Roster and Records Index

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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,
Acting Adjutant-General.

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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

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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

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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.

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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 FifthRegiments, 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

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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.

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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

Page 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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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

Page 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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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)

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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

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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.

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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,

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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 the enemy, concealed in fallen timber, and drove him from his position. At that time our artillery came up on my right. I poured a heavy fire into the retreating enemy under your immediate direction, about the same time following up to the cover he had partially abandoned. Colonel Logan's Thirty-first Regiment came up from the left, and the two regiments charged into the enemy's camp together.
After the defeat of the enemy at the camp I caused my colors (then riddled with balls) to be planted, my drums to beat, and rallied my regiment in position at the point where we were first attacked by the re-enforcement of the enemy. I believe I received the first fire. I lost there 1 lieutenant and 2 privates killed, and several wounded. I was then ordered by you to press forward and cut our way through and protect our batteries. I placed any men, a part in front and a part in rear of the batteries, and protected them to the boat, sometimes lifting them by main force over logs and ravines. As I entered the woods I received a galling fire from the enemy on the left. I returned three volleys, and as soon as I could disengage one of the guns of our battery which the horses were too much exhausted to pull over some logs in a ravine, I marched forward. It was then that Captain Marckley was killed. He fell dead at my feet, gallantly urging his men to stand by and protect the batteries. I there lost 3 or 4 privates killed and wounded.
When we arrived at the corn field after the first attack in the woods we were again assailed. It was there that 12 or 15 of the Seventh Iowa Regiment fell. They had been separated from their command early in the action, and had been fighting by my side in my regiment during the day, and I must add that they obeyed all my commands cheerfully, and fought gallantly during the whole of the engagement. Major McClurken here fell like a true soldier, in front of the ranks. After passing through the corn field we received one volley on the left of my regiment from the retiring enemy, which wounded 2 of my men. That was the last of the engagement until we got to the boats. My regiment came to the boats in order, bringing off quite a number of the wounded.

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I cannot speak too highly of the bravery and gallantry of my command. Three balls entered my saddle. The crupper of my saddle was cut in two by a ball. I had two horses wounded whilst on them. I have a black-silk flag with a scarlet fringe, taken by my regiment during the fight. It belonged to a Tennessee regiment. I took a whole company of Tennesseeans, but they all got away in the last engagement except 28. Those I delivered up at headquarters on my return to Cairo. My total loss of officers and men, including killed, wounded, and missing, amounts to 81. One-fourth of the guns used by my regiment in the battle either exploded or were rendered useless before the battle was half over.
Your obedient servant,
P. B. FOUKE,
Colonel Thirtieth Regiment.

Brig. Gen. JOHN A. McCLERNAND.
HEADQUARTERS SEVENTH IOWA VOLUNTEERS,
Bird's Point, Mo., November 10, 1861.
GENERAL: I herewith hand you the report of the movements of my regiment, with the official list of killed and wounded, at the battle of Belmont, as follows:
On the 5th instant I received your order to hold my regiment in readiness to march at 4 p.m. on the following day, with 24 hours' rations in haversacks. It was dark, however, before we embarked on the steamer Montgomery, and we soon after got under way. We proceeded but a short distance down the river when we tied up for the night.
Early on the morning of the 7th proceeded on our way, and soon after landed on the west bank of the Mississippi, about 3 miles above Belmont, which is opposite Columbus, Ky. We immediately formed in line in the corn field on the bank of the river about 8.30 o'clock, and were soon after ordered by you to form on the left of McClernand's brigade, which had already crossed the field. At this time I was joined by Colonel Dougherty, with the Twenty-second Illinois. We remained in this position until Taylor's battery had disembarked and taken their position, when we received orders to march, which we did in the following order: The First Brigade, consisting of three regiments of infantry and Taylor's battery: then followed the Second Brigade, consisting of eight companies of my regiment and seven companies of the Twentysecond Illinois, Colonel Dougherty in command of the brigade; two companies of my regiment and three companies of Colonel Dougherty's having previously been detached to guard the boats, and the cavalry were sent in advance scouting. In this order we marched a mile or so, when we formed in line of battle in front of a corn field, the battery taking position in the field.
We remained in this position but a short time, when we advanced in line of battle across a dry slough and immediately in front of heavy timber. Here I received orders to throw forward two companies as skirmishers, which I complied with by sending Company A, commanded by Lieutenant De Hens, and Company F, Captain Kittredge, from my right wing. I soon after sent forward Company B, Captain Gardner, from my left wing. These companies were not long in engaging the rebels, whom they found in force in front and to the left of our position, and the heavy and continued firing convinced me that we now had work to do. I therefore dispatched Lieutenant-Colonel Wentz to ascertain the force of the enemy and their exact position, but before he had time to return I received, through your aide, Rawlins, an order to advance to their support, which I did, bringing my men under fire at double-quick time. From this until about 11 o'clock we fought the rebels slowly but steadily, driving them before us at every volley.
Our advance at this point was slow, in consequence of the obstructions in our way, caused by felling timber and underbrush, but we crept under and over it, at times lying down to let the fire of the artillery and musketry pass over us, and then up and onward again until we arrived at the

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field to the left of the rebels' camp. There we were joined by our skirmishers, and succeeded, after a severe struggle, in driving back the enemy and forming our lines immediately. We poured volley after volley on the retiring foe across the field in our front and the battery which was stationed at the head of the encampment on our right. Our fire was so hot that the guns were soon abandoned; the enemy, about 800, were fleeing across the field in the greatest consternation. By a flank movement to the right I brought my men into the open space in front of the battery, which was immediately taken possession of, I believe, by Lieutenant De Heus, Company A, whose flag was soon seen flying from one of the captured pieces. We were now immediately in the rear of the encampment, and were here joined by a part of Colonel Dougherty's regiment--Twenty-second Illinois. The rebels kept up a sharp and galling fire upon us, but a few well-directed volleys induced them to abscond from their camp suddenly. It was here, where the firing was the heaviest, that Lieutenant Wallen, of Company I, seized the regimental colors and bore them aloft in front of the regiment's line, directing the boys' attention to a fine large flag floating over the encampment, decorated with twelve stars, and on the other with the "Harp of Erin" on a green-silk ground. They, with loud huzzas, went forward and secured it. It was in making this charge that my horse was shot. I followed the regiment on foot until we reached the lower end of the encampment, where I was supplied with another horse, which had just been captured by one of the men, when, immediately ordering another charge, we drove all the remaining rebels over the bank of the river at this point (some 12 feet high), and dashed up the river road until we came to the log house which constituted the city of Belmont. At this place there was considerable random firing, the rebels firing from cover of trees and the bank of the river; and it was here, while giving Captain Parrott, of Company E, orders to bring off two field pieces which had been abandoned by the enemy, or to throw them into the river, so as to render them useless against us, that I received a ball through my left thigh, which for a time disabled me, when I was assisted by Captain Parrott to the rear of the tents, where I remained but a short time, as, one of the guns of Captain Taylor's battery coming along, they placed me on it and took me to the rear of the encampment.
In the mean time our men had received orders to burn and destroy the camp and property which had fallen into our hands, and in a short time the destruction was complete. The rebels, however, not being idle, having several large steamers in the river at Columbus, they were loaded down with fresh troops, which were thrown between us and our place of debarkation, so as in a measure to cut off our retreat. Those of them, also, who had been driven from their guns in the early part of the fight, seeing us falling back towards our boats, took fresh courage and commenced closing in on us; and now, as all the Illinois troops had left us or were leaving, except the Twenty-second Illinois, Colonel Dougherty, we were in danger of being surrounded and cut off. I was apprised of this state of affairs by Colonel Dougherty, to whose bravery I bear testimony, and who lost a limb in his endeavors to bring off safely the rear of his brigade, as well as to that of his noble regiment, which fought side by side on that memorable day. I immediately gave orders to my regiment to retire, myself leading the way, but by this time we were subjected to an enfilading fire which caused us heavy loss. The men behaved in the most gallant manner, deliberately loading and firing as they retired, and although every other man was killed or wounded, they scarcely accelerated their step, but coolly and deliberately made their way to the boats.
It was after the retreat had commenced that Lieutenant-Colonel Wentz was killed. He died on the field of battle like a true soldier. He was truly a brave man, and did his duty well and nobly. Lieutenant Dodge, of Company B, was killed, and Lieutenant Gardner, who commanded Company I, and Lieutenant Ream, Company C, mortally wounded. Among my officers more or less severely wounded you will find the names of Major Rice, Captains Harper, Parrott,

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Kittredge, and Gardner, and First Lieutenant De Heus, who commanded Company A, of whose bravery I desire to speak in the most emphatic manner. I desire also to direct your attention to Captain Crabb, who was taken prisoner, and who behaved in the bravest manner. But I might go on in this way and name nearly all my entire command, for they all behaved like heroes; but there is one or two more I feel it my duty to name as deserving special mention--Lieutenant Boler, adjutant of the regiment, and Lieutenant Estle, whose conduct was worthy of all praise, and Private Lawrence Trigg, whose thigh was broken and he left on the field. He was taken prisoner and his leg amputated, but he died the same day, telling his captors with his dying breath that if he ever recovered to be able to move he would shoulder his musket again in his country's cause. Under cover of the fire of the gunboats we finally reached our boat between 5 and 6 o'clock, and about 8 o'clock arrived in Cairo.
My entire loss in killed, wounded, prisoners, and missing is as follows, out of an aggregate somewhat over 400: Killed, 51; died of wounds, 3; missing, 10; prisoners, 39; wounded, 124.
Total, 227.
With high esteem, permit me to subscribe myself, general, your obedient servant,
J. G. LAUMAN,
Colonel, Commanding Seventh Regiment Iowa Volunteers.

Brig. Gen. U.S. GRANT,
Commanding U.S. Forces, Cairo, Ill.
CAMP McCLERNAND, November 11, 1861.
SIR: In pursuance of Special Orders, No. 97, I prepared as many of my command as were in condition to march that were supplied with arms, the whole number being 6l0 infantry, and 70 cavalry, commanded by Captain Dollins. I proceeded at 4 o'clock on the 6th instant to the steamer Aleck Scott, and then embarked, in connection with Colonel Fouke's regiment. We proceeded that night 11 miles below Cairo, and remained at the Kentucky shore till morning, when we proceeded with other boats, under command of Brigadier-Generals McClernand and Grant, landing at a farm some 3 miles above Belmont, in Missouri, opposite Columbus, Ky. We then, in connection with other commands, proceeded to a large farm some 2 miles in rear of Belmont, and formed line of battle under orders. My command was placed on the left, Colonel Fouke to my right, the Seventh Iowa on his right, and Colonel Buford on the extreme right, headed by Captain Dollins' cavalry, of my command. I was ordered to throw out two companies of skirmishers, which I did--Captain Rees' company, A, and Captain Somerville, Company K, under command of Lieut. Col. J. H. White, of my command. They advanced on double-quick some half mile. Having discovered the enemy, formed line of battle, Company A on the right and K on the left, on the east side of a small field, and there received a fire from the enemy, which was returned, where Company A lost one man killed and several wounded, and Colonel White had several holes shot through his coat, being in advance of his command. The two companies were ordered to advance, which they did, and the fight became general, when Captain Somerville (Company K) was wounded and compelled to retire, First Lieut. H. T. Snyder immediately taking command of Company K. I then ordered up Company I, of my command, under Captain McCook, to support the skirmishers, who formed on the center of Companies A and K, where the ground was hotly contested. I was then ordered to support the three companies with the remainder of my command. I immediately advanced through thick woods to a second field from where the first engagement took place. I ordered Companies I and K to form on the left and Company A on the right of my command. I then gave Colonel White command of the left wing, and he performed his part of the work nobly. The enemy opened a heavy fire on my whole line from behind a depression that had been made at some time by the river. Several of my men were

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then wounded and two killed. We returned the fire, and advanced some distance, perhaps fifty paces, where we took cover from trees, logs, and underbrush. Then we opened fire on the enemy, which was returned. Captain Looney and Captain Rigby were then wounded while fighting gallantly by their men. I ordered the men to lie down. Many of them did so, letting their returned fire pass over the line. The enemy soon gave way, and retreated some hundred yards. I was then ordered to cease firing by General Grant until the enemy's position could be ascertained. We now formed in as good a line as we could in the timber and brush, when the enemy again opened on my line a deadly fire, killing several of my men and wounding some twenty.
The engagement then lasted for some length of time, and was really terrific. At one time then I thought they were outflanking us. I extended my line a little more to the left, in the direction of the river. The engagement was continued at the distance of 300 yards, we advancing and they gradually receding. About this time an order was given by General McClernand to advance along the line. I then ordered my whole command to charge the enemy. This charge was made with a will and a yell that sent the enemy in confusion to their boats, many of them falling on the way. In this charge, sir, I must be permitted to say that the officers and men maintained as good a line and executed the commands as well as could have been done by veteran troops. We drove the enemy from us until they disappeared under cover of fallen timber, protecting their retreat to their boats. I then moved by the right flank until we came to the open field in front of the camp at Belmont, then connecting with Colonel Fouke's command, who were formed in a depression on the right of the fallen timber in front of the encampment. A captain of the Iowa Seventh fought bravely with me during most of the engagement, he being detached from his command.
I then formed a line of battle on a high piece of ground overlooking the camp. I saw Colonel Buford's men down by the fallen timber down the river from the camp. I rode down to Colonel Fouke, and told him that we must charge the camp. He said that he would make the charge in connection with me. At this time I saw Captain Bielaski take the American flag and start with it, supported by Company A, Captain Rees' company, and two companies of the Seventh Iowa, who had gone through in advance of my regiment all the way in skirmish fight. Captain Bielaski was then killed while planting the flag of our Union in their encampment. A braver man never fell on a field of battle. I then gave command to my regiment to follow me, and they did so with a yell and a will, Colonel Fouke's regiment forming the left in the charge. In this charge I saw General McClernand, with hat in hand, leading as gallant a charge as ever was made by any troops unskilled in the arts of war. In this charge on the enemy I observed Captain Brooks', Captain Parke's, and a portion of another company of Colonel Buford's regiment doing gallant service. Then the battle was hot, but for a moment. The enemy fled, and the day was ours. The flag of the enemy was cut down by E. D. Winters, of Company A, Thirty-first Regiment. In cutting it down he was wounded, as I am informed by the whole company. When Winters was wounded the flag was torn off by a man in Colonel Buford's regiment and retained, while the party who claimed to have done so, and have retained the flag, were at all times protected in every movement by the advance of my cavalry company, who were detached from my command, and had led Colonel Buford through the woods to the battle-field. I must here mention that Captain Rees' company (A), of the Thirty-first Regiment, while detached as skirmishers, went through to the camp of the enemy in front of one of the guns of the enemy, and took and spiked the gun, suffering very much in doing so, having some 12 men badly wounded and 1 killed.
After we had taken the camp and burned it with the valuables, the enemy carried above us a very large force, and was attempting to surround us. I asked some of the battery men with us to bring up a gun and fire on them, as they were firing in the field in the rear of us. They did not do so at once. General McClernand ordered me to detail a company to run the battery on the elevation. I did so detail Captain McCook's company. They ran up a gun, and it was fired twice.

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A portion of my regiment then opened a fire on them, and they retreated. I being the extreme left all day, I supposed that the command of the regiment on the right would naturally take the position on the right again, though I observed at the time a deployment in the woods on the left down the river and out straight from the camp. I got my men in line poorly, but as best I could, to make a stand. At that time General McClernand, who was by my side, seeing the enemy reforming in the woods between us and our boats, ordered me to take my regiment and cut their way through them. I must confess that I thought it a pretty hard task, though I felt complimented in getting the job, inasmuch as I was outranked by every colonel on the field. I took my flag, and told Captain McCook to carry it to the head of the column, and die with it in his hands. I gave the order then for the Thirty-first Regiment, and as many more of others as desired, to follow the flag and myself. They did it with a steady and firm step. As we advanced I ordered Lieutenant Pulley, who was acting adjutant on the field, to go to the head of the column and lead, which he did. The enemy gave way before us without firing a gun until we approached the field, some mile up the river. Then they fired on us. We halted, and returned the fire. The enemy retreated, and I saw them no more until they showed themselves in the field after we had gone aboard of the steamboat Aleck Scott. They then fired a few rounds, but the gunboats soon cleared the coast. My command brought away -- prisoners, who have been placed at the disposal of the general in command. Many of the guns of my command choked and burst while in battle, though the boys soon had better ones in their hands. Many of my command lost their blankets and overcoats on the field by pulling them off and throwing them down to give them fair play in the use of their fire-arms. Some few horses were captured, and many things of small value--papers, books, &c.
JOHN A. LOGAN,
Commanding Thirty-first Regiment Illinois Volunteers

Brig. Gen. JOHN A. McCLERNAND.
BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS,
Camp Cairo, November 12, 1861.
SIR: I have the honor to report the part taken by the forces under my command in the action before Columbus, Ky., on the 7th instant. These forces consisted of a portion of my own brigade, viz: the Twenty-seventh Regiment, Col. N. B. Buford; the Thirtieth, Col. Philip B. Fouke; the Thirty-first, Col. John A. Logan, including one company of cavalry, under Capt. J. J. Dollins; the strength of the Twenty-seventh being 720 rank and file; that of the Thirtieth, 500; that of the Thirty-first, 610, exclusive of 70 mounted men, making in all 1,900 rank and file. To this force you added, by your order of the 6th instant, Captain Delano's company of Adams County cavalry, 58 men, under Lieut. J. K. Catlin, and Capt. Ezra Taylor's battery of Chicago Light Artillery, consisting of four 6-pounder guns, two 12-pounder howitzers, and 114 men; the total disposable force under my command being 2,072 rank and file, all Illinois volunteers.
Having embarked on the steamer Scott with the Thirtieth and Thirty-first Regiments, on the evening of the 6th instant I left Cairo at 5 o'clock, and proceeded down the Mississippi to the foot of Island No. 1, and lay to for the night on the Kentucky shore, 11 miles above Columbus, as previously instructed by you. Posting a strong guard for the protection of the boat and those that followed to the same point, I remained until 7 o'clock the following morning. At that hour, preceded by the gunboats Tyler and Lexington, and followed by the remainder of the transports, I proceeded down the river to the designated landing, on the Missouri shore, about 2 miles, in a direct line from Columbus and Belmont.
By 8.30 o'clock the rest of the transports had arrived, and the whole force was disembarked, and marching beyond a collection of corn fields in front of the landing, was formed for an advance movement, and awaited your order. I ordered Dollins' and Delano's cavalry to scour the

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woods along the road to Belmont, and report to me from time to time. The remainder of my command followed the cavalry, the Twenty-seventh in front, the Thirtieth next, supported by a section of Taylor's battery; the Thirty-first and the remainder of Taylor's battery next; succeeded by the Seventh Iowa, Colonel Lauman, and the Twenty-second Illinois, Colonel Dougherty, who had been assigned by you to that portion of the command. When the rear of the column had reached a road intersecting our line of march, about 1 miles from the abatis surrounding the enemy's camp, the line of battle was formed on ground which I had previously selected; the Twenty-seventh on the right and the Thirtieth on its left, forming the right wing; a section of Taylor's battery was disposed on the left of the Thirtieth and 200 feet in rear of the line; Thirtyfirst formed the center, the Seventh and Twenty-second forming the left wing, masking two sections of artillery.
By this time Dollins' cavalry was skirmishing sharply with the enemy’s pickets to the right and in advance of our line, the enemy in the mean time having shifted the heavy fire of his batteries at Columbus from our gunboats to our advancing line, but without serious effect. With your permission I now ordered two companies from each regiment of my command to advance, instructing them to seek out and develop the position of the enemy, the Twenty-second and Seventh pushing forward similar parties at the same time. A sharp firing having immediately commenced between the skirmishing parties of the Thirtieth and Thirty-first and the enemy, I ordered forward another party to their support, rode forward, selected a new position, and ordered up the balance of my command, the Twenty-seventh, to pass around the head of a pond, the Thirtieth and Thirty-first with the artillery crossing the dry bed of the same pond in their front. On their arrival I reformed the line of battle in the same order as before, expecting that the Seventh and Twenty-second would resume their former position on the left wing. This disposition would have perfected a line sufficient to inclose the enemy's camp on all sides accessible to us, thus enabling us to command the river above and below him, and to prevent the crossing of re-enforcements from Columbus, insuring his capture as well as defeat.
The Thirtieth and Thirty-first and the artillery moving forward promptly relieved the skirmishing parties, and soon became engaged with a heavy body of the enemy's infantry and cavalry. This struggle, which was continued for half an hour with great obstinacy, threw our ranks into temporary disorder, but the men promptly rallied under the gallant example of Colonels Fouke and Logan, assisted by Major Bray-man, acting assistant adjutant-general of my brigade; also by Captain Schwartz, acting chief of artillery, Captain Dresser, of the artillery, Lieutenant Babcock, of the Second Cavalry, and Lieutenant Eddy, of the Twenty-ninth Illinois Regiment, who had, upon my invitation, kindly joined my staff. Our men pressed vigorously upon the enemy and drove him back, his cavalry leaving that part of the field and not appearing again until attacked by Captain Dollins on the river bank below his encampment some time after and chased out of sight. Advancing about a quarter of a mile farther, this force again came up with the enemy, who by this time had been re-enforced in this part of the field, as I since learn, by three regiments and a company of cavalry. Thus strengthened, he attempted to turn our left flank, but ordering Colonel Logan to extend the line of battle by a flank movement, and bringing up a section of Taylor's battery, commanded by First Lieut. P. H. White, under the direction of Captain Schwartz, to cover the space thus left between the Thirtieth and Thirty-first, the attempt was frustrated.
Having completed this disposition, we again opened a deadly fire from both infantry and artillery, and after a desperate resistance drove the enemy back the third time, forcing him to seek cover among thick woods and brush, protected by the heavy guns at Columbus. In this struggle, while leading the charge, I received a ball in one of my holsters, which failed of harm by striking a pistol. Here Colonels Fouke and Logan urged on their men by the most energetic

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appeals. Here Captain Dresser's horse was shot under him, while Captain Schwartz's horse was twice wounded. Here the projectiles from the enemy's heavy guns at Columbus, and their artillery at Belmont, crashed through the woods over and among us. Here, again, all my staff who were with me displayed the greatest intrepidity and activity, and here, too, many of our officers and privates were killed or wounded. Nor should I omit to add that this gallant conduct was stimulated by your presence and inspired by your example. Here your horse was shot under you.
While this struggle was going on, a tremendous fire from the Twenty-seventh, which had, under the skillful guidance of Colonel Buford, approached the abatis on the right and rear of the tents, was heard. About the same time the Seventh and Twenty-second, which had passed the rear of the Thirtieth and Thirty-first, hastened up, and closing the space between them and the Twenty-seventh, poured a deadly fire upon the enemy. A combined movement was now made upon three sides of the enemy's defenses, and driving him across them, we followed upon his heels into the clear space around his camp. The Twenty-seventh was the first seen by me entering upon this ground. I called the attention of the other regiments to the fact, and the whole line was quickened with eager and impatient emulation. In a few minutes our entire force was within the inclosure. Under the skillful direction of Captain Schwartz, Captain Taylor now brought up his battery within 300 yards of the enemy's tents, and opened fire upon them. The enemy fled with precipitation from the tents, and took shelter behind some buildings near the river and into the woods above the camp, under cover of his batteries at Columbus. Near this battery I met Colonel Dougherty, who was leading the Seventh and Twenty-second through the open space towards the tents. At the same time our lines upon the right and left were pressing up to the line of fire from our battery, which now ceased firing, and our men rushed forward among the tents and towards some buildings near the river.
Passing over to the right of the camp, I met with Colonel Buford for the first time since his arduous and perilous detour around the pond, and congratulated him upon the eagerness of his men to be the first to pass the enemy's works. During the execution of this movement Capt.
Alexander Bielaski, one of my aides-de-camp, who had accompanied Colonel Buford during the march of the Twenty-seventh separate from the main command, having dismounted from his horse, which had been several times wounded, was shot down while advancing with the flag of his adopted country in his hand, and calling on the men in his rear to follow him. His bravery was only equaled by his fidelity as a soldier and patriot. He died, making the Stars and Stripes his winding-sheet. Honored be his memory! Near him, and a few minutes afterwards, Colonel Lauman fell, severely wounded in the thigh, while leading his men in a daring charge. About the same time Capt. William A. Schmitt, of the Twenty-seventh, was also wounded while striving for the advance. Galloping my horse down to the river, I found Captain Bozarth, of Company K, Twenty-seventh Regiment, supported by squads of men who had joined him, sharply engaged with a detachment of the enemy, whom he drove into the woods above the camp. Here the firing was very hot. My own head was grazed by a ball; my horse was wounded in the shoulders, and his caparison torn in several places. Here, too, one of the enemy's caissons fell into my hands, and a capture of artillery was made by Captain Schwartz, a portion of the Seventh Iowa gallantly assisting in achieving this result.
Having complete possession of the enemy's camp, in full view of his formidable batteries at Columbus, I gave the word for "Three cheers for the Union," to which the brave men around me responded with the most enthusiastic applause. Several of the enemy's steamers being within range above and below, I ordered a section of Taylor's battery, under the direction of Captain Schwartz, down near the river, and opened a fire upon them, and upon Columbus itself, but with what effect I could not learn. The enemy's tents were set on fire, destroying his camp equipage,

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about 4,000 blankets, and all his means of transportation. Such horses and other property as could be removed were seized, and four pieces of his artillery and one caisson were brought to the rear.
The enemy at Columbus, seeing us in possession of his camp, directed upon us the fire of his heavy guns, but, ranging too high, inflicted no injury. Information came at the same time of the crossing of heavy bodies of troops above us, amounting, as I since learn, to five regiments, which, joining those which had fled in that direction, formed rapidly in our rear, with the design of cutting off our communication with our transports. To prevent this, and having fully accomplished the object of the expedition, I ordered Captain Taylor to reverse his guns and open fire upon the enemy in his new position, which was done with great spirit and effect, breaking his line and opening our way to the main road.
Promptly responding to an order to that effect, Colonel Logan ordered his flag in front of his regiment, prepared to force his way in the same direction, if necessary. Sieving on, he was followed by the whole force except the Twenty-seventh and the cavalry companies of Captains Dollins and Delano. Determined to preserve my command unbroken, and to defeat the evident design of the enemy to divide it, I twice rode back across the field to bring up the Twentyseventh and Dollins' cavalry, and also dispatched Major Brayman for the same purpose, but without accomplishing the object, they having sought in returning the same route by which they advanced in the morning.
On passing into the woods, the Thirtieth, the Seventh, and Twenty-second encountered a heavy fire on their right and left successively, which was returned with such vigor and effect as to drive back the superior force of the enemy and silence his firing, but not until the Seventh and Twenty-second had been thrown into temporary disorder. Here Lieutenant-Colonel Wentz, of the Seventh, a gallant and faithful officer, and Captain Marckley, of the Thirtieth, with several privates, were killed, and Colonel Dougherty, of the Twenty-second, and Major McClurken, of the Thirtieth, who was near me, seriously wounded. Here my body servant killed one of the enemy by a pistol-shot.
Driving the enemy back on either side, we moved on, occasionally exchanging shots with straggling parties, in the course of which my horse received another ball, being one of two fired at me from the corner of the field. Captain Schwartz was at my right when these shots were fired. At this stage of the contest, according to the admission of rebel officers, the enemy's forces had been swelled by frequent re-enforcements from the other side to be over thirteen regiments of infantry and something less than two squadrons of cavalry, excluding his artillery--four pieces of which were in our possession--two of which, after being spiked, together with part of one our own caissons, were left on the way for want of animals to bring them off. The other two, with their horses and harness, were brought off.
On reaching the landing, and not finding the detachments of the Seventh and Twenty-second, which you had left behind in the morning to guard the boats, I ordered Delano's cavalry, which was embarking, to the rear of the fields, to watch the enemy. Within an hour all our forces which had arrived were embarked, Captain Schwartz, Captain Hatch, assistant quartermaster, and myself being the last to get on board. Suddenly the enemy in strong force, whose approach had been discovered by Lieut. Col. John H. White, of the Thirty-first, who had been conspicuous through the day for his dauntless courage and conduct, came within range of our musketry, when a terrible fire was opened upon him by the gunboats, as well as by Taylor's battery and the infantry from the decks of the transports.
The engagement thus renewed was kept up with great spirit and with deadly effect upon the enemy until the transports had passed beyond his reach. Exposed to the terrible fire of the

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gunboats and Taylor's battery, a great number of the enemy were killed and wounded in this the closing scene of a battle of six hours' duration.
The Twenty-seventh and Dollins cavalry being yet behind, I ordered my transport to continue in the rear of the fleet, excepting the gunboats, and after proceeding a short distance landed, and directed the gunboats to return and await their appearance. At this moment Lieut. H. A. Rust, adjutant of the Twenty-seventh, a brave and enterprising officer, hastened up and announced the approach of the Twenty-seventh and Dollins' cavalry. Accompanied by Captains Schwartz and Hatch I rode down the river bank, and met Colonel Buford with a part of his command.
Informing him that my transport was waiting to receive him, I went farther down the river and met Captain Dollins, whom I also instructed to embark, and still farther down met the remainder of the Twenty-seventh, which had halted on the bank where the gunboat Tyler was lying to, the Lexington lying still farther down. The rest of the boats having gone forward, Captain Walke, of the Tyler, at my request, promptly took the remainder of the Twenty-seventh on board, Captain Stembel, of the Lexington, covering the embarkation.
Having thus embarked all my command, I returned with Captains Schwartz and Hatch to my transport and re-embarked, reaching Cairo about midnight, after a day of almost unceasing marching and conflict.
I cannot bestow too high commendation upon all whom I had the honor to command on that day. Supplied with inferior and defective arms, many of which could not be discharged, and others bursting in use, they fought an enemy in woods with which he was familiar, behind defensive works which he had been preparing for months, in the face of a battery at Belmont and under his heavy guns at Columbus, and, although numbering three or four to our one, beat him, capturing several stand of his colors, destroying his camp, and carrying off a large amount of property already mentioned. From his own semi-official accounts, his loss was 600 killed, wounded, and missing, including among the killed and wounded a number of officers, and probably among the missing 155 prisoners, who were brought to this post.
To mention all who did well would include every man in my command who came under my personal notice. Both officers and privates did their whole duty, nobly sustaining the enviable character of Americans and Illinoisans. They shed new luster upon the flag of their country by upholding it in triumph amid the shock of battle and the din of arms. The blood they so freely poured out proved their devotion to their country, and serves to hallow a just cause with glorious recollections. Their success was that of citizen soldiers.
Major Brayman, Captains Schwartz and Dresser, and Lieutenants Eddy and Babcock, all members of my staff, are entitled to my gratitude for the zeal and alacrity with which they bore my orders in the face of danger and discharged all their duties in the field. Colonels Buford, Fouke, and Logan repeatedly led their regiments to the charge, and as often drove the enemy back in confusion, thus inspiring their men with kindred ardor and largely contributing to the success of the day. Colonel Logan's admirable tactics not only foiled the frequent attempts of the enemy to flank him, but secured a steady advance towards the enemy's camp. Colonel Fouke and his command, exposed throughout to a galling fire from the enemy, never ceased to press forward. His march was marked by the killed and wounded of the foe, mingled with many of his own men. Accomplishing a difficult circuit, Colonel Buford, active, eager, and emulous, was the first to throw his men within the enemy's defenses. Captain Taylor and Lieutenant White managed the battery attached to my command with admirable skill and most successful effect. Capt. J. J. Dollins, with his company of cavalry, displayed unsurpassed activity and daring. Having been early detached from his regiment (the Thirty-first), he found his way, in company with the Twenty-seventh, to the enemy's camp on the lower side, charging his line with an impetuosity characteristic of himself and his brave followers.

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Our victory, though signal and extraordinary, cost many valuable lives.
Of the Twenty-seventh, 11 were killed, 42 wounded, and 28 are missing. Among the wounded was Captain Schmitt, already honorably mentioned, and Lieut. William Shipley, of Company A, a gallant and promising young officer, who has since died.
Of the Thirtieth, 9 were killed, 27 wounded, and 8 are missing. Among the killed is Capt. Thomas G. Marckley, of Company D, a brave and valuable officer, who died true to his trust. Maj. Thomas McClurken, an accomplished and efficient officer, whose services were conspicuous on the field, was severely, and I fear mortally, wounded.
Of the Thirty-first, 10 were killed, 61 wounded, and 4 are missing. Capt. John W. Rigby, of Company F, a veteran and faithful officer, being among the wounded ; also Capts. William A. Looney, of Company C, and Alexander S. Somerville, of Company K, both bold and exemplary officers.
Of Dollins' cavalry, 1 was killed and 2 wounded.
Of Taylor's battery of light artillery, 5 were wounded; among whom was First Sergt. Charles W. Everett.
In closing this report, unavoidably somewhat imperfect, I cannot refrain from bearing testimony to the gallantry and good conduct of every arm of your whole force. Each did well; and, rejoicing in it, I cannot but sympathize in the just pride with which their valor has inspired
you as their victorious commander.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
JOHN A. McCLERNAND,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Brig. Gen. U.S. GRANT,
Commanding District Southeast Missouri.
BIRD'S POINT, Mo., November 13, 1861.
GENERAL: I have to report that upon receiving your order at 12 o'clock at night November 2, I immediately organized the expedition to move inland from this point and in the direction of the Saint Francois River. On Monday morning the forces, consisting of the Eighteenth Regiment Illinois Volunteers, commanded by Col. Michael K. Lawler; the Twenty-ninth Regiment Illinois Volunteers, commanded by Col. James Rearden, and one section of Captain Schwartz's light artillery, commanded by Lieutenant Gumbart, from Brigadier-General McClernand's brigade, Cairo, Ill., and the Eighth Regiment Illinois Volunteers, Lieut. Col. Frank L. Rhoads commanding; one battalion Eleventh Regiment Illinois Volunteers, Lieut. Col. T. E.G. Ransom commanding; Captain Pfaff's cavalry; and Captain Langen's cavalry, Lieutenant Hansen commanding, and Captain Noleman's Centralia Cavalry, Lieutenant Tufts commanding, were landed at Commerce, Mo. The day was occupied in unloading supplies and arranging transportation for the march. Bearing in mind your order to pursue the rebel forces under Jeff. Thompson wherever they might be found, and to destroy the same if found, I marched directly for Bloomfield, Mo., at which point I was reliably informed the rebel forces were encamped. To avoid delay I moved the column directly towards the Nigger Wool Swamp, and crossed it and the swamp between it and Little River, at Stringer's Ferry, 7 miles in one day. To do this it became necessary to construct several bridges, and to cut out a new road in several places. The rebel pickets were met by my advance guard on the bridge over the lake in the swamp. A slight skirmish ensued. An effort was made by the rebels to burn the bridge. It was soon repaired, under the direction of Dr. John M. Phipps, assistant surgeon of the Eighth Regiment. In the afternoon, Thursday, 7 miles from Bloomfield, I received a note from Colonel Perczel, of the Tenth Regiment Iowa Volunteers, informing me that he had taken possession of the town without

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resistance. The forces under General Thompson retreated in the direction of New Madrid on the night of the 6th instant. At Bloomfield I received your order to turn the column in the direction of New Madrid. I had already sent forward on the road towards New Madrid Colonel Perczel with his regiment about 6 miles, when Col. William H. L. Wallace came up with the remaining companies of his regiment, and took command of the Eleventh Regiment in person. Through Colonel Wallace I received your verbal order to return to Bird's Point. To avoid the terrible swamp in front of Bloomfield I returned by Cape Girardeau. Colonels Lawler and Rearden marched to Cape Girardeau in two days, the Eighth and Eleventh Illinois and Tenth Iowa following the next day. The whole force arrived at Bird's Point on Tuesday, the 12th, having marched over 100 miles, and embarked and debarked twice, and traveled by water 85 miles besides, in less than nine days. I detained the forces one day at Bloomfield out of the nine. The chief object of the expedition having failed, I have to inform you that the information derived about the country, and of the feelings of the inhabitants and the purposes of the rebellion, have fully compensated all the labor it has required. A more unhappy and deluded people I have never seen. Wherever the column moved consternation filled the whole community, and the fact that without regard to sex or age the whole people were not outraged and destroyed seemed to stupefy them.
I have to report the wanton destruction of property in one or two instances, otherwise the march through the country was most exemplary and satisfactory. My orders were obeyed with cheerfulness and alacrity. After four days I obtained forage from the people of the country for all the mules and horses. Four-fifths of the inhabitants are ready to return to the Union whenever the Government can assure them from punishment by the rebel army. The yoke of Jeff. Thompson is a heavy one, and the people are becoming disgusted at his arbitrary sway. The scrip he has substituted for a good currency is totally worthless. His brutality in murdering in cold blood so many good citizens of Missouri, and suffering them to rot unburied in full view of the public, has met its just return in the horror with which he and his whole command are beginning to be appreciated by the people of Southeastern Missouri.
Respectfully, yours,
R. J. OGLESBY,
Colonel Eighth Regt. Ill. Vols., Comdg. Expedition.

Brig. Gen. U.S. GRANT,
Comdg. Dist. Southeast Missouri, Cairo, Ill.
Col. W. H. L. WALLACE,
Bird's Point. Mo.
On the evening of the 6th I left this place in steamers, with McClernand's Brigade, consisting of Twenty-seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteers, Col. N. B. Buford; Thirtieth Regiment Illinois Volunteers, Col. Philip B. Fouke; Thirty-first Regiment Illinois Volunteers, Col. John A. Logan; Dollins' Company Independent Illinois Cavalry, Capt. J. J. Dollins; Delano's Company Adams County Illinois Cavalry, Lieut. J. K. Catlin; and Dougherty's Brigade, consisting of Twentysecond Regiment Illinois Volunteers, Lieut. Col. H. E. Hart; Seventh Regiment Iowa Volunteers, Col. J. G. Lauman, amounting to 3,114 men of all arms, to make the demonstration against Columbus. I proceeded down the river to a point 9 miles below here, where we lay until next morning, on the Kentucky shore, which served to distract the enemy and led him to suppose that he was to be attacked in his strongly fortified position at Columbus.
About 2 o'clock on the morning of the 7th I received information from Col. W. H. L. Wallace at Charleston (sent by a messenger on steamer W. H. B.) that he had learned from a reliable Union man that the enemy had been crossing troops from Columbus to Belmont the day before,

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for the purpose of following after and cutting off the forces under Colonel Oglesby. Such a move on his part seemed to me more than probable, and gave at once a twofold importance to my demonstration against the enemy--namely, the prevention of reinforcements to General Price, and the cutting off of the two small columns that I had sent, in pursuance of directions, from this place and Cape Girardeau, in pursuit of Jeff. Thompson. This information determined me to attack vigorously his forces at Belmont, knowing that should we be repulsed, we would reembark without difficulty under the protection of the gunboats. The following order was given:
MEDICAL DIRECTOR'S OFFICE,
Cairo, Ill., November 18, 1861.
GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following list of soldiers wounded in the recent fight at Belmont, Mo. The total number of injured as yet reported to this office amounts to 247. Of these, as will be seen by reference to the subjoined statement, 10 have already died. It should, however, be stated that from one regiment (viz, the Seventh Iowa Volunteers) no report has as yet been rendered. The number of casualties to this corps have been more in number than to any other regiment, and when the report of the surgeon, Dr. Witter, shall have been received, the list as already submitted will doubtless be somewhat augmented.
The reason of the delay with regard to the report of the wounded of the Seventh Iowa Regiment arises from the fact that immediately after the battle of the 7th instant that regiment was ordered to Benton Barracks, Mo., a portion of the wounded being left behind at this place and in Mound City, whilst another portion were conveyed northward with their regiment. Many of the wounded at present in our depot and general hospitals are cases of unfavorable nature. This is owing to the circumstance that they fell into the hands of the enemy, and were left exposed on the field of battle for at least 18 or 24 hours. They were subsequently returned to us by their captors. Had the medical department of your command been provided with the proper ambulance train this disastrous and mortifying result might have been avoided. The only means of transportation which I possessed consisted of some two or three ordinary army wagons, obtained from the quartermaster's department. These being destitute of springs, and the country over which they passed being wooded and rough, our wounded suffered much unnecessary anguish.
I would also state that Surgeon Gordon, of the Thirtieth Regiment Illinois Volunteers, and Assistant Surgeon Whitnall, of the Thirty-first Illinois Volunteers, were captured by the enemy, and still remain in their hands.
It affords me pleasure to notice the ability and efficiency of Brigade Surgeon Stearns and the corps of surgeons generally. I would especially instance the conduct of Assistant Surgeon Kendall, of Delano's cavalry, who freely exposed himself to the fire of the enemy in his efforts to rescue and aid our wounded.
I have honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. H. BRINTON,
Brigade Surgeon and Medical Director.

GENERAL ORDERS No. 1.
HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, November 19, 1861.
I. In compliance with General Orders, No. 97, Headquarters of the Army, Washington, November 9, 1861, the undersigned hereby takes the command of the Department of the Missouri, including the States of Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Arkansas, and that portion of Kentucky west of the Cumberland River.

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II. All reports and returns required by Army Regulations will be made to the headquarters in the city of Saint Louis.
H. W. HALLECK,
Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT SOUTHEAST MISSOURI.
Cairo, November 20, 1861
GENERAL: Inclosed I send you the report of Brig. Gen. J. A. McClernand, commanding First Brigade in the late engagement at Belmont, Mo. Also the report of Surgeon Brinton, medical director, who accompanied me on that occasion.
The Seventh Iowa and Twenty-second Illinois Volunteers were the only troops in the engagement not included in General McClernand's command. Each of these lost their commanders, wounded, and consequently I have no official report of them. Being on the field myself during the entire engagement, I can answer for the gallantry of officers and men of both these regiments.
The Seventh Iowa lost their colonel (Lauman), wounded severely, and lieutenant-colonel (Wentz), killed, and major (Rice), severely wounded. Lieutenants Dodge and Gardner and 23 rank and file were killed; wounded, Captains Gardner, Harper, and Parrott, and Lieutenant Reams and 74 others.
Of the Twenty-second Illinois, Colonel Dougherty was badly wounded and taken prisoner. Twenty-one rank and file were killed. Captains Hubbard and McAdams and 74 men were wounded. Information received since the engagement through the Southern press, and from persons coming from the South since, show the enemy's force in the field to have been over 9,000 men, and their loss in killed and wounded alone not less than 600. My own impression is, their loss was much greater.
The city of Memphis was thrown into mourning for the dead and wounded taken there. Great apprehension is said to have prevailed lest the blow should be followed up with an attack upon them.
The officers and men, with rare exceptions, showed great personal courage, and I have every reason to be satisfied with their conduct. The lesson, though severe, will be of great advantage to the entire command. The object aimed at, to wit, to prevent the enemy from re-enforcing Price in Missouri, and from cutting off two small columns I had been directed to send towards the Saint Francois River, was accomplished to the fullest extent. The enemy have entirely abandoned Belmont, and have been receiving re-enforcements in Columbus continually since the engagement.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
U.S. GRANT,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.

General SETH WILLIAMS,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., U. S. Army, Washington, D.C.
HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-SECOND ILLINOIS VOLS.,
Camp Lyon, December --, 1861.
In pursuance to your order issued on the 6th of November, I embarked the Twenty-second Illinois Volunteers, numbering 562 men rank and file, with two days' rations, on board the transport Belle Memphis. Everything being on board the steamer, we moved out into the stream, and after a short trip laid to on the Kentucky shore, near the head of Island No. 1. where we remained through the night in company with other transports from Cairo and Bird's Point, aboard

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of which were troops comprising the Seventh Iowa, commanded by Colonel Lauman; Twentyseventh Illinois, Colonel Buford; Thirtieth Illinois, Colonel Fouke; Thirty-first Illinois, Colonel Logan; also Captain Taylor's battery of light artillery, together with a small force of cavalry.
The gunboats Lexington and Tyler accompanying us, which took position in the stream, were anchored below the transports. Our officers and men, being comfortably provided for, soon retired for the night, impressed with the probability of realizing their most ardent wishes; for by this time all on board were fully impressed with the opinion that we were bound for Belmont, which the sequel proved to be true.
Having received orders from you during the night through the hands of Assistant Adjutant- General Rawlins, I ascertained that you had placed me in command of the Second Brigade. I immediately transferred the command of the Twenty-second Illinois to Lieut. Col. H. E. Hart, who in accepting it remarked that he felt satisfied that the officers and men would do their duty, which I am proud to say they did to my and I hope to your entire satisfaction.
Early on the morning of the 7th the transports, preceded by the gunboats, moved down the river until within sight of the rebel forces on the summit of the Iron Banks immediately above Columbus, on the Kentucky shore, and, as afterwards proved to be the case, within range of some of the enemy's batteries of heavy artillery. After the disembarkation of the forces and formation of the Twenty-second Illinois and Seventh Iowa Regiments into line, three companies of the former and two companies of the latter were ordered to remain with the transports, being placed under the command of Captain Detrich, of the Twenty-second Illinois, who was ordered by you to protect the transports and engage any forces of the enemy which might approach them.
His report is herewith submitted.
Having passed through a field near where we disembarked and reached the timber, we formed in line of battle, the First Brigade, consisting of the Twenty-seventh, Thirtieth, and Thirty-first Illinois Volunteers, under the command of Brig. Gen. John A. McClernand, taking the right a little in advance of the Second Brigade, composed of the Twenty-second Illinois and the Seventh Iowa Regiments, under my command, and the whole force under your command in person. As soon as the line of battle was formed the order to advance was received and promptly obeyed. The Twenty-second Illinois and Seventh Iowa advanced for about 500 yards to the margin of a slough, where an order was given to halt and wait for further orders. Here Companies C and B of the Twenty-second Illinois, under the command of Captain Seaton, and one company of the Seventh Iowa, were deployed as skirmishers, to ascertain and if possible to discover the position of the enemy. Soon the order of advance was again given, and from this point the Second Brigade encountered heavy timber, much of which had been felled by the enemy in order to impede the progress of any attacking force. Regardless of the obstacles thus encountered, the Second Brigade advanced as rapidly as possible for about half a mile, passing over much of the distance at double-quick march.
Hearing firing on the right while the skirmishers of the Second Brigade remained silent on the left, we advanced by a flank movement to the right through almost impenetrable woods, climbing over felled trees and filing around tree-tops in the direction of the firing. Halting a few moments to form a line, we again advanced, and encountered the enemy behind logs and among tree-tops, and at this point the firing commenced on the left, which now seemed to be general along the whole line, the whole force being apparently engaged in action. The enemy for some time obstinately resisted any advance at this point, and a storm of musketry raged along the whole line of the Second Brigade. Shell and shot from the artillery of the enemy along the Iron Banks and the field pieces at Belmont fell thick and fast, and a perfect storm of bullets from his small-arms was here encountered. Many of our brave men were wounded at this point, and some fell to rise no more, sealing their patriotism with their heart's blood; but their valor forced the

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enemy to yield at last, and again the Second Brigade advanced, pressing on over the enemy's dead and wounded, many of whom implored our men not to murder them, being evidently under the belief of the false and wicked impression so industriously sought to be made by many of the leaders of this cursed rebellion that we were barbarians and savages, but instead of murdering them some of our men ministered to their wants and conveyed them to places of safety.
Step by step we drove them until they reached a secondary bank, such as abound through the river bottoms of the West, under which they were protected from our fire, and where they made another desperate stand for about thirty minutes, when our fire became so hot that they retreated precipitately to some open ground near their encampment, covered by a rude abatis of felled timber, strewing the ground as they went with guns, coats, and canteens. Our brave troops followed them with shouts, pouring volley after volley into them. Here the enemy's movements at this point gave unmistakable evidence of being panic-stricken and defeated, retreating to the river and up the river bank behind the shelter of some brush and timber.
On gaining the open ground near their encampment, opposite to and in sight of the lower part of Columbus, the relative positions of the different commands for the first time since the commencement of the battle became visible. The Second Brigade, being on the left, had a shorter distance to march in order to reach the enemy than the First, and consequently reached the open ground in front of the enemy's camp in advance of the right wing. In a few minutes one section of Captain Taylor's battery of artillery emerged from the timber on the right and took position, when the Seventh Iowa and Twenty-second Illinois fell back and supported the battery, which opened a fire on the retreating rebels and their camp. The battery was well served, and evidently disconcerted the rebels, accelerating their retreat, and spreading consternation amongst them. From that point the Second Brigade advanced with the battery, entered the encampment of the enemy, and captured three pieces of his artillery, one piece being taken possession of by Company B, Captain Seaton, and one by Company E, Captain McAdams, both of the Twentysecond Illinois, and the third by a part of our forces unknown to me. Two of the pieces were placed in charge of Captain Taylor, who gallantly brought them away from the field, to be used in a better cause in future.
After assisting in the destruction of the rebel camp and property not movable as long as was prudent under the fire of the rebel batteries in and about Columbus, which commanded the whole ground, the order to retire to the transports was received, but not before the rebel flag had been hauled down and the Stars and Stripes, the flag of our fathers, still bright with the glorious memories of the past, was exhibited to their view. After it had been displayed and the field music had played our national air within hearing of the rebels the order to retire was received from you, and our weary forces were called from the camp which they had destroyed.
In the mean time the rebels had transported a large force of fresh troops across the river-- seven regiments, according to their own statement, contained in a Memphis paper. These were formed in the timber and in some corn fields between their destroyed camp and our transports. On the return the Second Brigade encountered these fresh forces, and at once engaged them and opened a passage through them. At this time the Seventh Iowa was in the rear of the Twentysecond Illinois, and was somewhat confused. All the field officers and many of the company officers of that brave regiment being either killed, wounded, or taken by the enemy, I told the men that as we had fought our way in we could fight our way out again, and ordered them to keep up a steady fire on the left, which they did with a will, notwithstanding their exhaustion, opening the ranks of the enemy and forcing their way through, in order to reach the transports at the same place we had de-barked. On reaching the transports, which were safe and in waiting for us, meeting Lieut. Col. H. E. Hart, who had conducted himself through the entire battle with the coolness and bravery of a soldier, I ordered him to embark the Twenty-second Illinois Regiment

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on board the Belle Memphis, while I returned to fetch up the rear of the brigade. On my return I found many of the Iowa Seventh considerably scattered. While cheering them up and hurrying them forward I received a small shot in the shoulder and one on the elbow, and shortly afterwards a bail through the ankle. My horse was also shot in several places, who fell with me and soon expired. I found myself unable to travel, and was consequently captured by the rebels, who treated me with respect and kindness.
The loss of the Twenty-second Regiment Illinois Volunteers during the day was 23 killed, 74 wounded, and 37 missing; total loss, 134. Captains Challenor and Abbott were severely wounded and left upon the field, where they were afterwards taken by the enemy. Captain Hubbard was slightly wounded. Lieutenant Adams was severely wounded in the left arm and taken prisoner. Captains Challenor and Abbott and Lieutenant Adams have since been returned, together with all the noncommissioned officers and privates who were wounded. The loss of the Seventh Iowa Regiment during the action was 26 killed, 80 wounded, and 137 missing; total, 243, making the whole loss of the Second Brigade 377. Among them were Colonel Lauman, severely wounded; Lieutenant-Colonel Wentz, killed, together with most of their company officers, who fought gallantly until stricken down by the enemy. This regiment throughout the battle fought like veterans, dealing death to the rebels wherever they encountered them. Iowa may well feel proud of her sons who fought at Belmont.
Many of the missing--nearly all, in fact--were taken prisoners, but some, of whom there is no certain information, it is feared were killed. I am informed that as soon as the steamer Memphis got out of the fire of the enemy every attention and care were paid to the wounded, of whom there was quite a number on board. Many of the officers were very active in ministering to their wants, and Surgeons Stearns and Woodward attended them, faithfully performing their duties, dressing their wounds, and extracting many balls while under way to Cairo. Lieutenant Hamilton, quartermaster of the Twenty-second Illinois Volunteers, also assisted, and rendered most efficient aid.
I am further informed that only one two-horse wagon belonging to the quartermaster's department of the Twenty-second Illinois Regiment was left. It contained nothing, but could not be got aboard, because the bank of the river where the Memphis lay was so perpendicular that a road had to be made with shovels, which consumed too much time. All the horses, including those captured from the enemy, were got on board. Many instances of individual heroism and bravery occurred during the day, but where all acted so gallantly it would be unjust to discriminate. The whole force under your command acted like veterans, and you may justly feel proud of the manner in which they conducted themselves on the well-contested battle-field of
Belmont.
H. DOUGHERTY,
Colonel Twenty-second Regiment Illinois Volunteers.

Brig. Gen. U.S. GRANT,
Commanding Forces in Southeast Missouri.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT CENTRAL MISSOURI,
Syracuse, December 10, 1861.
Brig. Gen. G. W. CULLUM, Chief of Staff:
GENERAL: Since my dispatch of this date to the general commanding a trusty man, sent some ten days ago into the counties of Henry and Cass, came in direct from Price's camp, which he left yesterday morning. He is a resident of this neighborhood, trusty, and well acquainted with many of the men in Price's force, who were enlisted in this neighborhood. He gives a full account

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of the condition of things in the counties of Henry and Cuss and in Price's army, corroborating what I have gotten from other sources.
Price's forces are greatly in need of clothing and are suffering very much. In a speech he made them on Sunday Price stated to them that Missouri had been annexed to the Southern Confederacy; that his army would be reorganized and incorporated with the Southern Army, and that money and clothing would be immediately furnished to all who remained in service. Price was daily expecting his commission as major-general from Richmond, though it was already whispered in camp that Jackson had succeeded in having him superseded. The greatest dissatisfaction prevailed in the army in consequence of this report, one-half of the men declaring openly that they would serve under no one else; that they were fighting for Missouri, and not for the Southern Confederacy.
It is very sure that no graver mistake could possibly be made in Richmond than to displace Price from the command of this Missouri army. He is greatly beloved by his whole force, and it is his popularity and his influence which keep so large a body of men in arms in this State without pay, without clothing, and with very scanty rations. Many of Price's men, even as it is, are very anxious to return home and will take almost any oath if they can thus be exempted from arrest. Those whose time has expired are also afraid to return home lest they be arrested and taken to Saint Louis. If there were any method of holding such men to their engagements I have little doubt that an assurance of exemption from arrest on taking the proper oath would bring many hundreds to their homes.
Price is not recruiting nearly so fast as he is losing men. My scout estimates his whole force at 12,000 or 13,000, which I am sure is too large an allowance. They have, for the present, plenty of corn meal, flour, and beef, but the region in which they are encamped, will soon be exhausted. They have almost destroyed the country in their rear. Price notified them in the speech to which I refer that they must try and get shoes and clothing from their homes as soon as possible, as he did not mean to remain in winter quarters, but intended to be constantly on the move. The belief in the camp was that as soon as he got all the men he could hope for he would make a dash into Kansas. He does not believe that there are 7,000 or 8,000 Federal troops west of Jefferson City. I will send you a paper published in his camp. His advanced pickets are near Calhoun, as are ours, though they have not yet met.
I propose as soon as I can assemble cavalry sufficient at Sedalia to advance upon Calhoun and to points this side of Clinton, and destroy several mills which have been used for a few days by the rebels. One is a large stream really 4 miles south of Calhoun.
have not yet heard of the expedition sent north in any official manner, though I have occasionally heard of it from citizens, who themselves heard from other people what they told me. I have telegraphed and written Colonel Steele on the subject.
I keep the cavalry fully occupied, and could employ a much larger force of it very
advantageously. Already I am making the Missouri and Osage too hot for security for Price. Companies of cavalry are moving about every night through the country, and have already arrested a large number of returning soldiers and recruiting parties. I trust the general commanding will send up the four companies of the First Iowa Cavalry now at Benton Barracks. The eight companies of that regiment are now with this command, though the colonel, lieutenant-colonel, and one major remain in Saint Louis with the other four companies.
I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. POPE,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.

SAINT LOUIS, Mo., December 11, 1861.

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Brig. Gen. T. J. McKEAN, Jefferson City, Mo.:
GENERAL: You will receive this to-morrow evening. In the mean time you will receive instructions to have the Eleventh Iowa Regiment on board a steamer for transportation up the river. The destination of that regiment is Providence, at which place it will land, and immediately proceed to capture or disperse a band of rebels said to be assembled at Columbia. Having accomplished this object, it will proceed direct, or by Rochefort or Booneville, to Fayette, for the same purpose, and thence to Glasgow and Brunswick.
General Pope will probably send a force across from Booneville to Fayette, to co-operate with the Eleventh Iowa. A regiment has been dispatched to Centralia and Renick, to operate south against Columbia and Fayette, to intercept any of the enemy moving from these places towards the North Missouri Railroad.
The steamer sent with the Eleventh Iowa will remain at Providence till the result of the expedition to Columbia is known, to carry the troops to Rochefort or Booneville, or will be permitted to proceed up the river to those places and Glasgow, as you may deem advisable. It is supposed that from your position you will be better able to judge of the rebel forces at the places named than can be done here. As the expedition will move but a short distance on land they will require but little transportation—say five or six wagons—and provisions of only six or eight days. Additional supplies should be put on the boat, which, if not wanted, may be landed and turned over to the proper officers at Booneville. The four companies of cavalry which you will receive to-morrow afternoon will be sent in another steamer to Providence, Rochefort, or Booneville, to co-operate with the Eleventh Iowa. All these forces should be well supplied with ammunition. You will keep me informed by telegraph of the movement of these forces.
If steamers should not be able to ascend the river to Providence the expedition should cross the river at Jefferson City and march by land to Columbia. In this case a larger amount of transportation should be given. It is supposed that a portion at least of supplies and forage may be procured in the country passed over. In regard to taking prisoners and private property, strict compliance with General Orders, Nos. 8 and 13, of this department, will be required.
These instructions will be read to the commanding officer of the expedition, but not communicated to any other person.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. W. HALLECK,
Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, Mo., December 12, 1861.
Brig. Gen. T. J. MCKEAN, Jefferson City, Mo.:
You will receive written orders (instructions) to-night by mail with the Thirteenth Iowa Regiment. In the mean time embark the Eleventh Iowa on the steamer, with eight baggage wagons, a small supply of tents, ten days' provisions, and full supply of ammunition, and be ready to move as soon as the Thirteenth and my dispatches arrive; also have another steamer ready to-morrow for four companies of cavalry also sent you to-day. Use Sioux City and other steamers bound up the river. Is the river still navigable to Lexington?
H. W. HALLECK,
Major-General.

Jefferson CITY, MO., December 16, 1861.
Major-General HALLECK:

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The expedition up the river will probably be in Booneville to-morrow. The river is falling, and I doubt the expediency of trying to get above there with boats, unless you have strong reasons. General Pope has a small force at Booneville to co-operate against Fayette, and if anything further is to be done there should be an experienced commander. The boats were not in as good order as I should have wished. Some men left in the hospital by the Eleventh Iowa are taken with small-pox.
THOS. J. McKEAN,
Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT CENTRAL MISSOURI,
Otterville, December 23, 1861.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that, having replaced by troops from La Mine the garrison of Sedalia, I marched from that place on Sunday, the 15th inst., with a column of infantry, cavalry, and artillery, numbering about 4,000 men. The First Brigade was commanded by Col. J. C. Davis, Indiana Volunteers; the second by Col. F. Steele, Eighth Iowa Regiment. The object of the movement was to interpose between Price's army, on the Osage, and the recruits, escorts, and supplies on their way south from the Missouri River. This body of the enemy was represented to be between 4,000 and 6,000 strong, with a large train of supplies. I encamped on the 15th 11 miles southwest of Sedalia. That the enemy might be thoroughly misled as to the destination of the expedition, it was given out that the movement was upon Warsaw, and the troops pursued the road to that place, several miles beyond Sedalia. I threw forward on Clinton four companies of the First Missouri Cavalry, under Major Hubbard, with orders to watch any movements from Osceola, to prevent any reconnaissance of our main column, and to intercept any messengers to the enemy at Osceola.
On the 16th I pushed forward by forced marches 27 miles, and with my whole force occupied at sunset a position between the direct road from Warrensburg to Clinton and the road by Chilhowee, which latter is the route heretofore pursued by returning soldiers and by recruits. Shortly after sunset the advance, consisting of four companies of Iowa cavalry, under Major Torrence, captured the enemy's pickets at Chilho-wee, and learned that he was encamped in force (about 2,200) 6 miles north of that town. After resting the horses and men for a couple of hours I threw forward ten companies of cavalry and a section of artillery, under Lieutenant- Colonel Brown, Seventh Missouri Regiment, in pursuit, and followed with my whole force, posting the main body between Warrensburg and Rose Hill to support the pursuing column. I at the same time re-enforced Major Hubbard with two companies of Merrill's Horse, and directed him, in order to secure our flank in the pursuit, to push forward as far as possible towards Osceola. This officer executed his duty with distinguished ability and vigor, driving back and capturing the pickets and one entire company of the enemy's cavalry, with tents, baggage, and wagons. One of the pickets and two wagons were captured within the lines of Rains' division, encamped north of Osage River.
The column under Lieutenant-Colonel Brown continued the pursuit vigorously all night of the 16th, all day of the 17th, and part of the night of the same day, his advance guard, consisting of Foster's company of Ohio cavalry and a detachment of 30 men of the Fourth Regular Cavalry occupying Johnstown in the course of the night. The enemy began to scatter as soon as the pursuit grew close, disappearing in every direction in the bushes and by every by-path, driving their wagons into farm-yards remote from the road and throwing out the loads. As these wagons were all two-horse wagons of the country, and had been in fact taken by force from the farmhouses, it was impossible to identify them.

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When our pursuit reached Johnstown, about midnight on the 17th, the enemy, reduced to about 500, scattered completely, one portion fleeing precipitately towards Butler and the other towards Papinsville. The main body of my command moved slowly towards Warrensburg, awaiting the return of the force under Lieutenant-Colonel Brown, which proceeded from Johnstown to scour the country south of Grand River to the neighborhood of Clinton. In these operations 16 wagons, loaded with tents and supplies, and 150 prisoners were captured. The enemy's force was thoroughly dispersed.
On the morning of the 18th Lieutenant-Colonel Brown's forces rejoined the command.
Knowing that there must still be a large force of the enemy north of us, I moved slowly on the 18th towards Warrens-burg, and when near that town the spies and scouts I had sent before, marching from Sedalia in the direction of Lexington, Waverly, and Arrow Rock, reported to me that a large force was marching from the two latter places, and would encamp that night at the mouth of Clear Creek, just south of Milford. I posted the main body of my command near Warrensburg and Knobnoster, to close all outlet to the south between those two points, and dispatched seven companies of cavalry, five of the First Iowa and two of the Fourth Regular Cavalry, afterwards re-enforced by another company of regular cavalry and a section of artillery, all under command of Col. J. C. Davis, Indiana Volunteers, to march on the town of Milford, so as to turn the enemy's left and rear and intercept his retreat to the southeast, at the same time directing Major Marshall, with Merrill's regiment of horse, to march from Warrensburg on the same point, turning the enemy's right and rear and forming a junction with Colonel Davis. The main body of my command occupied a point 4 miles south, and ready to advance at a moment's notice or to intercept the enemy's retreat south.
Colonel Davis marched promptly and vigorously with the forces under his command, and at a late hour in the afternoon came upon the enemy encamped in the wooded bottom-land on the west side of Blackwater, opposite the mouth of Clear Creek. His pickets were immediately driven in across the stream, which was deep, miry, and impassable, except by a long narrow bridge, which the enemy occupied in force--as is believed, under Colonel Magoffin. Colonel Davis brought forward his force, and directed that the bridge be carried by assault. The two companies of the Fourth Regular Cavalry being in advance, under the command respectively of Lieutenant Gordon and Lieutenant Amory, were designated for that service, and were supported by the five companies of the First Iowa. Lieutenant Gordon, of the Fourth Cavalry, led the charge in person with the utmost gallantry and vigor, carried the bridge in fine style, and immediately formed his company on the opposite side. He was promptly followed by the other companies. The force of the enemy posted at the bridge retreated precipitately over a narrow open space into the woods, where his whole force was posted. The two companies of the Fourth Cavalry formed in line at once, advanced upon the enemy, and were received with a heavy volley of small arms, muskets, rifles, and shot-guns. One man was killed and 8 wounded by this discharge, with one exception all belonging to Company D, Fourth Cavalry, Lieutenant Gordon. Lieutenant Gordon himself received several balls through his cap.. Our forces still continuing to press forward, and the enemy finding his retreat south and west cut off, and that he was in presence of a large force, and at best could only prolong the contest a short time, surrendered at discretion. His force, reported by the colonel commanding, consisted of parts of two regiments of infantry and three companies of cavalry, numbering in all 1,300 men, among whom there were three colonels (Robinson, Alexander, and Ma-goffin),one lieutenant-colonel (Robinson), and one major (Harris), and 51 commissioned company officers.
About 500 horses and mules, 73 wagons heavily loaded with powder, lead, tents, subsistence stores, and supplies of various kinds, fell into our hands, as also 1,000 stand of arms.

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The whole force captured, with their train, were marched into the camp of the main body, reaching there about midnight. Many arms were thrown away by the enemy in the bushes or creek when he surrendered and have not yet been found. It was impossible to furnish any accurate account of the number of prisoners, arms, or horses when I telegraphed, as they surrendered just at dark and were brought into camp at a late hour of night. The weather was bitterly cold, and the troops marched as early as possible the next morning for Sedalia and Otterville. As the prisoners and arms were at once sent down to Saint Louis, I have not yet had the opportunity of making any accurate count of them. The numbers as stated were reported to me by Colonel Robinson, their commander; by Col. J. C. Davis; and by Major Tor-renee, First Iowa Cavalry.
The forces under Colonel Davis behaved with great gallantry, and the conduct of Colonel Davis himself was distinguished. I desire to present to your special notice Col. J. C. Davis, Indiana Volunteers; Major Hubbard. First Missouri Cavalry; and Lieutenant Gordon, Fourth Regular Cavalry. Both officers and men behaved well throughout.
Within five days the infantry forces comprising this expedition have marched 100 miles, the cavalry more than double that distance; have swept the whole country of the enemy west of Sedalia as far as Rose Hill to a line within 15 miles of the Osage; have captured nearly 1,500 prisoners, 1,200 stand of arms, nearly 100 wagons, and a large quantity of supplies. The march alone would do credit to old soldiers, and it gives me pleasure to state that it has been performed with cheerfulness and alacrity. The troops reoccupied their camps at Sedalia and Otterville just one week after they marched out of them. & list of our killed and wounded will be transmitted as soon as possible. The enemy's loss is not known and cannot yet be ascertained. Some of his dead were found on the field.
I am, captain, your obedient servant,
JNO. POPE,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Capt. J. C. KELTON,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of the Missouri.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.,
December 23, 1861.
Major-General HALLECK:
Major Caldwell came from Fulton this morning with some-powder, the rebel band having been dispersed. I hear of others over the river, and design sending his cavalry battalion and five companies of the Eleventh Iowa Volunteers to Fulton to-morrow morning. The ice has interfered to-day. I do this under your former instructions. This will' leave but eight companies of infantry here, three of cavalry (partially armed), and two of artillery, without guns. In view of anticipated troubles on this, have you any new instructions in regard to sending troops over the river I The crossing will soon be uncertain.
THOS. J. McKEAN.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, Mo., December 25, 1861.
Brig. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN,
Benton Barracks, Mo.:
Have the battery at the North Missouri Railroad depot at 3 o'clock this afternoon and the Iowa regiment at the same place at 8 o'clock to-morrow morning.
H. W. HALLECK,

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Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS CAMP OF INSTRUCTION,
December 26, 1861.
Capt. J. C. KELTON,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Saint Louis, Mo.:
SIR: I have the honor to report that the Seventh Iowa, Lieutenant-Colonel Parrott commanding, can put into the field about 350 well armed and equipped men, and that the Thirteenth Missouri, Col. C. J. Wright, reports for duty in the field 465 men, armed with Austrian muskets. There are already two detachments absent from their regiments and other disorganizing causes, of which I inclose their colonel's report, but I have notified him that the general's orders are he must hold his men ready for immediate service. The two companies of the Third Missouri, Capt. Joseph Indest commanding, have 43 rifled muskets and 69 smooth-bore muskets, and might be used for guard to a bridge or like purpose. The two companies of the Forty-third Illinois, Capt. Joseph Stiffin, 95 men, are armed with foreign muskets, and might also be used for a guard. The above are the only bodies of armed infantry at Benton Barracks. Of the cavalry, the First Iowa, Colonel Warren— aggregates present for duty, 386--is well equipped except in pistols and carbines. They could put in the field the above number of men, of which 200 would have Colt's pistols. The Third Iowa Cavalry, Col. C. Bussey commanding--aggregate present for duty, 655--is also armed with sabers, and has 340 Colt's revolvers. All other cavalry without fire-arms.
Fletcher's battery of artillery is composed of four smooth 6-pounder guns and two 12- pounder howitzers, with horses, harness, and ammunition, but none have been hitched up. I will cause it to be pushed in drill. The men have no swords or pistols, but these are not essential.
Two guns of Spoor's battery remain here, and will soon be ready. The Minnesota battery has 149 men, but no guns, horses, or anything in the way of equipment. There are two batteries attached to the Second and Third Michigan Cavalry which have not yet been harnessed up, but shall have immediate attention. Of the unarmed regiments, the two regiments of Michigan cavalry have fine material— men and horses; also Curtis' Horse and the Second Iowa. Ask the general to give as long notice as possible when he orders away any regiment or detachment, for these men are very
inexperienced, and say they can start at a given time, when they cannot.
I am, &c.,
W. T. SHERMAN,
Brigadier-General, Commanding

FLORENCE, MO., December 27, 1861— 1 p.m.
Major-General HALLECK, Saint Louis, Mo.:
Todd's force will reach Centreville to-night. The Third Iowa will be at Flint Point and General Henderson at Wellsville. I have no intelligence yet from the force at Fulton. The enemy has gone from Williamsburg towards Concord. I expect to move on Concord and Mexico tomorrow.
I hear nothing from Prentiss.
J. M. SCHOFIELD,
Brigadier-General.

SAINT LOUIS, Mo., December 28, 1861.
Brigadier-General POPE, Otterville, Mo.:
GENERAL: Major-General Hunter has been requested to send the companies of the Seventh Missouri and Eighth Iowa and Missouri Light Artillery to Kansas City and Independence, to

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report to you by letter. You will direct the First Kansas Infantry what route to pursue to those places. The five companies Thirty-ninth Ohio cannot be withdrawn from General Prentiss at present. The regiment, however, will soon be united. The cavalry from Rolla are in pursuit of Price. If the report of his flight from the State proves true, a considerable portion of your command will probably be assigned to other duty. You will therefore make arrangements at La Mine Cantonment for a smaller force. General McClellan is now sick. As soon as he is able to attend to business you will probably receive instructions in reference to new operations. This is confidential, and must not be repeated. Let it be generally understood that your troops are all going into winter quarters. La Mine should be made as strong as possible for, say, two or three regiments.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. W. HALLECK,
Major-General.

HDQRS. SQUADRON FOURTH U.S. CAVALRY,
Camp near Sedalia, Mo., December 29, 1861.
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by Companies B, C, D, of the Fourth Regular Cavalry, under my command, at the action on the Blackwater River, at Milford, on the 19th December. I had reported with my three companies to General Jeff. C. Davis, and had left the town of Knobnoster some 3 miles behind us, when I heard the advance guard driving in the enemy's pickets about 1 mile from Blackwater River towards Knobnoster. My command had the head of the column, and, ordering it to take the gallop, we soon came up with General Davis, who gave the following order: "There they are; give it to them, boys."
Immediately forming fours and then platoons, we charged across the prairie towards the timber, supposing the enemy to be there encamped, but observing no signs of them I broke by fours, and riding at a sharp gallop soon passed through the mile of woods intervening between the prairie and the bridge. On arriving at the open space before the river we observed a body of men on the opposite side. Having satisfied myself that they were the enemy defending the bridge, I sheltered my men as much as possible and ordered them to dismount. At this time and until after the crossing of the bridge the three companies were in the following order: 1st, my own, B; 2d, Lieutenant Gordon's D; 3d, Company C, under Sergeant Neff. After giving them two volleys the enemy showed signs of confusion, and I gave the order to charge. My company (B), closely followed by the other two companies (D and c), gallantly dashed across the bridge. The enemy, terrified by the suddenness and boldness of the charge, broke and fled in two directions, one party taking the road to the right, closely pursued by my company (B), and the other party by the road to the left, followed by Lieutenant Gordon with D and C companies.
The party followed by Lieutenant Gordon led him directly to their camp, which neither of us had before seen. Immediately upon observing the enemy Lieutenant Gordon dismounted his men and delivered two volleys, which the enemy returned, wounding 8 men of Company D and one of Company C. And here I would state that the coolness and intrepidity of Lieutenant Gordon, whose courage was the theme of all present, were closely imitated by the two companies with him. Before this, having concluded it useless to keep up the pursuit, and having discovered the whereabouts of the main body of the enemy, I had wheeled my company to go to the assistance of Lieutenant Gordon. On arriving on the ground I found that one of the companies of the First Iowa Cavalry had broken and were in confusion. I ordered them to halt, but could not stop them. Having extricated the companies I turned to find General Davis, but could not see him anywhere. Meeting with Major Torrence, of the Iowa cavalry, I asked where General Davis was to be

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found, but he could give me no information. I then said, You are next in rank; why don t you take command and do something?" His reply was, "I am," but I received no order from him. I then withdrew the three companies and formed them in line of battle opposite the enemy's camp, the five companies of Iowa cavalry forming on our left and about 200 yards in rear. At this point a flag of truce appeared, and setting out again in search of General Davis I found him on the left of our line. Pointing out to him the flag, I asked permission to go and meet it. He ordered me to do so. On coming up with the bearer of the flag I inquired of him what he desired. He informed me that he belonged to the Confederate Army, and wished to know what flag we fought under. Having given him the desired information he returned to his camp, while I reported to General Davis. The general then asked my opinion as to the feasibility of charging on the enemy's camp, and I gave it as my opinion that it would be madness to charge them through prairie-grass breast-high to a horse and then through thick timber, the enemy being posted behind trees, and evidently outnumbering us four to one, but that if he would order us to dismount and fight on foot something might be done. At any rate we were willing and ready to make the trial. After a few moments I received an order to take position half a mile on our right, for the purpose of intercepting the retreat of the enemy. We did so, and remained there until the surrender, which soon followed.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
COPLEY AMORY,
Second Lieut., Fourth Car., Comdg. Squadron Fourth U.S. Cav.

Col. J. C. KELTON,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of the Missouri, Saint Louis, Mo.
HEADQUARTERS SOUTHWESTERN DISTRICT,
Rolla, December 29, 1861.
Capt. J. C. KELTON,
Assistant Adjutant.General, Saint Louis, Mo.:
CAPTAIN: I arrived here 8 p.m. Thursday night and immediately rode to the camp of Brigadier-General Sigel, about 3 miles from town. I communicated to him the wishes of the major-general in regard to moving the cavalry forthwith, and requested him to order immediate preparation for the movements.
The general not having received the order placing me in command of the district and I not having assumed command (wishing to treat the general with all possible courtesy by conferring with him beforehand), it was with some expressions of doubt as to my rank and authority that he finally issued the order to the cavalry to report when they could move.
Yesterday morning your telegraphic copy of Order 92 was received by General Sigel, and at his request I gave him the date of my commission and Showed him our relative position in the Army Registers.
I then assumed command (see Orders, No. 1), and immediately issued Special Orders, no. 1, to move the cavalry at 8 this morning, which was, according to my judgment, the earliest moment they could be got ready to start.
Those best acquainted with the road say the route to Springfield has been stripped of everything near the road, and the country being very rough, and side roads, it became necessary to carry some supplies, which were accordingly provided and ready at the proper hour this morning. As a further precaution against scarcity of supplies, the command will go on a road south of the road so often traversed, passing by Cassage's, crossing Big Piney at McCourtney's, and the Gasconade at Wisdom's Ford, aiming to strike the old military road 7 miles this side of Springfield. I send copy of instructions given to Colonel Carr.

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The movement of the troops displayed the usual lack of discipline. I had urged exact time and was early in the saddle myself, but it was after 9 before the bright warm sun was reflected from the long line of sabers which were displayed in passing off in form of review.
I left the command 4 miles out, about 1,500 strong, in good spirits, and well equipped for the service.
I will take another occasion to report further details in regard to this command. General Asboth has been very cordial, and so I can say of the officers generally, especially the Iowa and Illinois troops. General Sigel complains of ill health, but seems able for duty. Moving the troops would do them good. They have made very little defense against the cold, and some of them on bleak hills will be ordered into timber valleys for the purpose of better providing against cold.
They are generally in tents, most of them very good.
I expressed my desire to occupy Lebanon with forces of infantry and artillery. Some point farther south, where our regular trains could easily transport supplies from the end of the railroad, would not increase the expense of the command, but give us a better stand-point to operate against the enemy. Scattering bands in the counties of Howard and Douglas deserve attention; but the general impression here is Price will make a stand at or near Neosho or retreat beyond the Ozark Mountains. In either event our cavalry movement cannot do much more than embarrass the enemy in his foraging excursions and increase desertions from his ranks, which are now very great.
I am organizing the defense of the railroad between this point and Pacific City. I design to locate a U.S. rifle cavalry regiment on the line, and have log block-houses, such as I had made on the Iron Mountain Road, erected on this by the troops themselves. Small cannon, like mountain howitzers, such as they make in Quincy, Ill., and costing about $130 each, would, in my judgment, be an economical addition to these block-houses, and diminish the numbers now required to prevent the mounted bands from burning bridges.
Hoping the general will approve my exertions to organize this district and aid him in expelling the enemy from Missouri, I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient
servant,
SAML. R. CURTIS,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.

NEW ORLEANS, December 30, 1861.
Major-General PRICE:
MY DEAR GENERAL: The bearer of this letter will hand you several dispatches from Richmond, which will acquaint you with what is going on there.
I have read the letter which the President has addressed to you. I send you the one he addressed to me, and likewise a copy of my answer to him. I think the time has come when we should speak out in plain terms. I have endeavored to call the attention of Mr. Davis to the true condition of things in Missouri, and have urged the necessity of prompt action in the premises. Whether we shall succeed in getting it I am unable to say. Why it is that he can't give you the appointment at once I am utterly at a loss to determine. He certainly had it in contemplation to appoint Colonel Heth to the chief command, or Mr. Hunter's dispatch to me was sent without authority, and this Mr. Hunter certainly would not do. If, then, the President had the power to appoint Colonel Heth, I cannot see why he has not the authority to appoint you. I am free to acknowledge there is a mystery about this whole affair which I do not comprehend.
I hope all is right, and, indeed, I have the strongest faith that you will yet receive the appointment. I know how easy it is for the acts and intentions of public men to be

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misunderstood, and how common it is for ill-disposed persons to cry a man down without any just cause, and therefore I will not censure the President until I know he has wronged us.
I have been extremely unhappy for the last two weeks or more about your condition. I have not been able to see how you and your men were to extricate yourselves from the perils which seemed to hang over you. I fear your sufferings have been very great, but I trust and hope you are all, with the blessing of God, yet out of the hands of the jayhawkers and Hessians. I have been doing everything in my power to advance our cause.
General Shields has been active and vigilant in pushing forward his work. In ten days, more or less, I think he will have an amount sufficient to pay off Thompson's men. As soon as it is ready I will see that they are paid, and shall then repair to your camp with the least delay possible.
The work on our guns, all things considered, is progressing as fast as I could expect it. Every shop in the whole South is pressed with work, and but for the universal sympathy of the people here for Missouri and the desire of every one to aid us we should not have been able to get our work done in any reasonable time.
The single-barrel shot-guns I have had converted into carbines for mounted men, and will be found to be a valuable weapon.
The old rifles will be made into Mississippi rifles with a saber bayonet—the best war gun now in use, I think. They will all be boxed and forwarded as soon as they are ready; but they will not all be finished under five or six weeks.
The people of this city and State excel any I ever knew in working for our cause. I do not know the exact amount, but I feel confident with what they have already forwarded, together with the articles they are now getting ready for your army, it can hardly fall short of $100,000 in value. They never tire or flag in the good work. They do everything they can to render the soldier comfortable or that will encourage him to perform his duty.
Six young ladies are now raising a subscription to purchase a sword for you, and in order that as many as possible may have a hand in it they allow no one to give over $1. You may therefore look out for a beautiful present from the young ladies of New Orleans.
The news from Washington is that Lincoln has "backed down" and given up Mason and Slidell; just what everybody here thought the cowardly scamp would do. There is no reason to believe a decisive battle is near at hand anywhere.
My kind regards to all the friends.
Faithfully, your friend,
C. F. JACKSON.


Page reformatted July 29, 2018 by Lynn McCleary