Lexington, 2,700; a large

force in Illinois, along the Mississippi River, and on the Iowa line; outside of Saint Louis, some

17,000; in Saint Louis, 18,000, but say 10,000.

Hunter's plan, up to Sunday, September 22, was to concentrate from Saint Louis, Jefferson

City, and Rolla, also from the Hannibal and Saint Joseph Railroad, 20,000 men, and relieve

Mulligan. He said that if Price was a soldier Lexington had then fallen, but he could with energy

be captured, with all his baggage and plunder. The objection that there was no transportation is

idle. The railroads and river were at command, and the march from Sedalia was only 45 miles.

The force could, General Hunter supposed, be thrown into Lexington by Thursday, as it appears,

before it was taken.

General Frémont ordered Sturgis, in North Missouri, to Lexington, and by crossing the river

to re-enforce Mulligan. Sturgis had only 1,100 men, and on reaching the river opposite the town

found it commanded by Price, and of course was compelled to fall back. Hunter's plan of

moving these troops was to strike the river at a point below Lexington in our control, cross, and

march up to the place. In the interview with General Frémont the question was asked whether

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any orders had been given to re-enforce Mulligan, and the reply being in the negative, General

Hunter suggested orders to Sturgis; and had the order then been given by telegraph he would

have reached the river before Price had taken possession of the north bank and could have

crossed. The order was not given until three days after the interview. This loss of time was fatal.

Mulligan was ordered from Jefferson City, then garrisoned with 5,000 troops, with only one

regiment to hold Lexington until he could be relieved. When Lexington fell, Price had 20,000

men, his force receiving daily augmentations from the disaffected in the State. He was permitted

to gather much plunder and fall back towards Arkansas unmolested until we were at Tipton, the

13th October, when the accounts were that he was crossing the Osage. Frémont's order of march

was issued to an army of nearly 40,000, many of the regiments badly equipped, with inadequate

supplies of ammunition, clothing, and transportation. With what prospect, it must be inquired,

can General Frémont, under such circumstances, expect to overtake a retreating army, some 100

miles ahead, with a deep river between General Hunter expressed to the Secretary of War his

decided opinion that General Frémont was incompetent and unfit for his extensive and important

command. This opinion he gave reluctantly, owing to his position as second in command.

The opinion entertained by gentlemen who have approached and observed him is that he is

more fond of the pomp than of the stern realities of war; that his mind is incapable of fixed

attention or strong concentration; that by his mismanagement of affairs since his arrival in

Missouri the State has almost been lost, and that if he is continued in command, the worst results

may be anticipated. This is the concurrent testimony of a very large number of the most

intelligent men in Missouri.

Leaving Tipton on the 13th, we arrived at Saint Louis late in the evening, and on the 14th the

Secretary of War directed me to issue the following instructions to General Frémont.

Instructions were previously given (October 12) to the Hon. James Craig to raise a regiment

at Saint Joseph, Mo.

We left Saint Louis October 14, and arrived at Indianapolis in the evening. Remained at

Indianapolis October 15, and conversed freely with Governor Morton. We found that the State of

Indiana had come nobly up to the work of suppressing the rebellion. Fifty-five regiments, with

several batteries of artillery, had been raised and equipped; a larger number of troops in

proportion to population than any other State had sent into the field. The best spirit prevailed,

and it was manifest that additional troops could readily be raised. The governor had established

an arsenal, and furnished all the Indiana troops with full supplies of ammunition, including fixed

ammunition for their batteries of artillery. This arsenal was visited, and found to be in full

operation. It was under the charge of a competent pyrotechnist. Quite a number of females were

employed in making cartridges, and I venture to assert that the ammunition is equal to that which

is manufactured anywhere else. Governor Morton stated that his funds for this purpose were

exhausted, but the Secretary desired him to continue his operations, informing him that the

Government would pay for what had been furnished to the troops in the field. It is suggested that

an officer of ordnance be sent to Indianapolis to inspect the arsenal and ascertain the amount

expended in the manufacture of ammunition, with a view to reimbursing the State.

Left Indianapolis October 16 for Louisville, Ky., where we arrived at 12.30 o'clock p.m., and

had an interview with General Sherman, commanding the Department of the Cumberland. He

gave a gloomy picture of affairs in Kentucky, stating that the young men were generally

secessionists and had joined the Confederates, while the Union men, the aged and conservatives,

would not enroll themselves to engage in conflict with their relations on the other side. But few

regiments could be raised. He said that Buckner was in advance of Green River, with a heavy

force, on the road to Louisville, and an attack might be daily expected, which, with his then

force, he would not be able to resist, but that he would fight them. He as well as citizens of the

48

State said that the border States of Kentucky must furnish the troops to drive the rebels from the

State. His force then consisted of 10,000 troops, in advance of Louisville, in camp at Nolin

River, and on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad at various points; at Camp Dick Robinson,

or acting in conjunction with General Thomas, 9,000; and two regiments at Henderson, on the

Ohio, at the mouth of Green River. (See paper No. 14) D. On being asked the question what

force he deemed necessary, he promptly replied 200,000 men. This conversation occurred in the

presence of Mr. Guthrie and General Wood. The Secretary replied that he supposed that the

Kentuckians would not in any number take up arms to operate against the rebels, but he thought

General Sherman overestimated the number and power of the rebel forces; that the Government

would furnish troops to Kentucky to accomplish the work; that he (the Secretary) was tired of

this defensive war, and that the troops must assume the offensive and carry the war to the firesides

of the enemy; that the season for operations in Western Virginia was about over, and that

he would take the troops from there and send them to Kentucky; but he begged of General

Sherman to assume the offensive and to keep the rebels hereafter on the defensive. The Secretary

desired that the Cumberland Ford and Gap should be seized, and the East Tennessee and Virginia

Railroad taken possession of, and the artery that supplied the rebellion cut.

Complaint was made of the want of arms, and on the question being asked, "What became of

the arms we sent to Kentucky?" we were informed by General Sherman that they had passed into

the hands of the Home Guards, and could not be recovered; that many were already in the hands

of the rebels, and others refused to surrender those in their possession, alleging the desire to use

them in defense of their individual homes if invaded. In the hands of individuals and scattered

over the State these arms are lost to the army in Kentucky. Having ascertained that 6,200 arms

had arrived from Europe at Philadelphia, 3,000 were ordered to Governor Morton, who promised

to place them immediately in the hands of troops for Kentucky; the remaining 3,200 were sent to

General Sherman at Louisville. Negley's brigade, at Pittsburgh, 2,800 strong, two companies of

the Nineteenth Infantry from Indianapolis, the Eighth Wisconsin, at Saint Louis, the Second

Regiment of Minnesota Volunteers, at Pittsburgh, and two regiments from Wisconsin were then

ordered to Kentucky, making in all a re-enforcement of about 10,000 men.

We left Louisville at 3 o'clock p.m. for Lexington, accompanied by General Sherman and

Mr. Guthrie, remained there a few hours, and proceeded to Cincinnati; arriving at 8 o'clock p.m.

At Lexington also we found that the opinion existed that the young men of Kentucky had joined

the rebels; that no large bodies of troops could be raised in Kentucky, and that the defense of the

State must necessarily devolve upon the free States of the West and Northwest.

Having accomplished the object of our visit to the West, we left Cincinnati on the 18th and

reached Washington on the 21st, having spent the 19th and 20th at Harrisburg.

Respectfully submitted.

L. THOMAS,

Adjutant-General.

No. 1.

Report of Brig. Gen. U. S. Grant, U. S. Army.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT SOUTHEAST MISSOURI,

Cairo, September 26, 1861.

SIR: For the information of the general commanding the Western Department I have to

report that reconnaissances which I have directed for the last two days show the enemy to have

abandoned their position near Hunter's farm. They are now confined in their encampments at

Columbus and Belmont. A party of cavalry sent out by my order this morning succeeded in

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surprising a detachment of about 40 of Jeff. Thompson's command to-day. I inclose herewith

Colonel Oglesby's report of the result .

I have to report the loss of two good soldiers by the culpable conduct of Lieut. J. W.

Campion, Twentieth Illinois Volunteers, on yesterday. Colonel Marsh's report of the

circumstances is inclosed herewith.

There are two companies of the Seventh Iowa Regiment stationed at Potosi, Mo., which I

would respectfully request to be relieved and sent here to join their regiment.

Yesterday a party of cavalry from Columbus came up to the neighborhood of Elliott's Mills

and arrested a farmer there for the crime of loyalty to his country. To-day I directed in retaliation

the arrest of two noted secessionists, who were informed that they would be released on the safe

return of the Union man sent to Columbus. The party making the arrest went into Blandville and

brought from there also a Mr. Blake, who is charged with recruiting a company for the Southern

Army. He will be sent to Saint Louis for trial.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

U. S. GRANT,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Capt. C. McKEEVER,

Asst. Adjt. Gen., U. S. A., Western Dept., Saint Louis, Mo.

GENERAL ORDERS, No. 1

HDQRS. SECOND DIV. ARMY OF THE WEST,

Jefferson City, September 28, 1861.

By virtue of General Orders, No. 16, from department headquarters, the undersigned assumes

command of the Second Division of the Army of the West.

For the present, the division consists of the following brigades and regiments, with such

artillery and cavalry as shall hereafter be designated, viz:

First Brigade, Acting Brig. Gen. Jeff. C. Davis, commanding: Eighth, Eighteenth, Twenty-

Second, and Twenty-fifth Indiana Regiments.

Second Brigade, Acting Brig. Gen. J. C. Kelton, commanding: Iowa Fifth, Illinois Thirtyseventh,

Missouri Ninth, and Kansas First.

JNO. POPE,

Acting Major-General, Commanding

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., October 2, 1861.

Capt. CHAUNCEY McKEEVER,

Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Western Dept., Saint Louis, Mo.:

SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 27th ultimo, and have

complied with its requisitions. It is reported here by different persons who have come into town

that the enemy are concentrating in large numbers upon the river opposite the town of Columbus,

Ky., under the command of General A. 8. Johnston, and intending to move for this place. It is

said they expect to have, or have already, there 60,000 men. I hope to be able in a day or two to

communicate to headquarters the facts in the case. I am disposed to believe the report.

There arrived here yesterday the Tenth Regiment Iowa Volunteers, numbering about 800.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. B. PLUMMER,

Colonel Eleventh Missouri Volunteers, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS, Bird's Point, October 2, 1861.

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GENERAL: In obedience to your order last night to move with a force upon Charleston to

intercept the rebel forces under JEFF. Thompson, I sent Eleventh Illinois Volunteers, 450,

Twentieth Illinois, 350, and the Second Iowa Volunteers, 350; total infantry, 1,150; one division

of Captain Taylor’s artillery and 100 cavalry, under Captain Stewart; the whole force under

command of Colonel Tuttle, of the Second Iowa Regiment. The force left here at 3.30 o'clock

this morning; arrived at Charleston at 8 o'clock. Colonel Tuttle reports that no enemy has been

near Charleston in force. He immediately sent out detachments in every direction to reconnoiter.

Learning that about 500 of the enemy's cavalry would be at Charleston at noon to-day or during

the day, he sent forward on the Belmont road a company of cavalry 5 miles to report their

approach. The enemy did not reveal itself. At 5 o'clock p.m. the forces were put in motion, and

have returned to this camp to-night. From all the information learned through Colonel Tuttle I

am satisfied the enemy have not been at Charleston, and will not move by there. Belmont has

been evacuated. My impression is they have fallen back on New Madrid.

Most respectfully, yours,

R. J. OGLESBY.

Colonel, Commanding Bird's Point.

Brig. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Cairo, Ill.

HEADQUARTERS WESTERN DEPARTMENT,

Saint Louis, Mo., October 9, 1861.

Brig. Gen. S. R. CURTIS,

Commanding, &c., Benton Barracks, Mo.:

SIR: I have ordered Captain Callender to arm Colonels Wright's and Boyd's regiments. You

will please detach the battery of the Ninth Iowa from the regiment and mention them separately

in the consolidated reports. It will not accompany the regiment. You will order the Ninth Iowa to

proceed to Pacific City to-morrow morning and report for orders to Brigadier-General Harding.

They will take tents with them and rations for ten days. The order for them to proceed to Rolla is

suspended for the present.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHAUNCEY McKEEVER,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT SOUTHEAST MISSOURI,

Cairo, Ill., October 14, 1861.

GENERAL ORDERS, No. 11.

For the better convenience of administering the duties of this military district this command

will be brigaded as follows, subject to such changes as may be deemed necessary in the future.

First Brigade, as now organized, and commanded by Brig. Gen. John A. McClernand, with

the addition of the Tenth and Eighteenth Illinois Regiments, Schwartz's battery of light artillery,

and Stewart's cavalry.

Second Brigade will be composed of Eighth Regiment Illinois Volunteers, Seventh Iowa, and

Twenty-second Illinois, Captain Houghtaling's light artillery, and five companies of Second

Illinois Cavalry, yet to be assigned, and will be under command of Col. R. J. Oglesby.

Third Brigade will be composed of the Eleventh and Twelfth Illinois Regiments, Second

Iowa Regiment, Captain Taylor's battery of light artillery, and Langen's, Pfaff's, Burrell's and

Noleman's cavalry, and will be under command of Col. W. H. L. Wallace.

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Fourth Brigade? Col. John Cook commanding, will be composed of the Seventh and Twentyeighth

Illinois Regiments, McAllister's company of light artillery, Delano's cavalry, and one

company of Second Illinois Regiment of Cavalry.

Fifth Brigade, Colonel Plummer commanding, will be composed of the Eleventh Missouri,

Seventeenth Illinois, and Tenth Iowa Regiments, headquarters Cape Girardeau.

The command of the post of Cairo, including Mound City, will be retained by General

McClernand.

Brigade commanders will make their reports immediately to these headquarters.

By order of Brig. Gen. U.S. Grant:

JNO. A. RAWLINS,

Assistant Adjutant-General,

No. 1.

Report of Col. Granville M. Dodge, Fourth Iowa Infantry.

HEADQUARTERS POST ROLLA, Mo.,

October 15, 1861.

CAPTAIN: The ambulances arrived to-day from Springfield with 33 wounded. The advance

of Colonel Wyman's command, under command of Major Wright---consisting of Captains

Switzler and Montgomery's companies of cavalry---met 500 of the advance of Johnson's or

Churchill's command 20 miles this side of Lebanon, at a place called Dutch Hollow. Major

Wright attacked the enemy and dispersed them, killing 16 and wounding about 30. Our loss was

I killed and I wounded. Major Wright captured 37 horses and 32 prisoners and arms. The scout

first arrived from Lebanon reports about 1,500 at that place, under command of Johnson.

Drenning, in charge of the wounded, reports a large commissary train on the way to Springfield

from Memphis. The stores were landed at New Madrid, and then overland to Springfield.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. M. DODGE,

Colonel, Commanding Post.

Capt. C. McKEEVER,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Saint Louis, Mo.

WASHINGTON, D. C., October 21, 1861.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the report requested in your letter of the 19th instant.

We arrived at Saint Louis, as you are aware, at 2.30 a.m. October 11. After breakfast rode to

Benton Barracks, above the city. On the street leading to the camp passed a small field work in

coarse of construction. Found the camp of great extent, with extensive quarters, constructed of

rough boards. Much has been said of the large sums expended in their erection, but some one

mentioned that General McKinstry, principal quartermaster, who made the disbursements, gave

the cost at $15,000. If so, it was judicious. The actual cost should be ascertained. General Curtis

was in command. Force present, 140 officers, 3,338 men--principally detachments, except the

First Iowa Cavalry, 34 officers, 904 men, having horses, but without equipments.

General Curtis said of General Frémont that he found no difficulty in having access to him,

and when he presented business connected with his command, it was attended to. General F.

never consulted him on military matters, nor informed him of his plans. General Curtis

remarked that while he would go with freedom to General Scott and express his opinions, he

would not dare do so to General Frémont. He deemed General Frémont unequal to the command

of an army, and said that he was no more bound by law than by the winds.

52

After dinner rode to the arsenal, below the city, Captain Callender in charge. The garrison for

its protection is under Major Granger, Third Cavalry. But very few arms on hand; a number of

heavy guns, designed for gunboats and mortar boats. The captain is engaged in making

ammunition. He said he heard that some person had a contract for making the carriages for these

guns; that, if so, he knew nothing of it, and that it was entirely irregular, he being the proper

officer to attend to the case. This, in my opinion, requires investigation. He expected soon to

receive funds, and desired them for current purposes; was fearful, however, that they might be

diverted for other payments. Visited a large hospital not distant from the arsenal, in charge of

Assistant Surgeon Bailey, U.S. Army. It was filled with patients, mostly doing well; in fine

order, and a credit to the service. The doctor had an efficient corps of assistants from the

volunteer service, and in addition a number of Sisters of Charity as nurses. God bless these pure

and disinterested women!

Colonel Andrews, chief paymaster, called and represented irregularities in the Pay

Department, and desired instructions 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 (Major

Febiger) to 42 persons, appointed by General Frémont, viz: 1 colonel, 3 majors, 8 captains, 15

first lieutenants, 11 second lieutenants, 1 surgeon, 3 assistant surgeons; total 42. Nineteen of

these have appointments as engineers, and entitled to cavalry pay.

A second abstract of payments was furnished, but not vouched for as reliable, as the

paymaster was sick, and is only given to show the excess of officers of rank appointed to the

major-general's body guard of only 300 men; the commander being a colonel, &c. The whole

number of irregular appointments made by General Frémont was said by Colonel Andrews to be

nearly 200.

The following is a copy of one of these appointments:

HEADQUARTERS WESTERN DEPARTMENT,

Saint Louis, August 28, 1861.

SIR: You are hereby appointed captain of cavalry, to be employed in the land transportation

department, and will report for duty at these headquarters.

J. C. FREMONT,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT SOUTHEAST MISSOURI,

Cairo, Ill., October 25, 1861.

Capt. CHAUNCEY McKEEVER, Saint Louis, Mo.:

I have the honor to report my return to this command last evening. You have no doubt

received the report of General McClernand as to the result of the flag of truce sent to Columbus

during my absence. I have nothing new to add. My mission to Springfield was only partially

successful. The governor has neither artillery nor small-arms at his disposal at present, but if my

command (or this command) is not supplied when he does receive them, one company will be

equipped with a battery of James' rifled cannon. This cannot be done before the last of

November. I think I will send the Second Iowa Regiment to Saint Louis immediately after

muster, and hope you will replace them with all the troops disposable.

U.S. GRANT,

Brigadier-General.

53

CAIRO, ILL., October 27, 1861.

Capt. CHAUNCEY McKEEVER, Saint Louis, Mo.:

The health of the Second Iowa Regiment is such that I have thought it both prudent and

humane to send them to Saint Louis to recruit their health. Colonel Tuttle, the commander, is

desirous of returning to this place as soon as it will be prudent to do so, and I have directed him

to report to department headquarters when he thinks the health of his regiment sufficiently

recovered. As the district is but weakly garrisoned, I would respectfully request that a regiment

be sent here to replace the Second Iowa, and all the troops you can send will be gladly received.

Such drafts have been made upon the force at Columbus lately for the Green River country

and possibly other parts of Kentucky, that if General Smith's and my command were prepared it

might now be taken. I am not prepared, however, for a forward movement. My cavalry are not

armed nor my artillery equipped; the infantry is not well armed, and transportation is entirely

inadequate to any forward movement.

I shall make this evening a requisition on the quartermaster in Saint Louis for 8,000 bedsacks.

They are highly essential for the comfort and health Of the men, and I hope the

commander of the department will order their immediate delivery.

U.S. GRANT,

Brigadier-General.

GENERAL ORDERS, No. 97

HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,

Washington, November 9, 1861.

The following departments are formed from the present Departments of the West,

Cumberland, and Ohio:

1. The Department of New Mexico, to consist of the Territory of New Mexico, to be

commanded by Col. E. R. S. Canby, U.S. Army.

2. The Department of Kansas, to include the State of Kansas, the Indian Territory west of

Arkansas, and the Territories of Nebraska, Colorado, and Dakota, to be commanded by Major-

General Hunter, headquarters at Fort Leavenworth.

3. The Department of the Missouri, to include the States of Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota,

Wisconsin, Illinois, Arkansas, and that portion of Kentucky west of the Cumberland River, to be

commanded by Maj. Gen. H. W. Halleck, U.S. Army.

By order:

JULIUS P. GARESCHE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION,

Syracuse, November 19, 1861.

Maj. W. E. LEFFINGWELL, First Iowa Cavalry:

MAJOR: Authentic intelligence has reached me that a camp of 500 rebels, mounted, and with

one piece of artillery, has been formed near the town of Jonesborough, about 35 miles from this

place. You are accordingly instructed to proceed by forced march to-night, so as to surprise their

camp by to-morrow morning at daybreak, with five companies of your regiment and a section of

horse artillery. You will march from this place at 6 o'clock this afternoon, taking all precautions

to avoid having your movements made known, and will be careful to throw forward an advance

guard and flankers to prevent a surprise.

Should you arrive near Jonesborough before daylight, you will not make an attack until it is

light enough to see clearly, that no mistake or confusion arise among your own command. When

54

you have ascertained exactly the position of the enemy's camp, you will endeavor to make such

disposition of your force as to cut off his retreat. Attack vigorously and promptly, and pursue

until the rebel force is completely dispersed. Two days' rations (cooked) will be taken with your

command, but no tents nor baggage of any description.

Having executed this duty thoroughly, you will return with all speed to this place.

I am, major, respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. POPE,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

DEAR SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Iowa

troops in the late hotly contested battle of Wilson's Creek.

At 6 o'clock p.m. of the 9th instant the First Regiment of Iowa Volunteers, under command

of Lieut. Col. William H. Merritt, Col. J. F. Bates being sick, united with the forces at

Springfield under command of General Lyon, and commenced the march to Wilson's Creek, 12

miles distant. Arriving within 3 miles of the enemy's camp, and in close proximity of their

pickets, the order was given to halt. The troops lay on their arms until 3 o'clock a.m. of the 10th

instant, when they advanced on the enemy's lines. About 5 o'clock a.m. our advanced skirmishers

engaged the enemy's pickets and drove them in. The First Missouri and First Kansas Volunteers,

and a battalion of regular infantry, under command of Captain Plummer, with Totten's battery,

very soon engaged a considerable number of the rebel forces.

Du Bois' battery took position a short distance east of where the enemy were being engaged,

and the Iowa troops were drawn up in line of battle on its left. A brisk fire was commenced and

kept up for thirty minutes. The enemy responded promptly with a battery in the ravine, but their

shot passed from 10 to 100 feet over our heads. Detailed Company D, First Lieutenant Keller

commanding, and Company E, First Lieutenant Abercrombie commanding, to act as skirmishers

in advance of my line. Ordered to advance over the hill, engage the enemy, and relieve the First

Regiment Kansas Volunteers. In advancing to engage the enemy, met the First Kansas retreating

in confusion. They broke through our line on the right, separating Companies A and F from the

balance of the command. While in this confused state received a murderous fire from the

enemy's infantry. Gave the command to fall back and reform the line, the din of fire-arms and the

loud talking of the retreating troops drowned my voice, so that the command could not be heard

on the left. Led the two companies, A and F, over the hill, halted them, and ordered them to

about face and fire on a squadron of the enemy's cavalry advancing to charge on a section of

Totten's battery. The fire was executed with promptness and effect, and after receiving the

discharge from the battery the enemy retired in double-quick time, leaving a number of dead and

wounded on the field. Ordered Companies A and F to hold their position until further orders, and

then returned to Companies I, C, H, K, G, and B, who had been left facing the enemy's line.

Found our troops advancing under a galling fire from the enemy's infantry. After repulsing the

enemy they fell back in good order. Ordered Maj. A. B. Porter to proceed to the rear and take

command of the four companies, A, F, D, and E, there stationed. Held our position in front for

five hours, alternately advancing and retiring, as the approach and repulse of the enemy made it

necessary to do so. In every charge the enemy made we repulsed them, and drove them into the

ravine below. About 12 o'clock m. the order was given to retire from the field, which was done

in good order. As we retired over the hill we passed a section of Totten's battery, occupying a

commanding point to the right, supported on the right by Companies A, F, D, and E, of the Iowa

troops, under command of Major Porter, and on the left by one company of regular infantry,

under command of Captain Lothrop. This command sustained our retreat with great coolness

and determination under a most terrific discharge from the enemy's infantry. After the wounded

55

were gathered up our column formed in order of march, and, the enemy repulsed, the battery and

infantry retired in good order.

Thus closed one of the most hotly-contested engagements known to the country,

commencing 5.20 o'clock a.m. and concluding 12.20 o'clock p.m., in which the enemy brought to

the field 14,000 well-armed and Well disciplined troops and 10,000 irregular troops, and our

own force amounted to about 5,000 troops in the early part of the engagement, and considerably

less than 4,000 troops for the concluding four hours of it.

It is with great pleasure that I acknowledge valuable aid and assistance from Maj. A. B.

Porter, Adjt. George W. Waldron, who was wounded in the leg, and Sergt. Maj. Charles

Compton, and to express my unbounded admiration of the heroic conduct displayed by both

officers and men. No troops, regular or volunteer, ever sustained their country's flag with more

determined valor and fortitude. They have crowned themselves with imperishable honor, and

must occupy a conspicuous place in the history of their country.

A list of the killed, wounded, and missing will be found attached to this report, together with

such notices of individual prowess as were observed on the field.

Before concluding this report I must bear testimony to the gallant and meritorious conduct of

Capt. A. L. Mason, of Company C, who fell in a charge at the head of his company.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. MERRITT,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.

J. M. SCHOFIELD,

Acting Adjutant-General.

No. 1.

Report of Brig. Gen. S. A. Hurlbut, U. S. Army.

GENERAL: I inclose herewith the report of Col. N. G. Williams, Third Iowa, in relation to

the affair at Shelbina. Certain other facts relative to my movements are necessary for the full

understanding of the matter.

I left Kirksville, in Adair County, on August 30, with detachment of 500 men, Third Iowa, in

command of Lieutenant-Colonel Scott; seven companies Sixteenth Illinois, Colonel Smith;

Mattison's artillery, two pieces, and one other piece attached to the Sixteenth. There were also

about 150 Home Guards, nearly all mounted, temporarily led by Lieutenant Call, of Third Iowa.

We marched that day to Wilson's, 16 miles. On the 31st of August we moved from Wilson to

Lakeland, 15 miles. On the 1st of September from Lakeland to Bethel, 15 miles.

At Bethel I was joined by Colonel Moore's command, 850 men, with one piece of artillery. I

then ordered Colonel Smith and Colonel Moore, with their commands, to proceed by

Philadelphia to Palmyra; Colonel Smith to hold Palmyra, and Colonel Moore, to follow Green's

force wherever he might be advised it was, giving them all the artillery and cavalry. My

information there was that Green was at Philadelphia.

With the sick men of the command, numbering over 120, and the Third Iowa, I moved from

Bethel, through Shelbyville, to Shelbina. I reached Shelbina in a terrific rain and wind storm on

the 2d September about 7 p.m. It was impossible to telegraph for railroad transportation on

account of the storm, and the men went into quarters for the night. Transportation was ordered in

the morning of the 3d; arrived about noon, and the command was transported to Brookfield. At

Shelbina I first learned that Colonel Williams had gone to Paris, but I was also informed that he

had not less than 1,200 men with him, in-eluding his own force and the Second Kansas

Regiment. There were no supplies of any kind at Shelbina, and I saw no reason to suppose that

there was any cause for holding my immediate command there.

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On the 4th I sent trains down from Brookfield to bring up Colonel Williams' force. About 11

a.m. I received a dispatch from Colonel Williams asking re-enforcements; that he was

surrounded by some 3,000 men. I answered by telegraph that I would come down with 350 men

to assist him and to hold the place. Shortly after I received another dispatch that the enemy had

opened fire with two pieces of artillery. I ordered that the troops charge at once and take the

battery.

These dispatches were received at Shelbina. I hurried forward the embarkation of the men at

Brookfield, and started as rapidly as possible. On arriving at Macon City, I learned by telegraph

that Colonel Williams' force had abandoned Shelbina, and were then near Clarence, 12 miles east

of Macon. As it was now near night, I concluded to wait for their arrival. They came up about 8

p.m. I sent for Colonel Williams and the officers of the Second Kansas Regiment, and demanded

the reasons for withdrawal. Colonel Blair and Major Cloud stated that they had insisted on the

abandonment of the place against Colonel Williams' consent; that they considered the order to

charge the battery impracticable. They further informed me that their time of service was out;

that by orders from General Frémont they were on their way home to reorganize the regiment;

showed me Major-General Frémont's orders for their transportation west, and demanded

transportation accordingly. I requested them as a matter of justice to Colonel Williams to put

their statement into writing, which was done, and a copy of which is hereto attached.

In the morning of the 6th I ordered down the balance of my force from Brookfield, and sent

the Second Kansas west. Great delay occurred in obtaining the necessary timber and material for

the repair of the road, which we had ascertained to be very much torn up in the neighborhood of

Shelbina, especially as the engineers refused to run after dark.

On the morning of the 7th of September, having collected the necessary material, and taking

under my command the Third Iowa and two hundred men of the Illinois Sixteenth, I started east

on the road and worked through without opposition, but with considerable delay, to Shelbina,

where I had the honor of opening communications with you. I was in hopes that the Second

Kansas would have remained with the command, but did not consider that I had any authority to

order them to do so. As Brookfield was, in my judgment, much exposed to attack, and had a

large amount of Government property, I requested them to remain and guard that point. This they

also declined, but afterwards, on arriving at the post, concluded to do so.

It appears from Colonel Williams' statement that he had only 280 of his own men; that he

was willing to hold Shelbina, and wholly refused to abandon it, but was compelled to do so by

the action of the Second Kansas.

The only casualty that occurred at Shelbina was that Captain McClure, of the Second Kansas,

lost his foot by a cannon ball. I learned from good sources at that point that at least seven of the

enemy were killed. The force was commanded by Martin E. Green, the same that was at

Philadelphia, and fell away from that point before the advance of Moore and Smith, re-enforced

largely by sudden levies from Monroe, Marion, and Ralls Counties. Their numbers I only gather

from the reports made to me. I do not think that Green had of his own command more than

1,200.

It is my opinion that Shelbina could have been held, but the fault of surrendering that

position does not rest, in my judgment, on any of the officers or men of my command.

I have the honor, general, to be your most obedient servant?

S. A. HURLBUT,

Brigadier-General, U. S. Army.

Brig. Gen. JOHN POPE,

Commanding Northern Missouri.

57

ON BOARD STEAMER BELLE MEMPHIS,

November 7, 1861--2 o'clock a.m.

The troops composing the present expedition from this place will move promptly at 6 o'clock

this morning. The gunboats will take the advance, and be followed by the First Brigade, under

command of Brig. Gen. John A. McClernand, composed of all the troops from Cairo and Fort

Holt. The Second Brigade, comprising the remainder of the troops of the expedition, commanded

by Col. Henry Dougherty, will follow. The entire force will debark at the lowest point on the

Missouri shore where a landing can be effected in security from the rebel batteries. The point of

debarkation will be designated by Captain Walke, commanding naval forces.

By order of Brig. Gen. U.S. Grant:

JOHN A. RAWLINS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

Promptly at the hour designated we proceeded down the river to point just out of range of the

rebel batteries at Columbus, and debarked on the Missouri shore. From here the troops were

marched, with skirmishers well in advance, by flank for about a mile towards Belmont, and there

formed in line of battle. One battalion had been left as a reserve near the transports. Two

companies from each regiment were thrown forward as skirmishers, to ascertain the position of

the enemy, and about 9 o'clock met and engaged him. The balance of my force, with the

exception of the reserve, was promptly thrown forward, and drove the enemy foot by foot, and

from tree to tree, back to his encampment on the river bank, a distance of over 2 miles. Here he

had strengthened his position by felling the timber for several hundred yards around his camp,

making a sort of abatis. Our men charged through this, driving the enemy under cover of the

bank, and many of them into their transports, in quick time, leaving us in possession of

everything not exceedingly portable.

Belmont is situated on low ground, and every foot is commanded by the guns on the opposite

shore, and of course could not be held for a single hour after the enemy became aware of the

withdrawal of his troops. Having no wagons with me, I could move but little of the captured

property, consequently gave orders for the destruction of everything that could not be moved and

an immediate return to our transports. Tents, blankets, &c., were set on fire and destroyed, and

our return march commenced, taking his artillery and a large number of captured horses and

prisoners with us. Three pieces of artillery being drawn by hand, and one by an inefficient team,

were spiked and left on the road; two were brought to this place.

We had but fairly got under way when the enemy, having received re-enforcements, rallied

under cover of the river bank and the woods on the point of land in the bend of the river above

us, and made his appearance between us and our transports, evidently with a design of cutting off

our return to them.

Our troops were not in the least discouraged, but charged the enemy and again defeated him.

We then, with the exception of the Twenty-seventh Illinois, Col. N. B. Buford commanding,

reached our transports and embarked without further molestation. While waiting for the arrival of

this regiment, and to get some of our wounded from a field hospital near by, the enemy, having

crossed fresh troops from Columbus, again made his appearance on the river bank, and

commenced firing upon our transports. The fire was returned by our men from the decks of the

steamers, and also by the gunboats with terrible effect, compelling him to retire in the direction

of Belmont. In the mean time Colonel Buford, although he had received orders to return with the

main force, took the Charleston road from Belmont, and came in on the road leading to Bird's

Point, where we had formed the line of battle in the morning. At this point, to avoid the effect of

the shells from the gunboats that were beginning to fall among his men, he took a blind path

direct to the river, and followed a wood road up its bank, and thereby avoided meeting the

58

enemy, who were retiring by the main road. On his appearance on the river bank a steamer was

dropped down, and took his command on board, without his having participated or lost a man in

the enemy's attempt to cut us off from our transports.

Notwithstanding the crowded state of our transports, the only loss we sustained from the

enemy's fire upon them was three men wounded, one of whom belonged to one of the boats.

Our loss in killed on the field was 85, 301 wounded (many of them, however, slightly), and

99 missing. Of the wounded, 125 fell into the hands of the enemy. Nearly all the missing were

from the Seventh Iowa Regiment, which suffered more severely than any other. All the troops

behaved with great gallantry, which was in a great degree attributable to the coolness and

presence of mind of their officers, particularly the colonels commanding.

General McClernand was in the midst of danger throughout the engagement, and displayed

both coolness and judgment. His horse was three times shot under him.

Colonel Dougherty, Twenty-second Illinois Volunteers, commanding the Second Brigade, by

his coolness and bravery entitles himself to be named among the most competent of officers for

command of troops in battle. In our second engagement he was three times wounded, and fell a

prisoner in the hands of the enemy.

Among the killed was Lieut. Col. A. Wentz, Seventh Iowa Volunteers, and among the

wounded were Col. J. G. Lauman and Maj. E. W. Rice, of the Seventh Iowa.

The reports of subcommanders will detail more fully particulars of the engagement, and the

conduct of both officers and men.

To my staff, Capt. John A. Rawlins, assistant adjutant-general; Lieuts. C. B. Lagow and

William S. Hillyer, aides-de-camp, and Capt. R. B. Hatch, assistant quartermaster, I am much

indebted for the promptitude with which they discharged their several duties.

Surg. J. H. Brinton, U.S. volunteers, chief medical officer, was on the field during the entire

engagement, and displayed great ability and efficiency in providing for the wounded, and in

organizing the medical corps.

Maj. J. D. Webster, acting chief engineer, also accompanied me on the field, and displayed

soldierly qualities of a high order.

My own horse was shot under me during the engagement.

The gunboats Tyler, Captain Walke, and Lexington, Captain Stembel, convoyed the

expedition, and rendered most efficient service. Immediately upon our landing they engaged the

enemy's batteries on the heights above Columbus, and protected our transports throughout. For a

detailed account of the part taken by them I refer with pleasure to the accompanying report of

Capt. H. Walke, senior officer.

In pursuance of my request, General Smith, commanding at Paducah, sent on the 7th instant a

force to Mayfield, Ky., and another in the direction of Columbus, with orders not to approach

nearer, however, than 12 or 15 miles of that place. I also sent a small force on the Kentucky

side towards Columbus, under Col. John Cook, Seventh Illinois Volunteers, with orders not to go

beyond Elliott's Mills, distant some 12 miles from Columbus. These forces having marched to

the points designated in their orders, returned without having met serious resistance.

On the evening of the 7th information of the result of the engagement at Belmont was sent to

Colonel Oglesby, commanding expedition against Jeff. Thompson, and orders to return to Bird's

Point by way of Charleston, Mo. Before these reached him, however, he had learned that Jeff.

Thompson had left the place where he was reported to be when the expedition started (he having

gone towards New Madrid or Arkansas), and had determined to return. The same information

was sent to the commanding officer at Cape Girardeau, with directions for the troops to be

brought back that had gone out from that place.

59

From all the information I have been able to obtain since the engagement, the enemy's loss in

killed and wounded was much greater than ours. We captured 175 prisoners, all his artillery and

transportation, and destroyed his entire camp and garrison equipage. Independent of the injuries

inflicted upon him, and the prevention of his re-enforcing Price or sending a force to cut off the

expeditions against Jeff. Thompson, the confidence inspired in our troops in the engagement will

be of incalculable benefit to us in the future.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

U.S. GRANT,

Brigadier-General.

Brig. Gen. SETH WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Washington, D.C.

CAIRO, November 8, 1861.

The expedition of which I advised you on the 6th landed yesterday morning 5 miles this side

of Columbus, my command consisting of Twenty-seventh, Colonel Buford; Thirtieth, Colonel

Fouke; Thirty-first, Colonel Logan; Captain Dollins' company of cavalry, and Captain Taylor's

battery of six pieces, all Illinois volunteers; the Twenty-second Illinois and Seventh Iowa, and

Captain Delano's company of cavalry, under Colonel Dougherty. Within 2 miles from Belmont,

opposite Columbus, the enemy met us in superior force. We beat them, fighting all the way into

their camp immediately under the guns at Columbus; burned their encampment, took 200

prisoners, a large amount of property, spiked two or three guns, and brought away two. During

the action several thousand men were thrown across from Columbus. They formed a heavy

column in our rear. We fought the same ground over, and after defeating them returned to our

boats. Colonel Buford's regiment and Dollins' cavalry, becoming separated from the main body,

made a circuit and came to the river above the landing after the boats had left. I returned with

transport boats and gunboats, and brought them late at night. General Grant was in chief

command. The battle was a terrible one, lasting several hours, and the loss on both sides heavy--

probably 300 killed, wounded, and prisoners on our part. The enemy much greater. Many

officers are lost. Captain Bielaski, of my staff, killed; Colonel Dougherty missing; Colonel

Lauman wounded. Our force was about 3,500 strong--the enemy double that number. Prisoners

say it was more. A flag of truce goes down to-day to provide for the dead and wounded. I will

report at large by mail.

JOHN A. McCLERNAND,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Major-General McCLELLAN.

ROLLA, Mo., November 9, 1861.

CAPTAIN: Having obtained reliable information of Freeman and his forces, on Friday,

November 1, I sent a detachment, consisting of 250 of Fourth Iowa, 180 of Thirty-sixth Illinois,

and Wood's Kansas Rangers, 60 strong, under command of Colonel Greusel, Thirty-sixth

Illinois, with instructions to fight Freeman or drive him and forces out of the country; and, after

doing this, to divide the forces, sending the cavalry home by way of Salem, leaving the infantry,

under command of Maj. W. R. English, Fourth Iowa, to capture all the property belonging to

rebels in Freeman's army, and report to these headquarters.

The infantry arrived to-night, bringing in a large amount of property, stock, and several

prominent rebel prisoners. They drove Freeman from Texas County, and Captain Wood, in

command of cavalry, is still in pursuit of him. The amount of stock and property will amount to

several thousand dollars, all of it good.

60

The expedition has proved a success, and I think has rid this section of a thieving, murdering

rebel force.

I did not telegraph in relation to expedition, not considering it of that character that required

speedy information to headquarters of department.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. M. DODGE,

Colonel, Commanding Post.

Capt. C. McKEEVER,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS THIRTIETH REGIMENT ILL. VOLS.,

Camp McClernand, November 9, 1861.

DEAR SIR: I received your order to have my Thirtieth Regiment ready to march at a

moment's warning at 11 o'clock p.m., 6th instant. I remained in camp in readiness until your

second order was received to embark at 4 o'clock, which was done promptly at the hour named.

After landing in Missouri I placed my regiment in the position you directed, and marched

forward, with Colonel Logan on my left, and did not march far when the enemy opened upon my

command, with infantry in front, and a battery of artillery obliquely raking my lines. We

maintained our position steadily for thirty minutes, then moved forward slowly, driving the

enemy before us. When I arrived at the corn field, or open space in front, I found Colonel

Dougherty, Twenty-second Illinois Regiment, on my right. The batteries of the enemy there were

abandoned. The enemy's artillery and infantry retreated before us across the field, and took

position in a ravine surrounded by fallen timber in front of their camp. Here I met with Colonel

Dougherty. He charged to the right and I moved forward to the ravine, forming in forty paces of