CHAPTER X.
OPERATIONS IN MISSOURI, ARKANSAS, KANSAS, AND THE INDIAN TERRITORY.*
May 10-November 19, 1861.
(Wilson’s Creek, Lexington, Belmont)
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UNION CORRESPONDENCE.

{p.369}

FORT LEAVENWORTH, KANS., May 10, 1861.

Lieut. Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, A. A. G., Hdqrs. Army, Washington City:

COLONEL: I deem it of sufficient importance to report for the information of the Lieutenant-General Commander-in-Chief that I am credibly informed the governor of Missouri has established at Saint Joseph a permanent camp of State troops. The force now embodied and encamped and drilling consists of eight companies-one as light artillery, having two iron guns, taken from Liberty Arsenal; three companies of dragoons, and four of infantry. This force, by order of the governor, is to be increased from the interior. Should Missouri secede, not a doubt but offensive operations against this post will be attempted. At present I have troops sufficient to repel any force now at Saint Joseph. If informed of additional ones arriving I shall, without hesitation, call on the governor of the State of Kansas for one or two regiments of infantry, to assist in the defense of this place and the towns on the right bank of the Missouri River. It is known there are stored at Fort Kearney large quantities of ordnance, ordnance stores, subsistence, and clothing, and it has been reported to me that the mustering of the State of Missouri troops at Saint Joseph is to make a sudden foray on Fort Kearney, to capture its stores, particularly the park of 12-pounder howitzers. Should I learn that Missouri troops have crossed the river for this or any other object aggressive to the rights of the citizens of this State or interest of the United States Government, I shall, with my disposable force, immediately attack them.

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

D. S. MILES, Colonel Second Infantry, Commanding.

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GENERAL ORDERS, No. 10.}

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE WEST, Saint Louis, Mo., May 11, 1861.

In compliance with instructions which have been received from the Adjutant-General’s Office the undersigned resumes command of the Department of the West.

WM. S. HARNEY, Brigadier-General, U. S. Army.

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SAINT LOUIS, MO., May 13, 1861.

Lieut. Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. of the Army, Washington, D. C.:

SIR: I have the honor to report for the information of the General-in-Chief that, in obedience to the instructions of the honorable Secretary of War, communicated to me through the Adjutant-General of the {p.370} Army, I resumed command of the Department of the West the 11th instant. On my arrival at Saint Louis I found very great excitement prevailing throughout the community in consequence of the capture, on the 10th instant, of the brigade of Missouri militia, under the command of Brig. Gen. D. M. Frost, while in camp near this city, by the United States forces, under the command of Capt. N. Lyon, Second Infantry. I am informed that a detailed report of that affair was forwarded previous to my resuming command of the department, but I deem it proper to state that the conduct of Captain Lyon on the occasion meets with my entire approval.

As serious apprehensions were entertained yesterday morning that the excitement existing in the city would result in an outbreak in the course of a few hours unless allayed, I deemed it necessary to issue a proclamation, of which the inclosed is a copy, and which, I am assured, was well received and had the effect to tranquilize the public mind. I also ordered up from the arsenal some 250 regular troops, with four pieces of artillery, to aid the civil authorities in the preservation of the public peace. I am happy to add that all indications of the threatened disturbance have disappeared.

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

WM. S. HARNEY, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

[Inclosure.]

PROCLAMATION.

MILITARY DEPARTMENT OF THE WEST, Saint Louis, Mo., May 12, 1861.

I have just returned to this post, and have assumed the military command of this department. No one can more deeply regret the deplorable state of things existing here than myself. The past cannot be recalled. I can only deal with the present and the future. I most anxiously desire to discharge the delicate and onerous duties devolved upon me so as to preserve the public peace. I shall carefully abstain from the exercise of any unnecessary powers and from all interference with the proper functions of the public officers of the State and city. I therefore call upon the public authorities and the people to aid me in preserving the public peace.

The military force stationed in this department by authority of the Government, and now under my command, will only be used in the last resort to preserve the peace. I trust I may be spared the necessity of resorting to martial law, but the public peace must be preserved, and the lives and property of the people protected. Upon a careful review of my instructions I find I have no authority to change the location of the Home Guards. To avoid all cause of irritation and excitement, if called upon to aid the local authorities in preserving the public peace, I shall in preference make use of the Regular Army.

I ask the people to pursue their peaceful avocations, and to observe the laws and orders of their local authorities, and to abstain from the excitements of public meetings and heated discussions. My appeal I trust may not be in vain, and I pledge the faith of a soldier to the earnest discharge of my duty.

WM. S. HARNEY, Brigadier-General, U. S. Army, Commanding Department.

{p.371}

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SAINT LOUIS, MO., May 14, 1861.

Lieut. Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Army, Washington, D. C.:

SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith, for the information of the General-in-Chief, a copy of a proclamation I deemed it necessary, in view of the existing condition of affairs in this quarter, to address to the people of Missouri.

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

WM. S. HARNEY, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

[Inclosure.]

MILITARY DEPARTMENT OF THE WEST, Saint Louis, May 14, 1861.

To the People of the State of Missouri:

On my return to the duties of the command of this department I find, greatly to my astonishment and mortification, a most extraordinary state of things existing in this State, deeply affecting the stability of the Government of the United States as well as the governmental and other interests of Missouri itself.

As a citizen of Missouri, owing allegiance to the United States, and having interests in common with you, I feel it my duty as well as privilege to extend a warning voice to my fellow-citizens against the common dangers that threaten us, and to appeal to your patriotism and sense of justice to exert all your moral power to avert them.

It is with regret that I feel it my duty to call your attention to the recent act of the general assembly of Missouri known as the “military bill,” which is the result, no doubt, of the temporary excitement that now pervades the public mind. This bill cannot be regarded in any other light than an indirect secession ordinance, ignoring even the forms resorted to by other States. Manifestly, its most material provisions are in conflict with the Constitution and laws of the United States. To this extent it is a nullity, and cannot and ought not to be upheld or regarded by the good citizens of Missouri. There are obligations and duties resting upon the people of Missouri under the Constitution and laws of the United States which are paramount, and which I trust you will carefully consider and weigh well before you will allow yourselves to be carried out of the Union under the form of yielding obedience to this military bill, which is clearly in violation of your duties as citizens of the United States.

It must be apparent to every one who has taken a proper and unbiased view of the subject that, whatever may be the termination of the unfortunate condition of things in respect to the so-called Cotton States, Missouri must share the destiny of the Union. Her geographical position, her soil, productions, and, in short, all her material interests, point to this result. We cannot shut our eyes against this controlling fact. It is seen and its force is felt throughout the nation. So important is this regarded to the great interests of the country, that I venture to express the opinion that the whole power of the Government of the United States, if necessary, will be exerted to maintain Missouri in her present position in the Union. I express to you, in all frankness and sincerity, my own deliberate convictions, without assuming to speak for the Government of the United States, whose authority here and elsewhere I shall at all times and under all circumstances endeavor faithfully to uphold. I desire above all things most earnestly to invite {p.372} my fellow-citizens dispassionately to consider their true interests as well as their true relation to the Government under which we live and to which we owe so much.

In this connection I desire to direct attention to one subject which, no doubt, will be made the pretext for more or less popular excitement. I allude to the recent transactions at Camp Jackson, near Saint Louis. It is not proper for me to comment upon the official conduct of my predecessor in command of this department, but it is right and proper for the people of Missouri to know that the main avenue of Camp Jackson, recently under command of General Frost, had the name of Davis, and a principal street of the same camp that of Beauregard, and that a body of men had been received into that camp by its commander which had been notoriously organized in the interests of the secessionists the men openly wearing the dress and badge distinguishing the Army of the so-called Southern Confederacy. It is also a notorious fact that a quantity of arms had been received into the camp which were unlawfully taken from the United States Arsenal at Baton Rouge, and surreptitiously passed up the river in boxes marked “Marble.”

Upon facts like these, and having in view what occurred at Liberty, the people can draw their own inferences, and it cannot be difficult for any one to arrive at a correct conclusion as to the character and ultimate purpose of that encampment. No Government in the world would be entitled to respect that would tolerate for a moment such openly treasonable preparations. It is but simple justice, however, that I should state the fact that there were many good and loyal men in the camp who were in no manner responsible for its treasonable character.

Disclaiming as I do all desire or intention to interfere in any way with the prerogatives of the State of Missouri or with the functions of its executive or other authorities, yet I regard it as my plain path of duty to express to the people, in respectful but at the same time decided language, that within the field and scope of my command and authority the “supreme law” of the land must and shall be maintained, and no subterfuges, whether in the forms of legislative acts or otherwise, can be permitted to harass or oppress the good and law-abiding people of Missouri. I shall exert my authority to protect their persons and property from violations of every kind, and I shall deem it my duty to suppress all unlawful combinations of men, whether formed under pretext of military organizations or otherwise.

WM. S. HARNEY, Brigadier-General, U. S. Army, Commanding.

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SAINT LOUIS, MO., May 14, 1861.

Brig. Gen. W. S. HARNEY, Commanding the Military Department of the West:

SIR: In common with thousands who have perused your admirable proclamation of this morning, I return you the thanks of a citizen of Missouri for its patriotic tone and tranquilizing assurances. There is nothing in this paper which in my opinion needs explanation, yet I wish to be able to answer, with the authority of your name, a question which I have already replied to on my own judgment.

Last evening a gentleman of the highest respectability and intelligence, from Greene County, Missouri, asked me whether I supposed it {p.373} was the intention of the United States Government to interfere with the institution of negro slavery in Missouri or any slave State, or impair the security of that description of property. Of course my answer was most unqualifiedly and almost indignantly in the negative. I told him that I had no means of forming an opinion which was not open to every other private citizen, but that I felt certain that the force of the United States would, if necessary, be diverted for the protection of this as well as any other kind of property. Will you be good enough to spare from your engrossing military duties so much time as may be required to say whether I answered correctly?

I have the honor to be, with the highest respect, your most obedient servant,

THOMAS T. GANTT.

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MAY 14, 1861.

THOMAS T. GANTT, Esq., Saint Louis, Mo.:

SIR: I have just received your note of this date, inquiring whether, in my opinion, you were correct in replying to a citizen of Southwestern Missouri as to the purpose of the United States Government respecting the protection of negro property. I must premise by saying that I have no special instructions on this head from the War Department, but I should as soon expect to hear that the orders of the Government were directed towards the overthrow of any other kind of property as of this in negro slaves.

I entertain no doubt whatever that you answered the question you mentioned correctly. I should certainly have answered it in the same manner, and I think with the very feelings you describe. I am not a little astonished that such a question could be seriously put. Already, since the commencement of these unhappy disturbances, slaves have escaped from their owners, and have sought refuge in the camps of United States troops from Northern States, and commanded by a Northern general. They were carefully sent back to their owners. An insurrection of slaves was reported to have taken place in Maryland. A Northern general offered to the executive of that State the aid of Northern troops, under his own command, to suppress it. Incendiaries have asked of the President permission to invade the Southern States, and have been warned that any attempt to do this will be punished as a crime. I repeat it, I have no special means of knowledge on this subject; but what I have cited, and my general acquaintance with the statesmanlike views of the President, makes me confident in expressing the opinion above given.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. S. HARNEY, Brig. Gen., Commanding Military Department of the West.

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EAST SAINT LOUIS, ILL., May 15, 1861.

Hon. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War:

I think it of the utmost importance that an additional regiment, consisting exclusively of Irishmen, should be raised in Saint Louis. It will at once settle matters in Saint Louis, and do away with the prejudice against the Government troops, which consist almost exclusively of Germans.

WM. S. HARNEY, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

{p.374}

I concur in the importance and policy of General Harney’s recommendations, and believe that it will end our troubles here and enable our troops to do service elsewhere.

FRANK P. BLAIR, JR., Colonel First Regiment Missouri Volunteers.

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SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 135.}

WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJT. GEN.’S OFFICE, Washington, May 16, 1861.

Brig. Gen. W. S. Harney is relieved from command of the Department of the West, and is granted leave of absence until further orders.

...

L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General.

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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.

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HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE WEST, Saint Louis, Mo., May 22, 1861.

Lieut. Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. of the Army, Washington, D. C.:

SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith for the information of the General-in-Chief and the Secretary of War a copy of a proclamation addressed by me to the people of Missouri in connection with the agreement entered into between Maj. Gen. Sterling Price and myself, May 21, 1861, a copy of which was forwarded at its date.

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

WM. S. HARNEY, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

[Inclosure.]

To the People of the State of Missouri:

I take great pleasure in submitting to you the following paper, signed by General Price, commanding the forces of the State, and by myself, on the part of the Government of the United States. It will be seen {p.375} that the united forces of both Governments are pledged to the maintenance of the peace of the State, and the defense of the rights and property of all persons, without distinction of party. This pledge, which both parties are fully authorized and empowered to give by the Governments which they represent, will be by both most religiously and sacredly kept, and, if necessary to put down evil-disposed persons, the military powers of both Governments will be called out to enforce the terms of the honorable and amicable agreement which has been made. I therefore call upon all persons in this State to observe good order and respect the rights of their fellow citizens, and give them the assurance of protection and security in the most ample manner.

WM. S. HARNEY. Brigadier-General Commanding.

SAINT LOUIS, MO., May 21, 1861.

[Subinclosure.]

SAINT LOUIS, May 21, 1861.

The undersigned, officers of the United States Government and of the government of the State of Missouri, for the purpose of removing misapprehensions and allaying public excitement, deem it proper to declare publicly that they have this day had a personal interview in this city, in which it has been mutually understood, without the semblance of dissent on either part, that each of them has no other than a common object equally interesting and important to every citizen of Missouri-that of restoring peace and good order to the people of the State in subordination to the laws of the General and State Governments. It being thus understood, there seems no reason why every citizen should not confide in the proper officers of the General and State Governments to restore quiet, and, as among the best means of offering no counter-influences, we mutually recommend to all persons to respect each other’s rights throughout the State, making no attempt to exercise unauthorized powers, as it is the determination of the proper authorities to suppress all unlawful proceedings, which can only disturb the public peace.

General Price, having by commission full authority over the militia of the State of Missouri, undertakes, with the sanction of the governor of the State, already declared, to direct the whole power of the State officers to maintain order within the State among the people thereof and General Harney publicly declares that, this object being thus assured, he can have no occasion, as he has no wish, to make military movements, which might otherwise create excitements and jealousies which he most earnestly desires to avoid.

We, the undersigned, do therefore mutually enjoin upon the people of the State to attend to their civil business of whatsoever sort it may be, and it is to be hoped that the unquiet elements which have threatened so seriously to disturb the public peace may soon subside and be remembered only to be deplored.

STERLING PRICE, Major-General Missouri State Guard. WM. S. HARNEY, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

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SAINT LOUIS, MO., May 24, 1861.

Hon. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War:

The four regiments assigned to Missouri for three years’ service can easily be raised; but the order requiring two-thirds of the officers to be {p.376} appointed by the governor of the State will not be complied with, and the Government could not accept officers appointed by a traitor under any circumstances.

As the brigade will be under command of General Lyon, will it not be best to allow him to nominate the officers, subject to the approval of the President Send him the order by telegraph immediately.

The agreement between Harney and General Price gives me great disgust and dissatisfaction to the Union men; but I am in hopes we can get along with it, and think that Harney will insist on its execution to the fullest extent, in which case it will be satisfactory.

F. P. BLAIR, JR.

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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.

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HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE WEST, Saint Louis, Mo., May 28, 1861.

General GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN, U. S. A., Comdg. Department of the Ohio, Cincinnati, Ohio:

GENERAL: In compliance with the request contained in your communication of the 26th instant, I have ordered a regiment of Missouri volunteers to report to Brigadier-General Prentiss, commanding at Cairo, for service at Bird’s Point, and it will leave Saint Louis Arsenal to-day for its destination. It has not been practicable to dispatch this command from here at an earlier moment. I regret to state that the regiment is not thoroughly equipped for field service. Knapsacks, haversacks, canteens, cartridge-boxes, belts, and bayonet scabbards are {p.377} required to complete its outfit, but it is hoped that these articles will soon be furnished.

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

WM. S. HARNEY, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

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HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE WEST, Saint Louis, Mo., May 29, 1861.

Lieut. Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. of the Army, Washington, D. C.:

SIR: I have the honor to report, for the information of the General-in-Chief, that I have ordered two of the four companies of the First Cavalry, now at Fort Wise, to proceed with as little delay as practicable to Fort Kearney. In view of the large amount of public property at Fort Kearney, and for the purpose of effectually holding in check the Indians in its vicinity, it has seemed to me very important that its garrison, which consists at present of a single company of dragoons, should be re-enforced as soon as possible.

I have also directed Lieutenant-Colonel Sedgwick, Second Cavalry, now at Fort Wise, to repair to Fort Leavenworth and there await further orders, presuming that before he can reach Leavenworth instructions will have been issued requiring his presence with the regiment to which he has recently been promoted.

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

WM. S. HARNEY, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

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SAINT LOUIS, MO., May 29, 1861.

Lieut. Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. of the Army, Washington, D. C.:

SIR: I have the honor to report that by the course pursued in this State, under the instructions from the War Department, Missouri is rapidly becoming tranquilized, and I am convinced that by pursuing the course I have thus far, which is fully indicated in my former communications to you, peace and confidence in the ability of the Government to maintain its authority will be fully and permanently restored. Interference by unauthorized parties as to the course I shall pursue can alone prevent the realization of these hopes, and although the policy they might inaugurate might be more brilliant in a military point of view, and far more expensive to carry out, it could not secure the results the Government seeks, viz: The maintenance of the loyalty now fully aroused in the State and her firm security in the Union.

I entertain the conviction that the agreement between myself and General Price will be carried out in good faith, but while entertaining this belief I shall watch carefully the movements of the State authorities. I have reliable means of obtaining information of their movements, and any violation of their pledge and any attempt at rebellion will be promptly met and put down.

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

WM. S. HARNEY, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

{p.378}

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HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE WEST, Saint Louis, Mo., May 30, 1861.

Lieut. Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. of the Army, Washington, D. C.:

SIR: On the 21st instant I had the honor to transmit to you a copy of an agreement entered into by me with Major-General Price, Missouri militia, having for its object the preservation of the public peace in Missouri, and I now inclose, for the information of the General-in-Chief and the Secretary of War, copies of the correspondence which has taken place between General Price and myself in reference to the condition of affairs in this State.

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

WM. S. HARNEY, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

[Inclosures.]

SPRINGFIELD, MO., May 21, 1861.

[Extract.]

0. D. FILLEY:

Secessionists have seized fifteen thousand pounds of lead at Lebanon, in transit to Linn Creek, last night. Seventeen kegs of powder came up by South West Branch mail. It was deposited with prominent secessionists before reaching town. Inform S. H. Boyd immediately, who is in your city.

{Unknown.}

SAINT JOSEPH, MO., May 22, 1861.

[Extract.]

Col. F. P. BLAIR:

The American flag floating over the post-office was to-day taken down by a mob, headed by Jeff. Thompson and others, and the States rights flag hoisted in its place. The flag was torn in shreds. The post-office is threatened. We are not frightened, but have no arms to resist. Cannot these leaders be arrested?

{Unknown.}

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE WEST, Saint Louis, Mo., May 23, 1861.

Maj. Gen. STERLING PRICE, MO. S. G., Jefferson City, Mo.:

GENERAL: I am directed by Brigadier-General Harney to transmit to you the inclosed [next preceding] telegraphic dispatches, which have been received in this city from Springfield and Saint Joseph, Mo., under dates of May 21 and May 22.

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

S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE WEST, Saint Louis, Mo., May 24, 1861.

General STERLING PRICE, Jefferson City, Mo.:

I am informed that troops and arms are coming into Missouri from Arkansas. Is such the case? Would it not be well for me to station a regiment in the southern frontier of Missouri? Please answer by telegraph.

WM. S. HARNEY, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

{p.379}

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., May 24, 1861.

General W. S. HARNEY, U. S. A.:

I am satisfied your information is incorrect. It cannot be that arms or men are coming into Missouri from any quarter without the knowledge of the governor or myself. We have no such information. I advise that you do not send a regiment into the southwest; it will exasperate our own people. I have attended to dispatches inclosed me by you from Springfield and Saint Joseph. I am dismissing my troops, and I will carry out our agreement faithfully.

STERLING PRICE, Major-General, Commanding Missouri State Guard.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE WEST, Saint Louis, Mo., May 27, 1861.

Maj. Gen. STERLING PRICE, Commanding Missouri State Guard, Jefferson City, Mo.:

GENERAL: I am just in receipt of a telegraphic dispatch from Springfield, Mo., which seems to be reliable, that a force is either organized or being organized in Arkansas, near the Missouri line, with the avowed purpose of entering this State to disturb its relation with the General Government. I lose no time in communicating this intelligence, in order that you may not be misled by rumors of measures which may be necessary on my part to meet this threatened hostility. In our recent arrangement a contingency like this was not looked for, and in any event it could hardly be expected of you to assume the responsibility of repelling an invasion from Arkansas which, should further information justify an expectation of it, must be met by myself.

I take great pleasure in expressing the belief that our late meeting in this city will result in the good of our common country.

I have the honor to be, general, with high respect, your obedient servant,

WM. S. HARNEY, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

SAINT LOUIS, MO., May 27, 1861.

Maj. Gen. STERLING PRICE, Jefferson City, Mo.:

I have information by telegraph from Springfield to-day that a reliable citizen of that place saw on Saturday last troops enlisted in Benton County, Arkansas, and marched to Union Springs, 2 miles from the Missouri line, to be encamped there. It is said to be the purpose of those troops to enter Missouri. I write by mail.

WM. S. HARNEY, Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE WEST, Saint Louis, Mo., May 27, 1861.

Maj. Gen. STERLING PRICE, Missouri State Guard:

GENERAL: I am in the receipt of numerous communications setting forth that aggressions continue to be committed upon Union men in different portions of Missouri, more especially at and in the vicinity of Springfield, Hannibal, Saint Joseph, and Kansas City.

These complaints, coming as they do from sources which I regard as reliable, occasion me no little embarrassment, and I have thought it might, perhaps, become my duty to afford protection at the places {p.380} above indicated to the extent of authorizing the organization of Home Guards, unless you can give me assurances that such a measure is unnecessary, and I trust that the raising of a force of this description at any point, for home purposes merely, should occasion seem to me to require it, would not be regarded by you as an infraction of the agreement entered into between us the 21st instant.

I shall be glad to hear from you upon the subject of this communication at your earliest convenience.

I have the honor to be, general, with high respect, your obedient servant,

WM. S. HARNEY, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., May 28, 1861.

General W. S. HARNEY:

Your informant must be mistaken; neither the governor nor myself know anything of troops being raised in Arkansas for Missouri. Should any troops enter our borders, I will cause them to return instanter.

STERLING PRICE, Major-General, Commanding Missouri Volunteers.

HEADQUARTERS MISSOURI STATE GUARD, Jefferson City, Mo., May 29, 1861.

Brig. Gen. W. S. HARNEY, U. S. A., Saint Louis, Mo.:

GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your two communications of date 27th instant.

In reply to your propositions to establish or organize Home Guards in certain localities, I have to say, that such a step, in my opinion, would bring about the very state of things we mutually desire to avoid, to wit, hostilities between the Federal and State Governments. In the present state of excitement among the people, the arming of one portion of a community by the Federal Government would very naturally be looked upon by the other in a spirit of jealousy, and, in my opinion, would have a tendency to excite those who now hold conservative peace positions into exactly the contrary attitude, an example of which we have in Saint Louis. It would undoubtedly, in my opinion, lead to neighborhood collision, the forerunner of civil war. Additional reasons might be urged why you should abandon the establishment of these Home Guards, palpable to yourself if the desire is to avoid civil war in Missouri.

With regard to the other point in your letter, relative to complaints of Union men, I have instituted strict inquiry relative to every case within my knowledge, and beg leave to reassure you that in no single instance have these acts been instigated or recognized by meetings or organizations of any kind; but wherever and whenever happening, prove to be the offspring of irresponsible individuals, and no effort has been left undone on my part to prevent even this, and shall be continued in the future. You will observe from published orders that I positively enjoin upon all citizens of the State the scrupulous protection of individual property and rights, irrespective of political opinions. With these views and deductions I feel assured that you will agree with me, that to carry out your proposed plan would be exceedingly injudicious, if not ruinous, to the peace of the State. General, it is my unchanged and honest intention to carry out to the letter the agreement entered into between us, and I can but feel assured, from the high sense {p.381} of honor that has always attended your public acts, that you will, with equal fidelity, observe the same on your part.

On receipt of your telegram of yesterday I immediately dispatched two highly respectable citizens of Springfield, who replied that no troops from Arkansas were expected or desired. The assertion in the Democrat that wagons had been sent from Sedalia to Arkansas for arms is wholly untrue. Should, however, troops enter Missouri from Arkansas or any other State, be assured that I will cause them to return, and thus save you from the taking of a step which I could not, with justice, construe into any other light than a violation of our agreement, and such a violation as would, in my opinion, undoubtedly precipitate civil hostilities.

I have the honor to be, general, with much respect, your obedient servant,

STERLING PRICE, Major-General, Commanding.

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SAINT LOUIS, MO., May 31, 1861.

General L. THOMAS, Adjt. Gen. U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.:

SIR: I received last evening paragraph 1 of Special Orders, No. 135, of May 16, from your office, and instantly relinquished command of the Department of the West. This morning your letter of May 27 reached me, and as other communications have been addressed to me from your office as department commander since May 16, and as I have learned the purport of telegraphic dispatches recently received from Washington by Colonel Blair and Mr. Gantt, of this city, I am led to conclude that it was not the intention of the President I should be relieved. I shall, therefore, at once resume the command of the department, and I beg that the President may be assured that if I am permitted to conduct operations here as my judgment may dictate I anticipate no serious disturbance in the State. I am sure that many of the reports which have reached the President relative to the condition of affairs in Missouri have proceeded from irresponsible sources. Upon investigation here of complaints seemingly aggravated it has appeared in several instances that they were groundless or greatly exaggerated. Matters are progressing as satisfactorily in this State as I could expect considering the very great excitement that has latterly pervaded the community.

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

WM. S. HARNEY, Brigadier-General, U. S. Army.

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GENERAL ORDERS, No. 5.}

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE WEST, Saint Louis Arsenal, May 31, 1861.

Brig. Gen. W. S. Harney having relinquished command of this department, pursuant to Special Orders, No. 135, of May 16, 1861, from the Adjutant-General’s Office, the undersigned hereby assumes the command thereof, which thus devolves upon him.

N. LYON, Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding.

{p.382}

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SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 4.}

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE WEST, Saint Louis Arsenal, June 1, 1861.

I. The undersigned hereby relinquishes his command of this post, which will devolve upon Col. F. P. Blair, First Regiment Missouri Volunteers, who will have in his immediate charge the troops, police, and the defenses thereof.

II. In order to facilitate the transaction of business the First Regiment and the Sixth and Seventh Regiments Missouri Volunteers, now forming, will be considered as one brigade. The Third and Fifth Regiments will constitute a second brigade. The battalion of artillery, the company of sappers and miners, the two rifle companies of the Fourth Regiment, and Captain Bayles’ company of riflemen will form the Third Brigade

...

IV. All estimates for supplies by staff officers will be submitted to the department commander for his approval before purchasing them.

...

N. LYON, Brigadier-General of Volunteers, Commanding.

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SAINT LOUIS ARSENAL, June 3, 1861.

Brig. Gen. L. THOMAS, Adjt. Gen. U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.:

SIR: Authentic information exists of the presence at Memphis of General Beauregard, and of the movement of Ben. McCulloch with troops and light and heavy arms up the Arkansas and White Rivers. Troops from Arkansas have already taken position at Fort Wayne, which is at the northwest corner of Arkansas. Very mysterious and industrious movements of the secessionists of this State towards the southwest indicate an intended co-operation of forces from the South, Arkansas, and this State, to enter it from that quarter with a large armament and force. This I am disposed to believe is contemplated in connection with a movement under Beauregard from the South on Cairo. Cairo should, therefore; receive due attention, while a movement from here towards the southwest should be made. This latter movement I intend to undertake in connection with the troops of Kansas, and in carrying out this project I may need support from the States of Illinois and Iowa, and I have accordingly forwarded to the governors of those States a copy of your letter of May 27, 1861, to General Harney and have asked them to inform me whether they can furnish me with troops, and if so how soon and where, as I may need them to occupy some particular points or to garrison this post.

I would respectfully ask that the orders of the War Department over the troops in this department and calls upon the States indicated may have the above object in view.

I am embarrassed and even distressed for the want of camp equipage and accouterments, but shall do whatever can be done for my relief by getting manufactured at this city as many of these things as can be so supplied. This will, however, prove but a partial relief, and more will be needed from other sources.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

N. LYON, Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers, Comdg. Department.

{p.383}

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SAINT LOUIS, MO., June 5, 1861.

Bvt. Brig. Gen. L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.:

GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 27th ultimo, containing instructions to put down all attempts to commit outrages on loyal citizens of Missouri.

In reply to that letter I respectfully refer you to my communication of the 29th ultimo, written and mailed before the receipt of yours. I therein informed the Government that I had reliable means of obtaining information of the movements of the State authorities, and that I should promptly punish any violation of agreement and put down any attempt at rebellion. The many complaints of individuals, by letter, setting forth that acts of oppression were committed by the secessionists, have received my careful attention, and an investigation has proved the majority of them to be without foundation. As an instance of the groundlessness of these mischievous rumors I cite the report, which obtained currency, that Ex-Governor Stewart and other loyal citizens had been driven from Saint Joseph, and the ex-governor promptly publishing an unqualified denial that such outrage was perpetrated, clearly proves that there is a disposition on the part of some parties to manufacture excitement where cause does not exist.

My confidence in the honor and integrity of General Price, in the purity of his motives, and in his loyalty to the Government, remains unimpaired. His course as president of the State Convention that voted by a large majority against submitting an ordinance of secession, and his efforts since that time to calm the elements of discord, have served to confirm the high opinion of him I have for many years entertained.

My whole course as commander of the Department of the West has been dictated by a desire to carry out in good faith the instructions of my Government, regardless of the clamor of the conflicting elements surrounding me, and whose advice and dictation could not be followed without involving the State in blood and the Government in the unnecessary expenditure of millions. Under the course I pursued Missouri was secured to the Union, and the triumph of the Government was only the more glorious, being almost a bloodless victory; but those who clamored for blood have not ceased to impugn my motives. Twice within a brief space of time have I been relieved from the command here; the second time in a manner that has inflicted unmerited disgrace upon a true and loyal soldier. During a long life, dedicated to my country, I have seen some service, and more than once I have held her honor in my hands; and during that time my loyalty, I believe, was never questioned; and now, when in the natural course of things I shall, before the lapse of many years, lay aside the sword which has so long served my country, my countrymen will be slow to believe that I have chosen this portion of my career to damn with treason my life, which is so soon to become a record of the past, and which I shall most willingly leave to the unbiased judgment of posterity. I trust that I may yet be spared to do my country some further service that will testify to the love I bear her, and that the vigor of my arm may never relax while there is a blow to be struck in her defense.

I respectfully ask to be assigned to the command of the Department of California, and I doubt not the present commander of that division is even now anxious to serve on the Atlantic frontier.

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

WM. S. HARNEY, Brigadier-General, U. S. Army.

{p.384}

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GENERAL ORDERS, No. 30.}

WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJT. GEN.’S OFFICE, Washington, June 6, 1861.

I. The State of Missouri is added to the Military Department of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and portions of Western Pennsylvania and Virginia. Major-General McClellan will extend his command accordingly.

II. The headquarters of the Department of the West are removed from Saint Louis to Fort Leavenworth, Kans.

...

By order:

L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General.

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WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, June 11, 1861.

General LYON:

You are authorized to enlist in the service of the United States such loyal citizens of the State of Missouri as you think proper, who shall not receive pay except when called into active service by this Department. Five thousand additional stand of arms have been ordered to be forwarded to you for distribution among them. The disbursing officers in Missouri are instructed to discriminate in their purchases against persons disaffected to the Government.

SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War.

SAINT LOUIS, June 13, 1861.

General L. THOMAS: Telegraph lines have been destroyed near Jefferson City by party from there, thus cutting off all direct communication with the West. The governor has caused the Gasconade Bridge to be burned. Telegraph lines from Quincy east, but none between these places.

N. LYON, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

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SAINT LOUIS, June 17, 1861.

Brigadier-General SWEENY:

DEAR SIR: I inclose you dispatch from Colonel Brown, which he sent me this morning. We should have tents enough to keep our guns dry, at least, and utensils for cooking for the men. It is impossible to march any great distance without. Our men are in fine spirits and anxious for duty. There is a memorandum on the back of the dispatch of the items needed. Colonel Sigel moved on this morning.

Very respectfully, yours,

S. B. SHAW, Major Fourth Regiment U. S. Reserve Corps.

[Inclosure.]

HDQRS. FOURTH REG’T U. S. R. C., AT ROLLA.

Brig. Gen. T. W. SWEENY, Commanding U. S. Reserve Corps:

SIR: I have to report that, in obedience to orders, I marched with ten companies of my regiment (825 men and officers), leaving Saint Louis {p.385} at 2 o’clock, and reaching this place at 12 o’clock at night. I find here neither provisions, water, tents, cartridge-boxes, nor any other material.

It will be absolutely necessary that they be provided for, and I send back one of my officers to try and urge forward the necessary supplies.

I remain, sir, yours, respectfully,

B. GRATZ BROWN, Colonel Fourth Regiment U. S. Reserve Corps.

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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.

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HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF OHIO, Cincinnati, June 18, 1861.

CHESTER HARDING, Jr., Assistant Adjutant-General:

Have received order placing Missouri under my command. Will leave for Saint Louis to-morrow. If more troops are needed telegraph me details of case.

GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, Major-General.

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JEFFERSON CITY, June 21, 1861.

Col. CHESTER HARDING, Jr., Assistant Adjutant-General:

Please telegraph General McClellan as follows:

{p.386}

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BOONEVILLE, June 24, 1861.

Colonel HARDING, Jr.:

Hope to get off on the 26th. Think provisions now coming up will be enough for some time. About four companies more should be here. A force can go to Cape Girardeau, but an expedition to Pocahontas should be made with care; it might be cut off.

N. LYON, Commanding.

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BOONEVILLE, June 26, 1861.-(Received June 27, 1861.)

Colonel HARDING, Jr.:

The interests of the Government require that no boats ply along the river between this and Kansas City for the present, and you will notify the collector that no boats will be allowed to pass above here until further orders. Much confusion attends my train arrangements, and delay is unavoidable. Shall try to get off to-morrow, but am not certain. I want Colonel Stevenson to come here and take command with some of his companies. Schofield arrived this afternoon.

N. LYON, Commanding.

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GRAFTON, VA., June 28, 1861.

CHESTER HARDING, Jr.:

Have ordered three Illinois regiments to move to Cairo whenever called for by General Prentiss, who will look out for the southeast, and also telegraphs “No rebels at Bloomfield.” Will not a movement from Bird’s Point do the best?

GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, Major-General, U. S. Army.

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BOONEVILLE, MO., June 29, 1861.

Hon. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War, Washington:

SIR: In reply to your communication of the 20th instant, asking for information in regard to the steamer Swan, I have the honor to state as follows the circumstances which led to her seizure:

The Swan contracted with one Colton Green, an agent from Governor Jackson to Jefferson Davis, for the shipment of arms from New Orleans to Saint Louis, and took them on board at Baton Rouge in boxes marked “Marble.” The boat’s register contains a record of these boxes as shipped from Baton Rouge, the words Baton Rouge being stricken out and New Orleans written instead. The captain and clerk of the boat were part owners, and another of the shareholders (Pegram) was on board, and knew the contents of the boxes before the boat reached Cairo, if not at the time of their shipment. Pegram took command of the boat while passing Cairo, the captain secreting himself on the boat, for the purpose of avoiding a vigorous search by the United States officers at that post-the captain being a well-known secessionist, while Pegram passed as a Union man. The arms were delivered at Saint Louis, and the day after captured in Camp Jackson. They consisted of two 24-pounder howitzers, an 8-inch siege-mortar, six Cohorn mortars, {p.387} and 500 muskets, with a considerable supply of ammunition. A part only of the muskets were taken, the rest having been sent to the interior. These were all evidently United States arms, brought from the Baton Rouge Arsenal. The owners of the boat and its agents J considered as deliberately supplying the means of warfare to the troops of Camp Jackson, who as a body were evidently hostile to the United States. The boat is, in my opinion, properly a forfeit to the General Government, and should be held subject to some suitable adjustment before the courts of the country or at the close of the existing difficulties. The well-known proclivities in favor of secession of the district judge of Saint Louis make him an improper person to adjudicate the matter. The boat is now employed in transporting troops and supplies on the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

N. LYON, Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding.

The statement of facts by General Lyon is known to me to be true. An additional fact, not stated by General Lyon, has some bearing upon the matter, to wit, the original memorandum of the shipment of the arms, showing that it was made at Baton Rouge, and that the change of the boat’s register was a fraud. The original invoice of the arms, signed by the ordnance officer of the Confederate States and shipped to Colton Green on the steamer J. C. Swan, is also in the hands of the Government officers.

FRANK P. BLAIR.

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SPECIAL ORDERS, No 1.}

HEADQUARTERS CAMP CAMERON, Booneville, Mo., June 29, 1861.

Col. John D. Stevenson, Seventh Regiment Missouri Volunteers, is assigned to the command of the Missouri River from Kansas City to its mouth and the adjacent country. His headquarters will be at this place. Colonel Stevenson will move as soon as practicable with that portion of his regiment which is now armed to the post assigned, leaving the remainder to join him as soon as it shall be in proper condition. He will establish and maintain at Springton, Booneville, and Jefferson City posts of sufficient strength to hold possession of those places and furnish detachments for operations in the surrounding country. He will keep two armed boats patroling between Sherman and Kansas City, one above and one below Booneville, exercising a strict surveillance over ferry-boats and others navigating the river, and prevent their being used in transporting hostile troops or in other illegitimate traffic; and if in his opinion it shall be necessary for the accomplishment of the above purpose, he will seize and keep possession of such boats.

The armed boats will make frequent landings and send parties to scout the surrounding country, gain information of hostile parties and break them up, concerting measures, if necessary, with the adjacent post for this purpose, and give effectual protection to loyal citizens. Boats passing up and down the river will habitually be required to go in company with the armed boats. Colonel Stevenson will detail intelligent and trustworthy officers to attend to the transportation, preservation, and issue of supplies for the troops under his command, and will give as much as possible of his personal attention to the matter, to the end that the strictest economy may be enforced and the comfort and efficiency {p.388} of the troops secured. The proper garrison for each post will be about six companies, and the force for each boat two companies. Each post should have at least one field piece, and each boat a 24-pounder howitzer.

Col. Chester Harding will designate the troops necessary, in addition to Colonel Stevenson’s regiment, to carry into execution this order.

As soon as Colonel Stevenson shall be prepared to garrison the posts specified above, Col. Henry Boernstein will proceed with his regiment to Saint Louis, and take post at the arsenal or at Jefferson Barracks, as may be determined by Colonel Harding, where the regiment will have an opportunity to reorganize for three years’ service.

By order of General Lyon:

J. M. SCHOFIELD, Acting Adjutant-General.

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BOONEVILLE, July 1, 1861.

Colonel HARDING, Jr.:

What is going on in the southeast? You sent me word that McClellan would attend to that quarter. He says I may have one regiment from Quincy and one from Caseyville, and Prentiss is authorized to call for four more regiments if he wants them. Cannot all these be put in movement to meet the danger threatened? See what Prentiss says, and send word to McClellan.

N. LYON, Commanding.

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BOONEVILLE, MO., July 2, 1861.

Colonel HARDING, Jr., Saint Louis Arsenal:

DEAR COLONEL: I hope to move to-morrow, and think it more important just now to go to Springfield. My force in moving from here will be about 2,400 men. Major Sturgis will have about 2,200 men, and you know what force has gone to Springfield from Saint Louis, so that you see what amount of provisions we shall want supplied at that point. Plea-se attend to us as effectually as possible. Our line should be kept open by all means. I must be governed by circumstances at Springfield. You will, of course, have due attention to the southeast. The State Journal is outrageous, and must be stopped; you will take such measures as you think best to effect this. Our cause is suffering from too much indulgence, and you must so advise our friends in Saint Louis. Colonel Stevenson must have pretty strong garrisons at the points he occupies on the river, and he must have support from other States as occasion seems to require. Colonel Curtis is, I suppose, on the Hannibal and Saint Joseph road; rigorous measures should be shown the disorderly in that region. Our operations are becoming extensive, and our staff officers must keep up with our emergencies. We need here a regular quartermaster and commissary. Cannot something be done for us from Washington?

Yours, truly,

N. LYON, Commanding.

P. S.-I cannot spare more than 300 stand of arms for Home Guards at Jefferson. I shall not be able to supply other portions of the State with the same proportion.

{p.389}

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CAMP CAMERON, July 2, 1861.

Col. CHESTER HARDING, Jr.:

DEAR COLONEL: Please forward to Washington the inclosed return, or incorporate it in a department return to be sent there. Also, it would be well to make a report to the Adjutant-General of movements of troops in the State.

Yours, very truly,

J. M. SCHOFIELD.

[Inclosure.]

ORDERS, No. -.}

HEADQUARTERS MISSOURI VOLUNTEERS, Camp Cameron, Mo., July 2, 1861.

The following troops, under command of Brig. Gen. N. Lyon, will take up the line of march for the South at 7 a. m. to-morrow, viz:

	Officers.	Men.
Brigadier-general and staff	4
Company B, second Infantry		61
Light Company F, Second Artillery	1	60
Recruits, U. S. Army	1	134
First Regiment Missouri volunteers	29	866
Two companies Second Regiment Missouri Volunteers	6	205
Pioneer detachment	1	46
Artillery	1	13
First Regiment Iowa volunteers	34	892
Total	77	2,277
Aggregate		2,354

The following troops will remain for the present at this place:

	Officers.	Men.
Second Regiment Missouri Volunteers, four companies	10	381
Seventh Regiment Missouri Volunteers, four companies	13	349
Fifth Regiment, Reserve Corps, eight companies	30	558
Total	53	1,288
Left behind sick	44	1,332

The troops which take the field under General Lyon will be joined by a force of 2,200 regulars and Kansas volunteers, under command of Major Sturgis, U. S. Army, at Osceola, Mo. The united command will then proceed towards Springfield, Mo.

Col. Chester Harding, adjutant-general Missouri volunteers, will forward to Springfield the commissary supplies necessary for this command, in addition to that already in the field in that portion of the State. Colonel Harding is also charged with the duty of forwarding supplies for the troops that remain at this and other points on the river.

Special Orders, No. 1, dated June 29, 1861, from these headquarters, are so far modified as to authorize Col. John D. Stevenson to retain at this post or at Jefferson City such companies of the Second Regiment as may wish to remain in the service for three years, but not necessarily in the regiment to which they now belong. Such companies will be reorganized at once and incorporated into regiments.

By order of General Lyon:

J. M. SCHOFIELD, Acting Adjutant-General.

{p.390}

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GENERAL ORDERS, No. 40.}

WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJT. GEN.’S OFFICE, Washington, July 3, 1861.

I. The State of Illinois and the States and Territories west of the Mississippi River and on this side of the Rocky Mountains, including New Mexico, will in future constitute a separate military command, to be known as the Western Department, under the command of Major-General Frémont, of the U. S. Army, headquarters at Saint Louis.

...

By order:

L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General.

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HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF OHIO, Buckhannon, July 5, 1861.

CHESTER HARDING, Jr., Assistant Adjutant-General:

Communicate freely with Prentiss. If he does not need Wyman, you can lake him. Telegraph to General Pope, at Alton, to give you a regiment and to Hurlbut, at Quincy, to give you another.

Do not lose sight of importance of Cairo, and of its operations in Southeastern Missouri. Write to me fully.

GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, Major-General, U. S. Army.

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SAINT LOUIS ARSENAL, July 5, 1861.

General THOMAS, Adjutant-General, Washington:

General Lyon is moving down from Booneville toward Springfield, Greene County, Missouri, with 2,400 troops. Major Sturgis is on the way from Fort Leavenworth with 2,200. There are 3,500 on the Southwest Branch of Pacific Railroad and the line thence to Mount Vernon, beyond Springfield. In a day or two another regiment will be moved down. There is a depot for supplies at Rolla, the terminus of the Southwest Branch another must be established at Springfield. All the supplies for, say, 10,000 troops must take that direction. From Rolla on for 60 miles the country is mountainous and barren. Teams have to take their own forage. It is absolutely necessary that a large amount of wagon transportation should be immediately provided. Will you see that the necessary orders are given by the Quartermaster-General, by telegraph, to Major McKinstry, early in the morning?

General Lyon urges that regular quartermasters and commissaries be sent him at once.

CHESTER HARDING, JR., A. A. G., Missouri Volunteers.

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SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 82.}

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, Cincinnati, Ohio, July 4, 1861.

I. Brig. Gen. John Pope, now at Springfield, Ill., will proceed to Alton, Ill., and assume command of the troops at that place.

II. Brig. Gen. S. A. Hurlbut, now at Belvidere, Ill., will proceed to Quincy, Ill., and assume command of the troops at that place.

By command of Major-General McClellan:

N. H. MCLEAN, Assistant Adjutant-General.

{p.391}

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SAINT LOUIS ARSENAL, July 6, 1861.

General MCCLELLAN, Buckhannon, Va.:

General Lyon has sent Wyman’s regiment to southwest. This, with the 700 troops now there, will be enough for the present. Colonel Wyman is in command, with instructions to keep open the line of communication, on which all supplies will be sent hereafter. General Lyon has moved down towards Springfield with 2,400 men, and Major Sturgis with 2,200 on the frontier. Sweeny is there and at Mount Vernon, beyond there, with 2,500, besides guards at posts on lines. Marsh’s Alton regiment is here. I will equip them. They will go to Cape Girardeau and be subject to General Prentiss’ call in case of necessity. The Quincy regiment will go to Ironton, and thence to Greenville. I will write particulars to-night. Think the force sufficient, and will not order more unless necessary.

CHESTER HARDING, JR., A. A. G., Missouri Volunteers.

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SAINT LOUIS ARSENAL, July 7, 1861.

L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General, Washington:

SIR: At the suggestion of General Lyon I write to inform you of the movements of troops in this State.

Three columns are in the field, with the design to unite at or near Springfield, Mo., and thence to proceed into Arkansas. General Lyon’s intention was to go to Little Rock, but movements of the enemy in the southeastern portion of the State may change his plans. Besides garrisoning Jefferson City, Booneville, and Lexington, General Lyon has marched southward with 2,400 men, in round numbers. There are at Springfield and Mount Vernon, and on the way there from Rolla, about 3,000 men, under the command of Capt. T. W. Sweeny, Second Infantry, acting (under election and by order from Brigadier-General Harney) as brigadier-general of the U. S. Reserve Corps of Saint Louis. In addition to these there are about 1,000 of the Home Guard and Rifle Battalion protecting the line of communication from Saint Louis to Springfield. As this line has become the most important one in the whole State, and as it is threatened by hostile bands under General McBride and others, it has been deemed best to place it under the command of Colonel Wyman, Thirteenth Illinois Volunteers, who went down to Rolla with his regiment last night. He will establish his headquarters either at Rolla or Lebanon, beyond the crossings of the Gasconade River, as he finds most expedient.

Colonel Marsh’s Twentieth Illinois Volunteers are now at this point to be equipped. After being fitted for field service they will move down to Cape Girardeau, within 50 miles of Cairo, where they will, in case of necessity, be subject to the orders of General Prentiss, but if not called for at that point, will stop the transportation of arms, munitions, and supplies which has been carried on between New Madrid and Cape Girardeau, and break up the rebel camps that have been formed in the vicinity.

General McClellan has placed at the disposal of General Lyon one of the regiments at Quincy. Orders have been sent for it to come here, where it will be equipped, and then sent down the Iron Mountain Railroad to Ironton from whence it will proceed to Greenville, in Wayne County. Five companies of the Sixth Regiment U. S. Volunteers {p.392} are at Ironton, or in the vicinity, and the remainder of the regiment will proceed there as soon as it is fully organized. General McClellan has also placed the remainder of General Pope’s brigade at the disposal of General Lyon. No more troops will be called for at present, but there may hereafter be occasion for a large force, with artillery and cavalry, in the southeastern counties.

As soon as General Lyon’s plan of campaign developed itself the secessionists in the southeast began to organize their forces. They have hitherto been met, as well as possible, by expeditions from Cairo and from this place, and by Home Guards organized and armed under General Lyon’s authority. These expeditions were necessarily confined to temporary visits to disaffected regions, and have accomplished little. The whole of the southeast requires permanent occupancy by our troops, as it contains more enemies than any other portion of the State. Apart from this, information has been and is received here daily from different sources, including the reports of our own scouts, who have gone as far as Pocahontas, Ark., that our disloyal citizens are being armed with Baton Rouge muskets, brought up the White River, and troops from Tennessee and Arkansas are concentrating in the vicinity of the State line. These reports differ as to numbers, but agree in all other important particulars. It is apparent that the enemy design an invasion of the southeastern portion of the State with a considerable force, and rely upon the inhabitants of the swamp counties for active co-operation. The country in the lower part of Scott County and in Stoddard, Dunklin, Mississippi, Pemiscot, New Madrid, and Butler Counties is what is known familiarly as the “earthquake country,” having been turned from prairie into swamp land by the earthquake of 1811. It is a country as difficult to overrun, if held by hostile people, as the Florida Everglades, and the bear-hunters of that region will be hostile the moment that an advancing column of the rebels enters it.

The troops sent to Cape Girardeau and to Greenville are not designed to enter the swamp country, but to hold the approaches by which an advancing enemy must pass, and to overawe and to keep down the organization of hostile bands of our own citizens, as well as to encourage, organize, and distribute arms to those who are loyal. Time will show how much this force will have to be increased. There is no occasion for immediate re-enforcement. I will send a communication upon another subject by this mail.

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

CHESTER HARDING, JR., Assistant Adjutant-General, Missouri Volunteers.

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SAINT LOUIS ARSENAL, MO., July 7, 1861.

General L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General, Washington, D. C.:

SIR: I wish to call your attention to a matter which needs speedy action on the part of Congress.

Before the call for the Convention which met in this State on February 28th last, citizens of Saint Louis organized and partially armed themselves with the intent to hold the city and county true to the Government, without regard to the remainder of the State.

In addition to furnishing troops for four regiments of volunteers, who entered the service for three months immediately after the President’s {p.393} first proclamation, five regiments of these citizens, numbering about 4,700 men, were enrolled on May 7, 8, and 11, under the name of the U. S. Reserve Corps, by authority of the President. The condition of their enlistment was that they should not be called upon for service outside of Saint Louis County without their consent.

This corps has accomplished and is accomplishing much good. Half of it is now in the field at Booneville, Jefferson City, Lexington, and in the southwest. The other half is in Saint Louis, anxious for active duty, but retained as a matter of precaution. The time is drawing near when their term of enlistment will expire. It will be necessary that a force be kept in Saint Louis, and at the same time there are defects in the present organization which should be avoided in establishing a more permanent corps. The men have false notions about discipline and subordination, thinking that, as they are privileged soldiers, as well as substantial men of families, they have the right to determine by vote what they will do. In one instance two companies Volunteered to go to Jefferson City at a time when that exact amount of force was required; came to the arsenal, were equipped, provisioned, and quartered for the night. Transportation was provided, and in the morning at reveille the men were ordered to fall in. Seventy of them refused to go, pleading their privilege of not being sent out of the county as their excuse. I disarmed them, took away their equipments, and sent them out of the garrison, but have since restored their arms, in consequence of explanations that their officers had not informed them of the service which they had been called upon to perform. I mention this as one instance, showing that in certain cases these troops cannot be depended upon.

As I was connected with the Reserve Corps organization up to May 11, at which time I came here, I will respectfully offer some suggestions as to a reorganization of that body: I would recommend that Col. John McNeil, senior colonel of the corps, and Lieut. Col. Robert White, of the Fifth Regiment, now at Booneville, be authorized to raise two regiments for the war by enlistment from the Reserve Corps. It is important that Americans should command. These regiments should have no condition attached to their enrollment, except, perhaps, that they will not be ordered out of the State. Even this will not be necessary, if they understand that their chief duty will be to garrison this place, and defend the city. Two regiments will be enough. The remainder of the corps can be disbanded, and their arms returned. These arms are rifled, and of newer pattern than any which the Illinois troops and a portion of ours have.

I would further recommend that these two regiments be kept on duty at all times. At present the men, when not on guard or other duty, attend to their ordinary avocations. I would suggest also that there be a brigade organization of the two regiments, with or without a brigadier, but that the commanding officer have the necessary staff officers to assist him. Colonel Blair and F. A. Dick, esq., may be able to give valuable information.

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

CHESTER HARDING, JR., Assistant Adjutant-General, Missouri Volunteers.

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SAINT LOUIS ARSENAL, MO., July 13, 1861.

Hon. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War:

With cavalry on our prairies we could crush secession in our State within two months. The want of it has not only embarrassed us, but {p.394} lost us the fruits of hard-earned victories. The rebel General Harris would now be prisoner if we had mounted forces. Two regiments are needed. What may we do. Col. F. P. Blair can explain. We hope to catch Harris in any event.

CHESTER HARDING, JR., Assistant Adjutant-General.

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HEADQUARTERS SOUTHWEST EXPEDITION, Springfield, Mo., July 13, 1861.

Col. CHESTER HARDING, Jr., Saint Louis Arsenal:

SIR: I arrived at this place early this evening two or three hours in advance of my troops, who are encamped a few miles back. I have about 5,000 men to be provided for, and have expected to find stores here, as I have ordered. The failure of stores reaching here seems likely to cause serious embarrassment, which must be aggravated by continued delay, and in proportion to the time I am forced to wait for supplies...I shall endeavor to take every due precaution to meet existing emergencies, and hope to be able to sustain the cause of the Government in this part of the State. But there must be no loss of time in furnishing me the resources I have herein mentioned. I have lost in reaching this place about four days’ time by the high waters in Grand and Osage Rivers, which made it necessary to ferry them. The same difficulty prevented Sturgis from co-operating with Sigel in time to afford any aid. Please telegraph to McClellan and to Washington anything in this letter you deem of importance to those headquarters. Shoes, shirts, blouses, &c., are much wanted, and I would have you furnish them, if possible, in considerable quantities.

Yours, truly,

N. LYON, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

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SPRINGFIELD, MO., July 13, 1861.

To ADJUTANT-GENERAL U. S. Army:

My effective force will soon be reduced by discharge of three-months’ volunteers to about 4,000 men, including the Illinois regiment now on the march from Rolla. Governor Jackson will soon have in this vicinity not less than 30,000. I must have at once an additional force of 10,000 men, or abandon my position. All must have supplies and clothing.

N. LYON, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

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SAINT LOUIS ARSENAL, July 15, 1861.

General PRENTISS, Cairo:

Have you received General McClellan’s dispatch of to-day? If so, what’s your plan? Will aid you in any way, but think best aid is to operate as before indicated. Have you official notice that General Frémont is our department commander?

CHESTER HARDING, JR., Assistant Adjutant-General, Missouri Volunteers.

{p.395}

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CAIRO, July 15, 1861.

CHESTER HARDING, Jr.:

I have received McClellan’s dispatch. My plan would be to start a strong column across Missouri from this point, leaving it well guarded; at the same time, advance from Cape Girardeau and Greenville, concentrating with Lyon on Missouri forces, and drive them back. It would be better first to break up rebel encampment at Union City, in Tennessee, to prevent their crossing at Hickman or Madrid to get in our rear. All of which I could do if ordered by major-general commanding. I must await orders. I have not been officially informed that Frémont commands us.

B. M. PRENTISS, Brigadier-General.

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CHICAGO, July 15, 1861.

CHESTER HARDING, Jr.:

Have dispatched condition of affairs to General Frémont, and asked authority to take the field in Northern Missouri with five more regiments. Expect answer to-night. Will go down and confer with you as soon as I hear. How did you succeed with Harris?

JNO. POPE, Brigadier-General.

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WASHINGTON, July 15, 1861.

Major-General FRÉMONT, Astor House:

The President is going in person to the War Department to arrange matters for you.

M. BLAIR.

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HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE WEST, Springfield, Mo., July 15, 1861.

Col. CHESTER HARDING, Jr., Adjt. Gen. Missouri Vols., Saint Louis Arsenal, Mo.:

COLONEL: General Lyon is now here with about 7,000 men. Of these, fully one-half are three-months’ volunteers, whose term of service has nearly expired, the latest expiring on the 14th of August. Governor Jackson is concentrating his forces in the southwestern part of the State, and is receiving large re-enforcements from Arkansas, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Texas. This effective force will soon be certainly not less than 30,000 men-probably much larger. All idea of any further advance movement, or of even maintaining our present position, must soon be abandoned unless the Government furnish us promptly with large re-enforcements and supplies. Our troops are badly clothed, poorly fed, and imperfectly supplied with tents. None of them have as yet been paid, and the three-months’ volunteers have become disheartened to such extent that very few of them are willing to renew their enlistment. The blank pay-rolls are not here, and the long time required to get them here, fill them up, send them to Washington, have the payment ordered, and the paymaster reach us, leaves no hope that our troops can be paid for five or six weeks to come. Under these circumstances there remains no other course but to urgently press upon {p.396} the attention of the Government the absolute necessity of sending us fresh troops at once, with ample supplies for them and for those now here. At least 10,000 men should be sent, that promptly.

You will send the inclosed dispatch* by telegraph to General McClellan and also to the War Department, and forward by mail a copy of this letter. Lose no time in fitting for the field the three-years’ volunteers now at the arsenal, and send them here as soon as possible. Call for Colonel McNeil’s regiment of Home Guards to garrison the arsenal, and allow him to organize it for the regular three-years’ service, if he desires to do so. It is believed that the remaining Home Guards will be sufficient for the city. Should it be necessary, their term of service can be renewed for a short period for the purposes of a city garrison.

The general is not aware whether Colonel Smith’s regiment has yet taken the field. If not, he presumes that both his and Colonel Bland’s regiments may be sent here without delay. You may doubtless leave the southeast part of the State to General Prentiss. Should Saint Louis be in danger from that direction, troops could be easily called from Illinois and Indiana for its defense. Moreover, a force moving on Saint Louis from the south would be exposed to attack in rear from Cairo. Hence there seems to be little or no danger from that direction. Unless we are speedily re-enforced here we will soon lose all we have gained. Our troops have made long marches, done much effective service, and suffered no small privations. They have received no pay nor clothing from the Government, and the small stock furnished by private contribution is now exhausted, so that unless the Government gives us relief speedily our thus far successful campaign will prove a failure.

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

J. M. SCHOFIELD, Acting Adjutant-General.

* Not found.

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CHICAGO, July 16, 1861.

Major-General FRÉMONT, New York:

I am again urgently solicited by adjutant-general in Saint Louis to take command in North Missouri. What shall I do? The forces are gradually closing around Harris. I think a vigorous campaign of a week will settle secession in North Missouri, and leave the troops at your disposal for other service. Please answer to Alton. We need arms much.

JNO. POPE, Brigadier-General.

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CHICAGO, July 17, 1861.

Major-General FRÉMONT, U. S. A., New York:

We need specially, to fit out one or two regiments of cavalry, sabers and revolvers. There are absolutely none in this part of the country.

JNO. POPE, Brigadier-General.

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QUINCY, July 17, 1861.

Major-General FRÉMONT, 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 {p.397} 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.

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SPRINGFIELD, MO., July 17, 1861.

Colonel HARDING, Jr., Saint Louis Arsenal, Mo.:

SIR: I inclose you a copy of a letter to Colonel Townsend on the subject of an order from General Scott, which calls for five companies of the Second Infantry to be withdrawn from the West and sent to Washington. A previous order withdraws the mounted troops, as I am informed, and were it not that some of them were en route to this place they would now be in Washington. This order carried out would not now leave at Fort Leavenworth a single company. I have companies B and E, Second Infantry, now under orders for Washington; and if all these troops leave me, I can do nothing and must retire, in the absence of other troops to supply their places. In fact, I am badly enough off at the best, and must utterly fail if my regulars all go. At Washington, troops from all the Northern, Middle, and Eastern States are available for the support of the Army in Virginia, and more are understood to be already there than are wanted; and it seems strange that so many troops must go on from the West and strip us of the means of defense. But if it is the intention to give up the West, let it be so; it can only be the victim of imbecility or malice. Scott will cripple us if he can. Cannot you stir up this matter and secure us relief? See Frémont, if he has arrived. The want of supplies has crippled me so that I cannot move, and I do not know when I can. Everything seems to combine against me at this point. Stir up Blair.

Yours, truly,

N. LYON, Commanding.

[Inclosure.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE WEST, Springfield, Mo., July 17, 1861.

Lieut. Col. E. D. TOWNSEND Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. of the Army, Washington, D. C.:

SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Special Orders, No. 112, from headquarters, under date of July 5, directing the removal from the Department of the West of Companies B, E, F, G, and H, Second Infantry, and of Captain Sweeny, now acting as brigadier-general (by election) of volunteers. The communication reached me yesterday at this place.

I have been drawn to this point by the movements of the rebel forces in this State, and have accumulated such troops as I could make available, including those in Kansas. My aggregate is between 7,000 and 8,000 men, more than half of whom are three months’ volunteers, some of whose term of enlistment has just expired; others will claim a discharge within a week or two, and the dissolution of my forces from this necessity, already commenced, will leave me less than 4,000 men, including Companies B and E, involved in your order.

In my immediate vicinity are rebel troops amounting to 30,000 and {p.398} upwards, as is currently reported, which are constantly augmenting and accumulating arms and stock. They are making frequent lawless and hostile demonstrations, and threaten me with attack. The evils consequent upon the withdrawal of any portion of my force will be apparent. Loyal citizens will be unprotected, repressed treason will assume alarming boldness, and possible defeat of my troops in battle will peril the continued ascendency of the Federal power itself; not only in the State, but in the whole West.

If the interests of the Government are to be sustained here, and in fact in the whole valley of the Mississippi, large bodies of troops should be sent forward to this State instead of being withdrawn from it, till by concentration there may be ability to overpower any force that can be gathered in the West against the Government. Troops properly belonging to the valley of the Mississippi-from Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio-have already been drawn to the East. The moral effect of the presence of the few regulars in my command is doubtless the main consideration that holds the enemy in check, and with them I may be able to retain what has already been achieved until I am strengthened, but any diminution will be imminently hazardous. The volunteers with me have yet had no pay for their services, and their duties have been arduous. Their clothing has become dilapidated, and as a body they are dispirited. But for these facts they would probably nearly all have re-enlisted.

I have no regular officer of the Pay Department, nor of the Commissary or the Quartermaster’s Departments, and the affairs of both are consequently indifferently administered. But for the immense interests at stake I could never have undertaken the great work in which I am engaged under such discouraging circumstances. Under this state of affairs, presumed to be unknown at headquarters when the order was issued, I have felt justified in delaying its execution for further instructions from the department, so far as the troops with me are concerned.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

N. LYON, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

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ASTOR HOUSE, NEW YORK, July 18, 1861.

Colonel TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General:

North Missouri Railroad torn up and obstructed by State forces. Mails cannot be transported. Track torn up behind the United States troops. Some fighting between these and State forces. I have ordered General Pope to take the command in North Missouri with three regiments from Alton. He moves this morning. General Lyon calls for re-enforcements.

J. C. FRÉMONT, Major-General, Commanding.

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SPRINGFIELD, ILL., July 18, 1861.

Maj. Gen. JOHN C. FRÉMONT, New York:

All the Illinois forces are in Missouri, excepting the Irish regiment and three companies of cavalry at Quincy, and three regiments of infantry, {p.399} two companies of cavalry, and battery of artillery at Alton. Shall assume command at once. Moving with the force from Alton to Saint Charles to-night and that at Quincy, will take position on line of Hannibal and Saint Joseph Railroad to-day, and will put the entire force in North Missouri into action immediately.

JNO. POPE, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

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WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, July 18, 1861.

General FRÉMONT, U. S. Army:

Your letter of l6th* and telegram of 18th received. The General-in-Chief says please proceed to your command without coming here. He has no particular instructions for you at present. He adds, for your information, the term of service of three months’ volunteers began with date of reception and muster into service.

E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General.

* Not found.

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ORDERS, No. -.}

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE WEST, Springfield, Mo., July 19, 1861.

The following troops will move to this point at an early hour tomorrow 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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SAINT LOUIS, July 19, 1861.

Major-General FRÉMONT:

It was the design to occupy Southwest Missouri, cutting off all approaches from Arkansas by way of Pocahontas, to occupy Poplar Bluffs, Bloomfield, Greenville, and the line of the Cairo and Fulton Railroad. Accordingly one regiment is at Ironton, ready to advance when re-enforced. Grant was under orders, but his orders were countermanded. Marsh is at Cape Girardeau, instructed to keep open communication with Bloomfield where Grant was to be. General Prentiss has eight regiments at Cairo, and could spare five of them to go into that country. If we once lose possession of the swamps of that region, a large army will be required to clear them, while if we get possession first and hold the causeway, a smaller force will do. General McClellan telegraphed that he had authentic intelligence of a large army gathering at Pocahontas, {p.400} according with what I have advised for weeks. Expecting you here daily, I have not telegraphed before; but if you do not come at once, will you take into consideration the importance to Cairo that the southeast should be held by us?

CHESTER HARDING, JR., Assistant Adjutant-General.

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WASHINGTON, July 20, 1861.

Col. CHESTER HARDING, Jr., Assistant Adjutant-General:

General Thomas authorized me to say that you can accept as many three-years’ regiments as shall offer, until further notice.

F. P. BLAIR, Colonel First Regiment.

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CINCINNATI, July 20, 1861.

CHESTER HARDING, Jr., Assistant Adjutant-General:

In case of attack on Cairo, have none but Illinois troops to re-enforce, and only 11,000 arms in Illinois. Will direct two regiments to be ready at Caseyville, but you will only use them for defense of Saint Louis and in case of absolute necessity. Telegraph me from time to time.

GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, Major-General, U. S. Army.

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SAINT LOUIS ARSENAL, July 21, 1861.

Brigadier-General LYON, Commanding:

GENERAL: Before referring to your recent communications, allow me to explain the state of affairs in other parts of Missouri outside of your line of operations.

Before you left Booneville I had the honor to advise you that large forces were gathering at Pocahontas. In accordance with your instructions, I communicated freely by telegraph with General McClellan, and, as I supposed, succeeded in having placed at your disposal sufficient troops from Illinois to hold the swamp counties of the southeast. Accordingly, I commenced by sending Bland’s regiment to Ironton, with directions to proceed as far as he could, with entire safety, in the direction of Greenville. At the same time Colonel Grant’s regiment was ordered here, to proceed to Bloomfield, and Colonel Marsh to Cape Girardeau, where he could have easy communication with either Cairo or Bloomfield. I armed 800 Home Guards in Cape Girardeau and Scott Counties, to act as skirmishers, scouts, and guides in the marshes, and obtained authority from the Secretary of War to raise a force of mounted scouts. With these forces, and with arms for Home Guards in Wayne, Stoddard, Butler, I expected to keep down local rebellion in that region, encourage Union men, hold the causeway through the swamps, and prevent the approach of an army from Pocahontas until the commanding generals and the authorities at Washington became convinced that it was the design of the enemy to march upon Bird’s Point and Saint Louis as soon as sufficient strength was gathered.

{p.401}

General McClellan countermanded his order to Grant. I could get no answer in regard to equipping Buell’s battery (though now the authority is here and a portion of the battery in service on the Missouri River), and Bland and Marsh are at the points which they were sent to, without the force to accomplish the object named. General McClellan’s reason for countermanding the order to Grant was that Cairo was threatened. Therefore, instead of occupying the country through which the enemy must come, eight regiments are lying in that sickly hole, Cairo, where General Prentiss can see the whole of them at once. He also has cavalry and two light batteries.

A week since General McClellan telegraphed that he had the same definite information of troops crossing from Tennessee and coming up from all parts of Arkansas to Pocahontas, which I had learned from our scouts and spies (one of them a pilot on a Memphis boat which had conveyed some of the troops over), and had sent to him.

Now, in the southeast we stand thus: Two regiments, not in communication with each other; no artillery, and a few Home Guards, against, what they expect to be, 20,000 men (regular troops, well provided), who design marching upon Saint Louis.

I have explained all this to General Frémont, who will be here Tuesday, and who (as does General Pope) understands the threatened movement, and will take vigorous measures to meet it.

So much for the southeast. Meanwhile, your departure from Booneville, and the necessity of having 1,800 troops to garrison Jefferson City, Booneville, and Lexington, encouraged the rebels in Northeast Missouri. Brig. Gen. Tom. Harris gathered a force below Monroe Station, in camp. I took the liberty of ordering Colonel Smith, of Illinois, who was lying 18 miles from him, to break up the camp. He waited a day or two until Harris had got together 1,600 men, proceeded part way, shut himself up in a seminary, and sent back for re-enforcements, as his men had been marched off in such a hurry that they forgot to fill their cartridge boxes and had only four rounds apiece. He was relieved, and Harris marched southwestwardly, on his way through Callaway County, to make a combined attack upon Jefferson City, with forces from Pettis, Osage, and Linn Counties.

To check this, I ordered up Schuettner’s regiment from Cairo. As soon as the boat arrived I gave Colonel Schuettner his marching orders, and immediately went to work to equip his regiment. McKinstry helped, and both of us worked all night. The field officers, except Hammer, and nearly all the company officers went up town, and McKinstry and I were colonels, captains, adjutants, and quartermasters, as occasion required. I finally got them off, to go to Jefferson City, to cross there. As the regiment was in the worst possible state of discipline, and as Hammer is no soldier (Schuettner and the balance I put in arrest as soon as they appeared at the gate at reveille), I couldn’t trust him, and ordered McNeil to take seven of his companies and follow him and take command. Hammer had with him forty-two mounted orderlies. The two commands united were to proceed from Jefferson City, via Fulton, to Mexico, between which two places last named Harris was.

At the same time Col. M. L. Smith, Eighth Regiment, with two companies, and four companies of the Second, under Schaefer, were sent up to Mexico by rail, where it was arranged with Hurlbut that either Palmer’s or Grant’s regiment should join them and scour the country down toward Jefferson. After fully entering into the plan, and after I {p.402} had sent off our forces, Hurlbut sent Palmer on to guard the Chariton Bridge with his entire regiment, and left Smith to do the best he could. I, of course, immediately re-enforced him. Meanwhile the enemy burned the bridge above Mexico.

Hammer telegraphed from Hermann that he concluded to leave the river there, as transportation was easily procured, that he had made arrangements to effect a junction with McNeil. The next I heard of him he was at New Florence, on the railroad, and McNeil, with 460 men, was near Fulton, where I then knew he would meet Harris. You can imagine my anxiety, and afterward my relief, when I heard from that brave fellow McNeil that he had fought and routed the rebels.

The next day after this affair General Pope sent me word that he would go into Northeast Missouri with a large force. He has done so. He expects to have 7,000 men there, two batteries, and four companies of cavalry. McNeil still lies at Fulton. Hammer came down from the railroad, and McNeil has ordered him here. Everything quiet in Call-away. The northeast may be considered secure.

From Jefferson I have had nothing but trouble. It being impossible to supply the places of Boernstein’s six companies, I have left him there, and-but I won’t stop to mention his performances.

At home our friends are alarmed, and the city is uneasy. I receive about five deputations per diem, warning me that I ought not to send away so many troops (2,200 U. S. Reserve Corps left), and sometimes hinting that I will be overhauled by higher powers for doing so. The only danger is in case of an advance from Arkansas. But the first demonstration will result in clearing Saint Louis of its secession element.

As far as your command is concerned, I fear that you think I have been neglectful of my duties, but I cannot admit the fact. Every order that you have sent I have immediately put into execution, and have seen it executed, so far as I could give my personal supervision to it. Mismanagement of transportation at Rolla, to which place 110 wagons had been sent before Brown moved, and probably the inferior kind of transportation furnished, accounts for the delay in getting supplies forward. Arms, ammunition, and provisions were lying for weeks at Rolla, while I supposed they were going forward, and I was not informed of the fact. When I did learn it I telegraphed to Washington, and had instructions sent to McKinstry to buy everything I required. McKinstry has also had sent to Rolla, at my request, one of Van Vliet’s experienced clerk’s, Thomas O’Brien, to whom I have given the entire control of quartermaster’s affairs from Rolla onward. A large number of army wagons, with mules, have been bought and sent down, and I trust that there will be no more trouble there. Two hundred and fifty thousand rations were ordered on the 6th; 4,000 shoes and clothing to match were ordered on receipt of your letter of the 13th, and I presume are all on the way. I know that part have been shipped.

The line of communication from Rolla to Springfield is kept open by Wyman and Bayles. Wyman’s is a splendid regiment, and I am trying to get other troops to supply his place and send him forward; but I am embarrassed by conduct which I scarcely think meets your approval, although I am informed that you gave your consent to it. Lieutenant-Colonel Hassendeubel, who arrived here yesterday, but has not reported himself, brought up with him one of Bayles’ companies (Company L, Rifles, Fourth Regiment formerly, but since organized with others as a battalion), and has ordered Company M up, also, for the purpose of forming a three-years’ regiment, of which he is to take the command.

{p.403}

I have been strengthening Bayles all I could. There are three companies here now, mustered and ready to go down as soon as armed (by Tuesday at furthest), and the other two companies will be ready during the week, in all probability. The ten companies were to be commanded by Saxton. He is said to be on his way here at this time and Saxton would be invaluable, either in command on the line or with you. When Lieutenant-Colonel Hassendeubel reports I shall send that company back, unless I am satisfied that he had good authority for his action.

As to re-enforcements, I shall reorganize the Second and Fourth under their captains, and put the first ten companies formed into one regiment, without regard to the preferences of individuals. This can be done during the week, as Boernstein, Schaefer, and Hammer are all to come here to-morrow.

The surplus can be organized under a temporary battalion organization, sent to the field, and afterwards filled up.

Smith’s Eighth can go down during the week, and a splendid regiment it is.

Last night the adjutant-general gave me authority to accept any regiment that offered. Two are formed in the country. Both will be ready in two weeks. Others will come. I have caused the notice of the authority to be published. Bland can’t be spared; nor can Curtis’ men. Saint Joe and the surrounding country are reported to be ready to rise. In fact, the whole State is.

McNeil can doubtless raise a regiment without difficulty. He is ordered home as soon as Pope relieves him.

The Ninth and Tenth are filling up fast, and can be ready in two weeks, probably. These statements are made upon the supposition that arms and equipments will be here as ordered.

Mulligan’s regiment of Illinois Volunteers, I forgot to say, arrived here yesterday for arms. I sent some companies to Jefferson to-day, and the remainder will go up Tuesday.

But, better than all, General Frémont telegraphed me last night that he would start for Saint Louis immediately, and when I can have the opportunity of going over the map with him I trust that he will use his power to fill this State with troops. A few weeks’ delay would make the whole State a battle-field.

And now, general, I can say that to be relieved of the responsibility which I have had upon me since you left, without the authority, after the change in the department command, to do what I saw was necessary, with my representations to the department generally unnoticed, and without even a competent clerk to aid me in the ordinary routine of business, is truly a relief; and no one can be so glad that Frémont is coming as I am. I have never before had the time to write you fully, and I presume that now the office is full of people, who are waiting upon the same errands with which you were formerly so much annoyed.

I shall always feel proud of the confidence which you have placed in me, and I hope you will think that I have endeavored to justify it.

Very respectfully and truly,

CHESTER HARDING, JR.

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Notice.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTH MISSOURI, Saint Charles, July 21, 1861.

An investigation of the circumstances attending the difficulties along the line of the North Missouri Railroad, and the wanton destruction of {p.404} badges, culverts, &c., makes it manifest that the inhabitants of the villages and stations along the road, if not privy to these outrages, at least offered no resistance to them, and gave no information by which they could have been prevented, or merited punishment inflicted upon the criminals.

I desire the people of this section of the State to understand distinctly that their safety and the security of their property will depend upon themselves, and are directly and inseparably connected with the security of the lines of public communication.

It is very certain that the people living along the line of the North Missouri Railroad can very easily protect it from destruction, and it is my purpose to give them strong inducements to do so. I therefore notify the inhabitants of the towns, villages, and stations along the line of this road that they will be held accountable for the destruction of any bridges, culverts, or portions of the railroad track within 5 miles on each side of them. If any outrages of this kind are committed within the distance specified, without conclusive proof of active resistance on the part of the population, and without immediate information to the nearest commanding officer, giving names and details, the settlement will be held responsible, and a levy of money or property sufficient to cover the whole damage done will be at once made and collected.

There seems to be no method of enlisting the active agency of the citizens along the line of this road for the protection of a public work in all respects so beneficial to them, except by making it their very evident personal interest to do so, and I desire them to understand that they will be compelled to pay in full of property or money for any damage done in their vicinity. It has been impossible heretofore even to ascertain the names of the criminals engaged in this kind of work, although they were well known to everybody in the neighborhood. If people who claim to be good citizens choose to indulge their neighbors and acquaintances in committing these wanton acts, and to shield them from punishment, they will hereafter be compelled to pay for it; or if they disapprove, their objections must take more tangible form than mere words. It is not to be expected that the General Government will occupy a large force merely to protect from the people of this part of the State a work built for their own benefit, or to defend from outrages and hostility communities which encourage violations of all law by giving no information and by offering no sort of resistance. I therefore expect all law-abiding citizens at once to take measures to secure the safety of the North Missouri Railroad in their vicinity, and I notify all others that upon the safety of the road depends the security of their own property and person. To carry out the intentions set forth above, divisions and subdivisions of the road will be made as soon as practicable from these headquarters, and superintendents and assistant superintendents appointed by name, without regard to political opinions, who will be held responsible for the safety of the railroad track within their specified limits. They will have authority to call on all persons living within these limits to appear in such numbers and at such times and places as they may deem necessary to secure the object in view. I expect all good citizens who value peace and the safety of their families and property to respond cheerfully to this arrangement, and to assume to themselves the care and protection of their own section.

JNO. POPE, Brigadier-General, U. S. Army, Commanding North Missouri.

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WYANDOTTE, KANS., July 22, 1861.

Hon. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War:

DEAR SIR: Owing to the danger on our southeastern frontier Governor Robinson is in that quarter endeavoring to protect our people as best he may. In his absence I feel compelled to lay before you the present condition of our State, hoping that we may obtain relief. We have no State arms; every effort to obtain them has thus far proved a failure. All of our volunteer troops in the United States service have been ordered from the State, and we are left wholly to the mercy of secession Missouri in the east, and an Indian frontier on our south and west, and not an arm or an ounce of ammunition to protect ourselves with. In this vicinity, and in fact all along the eastern border, we are constantly menaced by threatened attacks from Missouri.

Could we be supplied with some State arms, to be properly distributed among our State troops, we should feel perfectly secure. Can we, by any process whatever, obtain these?

Truly yours,

J. P. ROOT, Lieutenant– Governor.

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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.

{p.406}

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.

* See p. 403.

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CAIRO, July 23, 1861.

CHESTER HARDING, Jr.:

Have but eight regiments here. Six of them are three-months’ men. Their time expires this week; are reorganizing now. I have neither tents nor wagons, and must hold Cairo and Bird’s Point. The latter is threatened. I have but two guns equipped for moving. Thus you see I cannot comply with request. Again, news of this morning changes policy of rebels in Kentucky. They are organizing opposite. Watkins is encamped with 2,000, 7 miles from Bloomfield. He has no cannon, and poorly armed. This may be the force you have heard from.

B. M. PRENTISS, Brigadier-General.

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ORDERS, No. -.}

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE WEST, Springfield, Mo., July 24, 1861.

The following brigade organization will take effect from this date, viz:

First Brigade, Maj. S. D. Sturgis, First Cavalry, commanding, will consist of Companies B, C, D, and I, First Cavalry; Company C, Second Dragoons; Light Company F, Second Artillery; Companies B, C, and D, First Infantry, and Lieut. H. C. Wood’s company of recruits.

Second Brigade, Col. F. Sigel, Missouri Volunteers, commanding, will consist of the Third and Fifth Regiments Missouri Volunteers, and Major Backof’s battalion of artillery.

Third Brigade, Lieut. Col. G. L. Andrews, of the First Regiment Missouri Volunteers, commanding, will consist of the First Regiment Missouri Volunteers; Companies B and E, Second Infantry; Lieut. W. L. Lothrop’s and Lieutenant Farrand’s companies of recruits; Lieutenant Du Bois’ light battery, and Major Osterhaus’ battalion, Second Regiment Missouri Volunteers.

Fourth Brigade, Colonel Deitzler, Kansas Volunteers, commanding, will consist of the First and Second Regiments of Kansas Volunteers.

By order of General Lyon:

J. M. SCHOFIELD, Acting Adjutant-General.

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GENERAL ORDERS, No 1.}

HDQRS. WESTERN DEPARTMENT, Saint Louis, Mo., July 25, 1861.

In compliance with General Orders, No. 40, dated War Department, Adjutant-General’s Office, Washington, July 3, 1861, the undersigned assumes command of the Western Department.

...

J. C. FRÉMONT, Major-General, U. S. Army, Commanding.

{p.407}

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CAIRO, July 26, 1861.

Colonel HARDING, Jr., Assistant Adjutant-General:

Five steamers were to leave Memphis last night to take troops from Randolph to New Madrid. Union City troops are under orders to cross Mississippi. If they fail to assail us, Ironton and Cape Girardeau will need re-enforcements. Colonel Marsh has no battery. I have none to spare and no transportation to intercept rebels. I am of opinion that Bird’s Point is their destination.

B. M. PRENTISS, Brigadier-General.

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ORDERS, No.-.}

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE WEST, Springfield, Mo., July 26, 1861.

In consequence of reports of seizures of persons and property not authorized, nor consistent with the purpose and policy of the General Government, the following orders are given:

The persons and property of all law-abiding citizens will not be molested, and it is intended this exemption shall apply to all persons, whatever may be their private opinions, who remain peaceful and quietly pursue their avocations, and who do not take nor excite others to take an attitude of hostility to the General Government. The exception here indicated has refere