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infantry were posted as protection, and Dubois then ordered back with his battery. Still the enemy made no demonstration, and not until Dubois was leaving the hill commanding the valley from the north did the enemy reoccupy the heights on the west, from which we had driven them. Then meeting no resistance from us they assembled in large numbers, and, raising their traitorous banner, made an effort at cheering.

The enemy's force was not far from twentytwo thousand, all but about three thousand of whom were armed, and generally pretty well armed. According to Lieut.-Col. Horace H. Brand, of Booneville, who was taken prisoner in the early part of the day, they had twentyone pieces of cannon and plenty of ammunition, though toward the last of the battle it is said the five guns, lost by Siegel, were also turned against us. The guns of the enemy were not worked with great rapidity or precision, not a ball coming within twenty feet of the ground for the first half hour, at about the end of which time, however, one ploughed up a ter

toes, picking and roasting ears of corn, gather ing tomatoes and other vegetables for the rebel commissary department. Siegel advanced upon the enemy without being seen, taking their pickets prisoners except one, who was driven away from the camp, and drove their force from their southeastern camp, chasing them up as far as the Fayetteville road. Here he was met by a regiment uniformed very much like the Iowa First, coming over the summit from the northwest, and supposing it was the latter men, allowed them to come within a few paces of him, when they poured a murderous fire into his ranks and scattered his men like sheep. The enemy's cannon, also, now began against him, killing the horses attached to his own six pieces, and he was forced to retire leaving them behind. Capt. Flagg, seeing the position of affairs, took ropes, fastened them to one cannon and placed them in the hands of his prisoners, compelling them to draw the cannon off the field. One caisson also was saved, and another tipped into the creek. The others fell into the hands of the enemy. The cause of Siegel's re-rible dust within fifteen feet of where I was pulse was owing very much to the behavior of standing. Adjutant Waldron, of the Iowa regiCol. Salomon's men, who were three months' ment, behaved gallantly, and received a slight men whose time had expired, and who, at re- wound. Capt. Burke, of the Missouri First, quest, had agreed to serve ten days longer. At said to me in the morning: "My boys are gothe first severe fire, those, who in Carthage hading to fight to kill to-day, and if we don't whip fought like veterans, began to lament that they had lengthened their time of service, and wished they were with their families at home. Such men as these could not be brought up to fight well against overwhelming numbers, and their dissatisfaction communicated itself to many of Siegel's regiment. Notwithstanding these very adverse circumstances, Siegel brought in about one hundred prisoners and many horses.

During the latter part of the battle the smoke from cannons and muskets, which hung like a dense cloud over the valley, was increased by the enemy setting fire to a train of thirty or forty wagons, for fear they would be captured by our advancing troops. The battle commenced about six o'clock, and continued, with but slight cessation, until eleven, at which time our ambulances, being filled with the wounded officers and others, commenced moving toward Springfield, under protection of Dubois' battery. The enemy, however, made no attempt to follow, which is sufficient proof that they were badly whipped.

Government had been repeatedly urged to send Gen. Lyon reinforcements, at least sufficient to make up for the loss of three months, men who were about leaving or had already left; but, alas! none were furnished; while thousands in the North would gladly have gone and succored their friends, and saved the key of the Southwest from falling into the hands of the rebels. It was better for the Union cause that the battle should be fought, even against such great odds, than that Springfield should fall without a struggle.

After retreating in good order nearly two miles, Totten's battery and three companies of

the rebels, not one of my men shall leave the field alive." His men did fight well, and the enemy were defeated. Burke himself was struck by a spent ball, then one tore through his blouse without injuring him, and another twice through his pants, barely scraping his knee. Major Schofield had a few of his whiskers trimmed off by a passing bullet, but was otherwise uninjured. Major Halderman, of the Kansas First, was slightly wounded. Two rebel surgeons were among those taken prisoners. One was released by Dr. Melcher, who afterward accompanied him to the rebel camp, and saw and conversed with McCulloch, Price, and Rains, and arranged for our wagons returning to gather the wounded and dead. The other surgeon was marched to Springfield before his position was known, when he was set at liberty and passed through our lines. He expressed himself satisfied with the treatment he had received, except being marched twelve miles out of his way. He invited Dr. Franklin and Dr. Davis of the regular hospital to accompany him to the rebel camp, assuring them of good treatment. Among the prisoners taken were ten or fifteen negroes, none of whom, I think, were armed, but simply acting as servants.

On the return to Springfield we fell in with Col. Salomon, who said his men had acted badly, and that he could form no idea of the extent of their loss, but knew that it was serious. Had the enemy been at all enterprising, they could have caught hundreds who were wandering around in small squads, attempting to return to town, from Siegel's division, as well as harassed us to death on our retreat from the west side of the bloody field.

We reached Springfield in safety. Our pick- | Gen. Lyon's body has been carefully laid out, ets were stationed, and wagons sent for the and will be embalmed and sent to his friends in balance of our wounded and dead. Since 3 Connecticut. Our loss will probably reach two o'clock yesterday afternoon the wounded have hundred killed, and six or seven hundred been pouring in. The regular hospital building, wounded. Since arriving in town, the military a very large, new court-house, and dwelling at- authorities have decided not to lose a moment, tached, has been filled up, receiving about 120. but to start at once for Rolla. They will leave The Bailey House has been turned into a hos- before daylight. The baggage train is about pital and filled with at least as many more. five miles long, and if the rebels do not attack The Methodist church has been similarly used, and secure it, they will be less able to pursue and still they come. than we imagine. A considerable amount of powder has just been destroyed by the ordnance officer, because of no means of transportation. The Iowa regiment have also burned a portion of their baggage. On one or two occasions the enemy raised Union flags and cheered, causing us to fear. we were firing upon Col. Siegel. The battle would otherwise have been much more disastrous to the rebels.

But terrible as has been the slaughter on our side, it has been much more so on the side of the rebels. In the first place, none of their shells exploded in the midst of our ranks, as several of ours did among them in the cornfield among their cavalry, and in the valley. Our men we believe to be quite as good marksmen as theirs, and they had the advantage of firing into solid columns of the enemy. Dr. Schenck, who visited McCulloch and Rains after the battle, while gathering our wounded, says their loss is much heavier than ours; that while our dead were comparatively few, theirs were gathered in great heaps under the trees. He says that so many of their tents were destroyed by themselves, that not less than twothirds of them would have to bivouac under trees and by camp-fires for the night.

Where so many daring acts and valorous deeds were performed, it were almost impossible to single any one as worthy of especial notice. Among the latter, however, were Capts. Cavender and Miller, members of the ex-Legislature, Capt. Granger of the regulars, Major Porter of Iowa, Major Cloud of Kansas, Capt. Wood of the Kansas cavalry, and Capt. Wright of the Home Guards. Col. Bates, of the Iowa First, who had been confined for several days with a fever and diarrhoea, mounted his horse and attempted to go to the field of battle on the evening preceding it, but was compelled to return to town, much to his regret, after marching two or three miles with the column.

On the march out many of those who now lie in their graves were joyously singing and feeling as gay as larks. Among the songs I heard were the Iowas' favorite, which relates the doings of Jackson and Price at Booneville, how Lyon hived Camp Jackson, the chorus concluding:

"Bound for the happy land of Canaan !" the Kansas melody,

"So let the wide world wag as it will,
We'll be gay and happy still,"

and many of a religious character.

We took 400 horses and 69 prisoners. One of the latter was brought in from a squad of five rebels by your correspondent, who at that time was nearly hoarse from rallying the troops, regardless of any thing like personal danger. On the return to town, many were the anxious inquiries made after friends and comrades, and lucky was the man who made successful attempts to find and see a wounded brother.

SECESSION NARRATIVES.

LIEUTENANT BARLOW'S ACCOUNT. HEAD-QUARTERS SIXTH DIVISION M. S. G., Brig. Gen. M. M. Parsons Commanding, Phelps' Farm, Springfield, August 22. Remembering several acts of kindness of yours, and hoping that you will place confidence in a report of mine, I will give you a short account, in honor of the affair at Wilson's Creek, as far as I saw it in person.

Gen. Lyon attacked us before breakfast. I was awoke by Totten's battery opening within one thousand two hundred yards of my tent. We were surprised completely. Siegel also attacked us in our rear, opposite Lyon's point of attack.

The battle ground presents large hills with deep ravines, thickly covered with small trees and underbrush. We had a "bushwhack" fight

regiment against regiment, advancing and retreating for about three hours. Siegel's battery was taken (in our rear) by the gallant Lonisiana regiment at the point of the bayonet. Lyon formed for his main attack-regulars, Kansas regiments, and a few dragoons-within two hundred yards of our battery; we thought they might be our own men. Gen. Price after waiting some fifteen minutes, rode up alone within seventy-five yards, and found out who they

were.

When they attacked, our battery opened with canister, our infantry advanced, and for ten minutes there was one unceasing roar of musketry and thundering of artillery, a portion of Totten's battery replying to my guns. In the end of this last and terrible fire the enemy were driven from the field, leaving Gen. Lyon dead

not even taking his papers from the body. Before this Siegel was in full retreat; was charged by some Arkansas men, and with the remnant of Lyon's command left for Springfield.

Our total loss, as near as can be ascertained, is five hundred and seventeen killed and seven hundred and twenty wounded. Five of Siegel's

guns were taken on the field. I had three of them in my charge that night.

We have a fine battery, nearly equal to our old one, and hope to do continued good service against our eneinies.

We took about four hundred prisoners, who have been released on parole. The Federal wounded are taken as good care of as our own, though that is not the best, medicine being scarce. Lyon's corpse is now within one hundred yards of my tent; it was disinterred this afternoon, and to-morrow starts for St. Louis.

Billy Corkery and Bob Finney are our Second and Third Lieutenants. Johnny Corkery is severely wounded, but will recover. I was wounded at Carthage by shell, but am now as well as ever.

I have the honor to be,

With great respect, yours truly,
W. P. BARLOW,
First Lieutenant Captain G.'s Battery, M. S. G.

J. T. HUGHES ACCOUNT.

❘ment, in Gen. Slack's division, where he fell mortally wounded, near Totten's battery, covered all over with wounds. I received his sword to keep it from the enemy. Meanwhile, the enemy's batteries were captured by the State and Confederate forces, and routed in every direction, except on the heights west, where Lyon commanded in person, and made his last, most desperate struggle.

General Parsons now advanced with his four pieces, and poured a terrific fire into the enemy's right, while Woodruff's Arkansas battery mowed down his left. At this point of time General McCulloch came up, and directed Slack's division to charge Totten's battery in front, and the Arkansas troops on the right. This was the most terrific storm of grape and musketry ever poured out upon the ranks of any American troops. On both sides the men were mowed down like the ripe harvest before the sickle. My own regiment was then decimated, and Churchill's and McIntosh's Arkansas regiments suffered most severely. Here On the morning of the tenth, Gen. Lyon at- General Lyon was killed, Totten's battery tacked our encampment at break of day with driven from the heights, and his whole force fourteen thousand men and eighteen pieces of scattered in flight. This ended the bloody artillery, having received large reinforcements strife of that most bloody day. Never has a within the last few days. The attack was greater victory crowned the efforts of liberty made simultaneously at four different points- and equal rights. The best blood of the land Gen. Lyon on the west, Siegel on the south, has been poured out to water afresh the tree Sturgis on the north, and Sweeney, I think, on of liberty. This is only a synopsis of the fight the east. Our encampment was taken by sur--it is impossible to give you details; I cannot prise, but in hot haste soon formed for battle. The forces engaged were about equal on each side, the Federals having the advantage in position and heavy artillery. The red harvest of death now commenced. The cannonading was most terrible, and the slaughter on both sides immense. In quick succession the hosts marshalled for the conflict and bared their breasts to the storm of battle. The Louisiana troops, the Arkansas, the Texans, and Missourians, rivalled each other in this great and bloody day. For six long hours the palm of victory remained undecided. Seven times Lyon was repulsed from the western heights by the Missouri and Arkansas forces, and seven times regained his position. He had a strong force of regulars posted with Totten's battery around his person.

The Missouri troops at the north, the Louisiana troops at the southeast and south, and General Weightman's brigade of Missouri forces at the southwest, including his fine battery of artillery, having been victorious at each point, rallied to the heights on the west, to support Gen. Slack's division, which had borne the brunt of the fight up to that time, for five or six hours, unsupported. Generals Price and Slack were both actively and gallantly urging forward this column, when Gen. Slack was severely wounded and taken from the field. Gen. Price was slightly wounded also, but not disabled. He continued to lead his wing on to victory most gallantly. Gen. Weightman now filed his column in on the right of my regi

do justice to all the officers and men. It will require volumes to do it. It is sufficient to say that all the officers and men on our side behaved most bravely, and fought like veterans. It is certain we have gained a great victory over the Federal troops. The loss on our side, as near as I can ascertain, is two hundred killed and four hundred wounded; some say more. The whole field for miles is literally covered with the dead. That of the enemy is fifteen hundred killed, and from two thousand to two thousand five hundred wounded! I have lost one hundred and forty-two in killed, wounded, and missing, from my command of six hundred and fifty men.

We captured thirteen of the enemy's best cannon, and all of the accompanying carriages and ammunition. Also some four hundred prisoners, and several stand of colors, and a large quantity of good arms. My regiment fought in that part of the field where General Lyon was slain. This is a just reward for the thirty-five men and children butchered by him on the 10th of May in St. Louis. I will furnish you a list of the killed and wounded as soon as possible. Respectfully, T. J. HUGHES, -Western Argus, Mo.

GENERAL FREMONT'S ORDER.
HEAD-QUARTERS, WESTERN DEPARTMENT,
ST. Louis, Mo., August 25, 1861.

General Orders No. 4:

I. The official reports of the commanding officers of the forces engaged in the battle near

For thus nobly battling for the honor of their flag, he now publicly desires to express to the officers and soldiers his cordial thanks, and commends their conduct as an example to their comrades, whenever engaged against the enemies of the Union.

Springfield, Mo., having been received, the | United States regulars, under their most vauntMajor-General commanding announces to the ed generals, made a clean sweep of the field. troops embraced in his command, with pride The flying enemy, intercepted by Hardee, have and the highest commendation, the extraordi- laid down their arms, and the day of the denary services to their country and flag rendered liverance of Missouri is nigh. These were the by the division of the brave and lamented best soldiers which the United States had in the General Lyon. State and in the West. They were well drilled by veteran officers, and confident of an easy victory in Missouri. They were the nucleus of the grand Western army which was to hold Missouri in bondage as the basis of a grand movement for the subjugation of the States on the Lower Mississippi. They have been broken and dispersed. Southwestern Missouri is free already. The Southeast cannot long stand before the advancing armies of Pillow and Hardee, joined to those of McCulloch; and the next word will be: On to St. Louis! That taken, the power of Lincolnism is broken in the whole West; and instead of shouting, Ho'! for Richmond! and Ho! for New Orleans! there will be hurryings to and fro among the frightened magnates at Washington, and anxious inquiries of what they shall do to save themselves from the vengeance to come. Good tidings reach us from the North and the West. Heaven smiles on the arms of the Confederate States; and through the brightly-beaming vistas of these battles we see golden promises of the speedy triumph of a righteous cause-in the firm establishment of Southern independ-N. O. Picayune, August 17.

Opposed by overwhelming masses of the enemy, in a numerical superiority of upward of twenty thousand against four thousand three hundred, or nearly five to one, the successes of our troops were nevertheless sufficiently marked to give to their exploits the moral effect of a victory.

66

II. The General commanding laments, in sympathy with the country, the loss of the indomitable General Nathaniel Lyon. His fame cannot be better eulogized than in these words from the official report of his gallant successor, Major Sturgis, U. S. Cavalry: Thus gallantly fell as true a soldier as ever drew a sword; a man, whose honesty of purpose was proverbial; a noble patriot, and one who held his life as nothing where his country demanded it of him." Let all emulate his prowess and undying devotion to his duty.

III. The regiments and corps engaged in this battle, will be permitted to have "Springfield" emblazoned on their colors, as a distinguished memorial of their service to the nation.

IV. The names of the officers and soldiers mentioned in the official reports as most distinguished for important services and marked gallantry, will be communicated to the War Department for the consideration of the Govern

ment.

V. This order will be read at the head of every company in this Department. By order of Major-General Fremont.

J. C. KELTON,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

A REBEL SHOUT OF EXULTATION.

The victory in Missouri is gloriously confirmed; Lyon is killed and Siegel in flight and believed to be captured; Sweeney is killed, and Southwestern Missouri cleared of the National scum of invaders, All honor and gratitude to Ben. McCulloch and the gallant men with him, who met and scourged the minions of National tyranny.

The brave sons of Louisiana were there and foremost in the fight, as at Manassas. There was a panic, it seems, of the untried and probably half-armed troops of Missouri, but the steady discipline and dashing courage of the Arkansas and Louisiana regiments retrieved the day, and after a stubborn fight with the

ence.

To

Doc. 175.

ISHAM G. HARRIS' ORDER

FOR A SEARCH FOR ARMS IN TENNESSEE.

the Clerks of the County Courts of the State of Tennessee:

You are hereby requested to issue to each constable in your respective counties an order requiring him to make diligent inquiry at each house in his civil district for all muskets, bayonets, rifles, swords, and pistols belonging to the State of Tennessee, to take them into possession, and deliver them to you. A reward of one dollar will be paid to the constable for each musket and bayonet or rifle, and of fifty cents for each sword or pistol thus reclaimed. You will forward the arms thus obtained, at public expense, to the military authorities at Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis, as may be most convenient; and will inform the Military and Financial Board by letter, addressed to them at Nashville, of the result of your action and of the expenses incurred. A check for the amount will be promptly forwarded. It is hoped that every officer will exert himself to have this order promptly executed.

ISHAM G. HARRIS, Governor, &c. NASHVILLE, August 10, 1861.

Doc. 176.

transporting, &c., of this expedition, and of its

RESOLUTIONS OF THE CONVENTION support while here. This occupation will con

OF WESTERN VIRGINIA.

AUGUST 10, 1861.

tinue until the marauders who fired upon the train, and those who in open day disarmed Mr. Wilcox, are captured and surrendered to the Whereas, a portion of the people of the military authorities, and will be rigidly enforced. Southern States, in violation of their constitu- If the county authorities cannot be found, or tional obligations, have attempted a dissolution are unwilling to act, the authorities of the city of this Union, and have thus precipitated the of Palmyra will be required to fill this order and render their charges against the county. All country in a civil war; therefore, Resolved, That the action of Congress, in vot-persons who know of parties engaged in the ing the men and money to suppress this rebel- above criminal acts are required to give sworn lion and preserve the Union, receives the hearty ing Sixteenth regiment. information to us or Colonel Smith, commandS. A. HURLBURT, approval of this Convention. Brigadier-General U. S. Army.

Resolved, That we are unalterably opposed to any compromise with the rebels short of laying down their arms and returning to their allegiance to the United States Government, and that we will hold all who aid and abet in such compromise as enemies not only to the Government of our fathers, but as enemies to human liberty throughout the world.

Resolved, That we will aid the Administration at Washington in suppressing the rebellion with all our power, both morally and physically, and sedulously guard against all acts and doings that would militate in the least degree against the Union cause, or embarrass the Administration in putting down the rebellion.

Doc. 177.

GEN. HURLBURT'S PROCLAMATION.

QUARTERING SOLDIERS ON THE ENEMY.

HEAD-QUARTERS BRIGADE, PALMYRA, (Mo.,) Aug. 11, 1861.

}

County Authorities of Marion County, Missouri:

By command of my superior officer I have occupied your county-seat. By like command I require you to deliver, every morning before nine o'clock A. M., to Colonel Smith, commanding Sixteenth Illinois regiment, the following rations for his command:

Salt pork or bacon, 412 pounds, or in lieu thereof, 687 pounds fresh beef; corn meal, 687 pounds; beans, 44 quarts, or 55 pounds rice; coffee, 55 pounds; sugar, (brown, dry,) 8 pounds; vinegar, 5 gallons; soap, 22 pounds; salt, 11 quarts; potatoes, or mixed vegetable diet, 550 pounds; molasses, 2 gallons; wood, cord; corn in ear, 2 bushels; water sufficient for command to be hauled.

If these articles are promptly furnished receipts will be given by Colonel Smith; if not furnished, they will be taken from the most convenient persons and places, and the regiment will be billeted upon the city of Palmyra, in private houses, according to the convenience of the regiment. If your authorities desire to avoid this great evil and inconvenience, you will fulfil this order.

The county of Marion will also be held responsible alled to pay all expenses of

Doc. 178.

PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S PROCLAMATION,

APPOINTING A DAY OF FASTING AND PRAYER.

By the President of the United States of America.

A PROCLAMATION.

of Congress has waited on the President of the Whereas, A joint committee of both Houses United States, and requested him to "recommend a day of public humiliation, prayer, and fasting, to be observed by the people of the United States with religious solemnities, and the offering of fervent supplications to Almighty God for the safety and welfare of these States, His blessings on their arms, and a speedy restoration of peace;

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And whereas, It is fit and becoming in all people, at all times, to acknowledge and revere the Supreme Government of God; to bow in humble submission to his chastisements; to confess and deplore their sins and transgressions, in the full conviction that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and to pray, with all fervency and contrition, for the pardon of their past offences, and for a blessing upon their present and prospective action;

And whereas, When our own beloved country, once, by the blessing of God, united, prosperous, and happy, is now afflicted with faction and civil war, it is peculiarly fit for us to recognize the hand of God in this terrible visitation, and in sorrowful remembrance of our own faults and crimes as a nation, and as individuals, to humble ourselves before Him, and to pray for His mercy-to pray that we may be spared further punishment, though most justly deserved; that our arms may be blessed and made effectual for the re-establishment of law, order, and peace, throughout the wide extent of our country; and that the inestimable boon of civil and religious liberty, earned under His guidance and blessing by the labors and sufferings of our fathers, may be restored in all its original excellence;

Therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, do appoint the last Thursday in September next as a day of humiliation, prayer, and fasting for all the people of the

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