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Wilson's
Creek and the Death of Lyon
By
William M. Wherry, Sixth U.S. Infantry, Brevet Brigadier-General,
, U. S. V.
(From Battles and Leaders of the Civil War)
About the middle of July, 1861, the Army
of the Union in south-west Missouri, under General Nathaniel Lyon, was
encamped in and near the town of Springfield, and numbered
approximinately 6200 men, of whom about 500 were ill-armed and
undisciplined "Home Guards." The organized troops were in all
5868, in four brigades. By the 9th of August these were reduced to an
aggregate of about 5300 men, with the 500 Home Guards additional. Of
these troops, the 1st Iowa regiment was entitled to discharge on the
14th of August, and the 3d and 5th Missouri, Sigel's and Salomon's, at
different periods, by companies, form the 9th to the 18th of August. All
except the regulars had been enrolled since the attack on Sumter in
April, and but little time had been possible for drill and instruction.
They had been moved and marched from St. Louis and points in Kansas,
taking part in several spirited but minor engagements, and were
ill-provided with clothing and food, but their spirits were undaunted,
and they were devoted to their leader.
The latter part of July was spent by Lyon in drilling
his troops and procuring supplies, the mills in the neighborhood having
been seized and employed in grinding flour for the troops. He continued
to send urgent appeals to St. Louis for reenforcements.
On the 1st of August, however, having received
information of an advance by the enemy, in superior numbers, Lyon moved
down the Fayetteville road (also known as the Cassville road) to meet
and attack the largest and most advanced force, hoping to drive it back
and then strike the others in detail. A lively skirmish with Price's
advance-guard, under Rains, took place at Dug Springs on the 2d of
August; and on the 3d a more insignificant affair occurred with the
rear-guard of Rains' forces at McCulloch's farm, which had been his
headquarters, but from which he retired without resistance. Here Lyon
became convinced he was being drawn farther and farther from his base,
without supplies, and he determined to fall back to Springfield, which
place he reached on the 5th. During those blistering August days the men
marched with bleeding feet and parched lips, Lyon himself urging forward
the weary and footsore stragglers.
On the 8th a march in force was planned for the
following night, to make an attack on the enemy's front at Wilson's
Creek at daylight. From this intention General Lyon was dissuaded, after
having called together the principal officers to receive their
instructions. Many of the troops were exhausted, and all were tired;
moreover, some supplies having arrived from Rolla, it was deemed wise to
clothe and shoe the men as far as practicable, and to give them another
day for recuperation.
On the 9th it was intended to march that evening with
the whole force united, as agreed upon the 8th, and attack the enemy's
left at daylight, and Lyon's staff were busied in visiting the troops
and seeing that all things were in order. During the morning Colonel
Sigel visited Lyon's headquarters, and had a prolonged conference, the
result of which was that Colonel Sigel was ordered to detach his
brigade, the 3d and 5th Missouri, one six-gun battery, one company of
the 1st U. S. Cavalry, under Captain Eugene A. Carr, and one company of
the 2d Dragoons, under Lieutenant Charles E. Farrand, for an attack upon
the enemy from the south, while Lyon with the remainder of his available
force should attack on the north.
The troops were put in march in the evening; those
about Springfield immediately under General Lyon moving out to the west
on the Little York road until joined by Sturgis's command from their
camps, when they turned to the south across the prairies. The head of
the main column reached the point where the enemy's pickets were
expected to be found, about 1 A. M., and went into bivouac. Sigel's
force, consisting of 1200 men and six pieces of artillery, moved four
miles down the Fayetteville road, and then, making a long detour to the
left by a by-road, arrived within a mile of the enemy's camp and rear at
daylight.
In the vicinity of the Fayetteville road crossing,
the creek acquires considerable depth, and in most places has rough,
steep, and rather high banks, rendering fording difficult. On the left
side the hills assume the proportion of bluffs; on the right or western
bank the ground is a succession of broken ridges, at that time covered
for the most part with trees a stunted growth of scrub oaks with dense
foliage, which in places became an almost impenetrable tangle. Rouch
ravines and deep gullies cut up the surface.
The Confederates were under command of General Ben.
McCulloch. On the west side of the stream, "Old Pap" Price,
with his sturdy Missourians, men who in many later battles bore
themselves with a valor and determination that won the plaudits of their
comrades and the admiration of their foes, was holding the point south
of Wilson's Creek, selected by Lyon for attack. Price's command
consisted of five bodies of Missourians, under Slack, Clark, Parsons,
McBride, and Rains, the last-named being encamped farther up the stream.
On the bluffs on the east side of the creek were Hebert's 3d Louisiana
and McIntosh's Arkansas regiment, and, farther south, Pearce's brigade
and two batteries, while other troops, under Greer, Churchill, and
Major, were in the valley along the Fayetteville road, holding the
extreme of the Confederate position.
Lyon put his troops in motion at early dawn on the
10th, and about 4 o'clock struck Rain's most advanced picket, which
escaped and gave warning of the attack, of which General Price was
informed just as he was about to breakfast. Captain Plummer's battalion
of regular infantry was the advance, followed by Osterhaus's two
companies of the 2d Missouri Volunteers, and Totten's battery. A body of
200 mounted Home Guards was on Plummer's left.
Having reached the enemy's pickets, the infantry was
deployed as skirmishers, Plummer to the left and Osterhaus to the right,
and Lieutenant-Colonel Andrews, with the 1st Missouri Infantry, was
brought up in support of the battery. Advancing a mile and a half and
crossing a brook tributary to the creek, the Union skirmishers met and
pushed the Confederate skirmishers up the slope. This disclosed a
considerable force of the enemy, along a ridge perpendicular to the line
of march and to the valley of the creek, which was attacked by the 1st
Missouri and the 1st Kansas, assisted by Totten's battery, who drove
back the Confederates on the right to the foot of the slope beyond.
Plummer on the left early became separated from the
main body by a deep ravine terminating in a swampy piece of ground,
beyond which lay a cornfield which he entered, encountering a large
force, the main part of which was the Louisiana regiment. These troops
fought with determined valor and checked Plummer's progress. DuBois's
battery was moved up to a bill on the left, supported by Osterhaus's
battalion, the 1st Iowa, and the 2d Kansas, and opened a deadly fire
with shells upon the corn-field, with such marked effect as to throw the
Confederates into disorder and enable Plummer to draw off his command in
good order across the ravine.
A momentary lull occurred at this time, except on our
extreme right, where Price's Missourians opposed the 1st Missouri and
attempted to turn that flank, but the 2d Kansas by its timely arrival
and gallant attack bore back Price's overwhelming numbers and saved the
flank. Meanwhile Totten's battery, which had been brought into action by
section and by piece as the conformation of the ground would admit,
performed extraordinary service. Steele's regular infantry was added to
its support. Price's troops had fought with great bravery and
determination, advancing and retiring two or three times before they
were compelled to give way on the lower slope of the ridge they had
occupied. Many times the firing was one continuous roar.
The lull enabled the enemy to re-adjust his line and
bring up fresh troops, having accomplished which, Price made a
determined advance along nearly the whole of Lyon's front. He charged
fiercely in lines of three or four ranks, to within thirty or forty
yards, pouring in a galling fire and directing his most determined
efforts against Totten's battery, for which Woodruff's, which was pitted
against it, was no match at all. **
Every available man of Lyon's was now brought into
action and the battle raged with redoubled energy on both sides. For
more than an hour the balance was about even, one side gaining ground
only to give way in its turn to the advance of the other, till at last
the Confederates seemed to yield, and a suspension of the fury took
place.
General Lyon had bivouacked near the head of his column on the night of
the 9th, sharing a rubber-coat with Major (now Major-General) John M.
Schofield, his chief of staff, between two rows of corn in a field by
the roadside, his other staff-officers near by. He did not seem hopeful,
but was
** Woodruff's Little Rock
battery was composed of guns which had been captured at the seizure of
the Little Rock arsenal, of which Captain Totten had been in command.
Woodruff and his gunners had, in fact, been drilled and instructed by
Totten.-EDITORS.
oppressed with the responsibility of his situation, with
anxiety for the cause, and with sympathy for the Union people in that
section, when he should retreat and leave to their fate those who could
not forsake their homes. He repeatedly expressed himself as having been
abandoned by his superiors. When the troops were put in motion, he went
at the head of the column, and when the action opened he kept his place
at the front, entering the heat of the engagement with the line, near
Totten's battery. He maintained an imperturbable coolness, and his eye
shone with the ardor of conflict. He directed, encouraged, and rallied
his troops in person, sending his staff in all directions, and was
frequently without an attendant except one or two faithful orderlies.
Early in the attack while on the line to the left of Totten's battery,
rallying a part of the 1st Missouri Infantry, his horse, which he was
leading, was killed and he received a slight wound in the leg. Shortly
afterward he was wounded in the head. He continued dismounted during the
contest above described, and walking a few paces toward the rear with
his chief of staff, Major Schofield, who had also lost his horse, shot
under him, Lyon said, "I fear the day is lost." Schofield
encouraged him to take a more hopeful view of the case, assuring him
that the troops were easily rallied and were gaining confidence, and
that the disorder was only temporary, and then proceeded to another part
of the line in search of a mount.
About 9 o'clock, during a brief cessation in the
firing, Lyon started towards the top of the ridge, accompanied by an
aide, who was urging him to accept his horse, when they met Major
Sturgis and a few troopers. One of these was dismounted, and his horse
was given to General Lyon. Lyon also expressed himself despondingly to
Sturgis, and was by him encouraged. Sturgis proceeded to another
quarter, and Lyon toward DuBois's battery.
About this time great anxiety began to be e of
Sigel's command. Shortly after e sound of battle had been heard in the
rear of the enemy's line. It continued but a short time, and was renewed
shortly afterward for a very brief period only, when it ceased
altogether. Sigel had proceeded to within a mile of the camps, and his
cavalry had cut off the enemy's small parties and thus suppressed
information of his coming. He then advanced his infantry toward the
point where the by-road crosses the creek, his flanks supported by the
cavalry on the right and dragoons on the left, four guns being placed on
a hill overlooking the tents. At about 5:30 A. M., hearing the musketry
on Lyon's front, he opened fire with his guns, pushing his infantry
across the creek and into the lower camp, whence they had fled,
overwhelmed by the suddenness of the attack. Sigel crossed his guns and
pushed with infantry and artillery forward a short distance in pursuit,
meeting with slight resistance. He advanced from his first position near
the creek, by a road west of the deserted camp, and formed line of
battle in a field between the road and the camp. Afterward he advanced
to Sharp's house. The Arkansans and Texans retired to the northward,
fell in with Price's Missouri line, and assisted in the fight against
Lyon. Meanwhile McCulloch called upon a battalion of mounted
Missourians, and upon a part of the Louisiana regiment which had been
confronting Plummer in the corn-field, and with these attacked Sigel's
men, who were in line at Sharp's farm, and drove them from the field.
When the attack by the Confederates, from the direction of Lyon's front,
was made, the confusion of Sigel's men was brought about by the
enfilading fire of Reid's battery east of the creek, and by the belief
that the infantry in their front were friends. Sigel went back the way
he came with a part of his command, including Carr's cavalry. All but
the cavalry, who were ahead, were ambuscaded and, for the most part,
killed or captured; Sigel narrowly escaped capture. Colonel Salomon with
450 of the troops retreated, by a detour to the west, to the Little York
road, as did also Lieutenant Farrand, with the dragoons. The latter,
finding himself with his company alone, forcibly detained a guide, and
made up teams for more gun and one caisson of the abandoned artillery.
He was finally compelled to unhorse and leave the caisson, in order to
put the animals to the gun. Thus by 10 o'clock Sigel was out of the
fight, and the enemy could turn his whole force upon Lyon.
Meantime a body of troops was observed moving down
the hill on the east bank of Wilson's Creek toward Lyon's left, and an
attack by other troops from that direction was anticipated. Schofield
deployed eight companies of the 1st Iowa and led them in person to repel
this. They did so most gallantly after a sanguinary contest, effectually
assisted by the fire from DuBois's battery, which alone drove back the
column on the opposite side of the stream before it a began a crossing.
Lyon, accompanied by an aide and his six or eight
orderlies, followed closely the right of the Iowa regiment. After
proceeding a short distance, his attention was called by the aide to a
line of men drawn up on the prolongation of the left of our main line
and nearly perpendicular to the 1st Iowa as it moved to the eastward. A
party of horsemen came out in front of this line of the enemy and
proceeded to reconnoiter. General Price and Major Emmett Mac Donald (who
had sworn that he would not cut his hair till the Confederacy was
acknowledged) were easily recognized. General Lyon started as if to
confront them, ordering his party to "draw pistols and follow"
him, when the aide protested against his exposing himself to the fire of
the line, which was partly concealed by the mass of dense underbrush,
and asked if he should not bring up some other troops. To this Lyon
assented, and directed the aide to order up the 2d Kansas. The general
advanced a short distance, joining two companies of the 1st Iowa, left
to protect an exposed position.
Colonel Mitchell of the 2d Kansas, ntery, sent
-colonel, Blair, to Lyon to ask to be put in action, and the two
messengers passed each other without meeting. Lyon repeated his order
for the regiment to come forward. The regiment moved promptly by the
flank, and as it approached Lyon he directed the two companies of Iowa
troops to go forward with it, himself leading the column, swinging his
hat. A murderous fire was opened from the thick brush, the 2d Kansas
deployed rapidly to the front and with the two companies of the 1st Iowa
swept over the hill, dislodging the enemy and driving them back into the
next ravine; but while he was at the head of the column, and pretty
nearly in the first fire, a ball penetrated Lyon's left breast,
inflicting a mortal wound. He slowly dismounted, and as he fell into the
arms of his faithful orderly, Lehmann, he exclaimed, "Lehmann, I am
killed," and almost immediately expired. Colonel Mitchell was also
severely wounded about the same time and removed to the rear.
Lieutenant Gustavus Schreyer and two of his men of
the 2d Kansas bore the body of Lyon through the ranks, Lehmann bearing
the hat and loudly bemoaning the death of his chief. In the line of
file-closers the returning aide was met, who, apprehensive of the effect
upon the troops, stopped the clamor of the orderly, covered the
general's features with his coat, and had the body carried to a
sheltered spot near DuBois's battery. Surgeon Florence M. Cornyn was
found and called upon to examine the lifeless body of the dead general,
and having pronounced life extinct, the aide went to seek Schofield and
inform him of the calamity. He was met returning from the successful
charge he had led, and at once announced that Major Sturgis should
assume command, but visited the remains of Lyon on his way to find
Sturgis. These were taken charge of by aide, and conveyed to the
field-hospital, where the body was placed in a wagon and carefully
covered. Strict orders were given that under no circumstances was the
body to be removed till the army returned to Springfield, after which
the aide returned to the front to report to Major Sturgis for duty.
The engagement on different parts of the line lasted
about half an hour after Lyon's death, when the Confederates gave way,
and silence reigned for nearly the same length of time. Many of the
senior officers having been disabled, Sturgis assumed command, and the
principal officers were summoned for consultation. This council and the
suspended hostilities were soon abruptly terminated by the appearance of
the Confederates along our entire front, where the troops had been
readjusted in more compact form and were now more determined and cooler
than ever. A battery planted on a hill in the front began to use
shrapnel and canister, a species of ammunition which, so far as I know,
the enemy had not fired before at the troops who were with General Lyon.
DuBois's battery continued on the left supported by
Osterhaus's battalion and the 1st Missouri; the 1st Iowa, 1st Kansas,
and the regular infantry supported Totten's battery in the center, and
the 2d Kansas held the extreme right. With unabated ardor and
impetuosity the Confederates assailed this front and endeavored to gain
the rear of the right flank, but Totten's battery in the center was the
main point of assault. For the first time during this bloody day, the
entire line maintained its position without flinching, the inexperienced
volunteers vieing with the seasoned regulars in tenacity and coolness.
The flash and roar were incessant, and the determined Southrons
repeatedly advanced nearly to the muzzles of the pieces of their foes,
only to be hurled back before the withering fire as from the blast of a
furnace and to charge again with a like result.
At a moment when the contest seemed evenly balanced,
except for the overwhelming numbers of the Confederates on the field,
Captain Gordon Granger, noted for his daring and intrepidity, rushed to
the rear and brought up the supports of DuBois's battery, hurling them
upon the enemy's right flank, into which they poured a murderous, deadly
volley, which created a perfect rout along the whole front. Our
troops continued to send a galling fire into the disorganized massed as
they fled, until they disappeared, and the battle was ended.
The order to withdraw was then given, and DuBois's
battery with its supports was moved to a hill and ridge in rear to cover
the movement. Before the withdrawal of the main body took place, Captain
Granger and others urged remaining on the ground, but Sturgis had
received information of Sigel's rout, and in view of his depleted,
worn-out forces and exhausted ammunition, persisted in a return to
Springfield. The infantry and artillery, as soon as Totten's disabled
horses were replaced, left the scene of conflict, and, passing through
the troops placed in rear, took up the march for Springfield. On
reaching the Little York road, a body of horsemen was seen to the west,
which proved to be Lieutenant Farrand with his dragoons, leading in a
remnant of Sigel's brigade, with the one piece of artillery he had
saved. In his hand he carried a captured flag, which he trailed by his
side. He was received with vociferous cheering, and became for the time
the admiration of all, having marched around both armies and brought his
command in safe. *
On reaching Springfield, Sturgis found that Sigel had
arrived there half an hour earlier. Regarding him as the senior, the
command was given over to him. On the following morning the army
withdrew.
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Reports
of Brig. Gen. Ben. McCulloch, C. S. Army, with orders and proclamation.
AUGUST 10, 1861.--Battle of Oak Hills,
Springfield, or Wilson's Creek, Mo.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME 3 [S# 3]
HEADQUARTERS McCULLOCH'S BRIGADE.
Battlefield of the Oak Hills, near Springfield,
August 10, 1861.
Hon. L. P. WALKER,
Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.
SIR: I
have the honor to report that the enemy, 12,000 strong, attacked us at
daylight this morning. Although they were superior in discipline and
arms and had gained a strong position, we have repulsed them and gained
a decided victory. The enemy fled before us at 1 o'clock, after eight
hours' hard fighting, leaving many dead and wounded and prisoners.
Six pieces of cannon were
taken and many small-arms. Among the dead we found General Lyon, and
sent his body to his successor this evening. The loss was also severe on
our side. Our men were at great disadvantage, on account of the inferior
weapons, but they fought generally with great bravery. I will as soon as
possible send a more detailed account.
The Missouri and Arkansas
State forces were in the battle under my command. Want of arms and
discipline made my number comparatively small.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient
servant,
BEN. McCULLOCH,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS McCULLOCH'S BRIGADE,
Camp Weightman, near Springfield, Mo., August 12,
1861.
Brig. Gen. S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General C. S. Army.
SIR: I
have the honor to make the following official report of the battle of
the Oak Hills on the 10th instant:
Having taken position about 10
miles from Springfield, I endeavored to gain the necessary information
of the strength and position of the enemy stationed in and about the
town. The information was very conflicting and unsatisfactory. I,
however, made up my mind to attack the enemy in their position, and
issued orders on the 9th instant to my force to start at 9 o'clock at
night to attack at four different points at daylight. A few days before
General Price, in command of the Missouri force, turned over his command
to me, and I assumed command of the entire force, comprising my own
brigade, the brigade of Arkansas State forces under General Pearce, and
General Price's command of Missourians.
My effective force was 5,300
infantry, 15 pieces of artillery, and 6,000 horsemen, armed with
flint-lock muskets, rifles, and shot-guns. There were other horsemen
with the army who were entirely unarmed, and instead of being a help,
were continually in the way. When the time arrived for the night march,
it commenced to rain slightly, and fearing, from the want of cartridge
boxes, that my ammunition would be ruined, I ordered the movement to be
stopped, hoping to move the next morning. Many of my men had but twenty
rounds of ammunition, and there was no more to be had.
While still hesitating in the
morning the enemy were reported advancing, and I made arrangements to
meet him. The attack was made simultaneously at 5.30 a.m. on our right
and left flanks, and the enemy had gained the positions they desired.
General Lyon attacked us on our left, and General Sigel on our right and
rear. From these points batteries opened upon us. My command was soon
ready. The Missourians, under Generals Slack, Clark, McBride, Parsons,
and Rains, were nearest the position taken by General Lyon with his main
force. They were instantly turned to the left, and opened the battle
with an incessant fire of small-arms. Woodruff opposed his battery to
that of the enemy under Captain Totten, and a constant cannonading was
kept up between these batteries during the battle. Hébert's regiment of
Louisiana volunteers and McIntosh's regiment of Arkansas Mounted
Riflemen were ordered to the front, and after passing the battery turned
to the left, and soon engaged the enemy with regiments deployed. Colonel
McIntosh dismounted his regiment, and the two marched up abreast to a
fence around a large corn field, when they met the left of the enemy
already posted.
A terrible conflict of
small-arms took place here. The opposing force was a body of regular
United States infantry, commanded by Captains Plummer and Gilbert.
Notwithstanding the galling fire poured upon these two regiments, they
leaped over the fence, and, gallantly led by their colonels, drove the
enemy before them back upon the main body. During this time the
Missourians, under General Price, were nobly attempting to sustain
themselves in the center, and were hotly engaged on the sides of the
height upon which the enemy were posted. Far on the right Sigel had
opened his battery upon Churchill's and Greer's regiments, and had
gradually made his way to the Springfield road, upon each side of which
the army was encamped, and in a prominent position had established his
battery. I at once took two companies of the Louisiana regiment which
were nearest me, and marched them rapidly from the front and right to
the rear, with orders to Colonel Mcintosh to bring up the rest.
When we arrived near the
enemy's battery we found that Reid's battery had opened upon it, and it
was already in confusion. Advantage was taken of it, and soon the
Louisianians were gallantly charging among the guns, and swept the
cannoneers away. Five guns were here taken, and Sigel's command,
completely routed, were in rapid retreat with a single gun, followed by
some companies of the Texas regiment and a portion of Colonel Major's
Missouri regiment of cavalry. In the pursuit many of the enemy were
killed and taken prisoners, and their last gun captured.
Having cleared our right and
rear, it was necessary to turn all our attention to the center, under
General Lyon, who was pressing upon the Missourians, having driven them
back. To this point McIntosh's regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Embry,
and Churchill's regiment on foot, Gratiot's regiment, and McRae's
battalion were sent to their aid. A terrible fire of musketry was now
kept up along the whole side and top of the hill upon which the enemy
were posted. Masses of infantry fell back and again rushed forward. The
summit of the hill was covered with the dead and wounded. Both sides
were fighting with desperation for the day. Carroll's and Greer's
regiments, led gallantly by Captain Bradfute, charged the battery
(Totten's), but the whole strength of the enemy were immediately in
rear, and a deadly fire was opened upon them.
At this critical moment,
when the fortunes of the day seemed to be at the turning point, two
regiments of General Pearce's brigade were ordered to march from their
position (as reserves) to support the center.
The order was obeyed with
alacrity, and General Pearce gallantly marched with his brigade to the
rescue. Reid's battery was also ordered to move forward and the
Louisiana regiment was again called into action on the left of it. The
battle then became general, and probably no two opposing forces ever
fought with greater desperation. Inch by inch the enemy gave way, and
were driven from their position. Totten's battery fell back.
Missourians, Arkansans, Louisianians, and Texans pushed forward. The
incessant roll of musketry was deafening, and the balls fell thick as
hailstones, but still our gallant Southerners pushed onward, and with
one wild yell broke upon the enemy, pushing them back and strewing the
ground with their dead. Nothing could withstand the impetuosity of our
final charge. The enemy fled, and could not again be rallied, and they
were seen at 12 m. fast retreating among the hills in the distance. Thus
ended the battle. It lasted six hours and a half. The force of the
enemy, between nine and ten thousand, was composed of well-disciplined
troops, well armed, and a large part of them belonging to the old Army
of the United States. With every advantage on their side they have met
with a signal repulse. The loss of the enemy is 800 killed, 1,000
wounded, and 300 prisoners. We captured six pieces of artillery, several
hundred stand of small arms, and several of their standards.
Major-General Lyon, chief in
command, was killed, and many of their officers high in rank wounded.
Our loss was also severe, and
we mourn the death of many a gallant officer and soldier. Our killed
amounts to 265, 800 wounded, and 30 missing.
Colonel Weightman fell at the
head of his brigade of Missourians while gallantly charging upon the
enemy. His place will not easily be filled. Generals Slack and Clark, of
Missouri, were severely wounded; General Price slightly. Captain Hinson,
of the Louisiana regiment; Captain McAlexander, of Churchill's regiment;
Captains Bell and Brown, of Pearce's brigade; Lieutenants Walton and
Weaver, all fell while nobly and gallantly doing their duty. Colonel
Mcintosh was slightly wounded by a grape shot while charging with the
Louisiana regiment. Lieutenant-Colonel Neal, Maj. H. Ward, Captains
King, Pearson, Gibbs, Ramsaur, Porter, Lieutenants Dawson, Chambers,
Johnson, King, Adams, Hardesty, McIvor, and Saddler were wounded while
at the head of their companies.
Where all were doing their
duty so gallantly, it is almost unfair to discriminate. I must, however,
bring to your notice the gallant conduct of the Missouri
generals--McBride, Parsons, Clark, and Slack, and their officers. To
General Price I am under many obligations for assistance on the
battle-field. He was at the head of his force, leading them on, and
sustaining them by his gallant bearing. General Pearce, with his
Arkansas brigade (Gratiot's, Walker's, and Dockery's regiments of
infantry), came gallantly to the rescue when sent for, leading his men
into the thickest of the fight. He contributed much to the success of
the day. The commanders of regiments of my own brigade--Colonels
Churchill, Greer, Embry, Mcintosh, Hébert, and McRae--led their
different regiments into action with the greatest coolness and bravery,
always in front of their men, cheering them on. Woodruff, Bledsoe, and
Reid managed their batteries with great ability, and did much execution.
For those other officers and men who were particularly conspicuous I
will refer the Department to the reports of the different commanders. To
my personal staff I am much indebted for the coolness and rapidity with
which they carried orders about the field, and would call your attention
to my volunteer aides, Captain Bradfute, Messrs. Armstrong, Ben. Johnson
(who had his horse killed under him), Hamilton Pike, and Major King. To
Major Montgomery, quartermaster, I am also indebted for much service. He
cheerfully volunteered his services as an aide during the battle, and
was of much use to me. To Colonel Mcintosh, at one time at the head of
his regiment and at other times in his capacity of adjutant-general, I
cannot bestow too much praise. Wherever the balls flew thickest he was
gallantly leading different regiments into action, and his presence gave
confidence everywhere.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient
servant,
BEN. McCULLOCH,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo., August 13,
1861.
Hon. L. P. WALKER.
The battle of the
Oak Hills has been fought, and we have gained a great victory over the
enemy, commanded by General N. Lyon and the battle was fought 10 miles
from Springfield. The enemy were nine or ten thousand strong; our forces
about the same. The battle lasted six and a half hours. Enemy were
repulsed and driven from the field, with loss of six pieces of
artillery, 700 stands of small-arms, 800 killed, 1,000 wounded, and 300
prisoners. General Lyon was killed and many of their prominent officers.
Our loss was 265 killed, 800 wounded, and 30 missing. We have possession
of Springfield. The enemy are in full retreat towards Rolla.
BEN. McCULLOCH,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 24.
HEADQUARTERS WESTERN ARMY,
Camp on Crane Creek, Mo., August 4,
1861.
The army will move
at 12 m. to-night. Colonel Hébert's regiment of Louisiana volunteers,
by platoons, with Woodruff's battery, will form the advance guard. The
battery will march immediately behind the regiment, and the column will
keep 200 yards in advance of the main army, and attack the enemy as soon
as seen. The main army will march in the following order:
First, Colonel Gratiot's
regiment; second, Colonel McRae's battalion; third, Colonel Weightman's
command of infantry and artillery; fourth, General Pearce's infantry and
Reid's battery; sixth, General Price's command of infantry.
In this column no cavalry or
mounted men besides the officers will be allowed. These respective
commands will form and march in column of platoons. Immediately after
the infantry General Price will place his artillery. The cavalry will
follow General Price's artillery in the following order, by fours, and
whenever possible by platoons:
First, Colonel Churchill's
regiment of Arkansas Mounted Riflemen; second, Colonel Carroll's
regiment of cavalry; third, Colonel McIntosh's regiment of Mounted
Riflemen; fourth, Colonel Greer's regiment of Texas volunteers; fifth,
General Price's command of cavalry.
General Price will order the
officer in command of his cavalry, as soon as he learns that the enemy
is in force, to make a flank movement to our left, and the general will,
as soon as the line of battle is formed, take command of the left in
person. The four other regiments of cavalry above enumerated will at the
same time make a flank movement to our right, and endeavor to take the
enemy in flank.
All general officers will lead
their respective commands wherever the larger portion of them are. The
regiments and batteries of these respective commands which are detached
will be led by the immediate commanders. This movement will take place
in quietness. Neither shouting nor beating of drums will be allowed,
and, especially on the march, strictest silence must be observed.
The canteens will all be
filled before starting, and one day's rations (cooked) will be carried
by each soldier. Each commander of regiment and company will see that a
sufficient amount of ammunition is carried by each man.
No unarmed man will be
permitted to march with or follow the army. No wagons will move with the
command. Each regimental commander will leave a detachment of men to
guard their respective wagon trains. The ambulances will move in rear of
the army. The general and his aides will be distinguished by a white
badge on each arm.
The general takes this
occasion to say to his soldiers to look steadily to the front. Remember
that the eyes of our gallant brothers in arms, who have so nobly
acquitted themselves in the East, are upon you. They are looking for a
second victory here. Let us move forward, then, with a common resolve,
to a glorious victory.
By order of General McCulloch:
JAMES McINTOSH,
Captain, C. S. Army, and Adjutant-General of
Brigade.
P. S.--Each captain of company will continually caution his
men to take aim. As soon as the enemy are driven from their first
position; colonels of regiments and captains of companies will at once
rally their companies, and hold them in hand for further orders.
By order of General McCulloch:
JAMES McINTOSH,
Captain, C. S. Army, and Adjutant-General of
Brigade.
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 27.
HEADQUARTERS WESTERN ARMY,
Camp near Springfield, Mo., August 12,
1861.
The general
commanding takes great pleasure in announcing to the army under his
command the signal victory it has just gained. Soldiers of Louisiana, of
Arkansas, of Missouri, and of Texas, nobly have you sustained
yourselves! Shoulder to shoulder you have met the enemy and driven him
before you. Your first battle has been glorious, and your general is
proud of you. The opposing force, composed mostly of the old Regular
Army of the North, have thrown themselves upon you, confident of
victory, but by great gallantry and determined courage you have entirely
routed it with great slaughter. Several pieces of artillery and many
prisoners are now in your hands. The commander-in-chief of the enemy is
slain and many of the general officers wounded.
The flag of the Confederacy
now floats over Springfield, the stronghold of the enemy. The friends of
our cause who have been imprisoned there are released.
Whilst announcing to the army
this great victory, the general hopes that the laurels you have gained
will not be tarnished by a single outrage. The private property of
citizens of either party must be respected. Soldiers who fought as you
did day before yesterday cannot rob or plunder.
By order of General McCulloch:
JAMES McINTOSH,
Captain, C. S. Army, and Adjutant-General of
Brigade.
PROCLAMATION.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo., August 15,
1861.
To the People of Missouri:
Having been called
by the governor of your State to assist in driving the Federal forces
out of the State and in restoring the people to their just rights, I
have come among you simply with the view of making war upon our Northern
foes, to drive them back, and give the oppressed of your State an
opportunity of again standing up as free-men and uttering their true
sentiments. You have been overrun and trampled upon by the mercenary
hordes of the North. Your beautiful State has been nearly subjugated,
but those true sons of Missouri who have continued in arms, together
with my force, came back upon the enemy, and we have gained over them a
great and signal victors. Their general-in-chief is slain and many of
their other general officers wounded; their army is in full flight, and
now, if the true men of Missouri will rise up and rally around their
standard, the State will be redeemed.
I do not come among you to
make war upon any of your people, whether Union or otherwise. The Union
people will be protected in their fights and property. It is earnestly
recommended to them to return to their homes. Prisoners of the Union
party who have been arrested by the army will be released and allowed to
return to their friends, Missouri must be allowed to choose her own
destiny; no oaths binding your consciences will be administered. I have
driven the enemy from among you. The time has now arrived for the people
of the State to act; you cannot longer procrastinate. Missouri must now
take her position, be it North or South.
BEN. McCULLOCH,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
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Report
of Maj. Gen. Sterling Price,
Commanding Missouri State Guard,
of Operations from July 25 to August 11.
AUGUST 10, 1861.--Battle of Oak Hills, Springfield, or Wilson's Creek,
Mo.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME 3 [S# 3]
HEADQUARTERS MISSOURI STATE GUARD,
Springfield, Mo., August 12,
1861
His Excellency CLAIBORNE F. JACKSON,
Governor of State of Missouri.
SIR: I have the
honor to submit to your excellency the following report of the
operations of the army under my command at and immediately preceding
the battle of Springfield:
I began to move my command
from its encampment on Cowskin Prairie, in McDonald County, on July 25
towards Cassville, in Barry County, at which place it had been agreed
upon between Generals McCulloch, Pearce, and myself that our
respective forces, together with those of Brigadier-General McBride,
should be concentrated, preparatory to a forward movement.
We reached Cassville on
Sunday, July 28, and on the next day effected a junction with the
armies of Generals McCulloch and Pearce. The combined armies were then
put under marching orders, and the First Division, General McCulloch
commanding, left Cassville on August 1 upon the road to this city. The
Second Division, under General Pearce, of Arkansas, left on August 1;
and the Third Division, Brigadier-General Steele, of this State,
commanding, left on August 2. I went forward with the Second Division,
which embraced the greater portion of my infantry, and encamped with
it some 12 miles northwest of Cassville.
The next morning a messenger
from General McCulloch informed me that he had reason to believe that
the enemy were in force on the road to Springfield, and that he should
remain at his then encampment, on Crane Creek, until the Second and
Third Divisions of the army had come up. The Second Division
consequently moved forward to Crane Creek, and I ordered the Third
Division to a position within 3 miles of the same place. An advance
guard of the army, consisting of six companies of mounted Missourians,
under command of Brigadier-General Rains, was at this time (Friday,
August 2) encamped on the Springfield road, about 5 miles beyond Crane
Creek.
About 9 a.m. of that day
General Rains' pickets reported to him that they had been driven in by
the enemy's advance guard, and that officer immediately led forward
his whole force, amounting to nearly 400 men, until he found the enemy
in position some 3 miles on the road. He sent back at once to General
McCulloch for re-enforcements, and Colonel Mcintosh, C. S. Army, was
sent forward with 150 men, but a reconnaissance of the ground having
satisfied the latter that the enemy did not have more than 150 men on
the ground, he withdrew his men and returned to Crane Creek. General
Rains soon discovered, however, that he was in presence of the main
body of the enemy, numbering, according to his estimate, more than
5.000 men, with eight pieces of artillery, and supported by a
considerable body of cavalry. A severe skirmish ensued, which lasted
several hours, until the enemy opened their batteries and compelled
our troops to retire. In this engagement the greater portion of
General Rains' command, and especially that part which acted as
infantry, behaved with great gallantry, as the result demonstrates,
for our loss was only I killed Lieutenant Northcut) and 5 wounded,
while 5 of the enemy's dead were buried on the field, and a large
number are known to have been wounded.
Our whole forces were
concentrated the next day near Crane Creek, and during the same night
the Texas regiment, under Colonel Greer, came up within a few miles of
the same place.
Reasons which will be
hereafter assigned induced me on Sunday, the 4th instant, to put the
Missouri forces under the direction, for the time being, of General
McCulloch, who accordingly assumed the command in chief of the
combined armies.
A little after midnight we
took up the line of march, leaving our baggage trams, and expected to
find the enemy near the scene of the late skirmish, but we found as we
advanced that they were retreating rapidly towards Springfield. We
followed them hastily about 17 miles to a place known as Moody's
Spring, where we were compelled to halt our forces, who were already
nearly exhausted by the intense heat of the weather and the dustiness
of the roads.
Early the next morning
we moved forward to Wilson's Creek, 10 miles southwest of Springfield,
where we encamped. Our forces were here put in readiness to meet the
enemy, who were posted at Springfield to the number of about 10,000.
It was finally decided to march against them in four separate columns
at 9 o'clock that night, so as to surround the city and begin a
simultaneous attack at daybreak. The darkness of the night and a
threatened storm caused General McCulloch, just as the army was about
to march, to countermand this order, and to direct that the troops
should hold themselves in readiness to move whenever ordered. Our men
were consequently kept under arms till towards daybreak, expecting
momentarily an order to march.
The morning of Saturday,
August 10, found them still encamped at Wilson's Creek, fatigued by a
night's watching and loss of rest.
About 6 o'clock I received a
messenger [message] from General Rains that the enemy were advancing
in great force from the direction of Springfield, and were already
within 200 or 300 yards of the position, where he was encamped with
the Second Brigade of his division consisting of about 1,200 mounted
men, under Colonel Cawthorn. A second messenger came immediately
afterwards from General Rains to announce that the main body of the
enemy was upon him, but that he would endeavor to hold him in check
until he could receive re-enforcements. General McCulloch was with me
when these messengers came, and left at once for his own headquarters
to make the necessary disposition of our forces. I rode forward
instantly towards General Rains' position, at the same time ordering
Generals Slack, McBride, Clark, and Parsons to move their infantry and
artillery rapidly forward. I had ridden but a few hundred yards when I
came suddenly upon the main body of the enemy, commanded by General
Lyon in person. The infantry and artillery, which I had ordered to
follow me, came up immediately, to the number of 2,036 men, and
engaged the enemy.
A severe and bloody conflict
ensued, my officers and men behaving with the greatest bravery, and
with the assistance of a portion of the Confederate forces
successfully holding the enemy in check. Meanwhile, and almost
simultaneously with the opening of the enemy's batteries in this
quarter, a heavy cannonading was opened upon the rear of our position,
where a large body of the enemy, under Colonel Sigel, had taken
position in close proximity to Colonel Churchill's regiment, Colonel
Greer's Texan Rangers, and 679 mounted Missourians, under command of
Colonel Brown and Lieutenant-Colonel Major. The action now became
general, and was conducted with the greatest gallantry and vigor on
both sides for more than five hours, when the enemy retreated in great
confusion, leaving their commander-in-chief, General Lyon, dead upon
the battle-field, over 500 killed, and a great number wounded.
The forces under my command
have possession of three 12-pounder howitzers, two brass 6 pounders,
and a great quantity of small-arms and ammunition taken from the
enemy; also the standard of Sigel's regiment, captured by Captain
Staples. They have also a large number of prisoners.
The brilliant victory thus
achieved upon this hard-fought field was won only by the most
determined bravery and distinguished gallantry of the combined armies,
which fought nobly side by side in defense of their common fights and
liberties with as much courage and constancy as were ever exhibited
upon any battle-field.
Where all behaved so well it
is invidious to make any distinction, but I cannot refrain from
expressing my sense of the splendid services rendered under my own
eyes by the Arkansas infantry, under General Pearce; the Louisiana
regiment of Colonel Hébert, and Colonel Churchill's regiment of
mounted riflemen. These gallant officers and their brave soldiers won
upon that day the lasting gratitude of every true Missourian.
This great victory was
dearly bought by the blood of many a skillful officer and brave man.
Others will report the
losses sustained by the Confederate forces. I shall willingly confine
myself to the losses within my own army.
Among those who fell
mortally wounded upon the battle-field none deserve a dearer place in
the memory of Missourians than Richard Hanson Weightman, colonel,
commanding the First Brigade of the Second Division of the army.
Taking up arms at the very beginning of this unhappy contest, he had
already done distinguished services at the battle of Rock Creek, of
the lamented Holloway [sic],
and at Carthage, where he won unfading laurels by the display of
extraordinary coolness, courage, and skill. He fell at the head of his
brigade, wounded in three places, and died just as the victorious
shout of our army began to rise upon the air. Here, too, died in the
discharge of his duty Col. Ben. Brown, of Ray County, president of the
senate, a good man and true.
Brigadier-General Slack's
division suffered severely. He himself fell dangerously wounded at the
head of his column. Of his regiment of infantry, under Col. John T.
Hughes, consisting of about 650 men, 36 were killed, 76 wounded, many
of them mortally, and 30 are missing.
Among the killed were C. H.
Bennett, adjutant of the regiment; Captain Blackburn, and Lieutenant
Hughes.
Colonel Rives' squadron of
cavalry, dismounted, some 234 men, lost 4 killed and 8 wounded. Among
the former were Lieutenant-Colonel Austin and Captain Engart.
Brigadier-General Clark was
also wounded. His infantry, 200 men, lost in killed 17, and wounded
71. Colonel Burbridge was severely wounded; Captains Farris and
Halleck and Lieutenant Haskins were killed.
General Clark's cavalry,
together with the Windsor Guards, were under the command of
Lieutenant-Colonel Major, who did good service. They lost 6 killed and
5 wounded.
Brigadier-General McBride's
division, 605 men, lost 22 killed, 67 severely wounded, and 57
slightly wounded. Colonel Foster and Captains Nichols, Dougherty,
Armstrong, and Mings were wounded while gallantly leading their
respective commands.
General Parsons' brigade,
256 infantry and artillery, under command, respectively, of Colonel
Kelly and Captain Guibor, and 406 cavalry, under Colonel Brown, lost,
the artillery, 3 killed and 7 wounded; the infantry, 9 killed and 38
wounded; and the cavalry, 3 killed and 2 wounded. Colonel Kelly was
wounded in the hand. Captain Coleman was mortally wounded, and has
since died.
General Rains' division was
composed of two brigades. The first, under Colonel Weightman,
embracing infantry and artillery, 1,306 strong, lost not only their
commander, but 34 others killed and 111 wounded. The Second Brigade,
mounted men, Colonel Cawthorn commanding, about 1,200 strong, lost 21
killed and 75 wounded. Colonel Cawthorn was himself wounded, and Maj.
Charles Rogers, of Saint Louis, adjutant of the brigade, was mortally
wounded, and died the day after the battle. He was a gallant officer,
and at all times vigilant and attentive to his duties, and fearless
upon the field of battle.
Your excellency will
perceive that our State forces consisted of only 5,221 officers and
men; that of those no less than 156 died upon the field, while 517
were wounded. These facts attest more powerfully than words can the
severity of the conflict and the dauntless courage of our brave
soldiers.
It is also my painful duty
to announce the death of one of my aides, Lieut. Col. George W. Allen,
of Saline County. He was shot down while communicating an order, and
we left him buried on the field. I have appointed to the position thus
sadly vacated Capt. James T. Cearnel, in recognition of his gallant
conduct and valuable services throughout the battle as a volunteer
aide.
Another of my staff, Col.
Horace II. Brand, was made prisoner by the enemy, but has since been
released.
My thanks are due to three
of your staff--Col. William M. Cook, Richard Gaines, and Thomas L.
Snead--for the services which they rendered me as volunteer aides, and
also to my aide-de-camp, Col. A. W. Jones.
In conclusion, I beg leave
to say to your excellency that the army under my command, both
officers and men, did their duty nobly, as became men fighting in
defense of their homes and their honor, and that they deserve well of
their State.
I have the honor to be, with the greatest
respect, your excellency's obedient servant,
STERLING PRICE,
Major-General, Commanding Missouri State Guard.
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