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AN ACCOUNT OF THE Battle of Wilson’s Creek, OR OAK HILLS, FOUGHT BETWEEN THE UNION TROOPS, COMMANDED BY GEN. N. LYON, AND THE SOUTHERN, OR CONFEDERATE TROOPS, UNDER COMMAND OF GENS. McCULLOCH AND PRICE, ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 1861, IN GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
AN ACCOUNT OF THE Battle of Wilson’s Creek, OR OAK HILLS, FOUGHT BETWEEN THE UNION TROOPS, COMMANDED BY GEN. N. LYON, AND THE SOUTHERN, OR CONFEDERATE TROOPS, UNDER COMMAND OF GENS. McCULLOCH AND PRICE, ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 1861, IN GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
WRITTEN AND COMPILED FROM AUTHENTIC SOURCES By HOLCOMBE & ADAMS. Published on the Twenty-Second Anniversary of the Battle, as a Full and Faithful Account, and as a Memorial of the Reunion of the Survivors of the Engagement of Both Sides, held August 8, 9, and 10, 1883. SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI: DOW & ADAMS, Publishers. 1883. WRITTEN AND COMPILED FROM AUTHENTIC SOURCES By HOLCOMBE & ADAMS. Published on the Twenty-Second Anniversary of the Battle, as a Full and Faithful Accoun
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FIRST FEDERAL TROOPS.
FIRST FEDERAL TROOPS.
In a few days after the occupation of Rolla, Col. Franz Sigel took up the line of march for Springfield. He had his own regiment, the 3d Mo. Volunteers, and Col. Chas. E. Salomon’s 5th Missouri Volunteers. The march from Rolla to Springfield was necessarily slow, as the Federals were compelled to feel their way cautiously, but, considering all of the circumstances, very good time was made. Detachments were sent out on either side of the road from time to time, and the country pretty well reconno
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“SIGEL IS COMING!”
“SIGEL IS COMING!”
At last, on Sunday morning, June 24, 1861, the citizens of Springfield who lived in the eastern part of town, looked out on the St. Louis road and saw, coming leisurely along, a column of men led by others on horseback. The wind lifted and shook out a banner, which, when unfolded, showed the old familiar stripes in all their splendor and the stars in all their beauty. Just then the band struck up a spirit-stirring air, and the cry rang out and was caught up and borne through all the town, “They
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GEN. SWEENEY COMES TO SPRINGFIELD.
GEN. SWEENEY COMES TO SPRINGFIELD.
On the 1st of July Gen. T. W. Sweeney (then really only a captain in the regular army), having been elected a brigadier by the St. Louis Home Guards, came to Springfield with a force of, say 1,500 men, including the 1st Iowa Infantry (dressed in gray uniforms) a portion of the 2d Kansas, and some artillery and a battalion of regular dragoons. By reason of his rank, which was recognized as that of brigadier, Gen. Sweeney became the commander of the Federal army, then in Southwest Missouri. He was
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SIGEL DEPARTS FOR CARTHAGE.
SIGEL DEPARTS FOR CARTHAGE.
After the battle of Boonville, June 17, the State forces, under Col. Marmaduke and Gov. Jackson, retreated toward the Southwest portion of the State to co-operate with the troops under Gen. Rains, and to be in easy distance of the Confederate forces at Fayetteville, Ark., under Gen. Ben McCulloch. News of this movement having reached Gen. Sigel at Springfield, that officer at once set out to intercept it—to prevent, if possible, a junction between the forces of Col. Marmaduke and those of Gen. R
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GEN. LYON ENTERS THE COUNTY.
GEN. LYON ENTERS THE COUNTY.
On the 3d of July Gen. Nathaniel Lyon, at the head of about 2,000 troops, left Boonville for the Southwest to co-operate with Sigel. On the 25th of June five companies of cavalry, six companies of regular infantry and dragoons, and ten companies of Kansas volunteers, in all about 1,600 men, under command of Maj. S. D. Sturgis, left Kansas City, destined also for Southwest Missouri. At Grand River, in Henry county, the two commands formed a junction, and then started for Sigel. Hearing of the lat
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SWEENEY’S EXPEDITION TO FORSYTH.
SWEENEY’S EXPEDITION TO FORSYTH.
Saturday, July 20, about 1,200 men were detailed under Gen. Sweeney to break up a secession camp reported to be at Forsyth, the county seat of Taney county. The command was composed of the two companies of regular cavalry, under Capt. D. S. Stanley; a section of Capt. Totten’s battery, in charge of Lt. Sokalski; about 500 men of the 1st Iowa Infantry, under Lt. Col. Merritt; Capt. Wood’s company of mounted Kansas volunteers, and the 2d Kansas Infantry, under Col. Mitchell. The expedition reached
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CONFEDERATE MILITARY OPERATIONS.
CONFEDERATE MILITARY OPERATIONS.
Meantime preparations were making among the secessionists of Missouri to dispute the occupancy of the Southwest portion of the State with the Federals. Gen. Ben McCulloch, of Texas, had been ordered by the Confederate government to go to the assistance of its allies in Missouri. Accordingly he rendezvoused at Fayetteville, Ark., where he was joined by some Louisiana and Arkansas volunteers and a division of Arkansas State troops. The Missouri State Guards, Gov. Jackson’s troops, had rendezvoused
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THE FIGHT AT DUG SPRINGS.
THE FIGHT AT DUG SPRINGS.
Gen. Lyon was duly informed of the concentration of the Southern troops at Cassville, of the junction of Price and McCulloch, and of their intention of marching upon his own camp. His scouts and spies were numerous, sharp and faithful. They marched in the ranks with the secession troops at times, hung about officers’ quarters, picked up all the information they could and then made their way inside the Federal lines in a very short time. For the most part Lyon’s scouts were residents of this part
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GEN. LYON FALLS BACK.
GEN. LYON FALLS BACK.
Finding that the enemy in his front was much his superior in numbers, Gen. Lyon determined to go no farther than Curran, but to return to Springfield and await the reinforcements so urgently requested of Gen. Fremont before risking a decisive battle, the result of which would certainly mean a splendid victory and possession of all Southwestern Missouri to one party or the other. The Federal scouts also reported that a large force of State Guards was marching to the assistance of Gen. Price from
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THE SOUTHERN FORCES UNDER PRICE AND M’CULLOCH ENTER GREENE COUNTY—A GREAT BATTLE IMMINENT.
THE SOUTHERN FORCES UNDER PRICE AND M’CULLOCH ENTER GREENE COUNTY—A GREAT BATTLE IMMINENT.
When Gen. Rains’ troops were driven from the field at Dug Springs, they fell back on the main army under Price and McCulloch, some five miles away, and reported that the force which had assailed them was not only vastly superior to their own, but was much larger and more formidable than the combined Southern army. It was evident that Gen. Rains, if not badly whipped, was badly frightened. The Confederates and Missourians were then encamped on Crane Creek, in the northern part of Stone county. Th
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GEN. LYON IN SPRINGFIELD.
GEN. LYON IN SPRINGFIELD.
When Gen. Lyon returned to Springfield after the Dug Springs expedition, he scattered his forces upon the different roads leading into the city at a distance of from three to five miles. Five miles from town, on the Fayetteville road, was a force of 2,500 under command of Maj. Sturgis. The other roads were well guarded, and all precautions were taken against a surprise or a sudden attack. Gen. Lyon’s private room and personal headquarters were in a house on North Jefferson street, not far from t
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PRELIMINARIES OF THE FINAL STRUGGLE.
PRELIMINARIES OF THE FINAL STRUGGLE.
On Monday, August 5, the day of Lyon’s arrival at Springfield, as before stated, he left a force of 2,500 strong at a point about five miles from Springfield, on the Fayetteville road. This force (comprising fully one-third of Lyon’s army), under Major Sturgis, was ordered by Gen. Lyon to be ready to move at a moment’s notice, and at about 6 o’clock on the evening of the next day the men were in ranks, the artillery horses harnessed, and everything in readiness to march back and attack the advan
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A FALSE ALARM.
A FALSE ALARM.
Thursday morning, Price and McCulloch were reported to be actually advancing on Springfield. Lyon’s troops were quickly in line of battle, the luggage wagons were all sent to the center of the town, and in this position they remained during nearly the entire day. The Southern troops had advanced, but only about two miles, and had gone into camp in the southern part of this county, nearly on the line between Greene and Christian counties (in sections 25 and 36, tp. 28, range 23, partly in Greene
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A MESSENGER FROM FREMONT—NO HOPE!
A MESSENGER FROM FREMONT—NO HOPE!
About noon there arrived a messenger from St. Louis and Fremont bearing a dispatch from the latter to Gen. Lyon. This dispatch informed Lyon that his situation was not considered critical; that he doubtless over-estimated the force in his front; that he ought not to fall back without good cause, and assured him that no reinforcement would be sent, but that he must report his future movements as soon as possible, and do the best he could. Like the brave, disciplined soldier that he was, Lyon acce
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CONFEDERATE MILITARY MOVEMENTS PRECEDING THE BATTLE.
CONFEDERATE MILITARY MOVEMENTS PRECEDING THE BATTLE.
From their camp at Moody’s Spring, where they had arrived Monday night, Generals Price and McCulloch moved forward to the point on Wilson’s creek, heretofore described, and went again into camp on the 6th. Scouting parties were at once sent out, especially to discover the Federal position, but with little success, while foraging parties scoured the country in every direction, and were equally inefficient in obtaining information. The combined forces were at once put in position to advance on Spr
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GEN. LYON MARCHES OUT TO BATTLE.
GEN. LYON MARCHES OUT TO BATTLE.
Upon the receipt of Gen. Fremont’s last message, to the effect that no help would be sent, Gen. Lyon resolved upon attacking his enemy down on Wilson’s creek and trusting to the effect of a surprise and a fierce fight. He was led to this course by the fact that he knew his situation would not improve with time, and perhaps by his knowledge of the fact that Price and McCulloch were about to attack him . [6] To fight on the defensive about Springfield, with a town full of women and children behind
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THE MARCH BEGUN—ROUTE OF GEN. LYON.
THE MARCH BEGUN—ROUTE OF GEN. LYON.
At about 6 P. M. of Friday evening, the 9th, the movement of troops began. Gen. Lyon’s column went to the westward, on the Mt. Vernon road, Capt. Gilbert’s company of regular infantry having the advance. In a short time it was dark, but the march was continued. Although the march was intended to result in a surprise, and, it was expected, would be conducted silently, yet there was a great deal of noise made. The Iowa and Kansas volunteers were disposed to exercise their vocal organs, and camp so
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COL. SIGEL’S ADVANCE.
COL. SIGEL’S ADVANCE.
Sigel left “Camp Fremont,” on the south side of Springfield, at about 6:30, p. m., taking at first the “wire” road, or road to Cassville and Fayetteville, along which the telegraph wire ran. About four miles southwest of town, the command left the main Cassville road, which led directly through McCulloch’s camp, and bore south, and then along a road parallel with the Cassville road, and in the same general direction, until below the Christian county line. Col. Sigel had for guides, C. B. Owen, J
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LYON OPENS THE BATTLE.
LYON OPENS THE BATTLE.
In describing the battle of Wilson’s Creek in this history, which, it is believed, contains the only fully elaborate and accurate account ever published, of that memorable contest, it is proper to do so in detail. The statements herein made have been derived from the official reports of commanders, and from the fairest accounts of actual participants. Care has been taken to discard all reports which are highly colored, sensational, not corroborated by undisputed facts, and savoring of the improb
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DEATH OF GEN. LYON.
DEATH OF GEN. LYON.
Early in this engagement, while Gen. Lyon was walking and leading his horse along the line on the left of Totten’s battery, his horse, the iron gray, was killed and he was wounded in two places, in the head and in the leg. Captain Herron, of the 1st Iowa, [8] states that he saw the horse fall, and that the animal sank down as if vitally struck, neither plunging nor rearing. Lyon then walked on, waving his sword and hallooing. He was limping for he had been wounded in the leg. He carried his hat,
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STILL THE BATTLE GOES ON.
STILL THE BATTLE GOES ON.
In the meantime the disordered Federal line was rallied and reformed. The 1st Iowa took its place in the front, and Major Sturgis says, “fought like old veterans.” The Kansans and the Missourians were also doing well, and the Confederates were driven back, only to come again. The situation of the Federals was now desperate. The commander, Gen. Lyon, was killed; Gen. Sweeney was wounded, Col. Deitzler, of the 1st Kansas, lay with two bullets in his body; Col. Mitchell, of the 2d Kansas, by the sa
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THE LAST GRAND CHARGE OF PRICE’S MEN.
THE LAST GRAND CHARGE OF PRICE’S MEN.
The great questions in the minds of Sturgis and Sweeney and the other Federal officers, who had been informed of the plan of attack agreed upon were, “Where is Sigel? Why doesn’t he co-operate?” Although it seemed as if there must be a retreat should the Southerners make another vigorous charge, yet if Sigel should come up with his near 1,000 men, and make an attack on Price’s right flank and rear, then the Federals could go forward with strong hopes of success. If Sigel had been whipped, howeve
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RETREAT.
RETREAT.
Maj. Sturgis gave the order to retreat as soon as his enemy had fallen back and enabled him to do so. Totten’s battery, as soon as his disabled horses could be replaced, retired with the main body of the infantry, while Capt. Steele met the feeble demonstrations of a few plucky Missouri skirmishers who had not fallen back with the main line and were picking away at the Federal right flank. The whole Federal column now moved unmolested and in tolerable order to the high open prairie east of Ross’
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SIGEL’S PART IN THE FIGHT.
SIGEL’S PART IN THE FIGHT.
It is proper now to consider the part taken by Col. Sigel and his brigade in the battle of Wilson’s Creek. It has been stated that he had moved entirely around the southern end of the Confederate line of camp, and on a previous page we left him with his guns “in battery,” and his infantry and cavalry in line commanding the Fayetteville road, and ready to open fire as soon an the sound of Lyon’s guns could be heard up the valley, nearly two miles. At 5:30, early in the morning, the rattle of musk
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DR. S. H. MELCHER’S ACCOUNT.
DR. S. H. MELCHER’S ACCOUNT.
Mention has been made of Dr. Samuel H. Melcher, who as assistant surgeon of Col. Salomon’s 5th Missouri (Dr. E. C. Franklin, being surgeon), was present at the battle of Wilson’s Creek with Sigel’s command. To the writer hereof Dr. Melcher, now of Chicago, sends his recollections of the events of the memorable contest. After narrating the preliminary movements of Sigel, substantially as heretofore given, Dr. Melcher says:— * * * Gen. Sigel soon gave the order to fire, which was responded to with
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THE SOUTHERN SIDE OF THE STORY.
THE SOUTHERN SIDE OF THE STORY.
As one side, the Northern, or Federal, or Union side, of the battle of Wilson’s Creek has been told it is but proper that the other, the Southern or Confederate, or secession side, should be given. The statements herein made have been derived from the most authentic sources possible to be consulted. The writer returns his sincere thanks to those Confederate officers, scattered from the Iowa line to the Rio Grande, who have responded to his request for information so promptly and so fully, and in
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THE PART TAKEN BY M’CULLOCH’S ARMY.
THE PART TAKEN BY M’CULLOCH’S ARMY.
It will be remembered that Gen. McCulloch had at last yielded to Gen. Price’s persistent and positive demands, and had agreed to march against Lyon at Springfield on the night of August 9th and attack him on the morning of the 10th. The march was to be made in four columns and to be begun at 9 o’clock at night. Just after dark a light rain fell, and it was very dark and a heavy rain storm seemed to be coming up. McCulloch well knew that many of the Missouri troops were not supplied with cartridg
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THE FEDERAL ATTACK.
THE FEDERAL ATTACK.
Col. T. L. Snead states that on the night of the 9th he sat up all night at Gen. Price’s headquarters, which were on the side of the creek, at the foot of the sloping, rocky, black-jack hills on whose summit the main battle was fought. About daybreak Gen. Price got up in great impatience and sent for McCulloch, who soon afterward arrived, accompanied by Col. James McIntosh (of the 2d Arkansas Mounted Riflemen), his assistant adjutant-general. “Gen. Price and I were just sitting down to breakfast
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THE FIGHT AGAINST LYON.
THE FIGHT AGAINST LYON.
The Missourians under Rains were first attacked by Lyon. Rains had his division under arms and in line with commendable promptness. A great many of his men scattered, it is true, but the majority were soon in ranks and fighting the enemy. Rains’ division was a large one, including all the men from the populous secession counties of Saline, Lafayette, Jackson, Johnson, and Pettis, and it held that part of the line in front of Totten’s battery. Gen. Price instantly ordered the other division comma
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M’CULLOCH COMES TO THE RESCUE.
M’CULLOCH COMES TO THE RESCUE.
Meantime Gen. McCulloch had hurried to the lower end of the valley where his division was encamped, and the impetuous Texan chieftain speedily brought out of camp Col. Hebert’s Louisiana regiment, and McIntosh’s Arkansas mounted riflemen, and hastened to the rescue of the Missourians. This force went to the east side of Wilson’s Creek and coming up to the fence enclosing Ray’s cornfield, the Arkansas riflemen dismounted, and they and the Louisianians leaped over the fence and charged through the
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THE BEGINNING OF THE END.
THE BEGINNING OF THE END.
The terrible fire of musketry was now kept up along the whole side and top of the hill on which the enemy was posted. Masses of infantry fell back and again rushed forward. The summit of the hill was covered with the dead and wounded. Both sides were fighting with all desperation for the victory. Gens. Price and McCulloch were among their men animating them by their voice, their presence, and their example. Price was slightly wounded but would not leave the field. To relieve the infantry McCullo
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VICTORY!
VICTORY!
At this critical moment, when the fortunes of the day seemed at the turning point, McCulloch ordered forward his reserves and threw them into the scale. Forward came the rest of Pearce’s Arkansas division, Gratiot’s and Dockery’s regiments, on the run and cheering. Into the thickest of the fight and throwing away their “tooth-picks,” as their huge knives were called relied solely on their muskets, and did most effective work in the center of the line. Reid’s battery was also ordered forward, and
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M’CULLOCH’S DESTRUCTION OF SIGEL.
M’CULLOCH’S DESTRUCTION OF SIGEL.
When Sigel came upon the southern end of the Confederate camp the troops he encountered were Churchill’s Arkansas regiment, Greer’s Texas Rangers, and about 700 mounted Missourians under command of Col. James P. Major and Col. Benjamin Brown, of Ray county, the latter the President of the Missouri State Senate. These troops, taken unawares, were speedily pushed back up the valley across the Fayetteville road. It was at this point of the line,—the Confederate right is faced toward the east,—where
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AFTER THE FAMOUS VICTORY.
AFTER THE FAMOUS VICTORY.
Dies iræ! O, the moaning and wailing that were all over the land west of the great Fathers of Waters when the full tidings of the battle of Wilson’s Creek were learned! From Dubuque and Baton Rouge, from Iowa and Texas, from Louisiana and Kansas, and from every county of Missouri, there went up a sobbing prayer from many a household for strength to bear the bereavement of a father, a husband, a brother or a son slain that 10th of August, 1861, down by the beautiful little stream in the Ozarks. T
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COMPARATIVE STRENGTH AND LOSSES OF THE TWO ARMIES.
COMPARATIVE STRENGTH AND LOSSES OF THE TWO ARMIES.
The strength of both of the contending armies at the battle of Wilson’s Creek is here given as nearly as it has been possible to obtain it. It is believed that the Federal strength has been very definitely learned; that of the combined Southern forces has been approximated in regard to two or three commands in McCulloch’s division....
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FEDERAL STRENGTH.
FEDERAL STRENGTH.
According to the reports of the company commanders on the morning of the 9th of August, there were in the column that marched under Gen. Lyon exactly 3,721 men of all arms, infantry, cavalry, and artillery, not including the two companies of home guards under Capts. Wright and Switzler. Sigel’s column consisted of 17 companies of infantry (8 of the 3d Missouri and 9 of the 5th Missouri), numbering 912 men; six pieces of artillery, 85 men; and two companies of cavalry, 121 men;—Total of Sigel’s c
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CONFEDERATE STRENGTH.
CONFEDERATE STRENGTH.
Without giving exact details, Gen. McCulloch says, in his official report to Gen. Cooper, Adjutant General of the Confederate States: “My own effective force was 5,300 infantry, Woodruff’s and Reed’s batteries, and 6,000 horsemen.” Total, about 11,550. Gen. Price’s division was composed of the following subdivisions:— July 30, at Cassville, Gen. McCulloch reported his force and that of Gen. Pearce, as numbering in aggregate 5,700, “nearly all well armed.” (Rebellion Records, vol. 3, series I, p.
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THE FEDERAL LOSS.
THE FEDERAL LOSS.
As officially reported, and on file at this day, was as follows: Of the wounded forty-eight are known to have died of their injuries afterward, making the actual loss in killed 283. The principal Federal officers killed were Gen. Lyon; Capt. Carey Gratz, 1st Missouri; Capt. A. L. Mason, 1st Iowa. Wounded. —Gen. Sweeney; Col. Deitzler, 1st Kansas, (twice); Col. Mitchell, 2d Kansas; Lieut. Col. Merritt, 1st Iowa; Lieut. Col. Andrews, 1st Missouri; Adjt. Waldron, 1st Iowa; Capt. Plummer, of the reg
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CONFEDERATE LOSS—PRICE’S ARMY.
CONFEDERATE LOSS—PRICE’S ARMY.
Gen. Slack’s Division. —Col. John T. Hughes’ brigade, killed 36; wounded 70 (many mortally); missing 30. Among the killed were C. H. Bennett, adjutant of Hughes’ regiment; Capt. Chas. Blackwell, of Carroll county, and Lieut. Hughes. Col. Rive’s brigade lost 4 killed, and 8 wounded; among the killed were Lieut. Col. Austin, of Livingston county, a member of the Legislature, and Capt. Engart. Gen. Clark’s Division. —Infantry loss, 17 killed and 71 wounded; cavalry loss, 6 killed and 5 wounded. Amo
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DISPOSITION OF THE DEAD.
DISPOSITION OF THE DEAD.
The dead at Wilson’s Creek were not well disposed of. All were given hasty and rude sepulture. Of course the Confederate slain fared the better, being buried by their own comrades. The Union dead were put under ground as soon as possible, and with but little ceremony. In an old well, near the battle field, fourteen bodies were thrown. In a “sink-hole” thirty-four of their bodies were tumbled. The others were buried in groups here and there, and the burial heaps marked. In many instances, a few F
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THE HOME GUARDS AT SPRINGFIELD.
THE HOME GUARDS AT SPRINGFIELD.
Back in Springfield there was a large force of Home Guards, numbering about 1,200, under Col. Marcus Boyd, from Greene and adjoining counties, all under arms, and all ready and willing to fight. But Gen. Lyon held their fighting qualities in such poor esteem—having no confidence that any other sort of troops but regulars would fight well—that he had refused to allow them to go to the field, saying that they would break at the first fire and demoralize the rest of the troops, and perhaps cause hi
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THE RETREAT FROM SPRINGFIELD.
THE RETREAT FROM SPRINGFIELD.
Upon reaching Springfield the Federal army rested a brief time and got itself ready for flight. A conference of the principal officers was held, and the command of all the forces given to Col. Sigel, of whom it is reported Maj. Sturgis said he was not altogether successful in attack, but was “h—l on retreat.” The citizens were notified, and hundreds of them began packing up and preparing to follow the army. These were Union people who dreaded the approach of the Southern troops. The Home Guards
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CARE OF THE UNION WOUNDED.
CARE OF THE UNION WOUNDED.
By 10 o’clock in the forenoon the wounded Federals had begun to arrive from the front, where the battle was raging, with the news that Lyon was driving the enemy at all points, the Union people cheered, and bestirred themselves to take care of the stricken. The new court-house (the present) and the sheriff’s residence were taken for hospital purposes, and by midnight contained 100 men; the Bailey house was filled; the Methodist church building was similarly occupied. Ambulances, carriages, butch
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THE ARMY SETS OUT.
THE ARMY SETS OUT.
At last all was ready and the army set out for Rolla, with a train of wagons three miles long and a huge column of refugees, men, women, and children, black and white, old and young, in carriages, wagons, carts, on horseback, on foot, “anyway to get away,” as it has been expressed. The march was begun at midnight, and by daybreak the head of the column was outside of the county. No attempt was made on the part of the Southern troops to pursue and capture the column with its $2,000,000 in money a
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THE CONFEDERATES ENTER SPRINGFIELD.
THE CONFEDERATES ENTER SPRINGFIELD.
The battle of Wilson’s Creek ended at about noon of August 10; but not until about 11 o’clock of the next day, or nearly 24 hours after the close of the battle, did the first Confederate troops (save a few prisoners), set foot within the town of Springfield. Sturgis, with the remains of Lyon’s corps, was not pursued at all. Sigel’s “flying Dutchmen” were chased but a few miles, while no attempt at formidable pursuit or to follow up the victory was made by either McCulloch or Price. Whether this
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PROCLAMATION OF GEN. M’CULLOCH.
PROCLAMATION OF GEN. M’CULLOCH.
Headquarters Western Army , Camp near Springfield, Mo. , August 12, 1861. To the People of Missouri :—Having been called by the Governor of your State to assist in driving the National forces out of the State and in restoring the people to their just rights, I have come among you simply with the view of making war upon our Northern foes, to drive them back and give the oppressed of your State an opportunity of again standing up as free men and uttering their true sentiments. You have been overru
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GEN. M’CULLOCH’S ORDER.
GEN. M’CULLOCH’S ORDER.
Headquarters Western Army , Near Springfield, Missouri , August 12, 1861. The General commanding takes great pleasure in announcing to the army under his command, the signal victory it has just gained. Soldiers of Louisiana, of Arkansas, of Missouri, and of Texas, nobly have you sustained yourselves. Shoulder to shoulder you have met the enemy and driven him before you. Your first battle has been glorious and your general is proud of you. The opposing forces, composed mostly of the old regular a
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GEN. PRICE’S PROCLAMATION.
GEN. PRICE’S PROCLAMATION.
To the People of Missouri :— Fellow-citizens : The army under my command has been organized under the laws of the State for the protection of your homes and firesides, and for the maintenance of the rights, dignity and honor of Missouri. It is kept in the field for these purposes alone, and to aid in accomplishing them, our gallant Southern brethren have come into our State. We have just achieved a glorious victory over the foe, and scattered far and wide the well-appointed army which the usurpe
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JOY AND CONGRATULATIONS.
JOY AND CONGRATULATIONS.
The news of the battle of Wilson’s Creek was received with great joy throughout the Southern Confederacy and everywhere that the Confederate cause had sympathizers, and the event did much for that cause in Missouri, by stimulating recruiting and causing many an undecided individual to come down off the fence and stand on the Southern side. Some time afterward, November 4, 1861, when the “Claib. Jackson Legislature” (as the Legislature that passed the Neosho ordinance of secession was called), wa
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CONFEDERATE COMMANDS.
CONFEDERATE COMMANDS.
A considerable portion of the services of this regiment have already been narrated. Aroused by Gen. McCulloch himself, the colonel of the regiment, Louis Hebert, formed the 3d Louisiana and followed the road to Springfield, a short distance to a narrow by-road running north and leading to Ray’s corn-field, then held by Plummer’s regulars. In front of the corn-field was a dense thicket, through which the regiment advanced, and here it instantly became engaged. At the first fire Sergeant Major Ren
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FEDERAL COMMANDS.
FEDERAL COMMANDS.
The 1st Iowa Infantry was a three months regiment whose time had expired several days before the battle, but it had remained on duty with Lyon to aid him in his emergency. At the time of the fight its colonel, J. F. Bates, lay sick in Springfield, and Lieut. Col. Wm. H. Merritt, led the regiment. As has been stated the 1st Iowa was in Lyon’s column. At the beginning of the fight it was in the reserve, but advanced when the 1st Kansas gave way and received the first fire of the enemy while in a s
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DISPOSITION OF THE BODY OF GEN. LYON.
DISPOSITION OF THE BODY OF GEN. LYON.
Ah, Sir Launcelot. Thou there liest that never wert matched of earthly hands. Thou wert the fairest person and the goodliest of any that rode in the press of knights. Thou wert the truest to thy sworn brother of any that buckled on the spur; * * * and thou wert the sternest knight to thy mortal foe that ever laid spear in rest. For the purpose of ascertaining the truth concerning the death and burial of the body of Gen. Lyon, the writer hereof caused certain newspaper publications to be made in
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