1

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

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

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.

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,

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

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.

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,

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

I am, captain, respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. POPE,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE MISSOURI VOLUNTEERS,

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

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

the troops under my command are concerned:

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

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

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

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

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

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

regular cavalry, belonging to the command of Major Sturgis.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

the center of it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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