The Wilson’s Creek 

Staff Ride and 

Battlefiel 
FOREWORD 

All the information and components needed ta conduct a staff ride or 

b&lefie2d tmr ts~ Wilaon’Es Creek are prcmided by the author--ensuring an 

enlightening expetimce of one of’ the great engagements c& the Civil War &X 

those vi&iag the site. 
r rhewi lsor-h Cree 

Staff Ride and 

Battlefield Tour 

bY 

Major George E. Knapp, U.S. Army Re.tired 

Combat Studies Institute 

U.S. Army Command and General Staff College 

Fort Leavenworth, Kansas 66027-6900 - 
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data 

Knapp, George E. (Gorge Edward), 1949- 

The Wihon’e Creekatafflri$e and battlefield tour / by Gemge E. 

bPP. 

p. cm. 

include8 bibIiograp&al referencee. 

I. Wilson’8 Creek; Battle of, 1861. 2. Wilson”8 Creek National 

BattMeld (MO.) -Guidebooks. I. Title. 

E472.23X53 1993 

973.7’3L-dc20 92-42329 

CIP 
CONTENTS 

Maps .~.............. . ..*.....*...**.*...*....l............ v 

Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..~...........*...............I~. vii 

Introduction . . . . . . . ..I....~......*...*,.,.............*..,... lx 

I. The Campaign for Missouri, Summer 1861 . ..*...I....... 1 

II. The Armies at Wilson’s Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . 1 15 

III. Staff Ride and Battlefield Tour Stands . . . . . . . . . . . . . I . . ti . . 27 

Appendix 

A. CharactersforRolePlaying . . *. . . . . . . . . . . . ..- . . . . . . . . %. w 71 

.._. 

B. Medal of Honor RGipients at Wilson’s Creek, 

10 August 1861 . ...*....................*.......*,,* 81 

C. Families on the Wilson’s Creek Battlefield . . . . . . . ~. . . . . . . 83 

D. Order of Battle, Wilson% Creek, 10 August 1861 . . . . . . . . . . 85 

Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . ..I..~.......I....................t... 89 

I.. 111 
MAPS 

1. The campaign for Missouri, summer 1861 . . . ..a............ 2 

2. Tour stands for the staff ride or battlefield tour 

at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 

3. The Wilson’s Creek battlefield, 1861 . . , . a . . . . . . . I . . . . . . . . . . 32 

4. The Battle of Wilson’s Creek, 05OO-U60~ . ..*.** . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 

5. The Battle of Wilson’s Creek, 06OQ-0800 . . ..e.*.....*..*... 42 

6. The Battle of Wilson’s Creek, 0800-1000 . . . . ..l.....I...... 56 

7. The Battle of Wilson’s Creek, IOOO-1130 ..*.“.....*I%,..... 66 
TABLES 

1. Artillery at Wilson’s Creek I.............................. 18 

2. Stands and grid numbers for the staff ride or 

battlefield tour . . .,........................*...r....l.* 30 

vii 

_I___-.-.--. - 
INTRODUCTION 

Armies of the North and South fought the Rattle of Wilson’s 

Creek about ten miles southwest of Springfield, Missouri, on Saturday, 

10 August 1861. Like most battles, Wilson’s Creek provides fertile 

ground for studying military art and science. It is particularly useful 

for examining the dynamics of battle and the effect of personalities on 

the action. While the action at Wilson”s Creek was small compared to 

that at Gettysburg or Chickamauga, it remains significant and useful 

to students of military history. 

Within the context of the military and political campaign within 

Missouri in the spring and summer of 1861, the battle had the effect of 

securing the state for the Union. The Union defeat in battle and the 

death of General Nathaniel -Lyon, so closely following the disaster at 

First Bull Run, caused the North to adopt a more serious attitude 

about the war and to realize that victory would come only with 

detailed planning and proper resourcing. Thus, the Union reinforced 

Missouri with soldiers and weapons during the fall and winter of 1861- 

62, while the Confederacy applied its scanty resources elsewhere. 

Although the exiled pro-Confederate state government voted to secede 

and sent delegates to Richmond, Virginia, Missouri effectively 

remained in the Union.. Any questions about Missouri’s fate were 

settled at the Battle of Pea Ridge in March 1862, when Union forces 

turned back the last significant Confederate threat to Missouri. 

Wilson’s Creek was a “first battle” for most of the soldiers who 

fought there. First battles often provide armies with special insights 

into the application of military art and science, and Wilson’s Creek 

was no exception. The Mexican War model of organization and 

combined arms battle was generally confirmed, but some key 

observations relating to technology and command and control emerged 

as well. For example, Regular soldiers, who were expected to outclass 

volunteers in both discipline and expertise, found the volunteers at 

Wilson’s Creek standing up manfully to the task of battle, as they had 

earlier in Mexico. In addition, artillery proved decisive at several key 

moments during the fighting. Cavalry, on its part, proved to be much 

less valuable, and this fact hinted at lessons to be learned later in the 

Civil War. Ultimately, the infantry ofboth sides played out the drama, 

and many of the most useful insights came from that branch. 

Casualty percentages in the fighting were among the highest 

recorded for any battles of the Civil War. Although the men lost on 

both sides were almost equal in number, losses were not proportional; 

ix 
nearly one of every four Federals was either killed, wounded, captured, 

or missing in the battle, but only one of every eight Confederates. 

These figures exceeded those of the Mexican-American War and 

foreshadowed the stupendous totals that emerged as the Civil War 

evolved. While casualty figures do not always serve well as a measure 

of valor or expertise, clearly at Wilson’s Creek, generally 

inexperienced soldiers led by equally inexperienced afficers fought 

determinedly for six bloody hours, Mea~w~I~, the numbers of dead 

and wounded overwhelmed the capaci%y of the local aviation to care 

for them-as it did at every Civil ar ba%%~e~eld~ How those men were 

ministered to offers additiona opportunities for study and insight. 

Many of the par%icipants in the conflict went on to become 

important leaders and generals in the Civil War and af%erward. In 

some respeds, their experiences at Wilson’s Creek gave some 

indication of how well or poorly they would perform later in the war. 

ColonsI Sigel; Majors Schofield, Osterhaus, and Sturgis; and Captains 

Granger, Gilbert, Kerron, Stanley, and Steele went on to command 

armies and corps for the Union. Other officers on both sides at Wilson’s 

Creek eventually commanded divisions and brigades in some of the 

great battles of the war. The effects of the interaction of these 

personalities in war provide useful teaching opportunities at Wilson’s 

Creek because the battle was small enough that individual actions had 

decisive results. 

The Union and Confederate battle plans were especially 

innovative and bold. General Lyon, like General Lee at 

Chaacellorsville two years later, found himself outnumbered more 

than two to one with his enemy preparing to attack. He faced the 

unpleasant prospect of being too weak to defend, so he had to either 

attack or withdraw. In choosing to attack, Lyon employed a difEcu& 

tactic, dividing his available forces into two attack columns, one led by 

himself, the other by Colonel Sigel. Sigel moved to attack the 

Confederate rear, while Lyon attacked its front. Making their 

approach marches at night, Lyon and Sigel completely surprised the 

Confederates and in a remarkably well-coordinated at%ack seized key 

positions on the field. After recovering from their initial surprise, the 

Confederates countered with a particularly innovative battle plan of 

their own, mixing militia and “regular’” troops armed with a 

bewildering array of weapons. Ultimately, the fortunes of war turned 

against the Federals. Sigel’s force was routed, Lyan was killed while 

leading a charge, and the Federal Army evacuated Springfield the 

next day and fell back on its base at Rolla. 

X 
Battlefield Tour 

This book outlines the general usefulness of Wilson’s Creek 

National Battlefield for both battlefield tours and staff rides. A 

battlefield tour is defmed as 

. . . a vieit TV the site of an actual campaign [or battle] but with littfe or no 

preliminary systematic study. Kf led by an expert, the bistical battIefield 

tow can stimulate thought and eneaurage student discussion but within 

kite Bet by the lack of systematic preparation and involvement. A 

historical battlefield tour usee both terrain and a historical situation but 

does not have a preliminary study phase.1 

A suc-cessfui battlefield tour of Wilson’s Creek can achieve many 

objectives. It can (1) expose students to the “face of battle” and the 

timeless dimensions of warfare; (2) provide case studies in combined 

arms operations as’well BS- the operations of the separate arms; (3) 

furnish case studies in the relationship between technology and 

doctrine, particularly as they relate to untrained and untied armies; 

(4) supply case studies in leadership from company through army 

level; (51 provide case studies in the effects of Eogistical considerations 

on military operations; (6) show the effeds of terrain on militm plans 

and battles; (72 furnish a framework for studying battles and an 

introduction to studying campaigns; (61 encourage the use of military 

history to develop expertise in the profession of arms; and (9) kindle or 

reinforce interest in the history ef the U.S. Army, the American Civil 

War, and the evolution of modern warfare. 

A battlefield tour of Wilson’s Creek requires about twenty hours 

of instructor preparation time, including a preparatory visit to the 

battlefield to conduct reconnaissance. If possible, students should read 

a campaign and battle overview prior to arrival at the battlefield. The 

walking taur included in this book should take less than eight hours, 

assuming arrival at 0900 and departure at 1700 (with a thirty-minute 

break for lunch on the field). The tour takes place entirely on foot 

within the confines of the national battlefield. If time is short, students 

can be bused between selected groups of stands, which reduces the 

required time to about six hours. The battle is suf’ficiently dynamic to 

allow several groups to tour the field simultaneously. Although the 

sequence of stands is not critical, some groups of stands should be 

taken in sequence for the sake of simplicity, clarity, and continuity. 

lThis quote and the list of objectives that follow it come from William G. Robetin, 

The StaffRide (Washington, DC: Center of Military I-&tory, U.S. Army, 1987). 5-6. 

xi 
A staffride goes beyond the scope of a battlefield tour and consists 

ofa 

. . . systematic preliminary study of a selected campaign, and extensive 

visit to the actual sites sssociated with that campaign [and battle], and an 

opportunity to integrate the lesmm derived from each. It envisions 

magimum student involvement before arrival at the site to guarantee 

thought, anaiysk, ad discussion. A staff ride thus links a b.ietorical event, 

eysbmatic preliminary study, and a terrerin t4% p?duce battle analpis 

ia three dimensions. It wnsi& of tkree distiwt phases: preliminary study, 

field study, and MegrationS 2 

A staff ride has the potential to accomplish all the objectives of a 

batt1efiek.l tour, plus it provides case studies in the application of the 

operational art by focusing on the theater campaign, supplies an 

introduction to the study of strategy, and furnishes 8 f~~mewark for a 

systematic study of campaigns in general. 

The preliminary study phase for a staff ride to Wilson’s Creek 

should take about ten hours of student preparation and small-coup 

seminar time. In this period, students will famiIiarize themselves with 

the campaign and battle and prepare to represent a 

character or event in the battle as their personal 

particular 

tesponsibili 

group’s discussion in the field (see appendix A). As part of the 

and battlefield tour package for Wilson’s Creek, vignettes are provided 

in chapter 3 that may be read at the various stands ta enhance student 

involvement. These vignettes will give students an insight into the 

emotional disposition and attitudes of the battle participants. 

During the field-study phase, instructors must show greater 

flexibility in the time spent at each stand, because student discussions 

will tend to cause each stop to be longer than in a battlefield tour. The 

integration phase-+~ meeting of the staff ride group aRer the tour of 

the battlefield-should take about one hour and accur as soon as 

possible after the field-study phase to allow synthesis of observations 

and insights At this time, instructors should encourage students to 

evaluate the staff ride experience and make suggestions far its 

improvement. 

%bid., 4-6. The distinction between ti rides, b&lefieEd tam, and other &we of 

field study is important because of the n&we of small-group instruction, so popular aow 

in mi&ary training. A battlefield tour is similar to a cIassroam lecture, while a s ride 

is akin to a seminar where all participanta have prepared in depth, 

xii 

_.- 
The Wilson’s Creek Nation&I Battlefield is about ten miles 

southwest of Springfield, Missouri, and encompasses 811 8rea five 

kilometers by three kilometers. Maintained by the National Park 

Service, it has a modern Visitor’s Center with 8 good terrain map, slide 

show, period exhibits, bookstore, and library. The park staff is helpful 

and can assist instructors in arranging visits. In many respects, the 

battlefield is in nearly the s8me condition 8s it w8s in 1861. A fivemiIe-long blacktop road encircles the major portion of the park and is 8 

gre8t aid to navigation and movema~t* The park is open every day 

except Cbristmss and New Year’s Day. Any queries should be 

addressed to 

Wilson’s Creek National Rattlefield 

P.0. Box 403 

Republic, Missouri 65738 

Phone: (4lT) 732-2662 

There 8re no latrine facilities or pot8ble water sources on the field 

except at the Visitor’s Center. Visitors should carry canteens and we8r 

hiking shoes or boots and long trousers. Groups may visit Wilson”s 

Creek in any season, but the best times are l&e f&11, winter, and early 

spring. At other times, the foliage makes terrain associations and 

visibility more difficult. In addition, chiggers, ticks, and snakes 

abound in the warmer seasons. Groups should consider carrying rain 

gear, as no shelters, except at the Visitor’s Center, a-re located on the 

field. There 8re several fast-food restaurants along EEighway 68 in 

Republic, Missouri, less tha five miles from the battlefield, and the 

Springfield 8rea has many hotels that may easily accommodate groups 

staying overnight. 
The Confederacy lost the important border state of Missouri in the 

summer of 1861 in a campaign that stretched from St. Louis to 

Springfield. The c ’ rovides examples of some of the best 

leadership, decision fighting in the war. It was a decisive 

campaign that resu uri remaining in the Union through 

the crucial winter of 1861, during which time the North became more 

organized and started executing strategy. (For a map of 

Missouri and a chronology of the s he state, see map 1.) 

According to the 1860 census, Missouri was the most populous 

and wealthy tans-Mississippi state, Nationally, Missouri ranked 

third in the production of corn; fourteenth in wheat and oats; second in 

livestock and oxen; sixth in horses, mules, and cat&; and second in the 

production of hemp. It also produced over 2 million pounds of wool 

annually. Moreover, the state produced five tons of copper in 1860 and 

ranked twelfth in the value of its products=-including boots, shoes, 

clothing, wagons, saddlery, harnesses, tin, and sheet iron; first in the 

mining of Iead; and eighth in the production of iron ore. Not the least of 

Missouri’s resources was its white population of 1.2 million and slave 

population of 115,000. I& through the fortune of war, Missouri had 

been added to the Confederacy, the resource imbalance favoring the 

North over the South would have beea lessened. 

In 1861, Missouri was a slave state with strong Southern 

sympathies and a border te second only to Kentucky in importance. 

Once secured by the North, Missouri would anchor the Union effort in 

the western theater of operations by controlling the Mississippi River 

north of New Madrid, Missouri. The state was edged by two 

Confederate states, Arkansas and Tennessee, as well as the border 

state, Kentucky, and pro-Southern Indian Territory. On the other 

hand, if the Confederacy won Missouri quickly, it would strengthen 

the South’s military and political osition. Missouri was critical 

ground, since control of the Essissi and Missouri Rivers would give 

the South a sign&ant ~zaaeuver ntage in the west. Missouri was 

a great political prize. Winning this border state into the Southern fold 

would si the South’s ability to spread the rebellion into new 

territory encourage it8 sy~pat~~e~ everywhere. 

AdZer President Abraham Lincoln’s election in November 1860, 

the Southern states seceded, and in February 1861, representatives of 

the seven Confederate states met in Montgomery, Alabama, and 

B 

--___.-_____- -- --- .- __- 
IOWA 

*Harrironville 

Lebanon. 

l Bentonville 

* Yellvilte . Po<ahontas . 

. 

0 Huntsville 

ARKANSAS 

l Clarkruille 

a Liff Ic Rock 

. Tulip 

Map 1. The campargn for Missouri, summer 1861 
Legend 

Confederate forces 

* Union forces 
4 

bife, Governor Glaiborne F. 

ted to get ~is~~~~ to join the 

Missouri State 

9. These actions 

skefs, powder, an 

other i~po~~t event occ 

bermerk sEthe 

he success of the conda Plan was 

. The Federals work 

web became av 

6 

indiscriminately, kiIling twenty-eight people. With this bloodshed, 

Missouri began four years of violence and cruel intersectional warfare. 

The state legislature reacted to the bloodshed by passing a biE 

boating the pro-C% State Guard. Governor Jackson 

immediately nd it. 

At this time, ide of 

St. Louis, and some of these mea, in irregular bands, drave Union 

errilla activities. 

ouis and did his best to 

Lincoln yieIded to presswe and sent Frank Blair an order for I-hrzxy’s 

removal in the event of an extreme emergency. On 31 May, Blair 

dismissed W ey and appointed Lyon a brigadier general in charge of 

Union troops in Missouri. 

on naw took steps to disrupt the 

ith Price (by which the state 

n PE dune, Blair and Lyon 

held a ~o~e~e~ce n St. Lauis. Both sides made 

demands t&at co on closed the meeting by 

s lines. They Ieft 

ity, while Price went 

Meanwhife, Lyon moved west alon the Missouri River to 

about 2,OQO mea on 

ve~me~t evacua 

on’s small f~rca to Boo 

June, the first of nearly l,lGO CiviI 

place. 

By putting the governor and the ~~o-So~tba~ portio 

legislature to fl i ht, Lyon forced the sa~assio~s~ to aperate 

base, motley, OP Iegal focPting. At the 

Unionists time to set up a new state 

state ~0~v~~t~Q~ elected pro-Union Ham1 amble as governor. On 

the other hand, Lyon destroyed of compromise and 

forced everyone to take sides. Tha Jackson, who was 
? 

equally stubborn, bloody and bitter civil war ruled in issouri for the 

next four gears. 

After the battle at Boonville, state troops under Colonel John S. 

Marmaduke and Governor Jackson retreated southward toward 

Cow&ii Prairie in the southwest corn f the state where General 

Price gathered other Missouri State Gu forces. ~e~w~~e, before 

leaving St. Louis, 

elected Missouri B 

column of troops to 

south by Missouri 

volunteer infantry regiments fro 

led the coIuxrm and 

in Springfield with 1,500 more troops on 1 July, 

When Sigel received news af .the gov or’s retreat from 

Boonville, he was determined to in vent Jackson fr 

forming a juncture with Price, Ta 

along the Mt. Vernon Road to Carthage, sixty-five miles to the west of 

Springfield, with the 3d and 5th Missouri ~~f&~t~~ Regiments 

(Missouri Volunteers), a company of Rehears, and the eight pieces of 

BackoE”s light artillery. Meanwhile, on 3 Jdy, Lyon left 

pursuit of Governor Jackson. 

Before Lyon could catch up with Jackson, however, the gav~~oy 

and the Missouri State Guard defeated Si 

him to fall back to Mt. Vernon a 

Samuel II. Sturgis arrived from Et inforced Lyon with 

a 1,600-man brigade consistin 

Kansas volunteers. 

ch and arrived ia 

moved south and joined 

At Sprir&ieId, Lyon asaum 

southwest Missouri and reorganized his li 

he requested reinforcements,and supplies 

he sent Sweeny with a &ZOO-man task force af infantry, artillery, and 

cavalry to break up a secessionist camp report 

sharp skirmish on 22 July, Sweeny scattered 

Guard troops stationed in Farsyth and occup 

fore returning to S~~~~e~d I 

The secessionists now made plans t 

Springfield. At about the same time, the 

ordered Brigadier General Ben ~~~~~~~~ 
8 

small a.r 

Iloch, 8 brigade of 

viIEe and their 

e sent mare 

eneral John 6. the new 

adiag the eastern 

Home Guards to 

Ckswille on the 

miles southwest of Springfield 

where the battle would be fough 

The next day, Lyon continued hia march southward down 

m neral James S. Rains. Both 

all secessionist patrol at 

Curran and scattered the rebeIs with a few artillery rounds. By this 

time, Lyon realized that the Southern forces had united and decided to 
9 

ret ta sprin the a~e~oo~ 

of5 August. 

both sides o~~i~aa~‘s Creek. 

er two days of fsuitle 

m two Warnen 

d to begin at ~~~~~ 

the city with faur caf 

ordered t 

while others act 

tion from reaehi 
Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon 

Brigadrer General Ben McCull~~h 

Celonel Franz Sigel 

Major General SterYing Price 

Same af the major commanders at the Baffle of Wilson’s Creek 
11 

the Confederates at daylight on IQ August, hoping that surprise would 

offset the Southerners’ superior numbers, Sigel also persuaded Lyon to 

let him take his brigade on a flanking march to attack the south end of 

the Confederate camp. 

About 1800, 9 August, while Sigel’s cuhnnn prepared to march 

toward the Confederate rear, Lyon moved westward along the Little 

York Road to a point opposite the north end of the rebel camp, where 

he turned south over the prairie. About 0100, when the Union advance 

guard approached within sight of the enemy campfires, Lyon ordered 

the cohmsn to halt and rest until daybreak. While the men rested, 

Lyon’s scouts penetrated to within a short distance of the enemy camps 

and discovered that the Southern pickets had withdrawn. 

Lyon’s calumn..noF pressed forward, and his advance guard 

contacted Confederate pickets at dawn. The battle began at about 

0500, when the Federals drove off the Missourians outposting the 

ridge to the north of what came to be known as Bloody Hill. As the 

Southerners retreated south to BIoody Hill, Lyon ordered Captain 

Joseph B. Plummer and his 1st U.S. Infantry Battalion to cross 

Wilson’s Creek to guard the Union’s left flank. The 1st Kansas and 1st 

Missouri composed Lyon’s first attack wave, and they charged up the 

north slope of Bloody Hill, forcing the Confederates to retreat once 

again. The two regiments seized the hill about 0600 with the rest of 

Lyon’s column following closely behind. The sound from these attacks 

and the retreating Missourians alerted Price and McCulloch, who were 

breakfasting together. McCuIioch immediately went off to get his 

troops, while Price moved his Missourians up Bloody Hill to meet 

Lyon’s attack. 

By 0500, Sigel had his artillery battery placed on a plateau in a 

position to shell the Southerners’ cavalry camp located in Sharp’s 

cornfield at the south end of the rebel camp. The Union’s 3d and 5th 

Missouri Volunteer Infantry Regiments waited for Sigel’s signal to 

attack. When Sigel heard the musket fwe on Bloody Hill, he ordered 

his battery to open fue and began his advance, sweeping through the 

cavalry camp as the Southerners fled from his bombardment. By 0700, 

Sigel’s brigade crossed Wilson’s and Tenefl Creeks and deployed in 

Sharp”s cornfield. 

Meanwhile, shortly after the battle opened, Captain James 

T&ten’s 2d U.S. Artillery Battery and Captain W. E. Wo ff Jr.% 

Battery exchanged shom on Bloody Hill. Woodruff’s fire caused the 

Union attacks to stall. Early in the engagement, Lyon had ordered 
12 

PlummeJs Wan battalion to cross Wilson’s Creek to ard the 

s Plummer advanced, he sought to siIen 

PI~mrne~~s command was i sha 

3d Louisiana and 2d ansas 

retreat. 

Qsition near s 

and sporadic fiiing followed each attack. About 0900, Price launched 

his whole force in attacks all along Lyon’s front. The Federal line 

wavered, and Lyon was slightly wounded twice while rallying his 

troops. As some of his units retired to regroup, Lyon ordered the 1st 

Iowa and 2d Kansas to attack a led the 1st Iowa himself. 

0930, a bullet hit Lyon in the he killing him. The Iowa an 

troops, nonetheless, continued to press their assault 

line, and the M~so~a~ ba d down the hill to 

meantime, Lyon’s aide carried commander’s body 

About 1000, Greer’s Sout ansas-Texas Mo 

launched an attack against t and rear. But Greer’s 

cavalry attack was et volleys From severa 

companies of the 26 the rear and by artillery fire 

from part of Totten’s 

death and added c 

battle, all the Union 

While Price reorganized his troops for aRotb~p attack, Pearce taok 

his 3d and 5th Arkansas Infantry egiments to reinforce the 

Missourians. With these additional troops, Price launched his most 
13 

determined attack of the 

retreat back tQ 

saw the last of the 

called it, was the first nt Civil War battle after Bull Run. 

first battle can 

the battle were e 

the d~tio~ of 

unded, and 186 

casuatties out of 

24 percent oftheir men, 

Ha. Mea~w~le the 

returned with their troops to Arkansas. Price soon marched his 

Missouri State Guard north and, on 12 September, began the g-day 

e 3,000-man Union garrison at Lexington, which 

on 2Q September. 

recaptured Sprm 

el R. Curtis, who 

ge in March 1862, 

which f’tarther ensured 

October 1861, it passed an act that soon delivered Missouri into the 

C~~~@de~cy as its twelfth member. It was a hollow act, however, as 

Jackson’s government in exile had neither troops nor tioney. Although 
14 

Missouri wf’fered guerrilla warfare and periodic Conf’ederate raids, it 

henceforth remained securely in the Union fold and soon became a 

backwater theater as the war moved deeper into the South. 
IL THE ARMIES AT WfLSON’S CREEK 

Both the Federals and Confederates employed men from a variety 

of units at Wilson’s Creek. Like Bull Run only three weeks before, 

Wilson’s Creek was a “‘first battle” for most of these combatants. 

Because of this, their actions and reactions give modern military 

sfxdents the opportunity to acquire special insights into the timeless 

human dimensions of warfare (sometimes called “the face of battle”). 

The battle also provides splendid examples for the study of leadership, 

unit cohesion, technology, doctrine, and other factors that interact to 

produce victory and defeat. For the most part, both armies at Wi.lson*s 

Creek fought well-Regulars, Volunteers, and militia. Certainly, 

many of the men fought better than they were led. And in this 

reIatively small battle,the. actions of individuals often made the 

critical difference. 

Unit Organization 

General Lyon’s army consisted of small Regular Army, infantry, 

artillery, and cavah-y units, as well as larger Volunteer infantry 

formations organized much like the U.S. Army units in the MexicanAmerican War. Notable among the Regular units were Plummer’s 

battalion of faur companies from the 1st U.S. Infantry; Totten’s 

Battery F, 2d U.S. Artillery; and Captain Eugene A. Carr’s and 

Lieutenant Charles E. Farrand’s companies of the 1st U.S. Cavalry 

and 2d U.S. Dragoons. Commanders on both sides feIt that these 

Regular troops brought an additional measure of discipline and 

reliability to the battle. Confederates who engaged the Regulars in 

battle were quick to note that fact in their after-action reports, as if 

fighting against the U.S. Regulars was a significant mark of the 

severity of the battle. 

Most of Lyon’s army, however, consisted of ninety-day volunteer 

Missouri, Kansas, and Iowa. In fad, soldiera in at least 

one regiment, Colonel John F. Bates’ 1st Iowa, vahnteered to remain 

beyond their three-month en.listment date to participate in the fight. 

Because these regiments were recently raised, most numbered from 

600 to 860 men, nearly as large as some brigades in 1864 and 1865. 

The men of these regiments were generally well-armed with riflemuskets and rifled conversion muskets. Volunteers made up two of the 

artillery batteries, Du Bois’ and Major Frank Backoff ‘s. Most of the 

cavalry was from the Regular Army. 

Lyon organized his army into four brigades, but with the 

exception of Colonel Sigel’s brigade, he employed his formations 

15 
16 

re~ment. During the 

aced units into aw fit, and it was a 

measure 0 e re&ively small sea that he could do so. In 

derates, on their p 

Creek-at least nat in the sa 

exas were mcze reliable an 

during the war. 

usual formation at WiEsan”s Cree 

te Guard (MSG) commands by ajor General Sterlie 

ifitia orga~izatia~ for than one-balf of the 

Confederate host and consisted of infantry, artillery, and cavalry. 

gh weld-orgs~~~ed and adequately 

ullach organized his 
from unit to unit attempting to personally i~~e~ce the action. In this 

regard, they bad good success. 

CZpCHE3 

There was a great variety of indivi weapons used by soldiers 

the Federals enjoyed 

in muskets and erates bad the 

ed were smoothbore muskets, 

e Federal ~o~~nt~r regiments 

~~~-~~~be~ ball ammunition. 

tPriioSt. common 

~o~fede~~tes Eelded a bewildering array of weapons, including 

conversion muskets, hunting rifles, carbines, shotguns, mnd, in one 

company of Greer’s South Kansas-Texas Mounted egiment, the very 

modem Colt revolving rifle. 

otb sides employed field artillery effectively at Creek, 

fielding a total of th one smoothbore OF twa 

pound &uns arid Upo ho-wikzers, see table 1). Most of 

were of ~ex~can-A~er~ca~ 

obsolete at the tine but foun 

during the Civil War. Neither side fielded any ri 

famous new-model 1%pound gun-howitzer, commonly called the 

Napoleon. Bledsoe’s Battery of the Miss0 

t nicknamed Old Sacramento, that was original1 

from the Mexicans in 

munition. ~u~~osed~y, it 

soldiers could bear and 

these annoys fired solid balls, hollo 

hollow balls filled with smaller balk an 

Arnm~it~o~ was of the fixed type, that 

projectile were connected ts each other 

ized their cannons in 

The cavalry used a carbine carzverted to use percussion 

caps. The erate cavalry employed a variety of weapons rangiing 
1, 8 

from carbines, swords, and pistols to hunting rifles, shotguns, and 

knives. Much of the Confederate cavalry, particularly that of the 

Missouri State Guard, was unarmed, which may explain, in part, their 

generally poor performance in the battle. 

Table 1. Artillery at WiIson’s Creek 

&lb. gun, 

Model 2841 

12 

11 

3.67 

%a4 

60 

900 

12-lb. howitzer, 

.~~ell841 

3* 

5 

4.62 

ma 

53 

96x3 

Confederate 

Federal 

Bore diameter (incbea) 

Tube weight (Ibs.) 

Tube length (inches) 

Carriage weight (Ib8.) 

Range at 5 degrees 

eiavation (yda.) 

Projtilea (lba.) 

Splxxical awe 

Ctislter 

Powder charge (Ibe.) 

Muzzle velocity (ft./se4 

Spherical case 

Canieter 

Pettefxatian of oak timber 

at l,QW p.rd~ Gncbesl; 

*One of the Confederate gum was Old Sacramento, a Spound gun eap%med fram 

the Mexicans in California and rebored to K£ size. 

1,523 

Shot 6.15 

5.5 

6.8 

1-2 

Shot 1,439-1,741 

1,357 

1330 

1,072 

Shell 8.9 

11 

9.64 

l-l.25 

Shell 1$X4-1,178 

953 

1,015 

6-a 4 

Tactics 

The armies that fought at Wilson’s%reek employed tactics proven 

effective in the Mexican-American War. The basic maneuver units 

were irrfantry regiments, infantry and cavalry companies, and 

artilIery batteries and sections. By later Civil War standards, Wilson’s 

Creek was a small battle. But one should remember that about 16,000 
19 

men fought at Wilson’s Creek, making it the second largest battle ever 

fought by Americans up to that time. First Bull Run, fought only 

twenty days before Wilson’s Creek, was the largest American battle up 

to its time. 

The tactical situation in the week before the battle suggested that 

the most likely course of action for hfcCu.lloch’s army was to attack 

Lyon’s army, then defending Springfield. The Confederates 

outnumbered the Federals by more than two to one and had a 

particularly strong advantage in cavalry. Lyon’s greatest fear was that 

the Confederates would use their great cavalry advantsge to prevent 

his withdrawal to the Federal base at Rolla. Lyon was in a quandary: 

he could not remain on the defensive at Springfield, and yet he feared 

withdrawing without striking a blow. Thus, when McCulloch moved 

his Confederate army to Wilson’s Creek, less than fifteen miles from 

Springfield, Lyon knew that he bad to act. Like Lee two years later at 

Chancellorsville, he was too weak to defend; he had to attack. 

Emulating Winfield Scott’s attack at the Battle of Cerro Gordo, 

Lyon divided his already outnumbered army into two parts, sending 

Colonel Franz Sigel’s brigade of Volunteers on a night march to flank 

the south end of the Confederate camps, while Lyon himself led the 

main force on a night march to attack the north end of the Confederate 

camp. Like Lee at Chancellorsville, Lyon’s outnumbered attackers 

gained the element of surprise and tactical initiative that temporarily 

made up for their lack in numbers. In fact, Lyon came close to winning 

the battle. 

Once the battle began, the tactics on both sides devolved into a 

series of regimental and company advances and retreats across the 

southern slopes of Bloody Hill. But the battle at Wilson’s Creek was 

not devoid of tactical initiative and adroitness. Sigel’s initial attack of 

the Confederate cavalry camps in Sharp’s cornfield was a model of 

combined arms maneuver. He bombarded the Southern camp while 

simultaneously maneuvering infantry against it. Meanwhile, his 

cavalry secured his flanks. Moreover, once in possession of the field, 

Sigek moved rapidly to a position from which he could block an 

expected Confederate retreat and, hopefully, cooperate with Lyon’s 

attack. 

Plummer’s subsequent crossing of Wilson’s Creek and attempt to 

attack Woodruff’s Battery was, in effect, a flanking maneuver, 

another example of tactical aggressiveness. Later in the battle, Lyon 

heId a tactical reserve on the northern slope of Bloody Hill until the 

critical time and then skillfully led it forward into battle. Finally, the 
20 

Federal withdrawal, while not assailed by the Confederates (due to 

their exhaustion), was a small model of control and precision. 

After the ~o~ede~a~es were initially s rised, several units, 

lost their effe~tive~ess for the remainder of 

er, ~c~~l~o~h and 

of the Missouri State ed quickly to Lyon’s presence on 

Bloody HilL o regments of Confederates led by Colonel 

’ “vely against PEummer’s flanki 

was commonplace 

What tactical lessons did the armies learn at Wilson% Creek? 

Since it was a first battle for most of the soldiers and officers, they got 

the experience of p~i~~pat~g in a live confli& for the frst time. They 

also learned the value of surprise, security, and the d~~~u~ty of 

controlling the separate parts of large armies. In addition, they 

learned that personal leade p and the initiative of s~~ord~~ates 

the supposed 

ermore, astute 

the clearest lesson was the one that was the le 

ting this sort of battle leads to heavy casualties 

were 23.5 percent of those engaged, while the Confederates lost 

percent, The lss on both sides were nearly equal in raw numbers, 

and this proved t both sides could and would fight. Although Civil 

War comma~de~ ter devised some brilliant ~~eratio~ and tactics 

LOgkEiW 

L and 

Battle hen 

it did because of logistics. 

Earlier in 1861 e Federals had driven 

most of ~~ssou~ a to the southwest corner of the state near 
21 

Springfield. From there, Governor Ja 

pr~~uthem 1egisIature found it very 

%x$-e Guard, recruit additional men, a 

they seriously threaten: the 

St. Louis Iike spokes from a 

Rivers a9d the railroads to 

railhead at RaIla was of principal i 

Mthough Lyon had seized 

not remain in t 

weak to attack. In addition, th 

prepared to withd 

however, he decid 

before giving up Spr 

logistic situation was the most s~~~~a~t factor ia his decision to 

attack. 

ile Lyon dismissed a poss 

tes, Generals ~~C~Ilo~~ and 

concerning an abck. Price felt that the could recruit 

plenty of soldiers and sustain a 

recapturing Misssuri. McCulloch 

r into the state, the 

from C~wski~ 

er. 

Ori the evening of 9 Au 

camp, it began to rain 

would become soaked, 
22 

order and si 

tions in the campai 

ssissippi Rivers and the 

Ralla to ~F~~~~~~~ld. General Lyon 

t. Louis along this line, and any supplies 

reached him would most likely came that 

way. 

mmunications 

~o~~~i~s and the i easingly ~~irniti~~ 

to make cornrn~~~at~~ 

line that ran from 

derates could use. 

ications center 

house was the local post office. Also, as Jackson’s 

Cow&in Prairie, it drew cIoser to the Arkknsas 
23 

border and ~ote~~~a~ he1 

extended his communi 

together when the a 

to falter; since Lyon a 

communicate with each 

initially, they could not coo 

battle. What is more, at a critical 

determine if approaching troops 

avermn. Later, Lyon and his successor, Major Sturgis, continued to 

hope for Sigel’s arrival but remained ignorant of 

Personal leadership by commanders cornrn~~~t~~ directly with 

their troops and units played a central part in the outcome at Wilson’s 

Creek. ‘The battle was small enough that personal direction was 

possible. Lyon, MeCullsch, and Price each placed units into line, led 

charges, directed movements, and rallied formation. En fact, Lyon 

died doing so. Their s~bordi~ate6, for the most part, 

instructions, demonstrated ~~~t~at~ve~ and fa~~~~tated the 

information. All tried to coor 

results. 

Finally, the survivors 

actian rep&23 that are ret 

Records of the Union and 

ccmmunicats with u8 today 

did. By doing so, they allow 

connections to rni~it~ eve 

Medical Care 

The Battle of Wilson’s Creek produced 2,361 dead and wounded 

soldiers in an area whose civilian population at that time was leas than 
24 

50. Both sides were shocked and ove~be~med by the number of 

casualties. This battle, like Bull Run before it and so many others 

edical needs far beyond the 

s became a common theme of all 

the North and South 

ies. At Wilson’s Creek, 

t we know of medical care at Wilson’s Creek comes to us from 

the Federals had only two ambulances with their army, each of which 

was designed to carry only four to six waunded. In the eventual retreat 

from Wilson’s CreektoSpringfIeld the afternoon of the battle, every 

wagon, caisson, and buggy carried wounded. One of the reasons that 

General Lyon’s body was accidentally abandoned on the field was that 

a sergeant had his remains removed from 8; wagon so that wounded 

men could be carried away. 

Neither Lyon nor McCulloch had identified a medical director for 

his army. Consequently, care and evacuation of the wounded was 

poorly coordinated. Most of the Federal wounded were taken to 

SpringfieEd, where the army had established a field hospital prior to 

the battle, but this facility soon overflowed, and men were taken to 

churches, hotels, and private homes around Springfield’s main square. 

Confederate surgeons at the Wilson’s Creek campsite had prepared to 

move with their army toward Springfieid on the night before the battle 

and had had to reestablish their facilities hastiIy during the morning 

of the battle. After the Federals withdrew, most of the wounded were 

brought to the ch became the field hospital, 

Because the Confederates held the field of battle, they inherited 

the difficult task of tending to the wounded and burying the dead of 

both sides. Although the Federals evacuated most of their wounded, 

many fell into Confederate hands and were sent to Springfield under 

flags of truce along with Lyon’s body on the afternoon of the battle. The 

Confederates buried some of their dead on the field and evacuated 

others to their homes in the South. The Federal dead received less 

charity. Many were thrown into the sinkhole on Bloody Hill and others 

into wells and minor depressions. Ultimately, alI the dead were 

removed from the field, and many of them found their final rest in the 

military cemetery at Spring%eld. 
25 

most of their WQ 

supplies under the 

August, the Confed 

The Battle of Wiison”s Cree , as one of the “frrst 

As with tactics and ~~~$t~~ 

many areas in which the Federab and 

learn. The time it tucik tci le same of these less0 

later with the lives d limbs of soldie 

Creek, Missouri. 

_~---.--.- -- -- 
III. STAFF RIDE AND BATTLEFIELD 

TOUR STANDS 

Stand 1 

(Visitor’s Center [inside], grid 627076) 

SE&&ion: The Wilson’s Creek Visit&s Center is a logical place to 

begin a staff ride or battlefield tour because a clear, concise overview of 

the campaign and battle can be obtained there. A short slide program 

at the center provides a good campaign overview, and a good terrain 

model demonstrates the battle with colored lights and audio narration. 

Unlike most presentations of this kind, this one is quite effective and 

helps clarify tactical movements and the battle’s flow. Preferably, this 

presentation should be experienced before and after walking the 

battlefield. (For a sequence of the stands and their grids, see table 2; 

for a map of the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield and the location of 

the various staff ride stands, see map 2.1 In addition, the park 

historian may be available for a short demonstration of Civil War 

artillery and infantry tactics. 

Teaching Paints: The Union plan and principles of the objective, 

offensive, and surprise. 

Vignettes: General Lyon wrote this message to General Fremont on 21 

July 1861 from SpringEeld: 

Memorandum for Col. Phelps (the bearer). See General Fremont about 

troops and stores for this place. Our men have not been paid and sre rather 

dispirited, they are badly off for clothing and the want of shoes unfits them 

for marching. Some st& officers are badly needed, and the interests of the 

government suffer for the want of them. The time of the three months 

vcludeera is nearly out, and on their returning home my command will be 

reduced too low for effective operations. Troops must at once be forwarded 

to supply their place. The safety of the State is hazarded. Grdera from Gen. 

Scott strip the entire West of regular forces and increase the chances of 

sacrificing it. The public press is full of reports that troopa from other States 

are moving toward the northern border of Arkansas for the purpose of 

invading Mkaouri. Springfield, July 27. (Adams and Return Ira Holcombe, 

An .-&aunt of the &rttle af Wilmn’e Creek [Springtield, MO: The Springfield 

Public Library and Greene County Historical Society, 19611,18J 

General Lyon, in his last message to General Fremont on 9 

August 1861 (the day before the battle), reports: 

I retired to this pIace lSpringfIeld1 . . . reaching here an the 5th [of August 

1861J. The enemy followed to within 10 miles of here. He has taken a strong 

position, and is recruiting bie supplies of horsee, mules, and provisions by 

foraging into the surrounding country, his large force of mounted men 

enabling him to do this without much annoyance from me. I find my 

27 
Map 2. Tour stands for the staff ride or battlefield tour at 

Wrlsm’s Creek NationaJ Battlefield 
-----.-~- -- 
30 

position ex+zemeIy embarraming, and am at present unable te determine 

whether I aMI be able to maintain my ground or be forced to retire. I can 

resist any attack from the front, but if the enemy move to surround me, I 

must retire. I shall hotd my ground a~ long 88 possible, though 1 may 

endanger the safety of my entire force. U . . The enemy yesterday made B 

show of force about five miles dietant, and haa doubff ees a full purpose of 

making an attack upon me. (The War of fhe .Rebe&?iun: A Compilation ofthe 

C@?cid Records af the Urxion and Confederate ilrmies, ser. 1, val. 3 

[Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1881; reprint, 

Wi.lmhgbn, NC: Broadfoot F’ubiishing Co., 19851,57. Here&r referred to 

a5 0.R.) 

Table 2. Stands and Grid Numbers for the 

Staff Ride or Battlefield Taur* 

Stand I The Visitor’s Center (in&de), grid 627016. 

Stand 2 The Visitor’sCenter (outside), grid 627076. 

Stand 3 First contact, grid 631073. 

Stand 4 Bloody EIiJl, grid 632066. 

Stand 5 Flummer’s croesing, grid 637069. 

Stand 6 Plummer’s repulse, grid 642066. 

Stand 7 Wodruff’e Battery, grid G%M3. 

Stand 8 Ray’s house, grid 646066. 

Stand 9 SigeI’s uoseing, grid 644037. 

Stand 10 SigeI’e attack, grid 635047. 

Stand11 SigeYe defeat, grid 635054. 

Stand 12 Price’s headquertere, grid 638058. 

Stand 13 Guibm’s Battery (Confederate line extends to the west), grid 633059. 

Stand 14 S&&ski% e&on (Totten’a battery), grid 631066. 

Stand 15 The sinkhole, grid 633065. 

Stand 16 Lyon”e death marker, grid 635064. 

Stand 17 FederaI withdrawal, grid 632066. 

‘Suggested routes for movement between the stands e.re given at the end of each 

stand Flau-Fative. 

What intent does this message convey to Frhmont? Is it possible 

that this message was a ruse? Contrast byan’s message with the report 

of Major John M. Schofield, Lyon’s adjutant general, written 20 

August 1861: 

During the forenoon of [the 9th of August], General Lyon and Colonel SigeI 

held a conaukation, the result of which wes the plan of attack upan the 

enemp’a position at WiIeon’a Creek. . . , General Lyon informed me of his 

determination to make the attack the next mornirrg and gave me the 

genera1 features of th plan but owing to the press of time did not go intc~ 

much detail. Colonel Sigel was to move with his brigade. . . to the left [east] 

of the main Caesville &ad leading to the right [south] of the enemy 

position, while General Lyon with the remainder of the farce , ~ . wee to 
31 

move down the road toward Little York. . . and attack bis left [north] flank. 

Colonel Sigei wee to make hie attack &B soon as he heard that of General 

Lyon. (O.R., 60.) 

Roate to Stand 2: Stand 2 is at the picnic area just outside the Visitor’s 

Center. This is a good place to remind the group that there are no 

latrines or fresh water facilities on the field. Remind the group also of 

regulations governing removal of items found on the battlefield and of 

the seasonal danger of snakes, ticks, chiggers, poison oak, and cactus. 

Stand 2 

S&&on: General Lyon’s column left Springfield at about 1709 on 9 

August and reached a point about one and one-half miles north of this 

stand at about 0100, il-0 August. About twenty local residents served as 

his guides and rade with the Union column. Lyon expected to 

encounter Confederate pickets but did not do so because the 

Confederate commanders had recalled their pickets in preparation for 

their own planned advance. When the Confederate advance was 

canceIed because of light rain about 2100 on 9 August, they had failed 

to repost their pickets. Therefore, the Confederate camps were 

unprotected by outpost pickets as Lyon approached them and mounted 

his attack. (For a map of the battlefield area in 1861, see map 3.) 

When the Union column halted at about 8100, the men laid down 

on their arms. Meanwhile, Lyon sent the cavalry forward to determine 

the Confederate positions. At dawn, the Union march resumed, with 

Captain Plummer’s battalion of Regular infantry leading, followed by 

Major Peter J. Osterhaus’ battalion of Missouri Volunteers and 

Captain Totten’s battery of six guns. 

Teaching Points: Navigation to this point, use of local guides, 

organization for combat, order of march, intelligence, principles of 

security, and surprise. 

vignette: 

set. Priva 

t, it was hot, but it became cooler when the sun 

, Ware of the 1st Iowa describes the march: 

. . I life became more endurable and the marching was anything but a 

funeral proceseion. The boys gave each other elaborate instructions as to 

the materials out of which they wentid their coff5na made, and how they 

wanted them decorated. . . . We moved short distances from 20 to 100 yards 

at a time, and kept halting and closing up, and making very alow progress . 

. . . There were aome little light clouds, but it was light enough to see a abort 

distance around us, by a&light. . . I Finaliy, word wan paseed atong the line 

that we were in&de the enemy’s picket line but were two or three miles 

Erom their camp. Rumors magnGd the number of the foe to 25,000. We 
32 

Map 3. The W~lson’s Creek battlefieid, 1861 
Thin growth of timber, iiffle or no t&&rush 

-.wm..m‘s Park baundary 

._....l*/l 

Fields ._“/.“.. 

Farmhouses 

Elevated areas 
34 

could see the sheen in the sky ofvast campfzes beyond the hills.. . . We also 

beard, at times, the choruses of braying mules * . . I About this time [ff lOtI . . 

. the line stopped at a place where our company &od on a broad Iedge of 

rock We ail laid down on this rock to get rested. The cool dewy night air 

made me feel chilly . . . but the radiating beat which the rock . . . had 

absorbed, was peculiarly comfortable. (Eugene F. Ware, The Lyan 

Campaign in Missowi [Topeka, KS Crane $ Co., l.9OQ 310-13.) 

Meteorological data from the Farmer’s Almanac, 1861, indicates 

the following: 

August 9,1861. Sunrise 501 AM, sunset ?rO9 PM, 14 houra and 8 minutes 

of daylight. Moonrise 10:27 PM, moonset 2~40 AM. 

August 10,186L. Sunrise 502 A.?$ sunset 7:0& PM, 14 hours and 6 minutes 

of daylight. Moonrise 1055 PM, moonset 3:31 AM. 

BuIl moon on August 20, new moon on August 6th, let qua~W on August 

13th, last quarter & Ati-gu’kt 28th. 

Route to Stand 3: If moving by foot, Ieave the Visitor’s Center picnic 

area and follow the western Ring Road to the National Park Service’s 

stop number 8, historic overlook. Follow the gravel path eastward for 

about 125 meters until you come out into the open. From this vantage 

point, you can take several bearings. The Ray house is almost due east 

at a range of 1,750 meters. Far to the northeast, you can see the red 

and white chimneys of a power plant. Bloody Hill is almost due south 

about 700 meters. From this position, move cross-country to the 

northeast about seventy meters to the vicinity of grid 631073. 

If moving by vehicles, go completely around Ring Road and park 

at National Park Service stop number 8, historic overlook; then, follow 

the instructions above. You are now standing in the field where 

Confederate Colonel B. A. Rives’ cavalry first encountered General 

Lyon’s column. Lyon deployed along the wood line to your north. 

Stand 3 

(First contact, grid 631073) 

Situation: The Union advance took the Confederates by surprise. At 

dawn on I,0 August 1861, a patrol from Colonel Cawthorn’s mounted 

brigade (attached to General Rains” division of Missouri State Guards) 

worked the west bank of Wilson’s Creek and discovered Federals in the 

area (see map 4). Another force of about 300 mounted Missouri 

Confederates under Colonel Rives moved northward to this point and 

discovered Lyon’s main force. Confronted by this large force, the 

Missourians fell back to the north face of Bloody Hill where Colonel 

Cawthorn established a line of about 600 dismounted men. 
Lyon now deployed with Plummer on the left (east), Major 

Osterhaus on the right (west), and Lieutenant Colonel Gearge L. 

Andrews (the 1st Missouri) in the center. Totten unlimbered one 

section (two guns) under First Lieutenant George 0. Sokalski and 

began firing. After driving off the 300 mounted Confederates from this 

area, Lyon continued his advance to the south and discovered 

Cadhorn’s dismounted brigade in the law ground just north of Bloody 

Hill. Lyon then deployed the 1st Kansas (under Colonel George W. 

Deitzler) to the left (east) of the 1st Missouri, The Union line advanced 

so rapidly, however, that Totten could not get the remainder of his 

force organized into a supporting battery. A brief skirmish foIlowed, 

and the Confederates withdrew in disarray, leaving Lyon in control of 

Bloody Hill. Lyon now brought the remainder of his force forward to 

the shelter of the north slope. 

Teaching Points: Security, surprise, and the experience of real battle. 

Compare the reactions of Lyon’s and Cawthorn’s troops. What was the 

effect of Sokalski’s section? Discuss deployment from the line of march. 

Vignettes: In his official report, Andrews of the 1st Missouri claims 

that his unit had the honor of firing the first shot of the battle: 

Soon aRer the column WBB again in motion, I received an order to bring the 

regiment forward . s . I received order8 ti deploy one company forward a8 

skim&here, and thb wa8 the last order that reached me during the entire 

day. Company B, Captain Yates, ~88 at mce thrown out ae skirmiahere, 

cloeely followed by the regiment in. column af companies, and advancing up 

the hill, the action wa8 commenced by e shot Erom my skirmishers at IO 

minutes past 5 o’clock. Immediately advancing in pereon, I ws8 informed by 

Capt8ii Yates. , . that the enemy were in force immediately in our front, 

and reinforcing our line of skirmishers with Captain Mauric& company 

(B), I ordered the regiment forward into line. . I . The action ncnv became 

general and for a short time the fire was very hot e . . the regiment 

continued to advance under a galling fire until the enemy again gave way. 

Km., 75-76.) 

Confederate General Rains, Colonel Cawthorn’s commander, 

reported this portion of the battle as follows: 

By sum-&e on the I.Oth, the pickets which I had cent out at daybreak 

reported the enemy advancing in force on the we& side of Wilaon’a Creek 

and within 3 miles of camp. . . . L reported their advance to Major General 

Price and General McCulloch. As they approached the position occupied by 

my second brigade [Cawthom’81 they extended their linea, placing their 

artillery in battery, and opening a heavy fhe on my encampment. For an 

hour this brigade resisted the fire of the enemy’8 artillery and infantry 

before being euatained, and under their gallant leader, Colonel Cawthorn, 

they maintained their poeition, throughout the day. (O.R., 127.) 
36 

Map 4. The Battle of Wilson’s Creek, 0500-5600 
Legend 

.” _ 

...:?;“l*: Thin growth of timber, IiWe or na underbrush L 

v*- Park boundary 

***,“**.I 

: Fields 

Farmhouses 

Elevatad araas 

Federal forces 

0 Confederate forces 

r) 

Federal axas of advance 

x Atitlw 

A Confederate camps 
38 

Route to Stand 4: Your next move simulates Lyon’s advance to seize 

Bloody Hill. Imagine two large regiments facing south, each formed 

into two lines, with another regiment following closely in support, all 

advancing shoulder to shoulder across this open field, down the slope 

to your south, and up the slopes of Bloody Hill Cwbich you can clearly 

see to your south). Move southward about 750 meters to the open 

ground on the northern slope of Bloody Hill, near grid 632066. 

Note the swampy pond that you pass en route near grid 632070. 

This area was the Union rear during the battle. Supply wagons, 

wounded, and straggIers filled this area. Company D, 1st US. Cavalry, 

and about 200 Springfield Home Guards formed a line across here to 

halt stragglers and to guard the army’s wagons. Later, somewhere in 

this area, the retreating Union troops abandoned General Lyon% body. 

This place was safely out of artillery and small arms fire from the 

Confederate positions farther south. 

Stand 4 

(Bloody Will, grid 632066) 

Sitwztion: Cawthorn’s Cavalry Brigade /Rains’ 2d Division, Missouri 

State Guard) camped near here and was the first Confederate unit to 

discover Lyon’s approach. The attack by the Union’s 1st Missouri and 

1st Kansas (infantry) subsequently drove off Cawthorn’s men. As a 

result, Lyon’s surprise attack had seized this critical terrain feature at 

little cost to his force. Now, he held this position and waited for Sigel to 

attack the southern end of the Confederate camps. 

The rest of the battle in this area consisted of a seesaw fight up 

and down the slopes of Bloody Hill as the Confederates fed more and 

more troops into the line and Union commanders committed their 

meager reserves, At the height of the battle, the Union line consisted 

of (from left to right, east to west) the 1st Iowa, Du Bois’ Battery (four 

guns), 1st Kansas, Captain Frederick Steele’s battalion of Regulars, 

Totten’s battery (Ebur guns), 1st Missouri, 2d Missouri, and Sokalski’s 

section of Totten’s battery (two guns). Meanwhile, Lyon held the 2d 

Kansas (infantry) as a reserve on the north slope of Bloody Hill. 

It is likely that Lyon intended to continue his attack to 

into the main Confederate camps. This course of action is consistent 

with Lyon’s personality and explains why Sigel expected Lyon to drive 

the enemy into his position, At any rate, arti1Ier-y fire from Woodruff’s 

(Pulaski County, Arkansas) Battery checked Lyon’s advance. 

Woodruffs position was near the Guinn farm on the east side of 

Wilson’s Creek. Brigadier General William Y. Slack’s Brigade of 
3% 

Missouri State Guards quickly got into line and helped stop Lyon’s 

advance. Slack’s portion of the main Confederate camp on the west 

side of Wilson’s Creek was ctosest to Lyon’s force. Slack did not wait for 

orders but sent his two regiments into battle immediately. This action 

combined with the fire of Woodruff’s guns slowed the Union advance 

long enough to stabilize the situation on Bloody Hill. 

At the same time, Woodruff’s fire partially enfiladed Lyon’s 

advance. For a time, Totten dueled with Woodruff, but the Confederate 

position was in a slight defilade, and Totten’s fue was ineffective. In 

response, Lyon brought up Du Bois’ Battery and put it into action 

against Woodruff’s. After making his dispositions, Lyon resumed his 

advance, but he no longer had the advantage of complete surprise, and 

his renewed attack met increasingly stiff resistance. 

As Lyon advanced; he posted Captain Plummer’s battalion of 

Regulars on the extreme left (east) flank of the Union line with orders 

for him to keep pace with the main attack. Plummer decided* possibly 

on b.is own initiative, to cross to the east side of Wilson’s Creek and 

attack Woodruff’s Battery. 

Teaching Points: Subordinates acting without detailed instructions, 

loss of momentum effect of arti1Ier-y fire on unit morale, advantages of 

position, and principle of the offensive. 

Vignette: Major Sturgis” official report describes this point in the 

action: 

DuBoia’ battery, supported by Steele’s battalion was placed Borne 80 yards 

ta the left [east] and rear [north] af ‘Fotten’t~ guns, so as ta bear upon er 

powerful batLery of the enemy [Wo&ruff’el, posti to our left [east] and 

front [south], on the oppeite [eaetern] side of Wileon’a Creek, to aweep the 

entire plateau upon which our troope were formed. The enemy now rallied 

in large farce near the foot of the elope. . I , During this time, Captain 

Pfummer, with kie faur comptiee ef in&u&y, had moved down a ridge 

about 500 yards to our lef% [east], and separated from ua by e deep ravine 

[Wilson’8 Creek] I _ . where he found hie farther prqpess arrested by a large 

force of infantry occupying a corn Aeld [Ray’s1 in the valley in kis &ant 

[aautkJ. Our whole line now advanced with much energy upon the enemy’s 

position. The fii, which had been spirited for the last half hour, wss nm 

increasing to a continuous h5ar. After a fierce engagement, Iaeting perhaps 

halfan how, and in which our tmopa retied two or three times, in more ot 

less disorder, but never more than a few yarde, again ta rally and press 

farward with increased vigor, the enemy gave way in the utmoet confusion, 

and left ue in posaeesion of the poaitioe [Bloody Hill]. (O.R., 66.) 

RotiLte to Stand 5: If moving by foot, go approximately 600 meters eastnortheast to Wilson’s Creek. A good way to get there is to move north 

about 150 meters to the power lines that you crossed under earlier. 
40 

Then, follow the power lines northeast about 350 meters to an 

unnamed stream bed that flows east into Wilson’s Creek. Next, follow 

the unnamed creek bed to the place where it intersects Wilson’s Creek 

in the vicinity of grid 637069. You are now at the position of 

Plummer’s crossing. 

Gibson’s mill and homestead were here on the east side of 

Wilson’s Creek. They no longer stand, but archaeologists marked and 

excavated the sites in the earIy 1980s. The site made a good camp for 

Rains’ Confederate troops. Normally, the creek is shallow enough to 

ford at this point, but do so carefully. Do not drink the water, and 

watch out for snakes. 

If moving by vehicles, assemble at the Bloody Hill parking area 

and follow the Ring Road to National Park Service stop number 1, 

Gibson’s mill, From-this point, move on foot along the National Park 

Service trail that follows the east bank of Wilson’s Creek southward to 

the vicinity of grid 637069. Stop at the site of Gibson’s mill, and try to 

visualize the scene as it was in 1861. 

Stand 5 

(Plummer’s crossing, grid 637069) 

Situstiort: Captain Plummer’s mission was to guard the Union left 

flank and keep pace with the main attack. Plummer’s task seemed 

simple enough. He could keep Wilson’s Creek on his Ieft while keeping 

pace with the rest of the army, which was on his right (his command 

may have been detached for this mission). Whether Plummer decided 

to cross W&on’s Creek on his own initiative or was ordered to cross is 

not clear. At any rate, he crossed at this site, moved into the Ray 

cornfield, and attacked to the south. His objective was to silence 

Woodruff’s Battery (see map 5). 

Teaching Points: Initiative of subordinates who understand their 

commander’s intent, compartments, and support. 

Vignette: PIummer describes his actions from the time the column 

resumed its movement at daybreak: 

Immediately befare eetting out, Captain Gilbrt’a company bB) we8 thrown 

forward to feel for the enemy, whose camp was knewa to be in the valley of 

Wileon’e Creek. As soon aa hia poeition was ascertained, which WBB ehortiy 

after eunriee, the general directed me to follow Captain Gilbert with the 

balance of the battalian, and uniting with him, k, carry forward the ie!% 

flank af the attack. I aver-took Captain Gilbert with hia akin&hers in a 

deep jungle, where he had been checked by an impassable lagoon. Much 

time was consumed in effecting the pamage af this obtde. The battalion, 
41 

however, Enally emerged in good order, and all present, into the corn field 

to the Ieff ofthe attack, which by this time was in fi& progress. (O.R., 72.) 

Route to Sand 6: Move by foot we&ward to the fence (about 100 

meters); then, proceed cross-country to the southeast to grid 642066. 

An easier way to this position exists along the trail that folollows 

Wilson’s Creek to the south. If you take that trail, you have to leave it 

at some point and move east to come out into Ray’s cornfield near grid 

642066. As you move, discuss the difficulty of moving 300 men through 

a cornfield that is not planted in rows. At this point in the action, 

Plummer led his men in the general direction of WoodruE’s Battery, 

intending to put it out of action. Plummer, however, met and fought a 

superior force and escaped with heavy casualties and a personal wound 

that put him out of action for the rest of the battle. 

Stand 6 

(Plrrmmer’s repulse, grid 642066) 

Situatiw: Plummer had difficulty getting across Wilson”s Creek, and 

by the time he was in position on the east side of the meek, the battle 

on Bioody Hill was in progress. Plummer’s objective now was to storm 

the hill from which Woodruff’s guns were stalling the Union’s main 

attack. To accompfish this objective, he deployed skirmishers and 

moved through the western portion of the Ray cornfield, which was 

broadcast with corn rather than planted in rows. Therefore, the going 

was difficult and navigation a problem. 

Before Plummer’s men reached the southern edge of the cornfield, 

the 2d Arkansas Mounted Rifies Qurrder Colonel McIntosh) and the 3d 

Louisiana (under Colonel Louis Bbert), with a total strength of 1,100, 

arrived and counterattacked. PIummeis men sought cover behind the 

rail fence at the southern end of the field, but greatly superior 

numbers of Confederates drove them ba to their fording site. 

Plummer’s battalion of 300 Regulars lost 19 killed, 52 wounded, 

and 9 missing in this fight, aqd their losses doubtless would have been 

greater if Du Bois” Battery had not intervened to break up the 

Confederate counterattack. This ended the fighting on the eastern side 

of Wilson% Creek. Plummer”s men got back across the creek and 

remained in the Union rear for the rest of the battle. Meanwhile, the 

2d Arkansas Mounted Rifles withdrew into few ground out of the hue 

of Du Bois’ fire, The Louisiana infantrymen withdrew to the Ray house 

where they continued to, be bombarded by cannon fire until they 
42 

Map 5. The Baffle of Wilson’s Creek, 06004800 
Chronology of Events 

l Sigel clears Sharp’s field, blocks Telegraph Road, and waits for Lyon. 

o Price stops Lyon’s attack and begins to build a line of battle. 

* Plummer crosses Wilson’s Creek and tries to silence Woodruffs guns. 

f Mcintosh attacks and defeats Plummer. 

Confederate and Federal Forces 

Confederate 

w w0odruff 3 Cawthom 

R Reid 4 Weightman 

B Bledsoe 5 Slack 

G Guitm 6 ckfk 

1 Zd Arkansas Mounted Rifles 7 1st Arkansas Mounted Rifles 

2 3d Louisiana infantry 8 McBride 

Fed&-al 

T Totten 13 lstlowa 

D DUB& 14 2d lcansas 

%O Back0ff 15 steek3 

9 PhIflwllef 16 3d Missouri 

10 o- 17 5th Missouri 

11 1st Mlssaarti 18 Can 

12 IstKartsas 19 Farrand 

Not shown: 

McCulloch’s Brigade, organizing east of Wilson’s Creek near the ford on 

Telegraph Road. 

Pearce’s Brigade, cxganizing just west of Manley’s house. 

Company 0, 1st U.S. Cavalry and Home Guards, which were deployed near 

tfw wagons. 

Cavalry from the Confederate camps, which wandered in confi~sion within the 

Confederate lines. 

Legend 

Thin growth af timber, linfe or no underbrush 

Park boundary 

Fields 

Farmhouses 

Elevated areas 

Federal forces 

Confederate forces 

Confederate axis of advance 
44 

showed a yellow hospital flag, at which time Du Bois turned his guns 

elsewhere. 

Teachirag Paints: Initiative, support, and combined arms, 

Vignettes: In his official account (the briefest one submitted), Captain 

Plummer reports: 

The battalion wes pushed forward rapidly, and soon the enemy opened an 

us from the let%, but bie tire was light and easily quelled. Our edvsnce was 

in the direction af the euemje battery, on the hill opposite Lieutenant 

lh Bois” battery, with the intention of storming it, shotid the opportunity 

offer. This wae observed by the enemy, and a large force wes accumulated 

in our front end on our left flank, and our fvrwerd progress was checked. 

Nevertheless, the men stood stead.iIy and squarely up to their work, until I 

deemed OUT poeition no longer tenable, and I then drew off my command, 

steadily and without con&ion. . . . In this field, I had many men killed and 

wounded. x . . We .were- materially aided in extricating ourselves by the 

timely aid of Du Boie” battery, which beat back the advance of the enemy 

with much slaughter. (O.Rti 72.) 

Second Lieutenant Du Bois’ report gives credit to another officer: 

h.fter assisting Captain Totten to silence the enemy’s batteries . . . I 

received orders from General Lyon to move my battery to the right [west]. 

Captain &anger wes to place me in position. While limbering, our left 

Rank E’lummer’s battelion1. . . was driven back by an overwhelming force 

of the enemy (five regiments, X think), [actually only two]. . . . Captain 

Granger now countermanded my order to move and by B change of front to 

the let%, I e&laded their line and drove them back with great slaughter, 

Captain Granger directing one of my guns. Their broken troops rallied 

behind e house [Ray’s] on the right of their line. E struck this house twine 

with B 1%pounder shot, when they showed a hospital flag. I ceased firing, 

and their troope retired. (O.R., 80.) 

Colonel Hebert of the 3d Louisiana reporta: 

At the moment of deploying in line of battle . “. the enemy opened their fire 

on our front, within fiReen paces at the most. . . an advance was ordered, 

led gallantly and bravely by Captain McIntosh, to whom X owe all thanks 

for assistence. The enemy was posted behind a fence and in the corn field. 

The companies moved up bravely, broke the enemy, pursued them into the 

corn field, and routed them completely. On emerging from the corn field, 

the regiment found themselves in a naked oat field, where a battery on the 

left [Du Bois’l opened upon us a severe fire. The order was given to fall back 

to a wooded ground higher up to the right. (O.R., 113.) 

Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin T. Embry, second in command of 

Colonel James McIntosh’s 2d Arkansas Mounted Rifles, reports: 

While at breakfast on the morning of the 10th instant, the regiment was 

surprised by the opening of the enemy% batteries on the western heights of 

Oak I-Ells [Bloody Hill), but at the call of the bugle, the regiment rallied 

immediately, mounted, and formed in line of battle in good order, you at the 

time being at General McCulloch’s headquarters. I marched the regiment 
45 

to the timber north of Captain Woodruff’s battery, to shield them from the 

tire of the enemy’s batteries on the west, and dismounted them, at which 

time you made your appearance and took charge of the regiment, and in 

person led them in a charge upon a division of the: regular Federal troops 

etationed upon 0~3 north. In the charge many of the enemy were slain and 

the rest repulsed. From some misunderstanding in regard to orders, only 

about halfthe regiment participated in the action at this point. About this 

time, your service being needed or required upon other portions of the Eeld, 

General McCullcch ordered me to move the regiment to the hills to the 

west,whereacIoseand bioodycontestwas going on. (O.R., 111.1 

Finally, General McCulloch in his official report to the 

Confederate War Department states: 

Hebert’s regiment of Louisiana adunkers and McIntosh’s regiment of 

Arhanaas Mounted Riflemen were ordered to the front, and after passing 

[WoodruE’s battery turned to the left and soon engaged the enemy wjth 

regiments deployed .Calone.el~McI.ntosh dismounted his regiment, and the 

two marched up abreast to a fence araund a large corn field, when they met 

the left of the enemy already posted. A terrible conflict of smalkrms fin! 

took place here. The opposing force was a body of regular United Statea 

in&dry, commended by Captains Plummer and Gilbert. Notwithstanding 

the galling fire poured upon these two regiments, they leaped over the 

fence, snd, galkntly led by their colonels, drove the enemy before them 

back upon the main body. (OR., 105.1 

The 3d Louisiana last nine killed, forty-eight wounded, and three 

missing. The 2d Arkansas Mounted Rifles lost ten killed and forty-four 

wounded. Plummeis battalion lost nineteen killed, fifty-two wounded, 

and nine missing. 

Route CQ Stand 7: The route to WoodruB’s Battery position is abaut 600 

meters away. Initially, move downhill southwest toward Wilson’s 

Creek until you reach the level field along the creek at grid 638066. 

Imagine the Confederates camped in this field and reacting to the 

sounds of battle developing around them. Plummer wanted to sillence 

Woodruff’s Battery, positioned on the hilltop about 406 meters 

southeast ofhere. Move across the field in that direction. Note that you 

must cross a considerable ditch (which was known as Ray’s Branch) to 

get there. The Confederates had no infantry deployed here to protect 

Woodruff’s guns. Climb to Woodruff’s position at 639063. Under what 

conditions could Plummer’s Regular battalion of 300 infantrymen 

have succeeded in their attack? 

Stand 7 

~FFroodm#‘s Battery, grid 639063) 

SitMztion: Near here, Captain Woodruff’s Battery began the night and 

awaited orders for the move on Springfield. The battery was slated to 

be in the vanguard of the movement, but General McCulloch canceled 
46 

the movement order because of the rain, and the battery spent the rest 

of the night in the open. Woodruff worried about a possible surprise 

attack and reconnoitered this position for his battery. Then, he got 

approval from his superiors to occupy it. When Woodruff sighted the 

Federals moving onto Bloody Hill, he opened up enfxlading fire on 

them, which caused Lyon’s attack to stall. This delay 

the main Confederate camp from being overrun by Lyon’s zain attack. 

Woodruff’s Battery had two g-pounder and two 12-pounder 

smoothbore cannons, Woodruff detailed his offircers to act as gun 

commanders, and Woodruff was with his number two gun when it fired 

the fist shot. Lieutenant Weaver, at number one gun, was killed in 

the ensuing fight along with two of his men. The battery’s total 

casualties at Wilson’s Creek were three men. 

Teaching Points: Initiative of subordinates, reconnaissance, leaders at 

the front, and security. 

Vignettes: Woodruff went on to command eleven field artillery units, 

serving the Confederacy from 1861 to 1865. Forty-three years later, he 

writes this of Wilson’s Creek: 

About 6 a.m. on the lOth, just as my men bad fished break&et, a great 

commotion was observed on the Springfield road. . . . Men, horaea, and other 

animal8 . . . were seen rushing hurriedly and confusedly in great numbers 

down the roads and to the for& ti the west and sauth. It eeemed to be a 

repetition of the affair at Crane Creek a few days ago, and we were nat 

greatly disturbed. Nevertheless, I ordered of&era and men ta posts and 

mounted drivers while awaiting orders. A minute or two later, on the bill 

five OF six hundred yarde northwest a rush. of teame was obse&, which 

rapidly developed into a light battery, that quickly unlimbered and 

commenced firing, seemingly in the direction of General McCulloch’e 

headquarters.. . . Almost simultaneously a second battery or eection rushed 

forward to the right and in front of the fret, about 200 yards, unlimbered 

and commenced firing. . . I passed my caissona to the rear and ordered “in 

battery”. . . 1 The second battery.. . observed my movement and opened fire 

on u. . . . Feeling the importance of staying the assault until our infantry 

lines were established, the cannonade with the hostile battery was 

continued half an hour or mqre. . . . (William Edward Wo4n8, With the 

Light Guns in ‘61-‘65. . , . [Little Rock, AR: Eagle Press, 19Q3, 19&7l, 39- 

42.) 

Once the rebel line farmed, Woodruff shifted his fne as targets 

presented themselves. Woodruff explains his practice of having officers 

command the gun crews: 

It had been arranged by the company officera long before, that in our first 

engagement each should take the poet of gunner at designated pieces . . . 

the tendency ie b overahoot the mark. * . . Only experience can quali& a 
47 

gunner to determine what elevation to give hi8 piece. . . . I fired the first 

shot and t;he others foIlowed. (Woodruff 44.) 

Rode to Stand 8: The Ray house is about 800 meters northeast of here 

near grid 646066. Leave the battery position and move toward the 

southeast along a trail that takes you downhill to Telegraph Road. 

Move along Telegraph Road toward the northeast. As you proceed, talk 

about the considerable change time produces on battlefields. For 

instanee, after the war, this area became a quarry. Students might be 

tempted to think that this route is unchanged since Civil War days. 

That is not the case. Also, note the denseness of the underbrush. This 

was not so dense at the time of the battle. 

In 1861, rural people fenced their land to protect their crops from 

their roaming farm animals. This was also a wood-burning society, 

When the National Park Service began in the late 1&O&+, it decided to 

allow most parts of this battlefield to grow wild. One can hope that the 

Park Service wiIl be able to restore the battlefield someday to nearly 

its original ground cover. In doing so, the Park Service will more 

closely satisfy its original mandate from Congress to preserve these 

battlefields in order for military offrcers to study them. 

Stand 8 

(Ray’s house, grid 646066.l 

S&&ion: Some of the Ray children were herding horses in the valley 

south of the springhouse when a Confederate soldier warned them that 

a fight was about to happen. They ran home and told everyone else. In 

response, everyone hid in the cellar except John Ray, who watched the 

battle from his front porch. Ultimately, the house and yard became a 

hospital. At one point, a cannon shot from Bois’ Battery on Bloody 

Hill struck the Ray chicken house. After that, the soldiers displayed a 

yellow hospital flag, and the firers shifted to other targets. 

Colonel Richard Weightman of the Missouri State Guard died in 

the west bedroom near the end of the battle. Confederates also brought 

General Lyon”s body here on the afternoon of the battle to be examined 

and prepared for return to the Union lines near SprirngEeld, The 

Confederates buried some of their dead in the yard south of the house. 

Teaching Points: Effect of battle on civilians, using civilian facilities to 

support military operations, and care of the dead and wounded. 

V&n&e: John Ray came to Missouri from Tennessee in the late 1840s. 

He was a widower with one daughter, Elizabeth. He courted and 

married Roxanna Gizzard Steele in 1849. She had been married to 
48 

William Steele, who owned this property and had died in 1848, The 

Ray family was composed of eleven children. The Rays also owned two 

slaves, Wiley and his wife Rhoda, who had four children. This group 

worked the 420-acre Ray farm in the 1850s and 1860s. 

The Rays built their house in 1851, constructing the two rear 

rooms first, occuping them, and then finishing the front rooms later. 

The Rays built the fireplaces of native stone quarried in the area. The 

original cellar under the house was much smaller than the house and 

was entered by a trap door in the middle room. William Steele or Jo.hn 

Ray built the springhouse in the valley opposite the house. The 

springhouse was later enlarged in the 1930s. Other outbuildings 

existed at the time of the battle, including a large stock and hay barn 

southeast of the house; slave quarters for Wiley, Rhoda, and their 

children; a chicken house-west of the house; and a smokehouse in the 

southwest corner of the yard. The Rays were grain farmers who 

produced corn and wheat for the market, but they also kept bees and 

fruit trees and bred and raised horses, cows, hogs, and sheep. 

The Telegraph Road between Springfield and Fort Smith, 

Arkansas, ran in front of the Ray% house. Telegraph wire ran through 

the trees along the road and was strung in April 1860. The U.S. Mail 

established the Wilson’s Creek Post Uffrce at the Ray% place in 1858, 

y as postmaster. Julius Short, a postman who worked for 

Ray in the venture, was present on the day of the battle. 

The Rays continued to live on their farm after the war, John dying 

in 1875 and Roxanna in 18’76. Since that time, the house has had 

several owners and remained occupied until the late 196Os, when the 

Park Service took over maintenance of the house and grounds. 

Restoration of the house began in 1984. (Information on the Rays is 

from August K. Klapp, The Ray Howe [Springfield, MO: Wilson’s 

Creek Battlefield Foundation, 198’71.) 

Route to Stand % If moving by foot or vehicles, follow the Ring Road 

south to the vicinity of the bridge crossing over Wilson’s Creek. Then, 

move by foot, following a Park Service bridle path along the eastern 

bank of the creek for about 1,450 meters to the vicinity of grid 645036. 

Along the way, you will notice the steep rock ledge on your left aad 

Wilson’s Creek on your right. The Missouri Pacific Railroad once had a 

line that ran along here. You will see the concrete pylons where it 

crossed Wilson’s Creek near grid 640041. 

You will find Sigel’s crossing site to be a modern concrete-based 

ford over which automobiles now carefully cross Wilson’s Creek. If you 

wish, try to find the place where Sigel placed Backoff’s Battery in 
49 

position to support his attack on the Confederate camps in Sharp’s 

cornfield (at grid 646042). It is hard to find, but you will be rewarded if 

you try. Climb the hill east of the ford. When you get to the top, turn 

north cross-country until you come out into a field. Look to the 

northwest toward Bloody Hill. T&s view is difficult when the trees are 

green with leaves, but you might catch a glimpse of the large field 

where most of the Confederate cavalry camped. This is one of those 

views of the whole enemy camp that commanders hope for but rarely 

get in battle. 

Stand 9 

C3igel’s crossing, grid 644037) 

Sitzmtian: Sigel’s 2d.-Brigade left Springfield at 1836 on the 9th. He 

had 2 regiments of Missour volunteer infantry, a battery of 6 guns 

(Baokoff’s), and 2 companies of cavalry for a total of about 1,200 

soldiers, plus 5 civilian guides. It rained briefly on the brigade at about 

2166 At 2300, the column halted and rested until daybreak, At about 

0500, Sigel reached the high ground east of the crossing site. From 

there, he had a commanding view of the Confederate camps in Sharp’s 

field. Sigel remained there with four of his guns, while the rest of his 

force continued. This force crossed Wilson”s Creek, either at the 

current ford or farther downstream, and continued past the 

farm to cross Terre11 Creek. 

Teaching Points: Row to conduct detached operations in coordination 

with another force; navigation and the use of guides; and resting, 

security, and surprise. 

VigmCtes: Sigel’s report details the action at this point: 

Tt was now 530 e.m. kt this moment some musket-firing was heard from 

the north-west, a~ouncing the approach of General Lyon’s troops; E 

therefore ordered the four pi~ee to opea fire agtinst the camp, which had e 

%tirrbf effect on the enemy, who were preparing breakfast. The surprise 

we8 complete, except thrrt one of the enemy’s cavalrymen made good his 

escape . . . end took the new& of our advance to . . . General Pearce’s 

headquarters. , . believing that no time should be lost to lend aesistance to 

our friends, we crowed Wileon’s Creek, t5ok down the fences at Dixoa’s 

farm, passed through it end croeeed ‘Fenell Creek. (O.R., 304.) 

&gel’s cavalrymen were busy. Captain Eugene A. Car-r, in his 

account, writes: 

C!olonel Sigel directed me ‘to take the right flank, and then proceeded into 

the valley below the camp and opened fire of cannon upon it. I, in the 

meantime, moved ti the edge of the bluff and opened fiie with my carbines, 

for the purpose of distracting the attention of the enemy, being at ti great 
50 

a dihance to do much execution. A few minutes before Colonel Sigel opened 

fire, I heard firing at the oppoeite end of the camp and sent word to him that 

General Lyon wee engaged. This wee 8 Iittle after 6 a.m. The enemy ran out 

of their camp, which wee of cavalry. . . . (O.R., 89.) 

Second Lieutenant Charles E. Farrand writes: 

Nothing of impart.ance occurred on the march until about 4:30 in the 

morning, when eeveral prisoners were turned over to the grrard. One of 

theee stated to me that their army wee expecting reinforcements from 

Lotiiana, and that they had mistaken UB for their reinforcements. We 

were now wry near the enemy’s camp, end continued TV take prieonera in 

amell numbers, most of whom e&d they were out in search of something to 

eat. (OX, 91.1 

Dr. Samuel H. Melcher was assistant surgeon in Colonel 

Salomon’s 5th Missouri. Me reports: 

General [CoIone11 Sigel soon gave the order TV fiie, which wee reepanded to 

with rapidity, but our gums being on an elevation, and the Confederates 

being in a field which sloped toward the creek, the shots passed over their 

heads, creating a stampede but doing little, if any, damage tu life or limb. 

In vain I and othera urged the artillerymen Co depress the guns. Either from 

inability Co under&and English, or, in the excitement, thinking it wes anly 

necessary to load end fire, they kept banging away till the whole camp wes 

deserted.. . . (Wolcombe end Adams, 46.1 

Route to Stand 10: If moving by vehicles, begin by walking back aIong 

the eastern bank of Wilson’s Creek to the bridge. Then, cross the 

bridge, and move by vehicle southwest cross-country about 500 meters 

to the vicinity of grid 635046. If moving by foot, either cross Wilson’s 

Creek here and follow Sigel’s advance across Terre11 Creek at the 

vicinity of grid 638041 or retrace your steps to the current bridge over 

Wilson’s Creek and then proceed to grid 635046. 

If you are prepared to ford both Wilson’s and Terre11 Creeks, you 

can gain valuable insights by following Sigel’s exact route. This, 

however, requires coordination with Mr. Hancock, who lives on the 

farm at grid 637037. Beware of his dogs. Ask if yau may cross the field 

just east of the Hale Cemetery (grid 638037). Then, cross the field due 

north to Terre11 Creek. Sigel’s coEumn crossed Terre11 Creek where a 

huge sycamore tree stands (in 1999). This tree is considerably larger 

than any other trees along this stretch of Terre1 Creek and makes a 

good landmark to guide your movements. 

Cross the creek at the huge sycamore tree, and continue across 

the old railroad grade northward until you come out at the south end of 

a huge field. This, in 1861, was Sharp’s cornfield. The Park Service has 

marked the western edge of the cornfield with a snake rail fence. In 

1861, a road followed the western edge of the field all the way to the 
51 

Sharp house near the Telegraph Road. Sigel used this route to move 

his infantry and artillery. 

Stztnd 10 

C&gel $ attack, grid 635047) 

Situ&ton: The Confederates camped much of their cavalry in this 

field-about 2,4QO men. Sigel’s bombardment took them by surprise, 

and for the most part, they fled. Sigel followed his advantage and 

continued his movement up from Terre11 Creek and onto the southern 

end of this huge cornfield. He now moved along a road that bounded 

the western edge of this field and discovered a force of Southern 

cavalry attempting to form near Sharp’s house. En response, he ordered 

the four guns and crews that had been left across Wilson’s Creek to 

rejoin the brigade. Then, .he depIoyed his infantry and artillery into 

the field. After briefly shelling the Confederate cavalry, they 

withdrew. Sigel re-formed his brigade, returned to the road along the 

edge of the fieId, and moved to his final position blocking the 

Telegraph Road. 

Teaching Points: Exploitation, surprise, and principle of the objective. 

Imagine the elation and high spirits of Sigel’s men, especially in light 

of what soon happened to them. 

Vignettes: SigeYs report states: 

[We] continued our march until we reached the south side of the valley, 

which extenda northward to Sharp’s house, about 30610 paces, and from 

west to east about 1QCM. We took the road on the west side of the valley* 

along the margin of the woods, and within a fence rtuming nearly parallel 

with the open fields During this time a large body of the enemy’s cavalry, 

about 2500 strong, was forming across the valley, not far diatant from its 

northern extremity; I therefore halted the column on the road, eent for the 

four pieces l& on the other side of the creek, and, as soon as their approach 

was reported to me, I directed the head of our column to the right, left the 

road, and formed the troopa in Iine of battle, between the road and the 

enemy% deserted camp-the infantry on the Ieft, the artiHery on the right, 

and the cavalry on the extrcime right, toward Wiison’e Creek. A IiveEy 

cannonade was opened against the dense masses of the hostile cavalry, 

which lasted about twenty minutes, and forced the enemy to retire in 

disorder toward the north and into the woods. We now turned back into the 

road, and advancing, made our way through a number of cattle near 

Shrtrp’e house, and suddenly struck the Fayetteville Road [Telegraph Road1 

leading north to that part of the battlefield which General Lyon’a troops 

were engaged. . . .(Franz Sigel, “The Flanking Column at Wilson’s Creek,” 

Battles and Leaders of the Cioil War, edited by Robert Underwood Johnson 

and Clarence Clough Euel, vol. 1 [New York: The Century Co., 18821,304.) 
52 

Lieutenant F and, who led part of SigeYs cavalry, describes the 

campsite: 

. ..~EW~p&&3dt ~~it~8~wrn~y ae~~bodieaaodq~titieaoEarm6 

on the grourid. Many of the latter I caused my men 

ere were in their camp a wagon had of Maynard riflee, one of 

regular rifled muskets, and several boxes of United Statea regulation 

Babers, all new. (Q.R., 91.) 

where I found a 

Most of the tenta 

iukt the ground, butt 

caught iB the flint bck. 

, Jr. ~h~~~r co karrsas Mounted 

Mes. In his report, written later that same day, be writes: 

General: I have the honor to report that about breast the enemy opened 

one of their batteries upon my camp. Being in an open field and exposed to 

raking fire of grape and shelf, and not aupported by any of our own 

batteries, E fell back ti the woo&, and there formed my regiment. I then 

moved down the road in the direction of Springfield , , I _ (O.R., LO%--10.1 

Greer commanded the South Kansas-Te unted Regiment 

camped at the ~o~be~ end of the field. His urn the most time to 

react and was out of the line of fire initially. He reports: 

The different companies of the regiment formed aa rapidly aa possible. I 

immediately determined ta c-rosa the ford . . . and cbsrge the batter-y of the 

enemy on the hill [Backoff or Totten]. About Half of the comptiee had 

marched out of the Field . . . when I found that the other companies did not 

move aut. I sent the adjutant back TV where they were, with ardera to have 

them join the other on af the commmd. By this time the enemy had 

a ared in the field, had planted several pieces of artillery, and had 

opened fire on my re~~g companies. They were tornred under commmd 

Of~~j~[~.~.~~~~~~. . I. (OJ?.,II8.) 

Route to Stand fl: Now, long the western edge of Sharp’s 

er. Prom here, move west about 100 

close to the place where the road 

disappears over the Ml to the southwest. This is stand 11 (grid 

636054). It gives Sigel’s situation. Along the way, 

reinforce the fact R were s~ccessfu1 to this point and 

were shortly to be 
53 

Stand 11 

(Sigds defeat, grid 635054 

Situatim: Sigek captured about 100 prisoners at Sharp’s farm and 

concluded that Lyon was attacking successfulIy and that his force was 

in the perfect position to block the Confederates’ escape route and bag 

several thousand rebels. The Union 3d Missouri formed on the right 

(east), the 5th Missouri on the left (west), and Backoffs artillery 

unlimbered in the center, with two guns in reserve. Captain Eugene A. 

Car-r’s troopers watched the left flank and Second Lieutenant Charles 

E. Farrand’s troopers the right. This was a cIassic blocking position. 

For the next thirty minutes, Sigel’s guns lobbed shells to the 

north across Skeggs Branch into the Confederates opposing’ Lyon’s 

advance. At about 0830,._the firing on Bloody Hill stopped. There was a 

lull, in the battle there as both sides made adjustments, Through the 

smoke, Sigel could see large numbers of men moving on the northern 

side of Skegg’s Branch. He concluded that the Confederates were 

withdrawing. He was ready to capture them. 

The Confederates began to get things sorted out by this time, 

although their troop movements continued to be disrupted by bands of 

horsemen roaming around the battlefield. McCulloch personally took 

charge of 300 men from the 3d Louisiana (the regiment that helped 

defeat Plummer in’Ray’s cornfield and then displayed the yellow 

hospital fiag near Ray’s house). He led them south across the Wilson’s 

Creek ford to Skegg’s Branch and deployed into line of battle across the 

Telegraph Road. Reid’s Battery (four guns) deployed on the high 

ground just east of the junction of Skegg’s Branch and Wilson’s Creek. 

Bledsoe’s Battery (three guns, including Qld Sacramento) supported 

the attack from north of Skeggs Branch. 

The Louisianans advanced. This confused Sigel’s men, who 

expected to see fleeing rebels, not formed troops. At first, they mistook 

the gray-clad Louisianans for the 1st Iowa-also dressed in gray. 

McCulloch’s men closed to forty yards before Sigel realized his mistake 

and ordered his men and guas to fire. But it was too late; Reid’s and 

Bledsoe’s Batteries opened fire, and the Confederate infantry raked 

the Union position. Other Confederates who had been hiding in the 

adjacent woods joined in the attack. Sigel’s infantry did not even fire in 

response; they ran. Within minutes, Sigel’s command had 

disintegrated. Some retreated back the way they had come; others took 

the Telegraph Road south (see map 6). 
54 

&gel’s command lost 5 of it-s 6 guns, and his 2 infantry regiments 

lost 35 killed, 132 wounded, and 126 missing out of 990 engaged. His 

cavalry reported 4 men missing out of 125 engaged. 

Teaching Points: E’og of battle, quickly changin situations, loss of 

initiative, units of command, simp%zity of plan, cognition of friend 

and foe, and holding a reserve. 

Vignettes: Sigel describes his defeat: 

AlI of these circumstances-the cessation of the trring in Lyon’s front, the 

appearance of the enemy’s deserters, and the rnovernent of. I . artillery and 

cavalry toward tbe south--led us into the belief that the enemy’s forces 

were retreating. . . So uncertain was I in regard to the &ma&r of the 

approaching troops . . . that I . . . cent Corporaf Tad, of the 3d Missouri, 

forward to challenge them. IIe chahenged as ordered but was immediately 

shot and killed. I instan$ly ordered the artillery and infantry to Ere. But it 

was too late--th~ artillery fired one or two shots but the infantry, ae though 

paralyxed, did not fire.. . the horses and drivers aftbree guns suddenly left 

their position and, in their tumultuous flight carrying panic into the ranks 

of the infantry, which turned back in disorder. . . . @gel, 305.) 

Lieutenant Colonel S. M. Kyams Jr. was the officer in command of 

the 300 soldiers from the 3d Louisiana. He reports: 

We were conducted by the gallant Colonel McIntosh across the ford to the 

valley in front of Sigel’s battery, when, having deployed in hne, the charge 

was ordered.. I and arriving an the brow af the hill, Lieutenant Lacey, of 

the Shreveport Rangers, sprang on a log, waved his sword, and called, 

“Come on, Caddo!” [the parish from which they were re-cruitedl. The whole 

command rushed forward, carried the guns, rushed to the fence, and drove 

the enemy off, (O.R., 115.1 

Captain John P. Vigilini of the 3d Louisiana was at the point of 

the attack. He states: 

We eterted with about 300 rnea . . . Tke Pelican Rifles and the Iberviife 

Greya, under my command, were on the right and thus marched until we 

were within thirty or forty yarda of the battery, wkich was on a steep hill. . 

. a mm [Corpora1 Todl appeared on the edge of the hill. The general then 

ordered us to kalt and asked the man whose forces those were. He replied, 

“Sigel’s regiment,” at the aarne time raising a rifle t-0 shoot, but ere be had 

tiroe to execute his deaign the sharp crack of a Mississippi rifie carried a 

messenger of death to him, and thus to Corporal Henry Gentles, of my 

company, behmga the honor of having aaved the general% life. The general 

then turned to me and said, “Captain, take your ccpmpanp up and give them 

hell.” (O.R., 117.1 

The ever-present I Melcher describes the scene: 

It wae amokey and obje&s at a distance could not be seen very distinctly. 

Being at sorae distance in front of the command, I saw a body of men 

moving down the vahey toward ua [3d Louisiana], from the direction we 
55 

lest heard General Lyon’s guna. I rode back, and reported to Colonel Sigel 

that troop were coming. . . . Nat seeing their colors, f auggeeted ta SigeI, 

that he had better show hia. . . . A battery we could not see opened with 

grape, making a great deal of noise ae the shot struck the fence and trees, 

but wt daing much damage . . . except to scare the men, who hunted for 

cover like a flock af young pextridges. , I . The impression seemed ta be that 

T&ten WSB iirhg into us. 1 . . Cohmel Sigel now evidently thought of 

retreat, as the or&y word.9 I beard from him were, “Where’s my guides?” ~ . . 

(Hoksmbe and Adams, 46-47.) 

Not afl of the 3d Louisiana got into the battle against Sigel. 

W. F. Tunnard commanded the group that taken refuge m2ar Ray% 

house and had displayed the yellow hospit er to discourage 

I)u Bois’ Battery. His report is somewhat s 

In marching to join the right wing near the ford In the road, we were a 

fired on, wounhgaevera! and shooting my horse, and h tbea accompan 

the regiment on foot. Nothing more occur-red . . 1 worthy of notice excep 

wounding of ‘&ree of our men by the accidental discharge of ZI musket by 

one of the Korehowe Fencibles. (Q.R., 117.) 

Route fo Stan4 12: Follow the Telegraph Road northward about 600 

meters to the site of Edwards’ cabin (grid 638058). As you proceed, 

notice the elevation change at Skegg ‘s Branch. Try to get a feehng for 

the distance from here to Bloody Hill. Visualize hundreds of men, 

horses, muIes, and wagons running around in a panic. At some point, 

turn around and view Sigel’s position from the Confederate 

perspective. 

Stand 12 

(Price”s headquarters, grid 638058) 

Situation: More than 3,000 men of General Price’s Missouri State 

Guard camped in this meadow. Many of these men were unarmed, and 

most of the others carried shotguns, pistols, squirrel rifles, and other 

private weapons. Most of General MeCulloch’s Arkansas, Texas, and 

Louisiana troops camped on the eastern side of Wilson’s Cree 

this site. This is the center of Confederate command and con 

beginning of the battle. 

The Cunfederate command was bitterly divided between Generals 

Price and McCulloch. Price was a major general; and ~~rnrn~~der af the 

hifiEsouri State Guard (militia). He had fought with distinction in the 

Mexican War, had been governor of Missouri, and was intimately 

familiar with the campaign to this date. ~~C~l~o~b was a brigadier 

general commissioned by the Confederacy and acting under orders 

from General Leonidas Polk in Memphis. McCulloch w tough, able 

commander. His men represented the quality of this C erate force. 
56 

Map 6. The Battle at Wilson’s Creek, OSOO-1000 

-. -.- ----- ___- 

58 

He had a distinctly Eow regard for Price’s militiamen, and he was not 

politically adroit. 

Teaching Points: Unity of command, objective, and campsite selection. 

Vignettes: Qne week before, when the army had camped farther south, 

Price confronted McCulloch over the issue of command: 

Iamanoidermanthangou.. . and I am not only your senior in rank now, 

but I was a brigadier general in the Mexican War. . . when yau were only a 

captaia; I have fought and won more bat&s than you have ever witnessed; 

my force is twice as great as yours; some of my officers rank you and have 

men more service than yorr; and we are also upon the soil of our own state; 

but if you will consent to help us whip Lyon and to repossese Missouri, I will: 

put myself and all my forces under your command and we wiii obey you as 

faithfully as the humblest of your own men. . . . ME we want is to regain our 

homes and to establ@~ the independence of Missouri and the South. If you 

refuse to accept this offer, I will move with the Missourians alone, against 

Lyon. . . . You must either Eight beside us, or look on at a safe distance, and 

see us fight all alone the army which you dare not attack even with our aid. 

. (Edwin C. Beams, The &tile of W&on’s Creek, 2d edition [Boseman, 

GT: Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation, 1985],31.) 

McCulloch agreed to these conditions, and the army moved to 

its campsite at Wilson’s Creek, where it sat for several days. Price 

again challenged McCulloch to attack, and on the 9th, McCulloch 

issued orders for a night march on Springfield and an attack on the 

10th. This order threw the Confederate camps into turmoil. Brigadier 

General N. B. Pearce recalls: 

The question of ammunition was one of the most important and serious . . . 

and the men scattered about in groups, ta improvise . . . ammunition for 

bullets ~ . I dividing percussion caps . . . fitting new flints in their old 

muskets. They had little thought then of the inequalities between the 

diacipEine, arms, and accoukementa of the regular United States troops 

they were scan to engage in battle. . . (N. B. Pearce, “Arkamaa Troops in 

the Battle of Wilson’s Creek,” Battles and Leaders of the Civil War, edited 

by R&rt UndercPood Johnson and Clarence CIough Buel, val. I [New 

York: The Century Co., 18841,299.) 

About 2100, just as the Confederate army was ready to move, it 

began to rain. Xt was not a downpour but significant enough to cause 

McCulloch to cancel the movement order. AI1 agreed that this was the 

best course of action. The Confederates’ greatest cancem was for their 

limited supply of ammunition and their belief that their supply of 

powder would be ruined by a march in the rain. 

This brings us to one of the great questions concerning this 

campaign. What if the Confederates had moved as planned? Would the 

armies have met in the dark somewhere between Wilson’s Creek and 
59 

Springfield? Would Lyon have found an empty camp* while Price and 

McCulloch seized Springfield? 

About dawn, General McCulloch came to have breakfast with 

General Price, and they were here when General Lyon attacked. Ahut 

0530, messengers began arriving from Cawthorn, who was then under 

attack. McCulloch did not believe the reports, but he saw panicstricken soldiers moving south across Bloody Hi&-fugitives from 

Cawthorn’s command. Then, in quick succession, came the sound of 

artillery to the north (probably Totten’s] and from the south 

(Back&f’s>. The Federals were attacking from two directions. 

There is no record of what Price and MeCulloch said to each other 

or if they had a cogent plan from this point. A11 we really know is that 

Price gave instructions for his men to move up Bloody Hill to fight 

Lyon, and McCuBodh’r&Ie off to his headquarters to get his force into 

action. 

From here, the tour can go to several points of interest. The 

Wilson’s Creek ford, which was used so extensively in the battle, is 

adjacent to the small bridge just north of the Edwards’ cabin site. 

Discuss the characteristics that made a usable ford in Civil War days. 

Discuss also the effects of several thousand men using this creek as a 

water supply. 

Next, Price went galloping off to rally Cawthorn’s troops and take 

charge of the battle. He directed his counterattack, which developed 

slowly, almost due north from the Edwards’ cabin. As troops became 

available, they followed him, but because of the restricted space, they 

were forced to shift westward in order to find a place in the battle line. 

This gradual extension of the Confederate line to the west is a 

fundamental element in understanding how the battle for Bloody Hill 

developed. Eventually, the Confederates began to overlap Lyon’s force 

OII the western slope of Bloody Will. 

Route to Stand 13: To get an accurate feeling for how most of the 

Confederate troops made their way into this battle, the group should 

follow the northern bank of Skegg ‘s Branch to a point about 200 

meters south of stand 13 and then move north. This route gave some 

protection for the Confederates from artillery and small-arms fire from 

the Union positions on Bloody Hill. Visualize bodies of men moving 

farther and farther westward until they could find a place in the line to 

fight and using this route to get there. 

As an alternative, the group can move due west about 700 meters 

from the Edwards’ cabin site to the vicinity of grid 6336359, the position 
60 

of Guibor’s Battery. The site is marked with a cannon. This route is 

diff?eult and may expose the group to chiggers, ticks, and snakes. 

A third alternative is to go back south along the Telegraph Road 

to the paved Ring Road, then along it to National Park Service stop 

number 6. You are at the position of Guibor’s Battery, whieh is aIso 

stand 13. 

Stand 13 

(Guibor’s Battery, grid 633059) 

(NOTE Tddeallg, the group should uee the d&lade of Skegg ‘B Branch to nave fr~rn stand 

12 to stand 13. This raute was safely out of the line t&fire from Bloody Hill. Students can 

get an idea of the distance involved and the command and control required to conduct 

such a movement. Another route takes the grcrup directly weet from the Edwarda” cabin 

acrom the prairie to atan& 13.-Thia route has the advantage of exposing studenta to ED 

ever-changing view of Bloody Hi11 ta the north, Sigel’a fbai position to the south, and the 

Confederate positions on the east side of Wilson’s Creek Depending an the weather, this 

route could expae the group to chiggers, p&on ivy, ticks, and snakes.) 

Situutzhn: The Confederates established their battle lines by 0630, and 

Captain H. Guibor’s Battery (four guns) was here. To his left (west) 

was Brigadier General J. H. McBride’s infantry. To his right (east) 

were Brigadier Genera1 Monroe M. Parson’s infantry, Brigadier 

General John B. Clark’s mixed force, Brigadier General William Y. 

Slack’s mixed force, Colonel Richard I-I. Weightman’s infantry, and 

Cawthom’s cavalry (now rallied and positioned closest to the creek). 

The battle for Bloody Hill was one of charge and countercharge. 

For the Confederates, the problem was one of topography and 

technology. While they greatly outnumbered Lyon’s force, they were 

positioned down the hill and held inferior weapons. As they proceeded, 

they moved forward trying to get within range to shoot their shotguns 

and muskets. In response, the FederaIs would drive them back with 

artillery, small-arms fire, and short counterattacks. As the 

Confederate line extended to the west, Lyon adjusted his line 

correspondingly, Eventually, all of Lyon’s foree was engaged except his 

reserve, the 2d Kansas Infantry. 

About 0830, the fighting died out all along the line as both sides 

repositioned and recuperated. During the lull, McCulloch routed Sigel 

and then redirected his available forces to come to the aid of Price’s 

Missourians. Consequently, the 3d Arkansas, parts of the 3d 

Louisiana, the 1st Arkansas Mounted Rifles, and the South KansasTexas Mounted Regiment converged here. This fresh force brought 

great pressure onto the western end of Lyon’s battle line. 
61 

V&&&z Churchill and his I,& Arkansas Mounted Rifles had been 

routed out of Sharp’s cornfield during Sigel’s attack. Later, Churchill 

recovered control of most of his force and moved to this position to 

continue the fight against Lyon’s main line on Bloody WiI1. Churchill 

describes the scene: 

I w8s met by 8n tide dGmer8l Price, aagirvg for a reenforcement to come to 

the support of General Sack. I instantly moved up my regime&. to his aid 

amid & ehower of grape and mu&etry, and took my pot&ion on bimj, left, and 

ordered my men ti commence fling. We dieputed the ground the&with the 

enemy inch by inch, for about three or four hours, amidst a most terrific fire 

from their battery [Totten’& poeted on the bill, and continued volleye of 

musketry. E there encountered the faces commanded by General Lyon in 

person, mostly all regulars, with a regiment of Iowa ttoopa. The battle 

raged fierceIy, and the firing acarcelp ceased for a moment. The contest 

seemed doubtful. At timee we would drive them up the hill, and in turn 

they would r&y tid catmexe to fall back. At length we shouted and made a 

gallent charge and drove them over the hill. (O.R., 110.) 

Teaching Points: Maneuver, offensive, technology, and the reaction of 

green troops in their first battle. Discuss the actions of General 

McCulloch, whose men defeated Plummer, then Sigel, then came here 

to fight Lyon. 

Route to Stand 14: Use the Ring Road in walking north about 608 

meters to the Bloody Hill parking area. Stand 14 is adjacent to the 

parking area and marked with a cannon. At some point along the way, 

your group will leave the Confederate battle line and enter the Union 

line. Note that the route is uphill practically the entire way. 

Stand 14 

CM&ski5 section, grid 631066) 

(NOTE: The position of SokaMi’e section is marked by a singlegun lo&4 close to the 

parking area for Bloody Hill.) 

Sitzuztin: Totten’s battery fire dominated the battle here. Almoat all 

accounts credit his guns with anchoring this part of the Union line. As 

the Confederates extended their line westward, Totten dispatched 

Sokalski’s two-gun section to this point. The Federals’ 1st Missouri 

and two companies of the 2d Missouri formed this part of the line and 

were as far west as the Union line extended. In the meantime, Major 

Steele’s battalion of Regulars supported Totten’s artillery. 

The battle renewed about 0900, and by 1000, the Confederates 

were having some success. About that time, Greer’s South KansasTexas Mounted Regiment made its attack from the west into the rear 
62 

of Lyon’s battle line. Fire from Sokalski’s guns drove them off, but they 

diverted Lyon’s attention from the main battle. 

Teaching Points: Maneuver, position, deep battle, and cambined arms. 

V&z&es: Greer’s command numbered $00, but not all of them were 

present when the South Kansas-Texas Mounted Regiment attacked. 

Greer writes: 

I . . 1 received orders from General McCulloch to flank the enemy on their 

right [west]. . . . When I thought the five companies I had with me of my 

command had moved su&iently far, I ordered a charge upon the enemy. 

This was done, with a shout for Texae. The enemy wa8 tbrovrn into 

considerable confusion, Some of them left without firing their guna, others 

etood &ill until we had nearly rode upon them, then fired and fled, others 

concealed themselves in the bushes and ahot at ua as we paaeed. Several of 

my men ware Wed‘andwounded in thie charge. I would have attempted to 

charge the main body of the enemy’s forcea stilt farther to our right, but for 

the fact that we would have been exposed to the fire not only of the enemy, 

butofourownguna.... At tbie time the firing seemed considerably to 

abate cm both eidea. Here [where?1 I remained for some time watching the 

movements of the enemy. Being entirely separated &am the reat of our 

army, I then moved my companies back, 90 as to eupport our infantry. 

(O.R., 118-19.) 

After its attack, Greer’s force chased Sigel’s fugitives, finding 

them to be easier targets than Lyon’s main line. Several of the Union 

reports mention this attack. Captain Totten’s report is one of the least 

complimentary: 

General Lyon eent me an order to support the. . . regimenta on the extreme 

right [weat] who were then being closely pressed by the enemy. I ordered 

Lieutenant Sokalski to move forward with his section immediately, which 

he did . . . relieving and saving the . . . regiments from being overthrown 

and driven back. After this the enemy tried to overwhelm us by an attack of 

some 800 cavahy, which, unobserved, had formed below the cresb of the 

hi& to our right and rear. Fortunately, some of our infantry companies and 

8 few pieces of artillery from my battery were in position to meet this 

demon&ration, and drove off their cavalry with ease. Thie wae the only 

demonstration made by their cavalry, and it was sa effete and ineffectual in 

its force and character ae to deserve only the appellation of child’s play. 

Their cavalry ia utterly worthless an the battlefield. (O.R., 74.1 

Rortte to Stand 15: The National Park Service maintains a walking 

route that circles Bloody Hill. Follow it in reverse. En route to the 

sinkhole, the group will pass a cannon marking Totten”s battery 

position. Along the way, try to keep bearings on Ray’s house, Sigel’s 

position, and the main Confederate camp near Edwards” cabin. 
63 

!The sinkhole, grid 6330651 

Situath: This position is one of historical interest because of what 

happened here after the battle. The Confederates were in possession of 

the battlefield with most of the dead and many of the wounded to tend. 

The weather was hot. Putrefaction soon set in, and there was a scarcity 

of coffins and coffin makers. Burials, therefore, were imperfect. 

Teaching Points: Dealing with the dead and wounded and cultural and 

psychological issues. Later in this tour, we will talk about what 

happened to General Lyon’s body. 

Vignette: In 1867, when the National Cemetery at Springfield was 

established, the contractor for the removal of the dead bodies of the 

Union soldiers on the battleground took 183 bodies off the field: 34 

came from the sinkhole, 14 from an old well, and 135 from other parta 

of the battlefield. What became of the the Confederate dead? 

Route to Stand 16: Continue along the Bloody Hill trail in reverse. At 

its southernmost point, the trail overlooks the prairie stretching 

southward toward Skegg ‘s Branch. Pause here; this point provides a 

good view toward the south, including Sigel’s final position and the 

main Confederate campsite at Edwards* cabin. Prom this point, the 

group can visualize what the battlefield may have looked like on IQ 

August 1861. At that time, Confederates advanced uphill in charge 

after charge. The prairie grass was tall enough to hide the soldiers, 

and scattered trees and bushes helped the advancing men gauge 

distances. 

As you continue to follow the Bloody Hill trail in reverse, 

remember that the foliage was not so dense at the time of the battle. 

Bloody Hill’s real name is Oak Hill, and oak trees at the time of the 

battle were in abundance. The underbrush, however, was not so thick, 

and there was sufficient room to maneuver troops and artillery 

between the trees. 

Route to Stand 16: Continue along the Bloody Hill trail in reverse. 

Move along the trail to stand 16, where a granite monument marks the 

site of General Lyon’s death. 

Stand 16 

&on’s death marker, grid 635ll64) 

Situation: Confused fighting took place at this point, and clearly, 

neither side held a marked advantage. The Confederates outnumbered 
64 

the Federals, but Union troops held a better position and had superior 

weapons. About 1000, the Confederates killed General Lyon’s horse 

and wounded the general in the head and leg. Lyon then walked a 

short distance to the rear and had his head wound bound. The general 

was depressed and considered that the battle was lost, but his 

subordinates encouraged him to keep up the fight. He got another 

horse, rallied some troops, and was leading them forward when he was 

shot through the heart and died immediately. He was the first Union 

general officer killed in battle in the war (for the disposition of the 

battlefield, see map 7’1. 

That Lyon’s death had so littIe effect on the battle may 

demonstrate how little control he had over the whole line. The 

command now devolved upon Major Sturgis, who consulted with the 

other commanders. Singe-the commanders had last hope for a linkup 

with SigeI’s command, they decided. to withdraw. It was about 

1130. 

Teaching PO&~: Effect on morale of leader’s death, chain of command, 

and lack of maneuver options. 

Vignetbe: The story of what happened to General Lyon’s body is one of 

those interesting sidelights in history. His aide carried his body to the 

rear and placed it in the shade of a tree, Major Sturgis, Major 

Schofield, Surgeon Cornyll, Captain Granger, and some other officers 

examined the body. Thereupon, Sturgis ordered the body carried to the 

field hospital and evacuated to Springfield. Soldiers put the body in an 

army wagon being used as an ambulance belonging to B Company, 1st 

U.S. Cavalry. As the wagon was about to leave for the hospital, 

however, a sergeant came along and ordered the body removed from 

the wagon (to be placed in an ambulance once it arrived). 

The ambulance never came, and Lyon’s body was left unattended. 

About an hour later, some Arkansas soldiers came upon the body and 

spread the word about Lyon’s death. Placing the body in a small 

covered wagan, they took it to General Price’s headquarters, where 

Price and other officers viewed the corpse. Dr. Mehcher (the same one 

who was with Sigel’s command) had remained on the field to help with 

the wounded, and he volunteered to take charge of the body. Melcher 

then took the body to Bay’s house and did a detailed examination 

Melcher describes the body: 

There was a wound on the right side of the head, another in the right leg 

below the knee, and an&her, which caused hia death, was by a small rifle 

ball, which entered about the fourth rib on the 1eR side, passing entirely 

through the body, making ita exit from the right side, evidently passing 
65 

through both lungs and heart. . . . At this time he bad on a dark blue, sin&e 

breasted captain’s coat, with the buttons used by the regular army of the 

Unit& St&w. It was the same unifkm coat E had frequently seen him weax 

in the araenal at St. Louis, and was considerably worn and faded. 

@Mcombe and Adama, 99.) 

Five soldiers volunteered to escort the body to Springfield. 

Carrying a note endorsed by General Rains, Melcher and the soldiers 

arrived in Springfield later that evening, and the body was placed in 

Lyon’s former headquarters, The Unionists determined to take the 

body with the retreating army to Rolla, and since there was no metal 

coffin available, the body had to be embalmed. Chief Surgeon Dr. E. C. 

Franklin was summoned and ordered to embalm the body. He 

prepared the fluid and began injecting the body, but the chest wound 

prevented thorough circulation. Dr. Franklin was then told to dispose 

of the body in the best possible manner. 

Franklin ordered a coffin and arranged for the body to be washed 

and prepared for burial. Lyon had been dead twenty-four hours, and in 

the very hot weather, the body was rapidly deteriorating. Franklin 

sprinkled the body with bay rum and alcohol, and it was taken to the 

farmhouse of Congressman John S. Phelps, whose wife, Mary, had 

helped prepare the body. But it was not buried immediately. The 

understanding was that it would be sent for soon. Meanwhile, a local 

tin shop was ordered to make a zinc case for the coffin to assist in the 

preservation of the body, which was kept in an outdoor cellar until the 

14th when George Phelps” slave dug a grave in the garden and buried 

Lyon. 

On 22 August, a 300-pound metal coffin arrived from Rolla with a 

note from General Fremont requesting Lyon% body. The grave was 

opened and the body disinterred and loaded into the metal coffm. It 

arrived in St. Louis on the 26th. From there, it made its way east to the 

family home in Eastford, Connecticut, where it was finally buried on 5 

September. 

Lyon was born on 14 July 1818, He graduated from West Point in 

1841, eleventh in a class of fifty. Ne later served in Florida, Mexico 

(under Taylor and Scott), California, and on the frontier from 1850 to 

1861. 

Route to Stand 27: Follow the Bloody Hill trail northward, and then 

move to the vicinity of grid 632066. The exact spot is hard to find, but 

the intent is to place the group in a position to see the Union 

withdrawal routes to the north. 
66 

Map 7. The Baffle of Wilson’s Creek, 1000-l 130 
67 

_. “, 

I 

s 

Legend 

Thin growth of timber, lie of na underbnrsh 

Park boundary 

Fields 

Farmhwses 

Elevated areas 

Federal forces 

Confederate forces 

Corrfederate axis of advarw 

Artillery 
68 

Stand 17 

(Federal zuithdrawal, grid 6320661 

(NOTE: This stand is located near stand 4. From here, studeenta can see the route by 

which Lyon”8 army advanced ad retreati 

Situation: After Lyon’s death, it took about thirty minutes to 

determine who was in charge since all of the regimental commanders 

had been wounded. Finally, Major Sturgis was found to be the senior 

officer fit for duty. At the time, the battIefield was calm, similar to the 

earlier lull at 0830. Taking advantage of the respite, Sturgis called for 

a council of war. Some troops thought to be Sigel”s were seen in the 

distance. On arriving at the scene, they were encouraged and decided 

to fight on with Sturgis’ force. Sturgis reorganized his line before the 

next rebef attack, which he described in his report as ‘“the fiercest and 

most bloody engagement of the day.” Again, however, the Confederate 

attack waned, and at about 1130, Stlirgis met with his commanders 

again. Since they were short of ammunition and had Iost hope of a 

linkup with SigeI, Sturgis gave the order to withdraw. 

Du Bois” Battery moved to the next hiB north and deployed to 

cover the army’s withdrawal. First, the wounded were evacuated, and 

then, the rest of the units marched away in good order. The 

Confederates did not pursue. The Union army halted about two miles 

north, and the men were allowed to eat and rest. Even at this late 

juncture, Sturgis was hoping that Sigel would intervene. FinalIy, a 

messenger brought the news of Sigel’s disaster. The march to 

Springfield continued, and the army arrived at 1706 in good order. 

The Confederates probably did not pursue because they had just 

about all the fight they wanted for one day. But what if the rebels had 

made good their great advantage in mounted men and pressed the 

Union withdrawal? Speculate on this posibility. 

Teaching Points: The conduct of a withdrawal, pursuit, and the 

problems in dealing with a battlefield when it is Ieft in one’s 

possession* 

Vignettes: Three days after the battIe, General Fremont, in St. Louis, 

sent this dispatch to Washington: 

General Lyon, in three columns, hbnder himself, Sigel, ancl Sturgis, attacked 

the enemy at 6~30 o’claek on the morning of the I&h, 9 miiee southeast of 

eld. Engagement severe. Our Eoss about 80 killed a&d wounded. 

General Lyon killed in charge at head of his calumn. Our force 8,000, 

irduding 2,000 Home Guards. Muster roll reported taken from the enemjl 

23,ooO, inciluding regimenta ftom Louisiana, Tennessee, Miasisaippi, with 

Texan Rangers and Cherokee half-breech. This sta~ment corroborated by 
69 

prisoners. Their loss reported heavy, including Generals McCuUoch and 

Price. Their tenta and wagons destroyed in the action. Sigel let% one gun in 

the field and returned to SpringGeld, whence, aC3 o’clock in the morning of 

the Ilth, continued his retreat upon Rolla, bringing off his baggage traina 

and $ZSO,O#Q in specie Erom Springfield Bank. I am doing what ia poseibEe 

to euppart him, but need aid of some organized farce to repel the enemy, 

reported advancing on other points in considerable strength. (O.R., 54.) 

Pearce, whose Arkansas haps had contributed greatly in the 

defeat of Sigel and the later attacks on Bloody Hill, sums it up: 

General McC!ulIoch, myself, and our et& officers now grouped ourselves 

together upon the center of [Bloody Hill]. Woodruff% battery was again 

placed in position and, Tot&n [aU Bois], who was covering the retreat of 

sturgis . . . received the benefit of his parting shot& We watched the 

retreating enemy through our field-glasses, and were glad ta see him go. 

Our ammunition waa exbauated, ou1” men undisciplined, and we feared to 

risk pursuit.. * . (P&uar, 303;) 

The losses at Wilson’s Creek were: 

l U7&m--5,400 engaged: 258 killed (5 percent), 873 wounded (16 

percent), and 186 missing (3 percent). Total casualties were 1,317 (24 

percent). 

o ConfederaEe-10,200 engaged: 279 killed (3 percent) and 951 

wounded (9 percent}. Total casualties were 1,230 (12 percent). 

Route fmm Stand 1 T: YQU cm return to the Bloody Hill parking lot’ or 

follow the Union withdrawal route northward and rejoin the Ring 

Road in the vicinity of grid 627071. 

This concludes the walking tour of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek. 
APPENDIX A 

Characters for Role Playing 

To implement a successful st& ride that addresees the important events of the 

battle and their significance, participants of the st& ride can he assigned characters to 

play (important commanders in the conflict). Assuming the roie ofthese characters at a 

s&n&ant point in the battle, the staff ride participant will explain why his or her 

character acted the way he did and the impact of those actions on the outcome of the 

battle. These preaentatians can occur at a stand that i&xninates the action that took 

place there more than a century ago. 

The Battle of Wilson*a Creek haa a sufficient number and diversity of charactars 

imdved in ita action to satisfy almost any at& ride requirement. The following are 

some of the characters that most easily lend themselves to role playing because of the 

parts they piayed in the battle and the availability of their recorded actions. 

Union 

Lieutenant Colonel Charles W. Blair, commander, 2d Kansas Infantry, was born 

in Ohio. After joining the Army, be transferred to the 2d Kansas Cavalry and later to the 

14th Haneae I&&q. He was promoted ta colonel in November 1863 and brevetted a 

brigadier general, U.S.Volunteers GJSVl, in February f&Xi. He died in 1899. 

Captain Eugene A. Can, commander, Company I, lat US. Cavah-y, was born in 

New York in 1830. He attended the U.S. Military Academy in 1850 and later served on 

the frontier (where he was nicknamed “War Eagle”). Carr was commiaeioned a colonel of 

the 3d Illinois Cavairy on 16 August 1861 and fought at Pea Ridge, where he wae 

wounded three times and received the Medal of Honor. He was promoted to brigadier 

general in March 1862 and commanded a division in the second Vicksburg campaign and 

the Mobile campaign in 1865. Later, Carr fought Indians on the &ntier. He once said 

that he “would rather be a colonel of cavalry than Czar of Russia” He retired a brigadier 

general in February 1893, died in Wssbington, DC., in December 1910, and is buried at 

we& Point. 

Captain PoweD. Claytom commander, Company E, 1st Kansas Snfantry, was born 

in 1333 and educated at a Pennsylvania military academy and Delaware engineering 

school, He was a professional civil engineer. Carr w8s commissioned a captain on 29 May 

1361, then a colonel of the 5th Kansas Cavalry, and promoted to brigadier general, USV, 

on I August 1864. He commanded the 2d Brigade, Cavalry Division of East Arkansas. 

Clayton commanded at Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where Marmaduke’s force was reputed. 

Aftar mustming out on 24 August 1365, be settled on a cotton plantation near Pine 

Bluff. Cbqton was Bepubhcan governor of Arkansas in 1368 and a lifelong Republican 

boss in that state. He was impeaehed by the House of Representatives in 1371, but 

charges were dropped. Clayton was next elected a US. Senator in l371. He was 

subsequently indicted for faulty election procedures, but charges were dropped. Clayton 

was active in buikiing the town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and in railrod.~ He 

served a~ ambassador to Mexico from 1897 to 1906. He died in 1914 and ie buried in 

Arlington National Cemetery. 

71 
72 

Lieutenant Joseph 9. Conrad, an aide to General Lyon, attended the U.S. 

Military Academy in 1657. He was wounded earig in the Battle of Wilson’s Creek and 

later commanded Regulars at Beam’s Station near Petersburg, Viigi.nia. 

Colonel George W. Deitxler, commander, let &ureas Infantry, was born in 

Pennsylvania in 1826. A Kansae farmer and real estate agent when that territory was 

hewming a state, he was active as a Free Sailer, involved in the “Beecber’s BibIee” 

incident, and fought in the Kansas wars. He was once arrested for treason but was 

releamd. After hoMing several public of&es, he was commissioned a colonel of the let 

Kansas Infantry on 5 June 1861. Wounded at Wilson’s Creek, he later commanded the 

1st Brigade, 6th Division. Army of the Tennessee. Deitaler was promoed to brigadier 

general, USV, in November 1862. He resigned for bad health in August 1663 but came 

back to command the Eanaas State Militia during Price’s Miaaouri expedition in the fa.B 

of 1664. After the war, he promoted the town site of Emporia, Ransae. In 1872, he moved 

to San Francisco with his family and died in 1864 in ‘Puscon, Arizona, in a buggy 

accident. He is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Lawrence, Kansas. 

Second LieutenantJob ‘I. w Bois, Regiment Mounted B.&s, was commander 

of the Du Bois Battery at Wilson’s Creek. Before the war, be had attended the U.S. 

Military Academy (in 1655X After the Battle of %%leon”a Creek, he commanded a brigade 

at Corinth, Mississippi. 

Second Lieutenant Charles E. Farrand, let U.S. Infantry, was commander, 

Company C, 26 US. Dragoons. He attended the U.S. Military Academy in 1855 and 

remained a captain throughout the Civil War. He later commanded cavalry at Fort 

Donefson. 

Major General John C. Ftimont, commander, Western Department, was born in 

Georgia in 1813. One of the S.rst four major generals appointed by Abraham Lincoln in 

May 1861. he was given command of the Weetern Department with headquarters in St. 

Louis. After the battles of the summer of 1661 and the Emancipation Proclamation, he 

was relieved. Later, Fremont unsuccessfully participated in the Valley campaigns. After 

the war, he served aa territorial governor of Arizona and died in New York in July 1890, 

Captain Charles C. Gilbert, commander, Company B, let U.S. Infantry 

(Phnnmer’s battalion), WBB born in Ohio in March 1822. He attended the U.S. Military 

Academy in 1646 and served in the Mexican War and an the frontier. He was wounded at 

Wihon'a Creek, fought at Shiioh and Richmond, Kentucky, and commanded a corps at 

Perryvilla. Gilbert was brevetted a brigadier general in September 1862 but never 

confirmed. At Perryville, he was charged with mishandling troops Later, he wrote 

portions of B&lea Md Leaders of the Civil: War (see bibliography). Giihert finished the 

war as a major in the 19th infantry and retired in March 1866. He died in Maryland in 

January 1903. 

Captain Gordon Granger, Regiment Mounted Rifles, was acting aseiatant 

adjutant general to Genera1 Lyon He was born in New York in November 1822 and 

attended the U.S. Military Academy in 1646. He later served in the Mexican War and on 

the frontier. Granger fought at Bug Springs and Wilson’s Creek. Promoted to brigadier 

general in March 1662, he commanded a brigade at New Madrid, llaIand Number 10, and 

Co&&h, Mississippi. He was promoted to major genera1 in September 1362 and fought in 

tke Battle of Cbickamauga, commanding the Reserve Corps. Later, Granger commanded 

W Corps at Chattaaoaga, helped raise the siege of Knoxville, and captured the forta at 

the entrance to Mobile Bay. He was in poor health after the war and died in New Mexico 
53 

in January 1876. Granger believed that “r)le race is neither to the swift nor ta the strang 

but to bim that holds on to the end.” 

Brigadier General William S. Harney, commander, Department of the West, was 

born on 27 August 1800 in Haysboro, Tennessee (not far f%om NashviRe). He attended a 

local academy and was comraissicmed in 1816 as a second lieutenant in the i&&y. 

Afterward, he distinguished himselfin campaigns against the Creeks and Seminoles. In 

1836, Harney was a lieutenant coEoael of the 2d Rragrxms and became colonel in 1646. 

Earlier, he had been a senior cavalry officer under General Wiafield scoot in the advance 

on Mexico City in the Mexican War. 

Captain Francis (“Frank”) J. Herron, 1st Iowa Infantry, was born in 

Pennsylvania ia Febrxmry 1837. l& bis later life, be operated a b business in 

Pit&burgh, Pennsylvania, and Dubuque. Iowa. the Civil War, be raised a militia 

company and fcmgbt at WiImn’a Creek, Frtie Grove, Pea Ridge (where be received a 

Medal of Honor), and Vicksburg. Hen-on wes captured at the Battle of Pea Ridge. 

ABenvard, be became a brigadier general (in July 1662) and subsequent& led one of the 

greet& marches in the war--from W&on’s Creek to Prairie Grova (150 miIes) in 4 da)*e. 

He became a major general in November 1862 and finished the war as a corps 

commander and Indian treaty commissioner in Brownsville, Texas. Later, he sen& &B 

an attorney, U.S. marshal, and acting secre&y of state in Louisiana Herron died a 

pauper in New York in January 1902. 

Captain Daniel Hustun Jr., let U.S. Infantry, attended the U.S. Militaxy 

Academy in 1846. Later, he helped organize the Home Guards of Kamm City, Missouri, 

and commanded cavalry at Prairie Grove, Arkansas. 

Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon, commander, Army of the West, was born in 

Connecticut in July 1618. After attending the U.S. Military Academy in 1641, he 

participated in the Seminole and Mexican Ware and aermd on the frontier. Lyon became 

a RepubIiean during the “SIeeding Kansas” period. Promoted fKIm captain to brigadier 

general in May 1861, he led the &-my af the West in the Wilson’s Creek campaign, Lyon 

was killed in battle at Wilson’s Creek. 

Lieutenant CoIoaeI William EL Merritt, 1st Iowa Infantry, commanded a 

regiment at Wilson’s Creek (as Colonel Bates was sick in SpringfieldE. 

Colonel Robert B. Mitchell, commander, 2d Kansas Infantry, was born in 

Mansfield, Ohio, on 4 April 1823. He graduated from Kenyon College in Ohio (or 

Washington College in Pemq~vania~ and studied law in Mount Vernon. Later, he 

practiced law in Mansfield, served in the Mexican War 88 a lieutenant in the 2d Ohio 

Infantry, and was elected mayor of Mount G&ad, Ohio (in 1655f. Mitchell moved to 

Kamxas in 1856, espousing the Free State cause (a&bough be was a DemocratE. He 

served in the territorial iegiahture, wes treesurer of the territory, and later a deEegate to 

the National Democratic Comention in 1660. Mitchell was commiesioned a cobmel of 

the 26 Kansas I&z&y and wea badly wounded at Wilson’s Creek. Appointed a brigadier 

general in April 1862, he commanded a mixed brigade at Fort Riley, the !3tb Divisian of 

Gilbert’r Corps at Perryville, and was chief of Cavalry OF the Army of the Cumberland at 

Gha+hmoga. In the fall of 1663, be was ordered to Washington for court-martial duty. In 

1664 and 1865, be commanded the District of Nebraska (then north Kansas), mustering 

out in January 1866. Mitchell waB appointed govemox of New Mexico Territory in Juna 

1666 but failed to t&e the job seriously and resigned in 1869 to return to Kansas. He lost 
74 

a bid for Congress in 1872 and- then moved to Washington, where he died in January 

18$2 and w-as buried in Arlington National Cemetery. 

Major Peter 3. Osterhaus, commander, 2d Missouri Infantry Battalion, was born 

in Cobfenx, Prm&a, in January 1823. He received hie military schooling in Berlin and 

emigrated to the United States during the Revaiution of 1848. He organ&d the 12th 

Wiouri, trderred to the 2d MiBsouri, and wae promoted to major in April 1861. 

Csterhaus fought at Pea Ridge and was promoted to brigadier general in June 1862, 

commanding a divisicm. Later, he fought at Champion’s Hill and wak wounded at Big 

Black River. Af%mrard, Osterhaua led the attack from Lookout Mountain to Missionary 

Bidge. Next, he commanded the XV Corps in the Atlanta campaign and became a major 

general in July 1864. Subsequently, he was with, Sherman in the Carolinas and later 

wan tnmsferred to the weat and received the surrender of Kirby Smith’s command. After 

the war, he was appointed U.S. cons111 to France for eleven yeara and then deputy consul 

to Germany. He WBB appointed a brigadier general in the Beg&r Army in March 1965. 

osterhaue died in January 1917 in Ruisburg, Germany, and WBB buried in Coblenx. 

CoIoneE John S. Phelpa, commander, Home Guard Regiment, was nd preeent at 

the Battle of Wilson% Creek A member of Congress from Springfield, he organ&d the 

Home Guard Regiment. He carried a dispatch from Lyon to Premont on 27 July while en 

route to Washington. Lyon’s body wiras temporarily buried in Phelpe’ garden. 

Captain Joseph B. Flummer, commander, 1st U.S. Lni%ntry, was born in Barre, 

Maaachusetts, in November 1816. He attended the U.S. Military Academy in 1841 and 

later served on garrison duty. He missed the fugt year of the Mexican War due to 

sickneea and did quartermaster duty on the Texas frontier from 1848 to 1861. He WBB 

promoted captain in the 1st U.S. Infantry in 1852 and major of the 8th U.S. In&r&y in 

April 1862. Phnumer was wounded at Wilson’s Creek while commanding a battalion of 

Regulara. Commissioned a colonel of the 11th Missouri Vohnteers in September 1361, 

he commanded the post at Cape Girardeau, Missouri, until March 1862. He was then 

appointedbrigadier general, USV. Later, he command& the 5th Division of Pop& army 

at New Madrid and the Ldand Number 10 campaign. He aubaequently commanded a 

brigade of Stanley% division at Corinth and died in camp at Corinth on 9 August 1862 

(366 days after Wion’a Creek1 of wounds and exposure in the field. He was buried in 

A~Iiugian National Cemetery. 

Colonel CharIee E. Salomon, commander, 5th Miaaouri Infantry, wan bora in 

Pm&a (one of three SaIomon brother8 who eerved in the CiviE War). Solomon fled 

Germany after serving in the Revolution of 184% Appointed a colonel of the 5th Missouri 

in May 1861, be commanded a regiment at Wileon’e Creek While his regiment behaved 

well at the out& of the action, it waa routed from the field at a critical moment in the 

battle. Salomon was mu&red out in Augmrt 1861. In September 1861, he was appointed 

colonel of the 9th Wiaconain. Thereafter, he co mrnanded brigades in the 1st and 3d 

Divisiona of the U.S. VII Corps. He we.s appointed a brevet brigadier general and 

mustered out of the Union Army in December 1864. 

Major John M ScbofieEd, adjutant to General Lyon, attended the U.S. Military 

hcademy in 1863. Hia &remake included Sheridan and Hood, and bia roommate WBB 

McFhemn. Whiie at the academy, Schofield taught philosophy. Later, he helped 

organixe the let Niaeouri Vo&nteere. Before the Battle of Wiieon”e Creek, Schofield 

counseled Lyon to retreat. Made a brigadier general in November 1861, Schofield 

remained on the frontier and in the district of Southwest Missouri, where he directed 

operationa again& guerrillas. Appointed a major general in May 1863, he commanded 
. . 

75 

the Army of the Ohio in Sherman’a Atlanta campaign. Afterwards, he defeated John Sell 

Had at Franklin, Tennessee, and cooperated with Sherman in his f-1 campaigns in 

the Carolinaa. After the war, he negotiated the withdrawal of French troopa from 

Mexico. Brie@ secretary of war in Andrew Jahueon’a administration (1%33-69), he later 

became superintendent of West Point /1876-81L Ultimately, he aweeded Sheridan aa 

general in chief, U.S. Army, in 1888. Schofield retired as a lieutenant general in 1895 

and died in Florida in 1966. In 1861, be had earned the Medal of HOXXOF Ear leading the 

charge in which Lyon was killed. 

Major Isaac F. Shepard, aide to General Lyon, was born in Natick, 

Massachusetts, in July 1816. He was a graduate of the Harvard class of 1842 and 

principal of Boat Grammar School fsom I844 to 1857. Shepsrd was an editor of the 

Boston Dn2y Bee in UM6-48 and a member of the Massachusetts legislature in t859-66. 

He moved to St. Louis in 1861 and was an abolitionist and Unionist. Shepard became a 

principal aide to General Lyon and assistant adjutant general of the Missouri State 

Militia. He became a lieutenant colonel of the 1% Missouri Infantry and calonel of the 

3d Missouri Infantry when those regiments were consolidated in January 1862. Shepard 

was commended for his c2iiiduct in the captnre of Arkansas Post. He was zealous in the 

cause of Negro rights and appointed colonel of the 51st U.S. Colored Infantry in May 

1863 (used primarily for garrison and fortrification duty). Shepard waa promoted to 

brigadier general, USV, in November 1863; however, the nomination failed to secure 

Senate approval. Sbepard subsequently became adjutant general of Missouri; U.S. 

c.orw.d in Swatow and Hankow, China; chairman of the Republican State Commit&q 

department commander of the Grand Army of the Republic; and editor of the Missouri 

Democmt and bfissouri Stcrte Atlas. He moved to Bellingham, Massachusetts, in 1886 

and died there in August 1889. He ia buried in Ashland Cemetery, MiddIesex County, 

Maeaachuaetts. 

Colonel Franz Sigel, commander, 2d Brigade, was born in Badan, Germany, in 

November 1824. Graduated from Karlaruhe Military Academy, he retired from the 

German Army in 1847. He was minister of war during an unsuccessful revolution 

again& Prussia in 1847, whereupon he fled Germany to the United States, settled in St. 

Louis, and taught aehool there until 1861. He was commissioned a brigadier general in 

August I861 and a major general in March 1862. Sigel commanded a flanking column at 

Wilson’s Creek. Later, he fought well at Pea Ridge, Arkansas. Subsequently, he served 

in the Shenandoah Valley against Jack.son and commanded the I Corps in the Army of 

Virginia at the Second Manaaeas. He briefly commanded the XI Corps in the Army of the 

Potomac. Sigel was defeated at New Market, Virginia &be VMI cadets’ attack). ralieved 

of command, and resigned in May 1865. He died in New York in 1902. 

Lieutenant George 0: Slokalski, section leader of Totten’a battery, graduated 

from the U.S. Military Academy in,l861. Later, he was aboard the U.S.S. Cincirmuti 

when it waa sunk near Vicksburg. 

Captain David S, Stanley, 1st Cavalry, was born in Ohio in June 1828. Ninth in 

his class at West Point in 1862, he later served on the frontier, refused a commimion in 

the C&&rata Army, and fought at Wilson’s Creek. He subsequently served under 

Premontandwas cammiasioned a brigadier general in September 1861. Later, he fought 

at New Madrid, Miaaoui; Island Number 10; and Corinth, Mississippi. A chief of 

Cadry in the Army of the Cur&&and in November 1862, be did much to improve that 

arm. He later left the cavalry to command a division in IV Corps and, subsquently, the 

corps itself during the Atlanta campaign Stanley also fought at Spring Hill and was 

wounded at Franklin, After the war, he commanded the 22d Fbfantry, led the 
76 

Yellowstone campaign in 1873, and retired in June 1892. Be was governor of the 

eoldiers’home in Washington and died there in March 1962. 

Captain Frederick Steele, commander of Steele’s battalion, attended the U.S. 

Military Academy in 1843. Ulysses S. Grant was his classmate and close companion. 

Steele fought in five battles in Mexico and was brevetted twice for gallantry. In 1861, he 

wm stationed at Fort Leavenworth. At Wilson’s Creek, three of Steeleye companies were 

commanded by sergeants. Appointed a brigadier general in January 1862, be 

commanded the district of Southweat Missouri and participated in the Helena, 

Arkansas, campaign. Later, be commanded a division in Sherman’s corps during the 

Vicksburg campaign and fought at Chickasaw Bluffs and Arkansas Post. Appointed a 

major general in March 1863, he commanded the Department of Arkansas and the W 

Corps. In April 1864, he was defeated at Jenkins’ Ferry. From February 1865, he led a 

division in the Mobile campaign. Aher the war, he commanded the Department of 

Cohmbia. In January 1888, he died tiom accidental causes in California. 

Major Samuel II. Sturgis, commander, 1st Brigade, Army ofthe West, was born in 

Permsy~vania in June 1822. He&banded the US. Military Academy in 1846 and had 

Thomas J. (“Stonewall”l Jackson, McClellan, and Pickett for classmates. Sturgis fought 

in Mexico with the 2d Dragoons and was promoted to major in the 1st Cavalry 

(commanded by Robert E. Lee). He was in command at Fort Smith when the war began., 

and many of hia officers left him to join the Confederacy. Sturgia assumed command 

after Lyon’s death at Wilson’s Creek. Appointed a brigadier general in March 1862, his 

promotion dated from the Battle of Wilson’s Creek. Sturgie later commanded a division 

in the Second Manassas campaign. He once said, “I don’t care for John Pope one pinch of 

owl dung? He fought at South Mountain and later at Antietam, where he led two 

regiments of his division to capture Burnside’a bridge. Afterward, he fought at 

Fredericksburg, was transferred with LX Corps to the west, and made chief of cavalry in 

July 1863. He was badly beaten by Nathan Bedford Forrest at Brice’e Croesroada and 

spent the rest of the war awaiting new orders. Ai& Erghting Indians on the frontier, he 

commanded the 7th Cavalry, was reassigned in 1886, and died in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 

September 1889. 

Brigadier General Themes W. Sweeny was born in Cork, Ireland, in December 

1820. He emigrated to the United Statea in 1832, settling in New York, where he worked 

for a law publisher. Later, Sweeny fought in Mexico as a lieutenant in the New York 2d 

Volunteers and was wounded at Churubusco, where he lost his right arm. Sweeny fought 

the Indians until the outbreak of the Civil War, when he accepted a brigadier general’s 

commission in the Missouri Volunteers. Sweeny expressed his motto as: ‘T&t us eat the 

last bit of muie flesh and fire the last cartridge before we think of retreating.” Sweeny 

was wounded about the time Lyon was kilbxl. Later, he Ied the 52d Blinois at Fort 

Donelson, commanded a brigade at Shiloh (where he was wounded again), and fought at 

Corinth. Appointed a brigadier general in March 1863, he led a division of the XVI Corps 

in the Atlanta campaign. After feuding with his commander, Grenville Dodge, and 

another division commander, John Fuller, Sweeny was court-ma&&xl and acquitted in 

January tB65. He stayed on active duty until May 1870. Hs was subsequently involved 

in the controversial Fe&n movement, and in the summer ofl866, he led a force of LrishAmericans in au effort to capture Canada from the British A&r being arrested, he was 

later released. Sweeney died at Long L&and, New York, in 1892. 

Captain James Totten, commander, Company F, 2d U.S. Artillery, graduated 

from the U.S. Military Academy in 1841. In co mmand of the LittIe Bock Arsenal at the 

start of the war, he bad drilled WoodruE and his gunners. Later, be became chief of 
artillery and ordnance, Army of West Miasiasippi, and commanded the eiege train 

during the Mobile campaign. 

Lieutenant William M. Wherry, aide to General. Lyon, was appointed a lieutenant 

in the 8d Missouri I&&&y in May 1861 ami Eieutenant in the 18th U.S. Infantrp in 

October 1861. Wbeq served as an assistant to General Lyon and then General 

Schofield until September 1862. He was promoted to majar in May 1864 and later 

brevetted a brigadier general, USV. He was later the bearer of the muS and terms of 

surrender of Johnston’s army to Wash-n in 1865. Wherry was a St. L&s merchant 

before the war and joined the Regular Army afterward. After the war, be served aa a 

lieutenant colonel and military secretary to General Schofield (in 1895). He was 

promoted to brigadier general, USV, during the Spar&h-American War and retired in 

1899. Wherry wrote”Wileon’a Creek and the Death of Lyon” in B&t&s and hadem ofthe 

Ci:ivil War (see bibliography). 

Confederate 

Gobnel Thomas S:Chnrehill, commander, 1st Arkansas- Mounted Riflea, was 

barn in Kentucky in March 1824, He studied baw at Trfmayl~ania College and served as 

a lieutemnt in the Mexican War, during which he was captured. He later set&xl in 

LittIe Rock, Arkansas, and timed. EEected a colonel at the start of the war and a 

brigadier general in March 1862, he fought at the Battle of Pea Ridge and later at 

Richmond, Kentucky. He commanded tbe Arkansas Past and was taken ptioner in 

January 1863. After being exchanged, Churchill commanded a division in the Bed River 

campaign and at Blair% Landing and Jenkins’ Ferry. Made a major general in March 

1865, be went to Mexico with Kirby Smith but soon returned to Artiae. A state 

treasurer after the war, be died in Little Rock in May 1905. 

Majar John B. Clark Jr,, subunit commander in hie father’s divieion of the 

Missouri State Guard, was born in Fayette, Missouri, on 14 January 1831. After 

attending the Fayette Academy and the University of Missouri, he spent two yeare in 

California. In 1654, he graduated from Harvard Law School and aubeequently practiced 

hw in Fayette until 1861. Aa the war developed, he entered the Missouri State Guard a~ 

a lieutenant and waa pram&d to captain in the 6th Missouri ‘@an%. He WBB a major 

at the Battles of Carthage and Wilson’s Creek. He was later promoted to colonel and 

commanded a brigade at the Battle of Pea Ridge. Afterward, he served under General 

Hindman until he wan commiseioned a brigadier general, ranking from Mer& 1864. He 

then served with Mannaduke and SheIbp in the trane-Missiaeippi. A.fter the war, he 

resumed a law practice in Fayette, waa elected to Congreaa in 1873 (serving until 18831, 

and then elected clerk of the House of Representatives. Clark practiced law in 

Wa~hingtonfrom 1339 u&i1 his death in September 1903. He is buried in Washington. 

Colonel Tom P. Dockery, commander, 5th Arkanssa Inf&xtry, Pearce% Brigade, 

wge barn in North Carolina in December 1833. He co mmanded Arkansas trq~ in the 

trans-Mississippi throughout the war, fightiug at Corinth and leading a brigade in 

Bowen’s Divieion during the Vicksburg campaign. Afterward, he was captured, paroled, 

and promoted ta brigadier general in August 1863. Do~kery suhequentlp led a brigade 

in the Camden expedition and fought at Marka’ Mills and Jenkins’ Ferry. A civil 

engineer a&er the war in Houston, Texas, he died in New York in February 1898. 

Colonel Elkanah Greer, commander, South Kaneas-Texas Mounted Regiment, 

wan ban in Tennessee in October 1825. He fought in the 1st Missiiaeippi Rifles under 

Jeffereon Davis in the Mexican War. He was elected a grand commander of the secret 
78 

proslavery Hnighta of the Golden Circfe. Greer was wounded at Pea Ridge and made a 

brigadier generat in October 1862. Afterward, he was appointed Cans&ption Bureau 

chief for the Trane-Mississippi Department and commanded the reseE*cTe forces in the 

trams-Mississippi. Greer lived in Marshali,Texaa, until he died in March 1817. 

Colonel Louis R&e&, cammander, 3d Louieiana E&r&y, was born in akin 

in 1820. Third in his class at the U.S. Military Academy, cIass of 1845, ka resi 

1846 to become a militia officer, atate senator, and chief engineer of Louisiana. R&h& 

was captured at Pea Ridge but later promotad ta brigadier general in Map 1862. Me 

aubsequentiy com.manded a brigade in Little’s Division of J?rice”e 41! e We&; 

fought at IUga and Corintk and was captured d Vicksburg. A&s hein &and 

transferred east, he commanded heavy artililery around Fort R amlina 

ARer tke war, he edited a newspaper in LouiEaiana and taught at a te school. Ii&& 

died in Louisiana in January 1901. 

Lieutenant Colonel J. P. Major, commander, .Eajor”s Cavalry, 3d Division, 

Missouri State Guard, was born in Fayette, Missouri, in May 1836. Twenty-third in the 

U.S. Military Academy crass-of-1852, he later joined the 2d Cavalry on the Texae 

frontier. At the outset of the Civil War, he joined tke Confederacy and became chief of 

artillery to Earl Van Darn at Vicka‘trurg in 1862. He subsequently fought with tke Texas 

cavalry along the Tecke River. Promoted to brigadier general in July 1863, he fought in 

the Red River campaign and the Battles of Mansfield and Plemant HiH cmd commanded 

a cavaIry brigade in Major General PRsrton’a command. Major was paroled in June 

1865 and lived for a time in France, later becoming a planter in Louisiana and Texas. He 

died in May 1877 in Au&in, Texas. 

Brigadier General Ben McCulloeh, cammander of the Southern army at Wileon’B 

Creek, waa born in Tennessee in November 1811. His younger brother was Confederate 

Brigadier General Hem-y E. McCullocb Ben M&ulIoch fought at tke Battle of San 

Jacinto and waB a leader in the Texas Rangem. Appointed a brigadier general in May 

1861 and piaeed in command of the Indian Territory, he obtained the Cherakees’ promise 

to fight for tke Confederacy. McCulfoch authorized Stand Watie to organize the 

Cherokees into Confederate unita. McCuIlack Eed part of the Confederate force at Pea 

Ridge and was kiled by rifle tie leading a charge in that battle. 

Colonel James McIntosh, commander, 2d Arkan5st~ Mounted Rifles, was born in 

Florida in 1828. Tke eon of a career eoldier killed in Ike hilexican War, Be aleo had a 

brather who wae a brigadier general in the Unian Army, Although He was karrt in hia 

class at tke U.S. Military Academy in 1845, he became B brigadier genera1 in the 

Confderate Provisional Army in January 1862. McIntosh &ok over when McCuIIock 

was killed at Pea Ridge and WBB shot through the heart while Iedinga cavalry charge. 

Lieutenant Colonel Dandtidge McRae, commander, ArkaneaEu Infantry 

(MeCulloek’s Brigade), WBB born in Alabama in October 1829. He graduated from South 

Carolina College and eettled in Searcy, Arkaneas. Later, he was a lawyer and clerk of 

the courta. I&Rae entered the Confederate service ae a major in the 3d Battalion, 

Arkansas mantry, and fought at Pea Ridge. He had little regard for military protocal, 

and kia troops described him 88 *a crude ma88 of u&ieciglined material.” McRae WBB 

charged with miabebav-ior in front of the enemy during the attack on Helena, Arkanrrcae, 

during the a&m@ to relieve Vicksburg and subeequently served in the Red River 

campaign and fought at Marka’ Mill and Jenkins’ Ferry. McRae resigned bia commi~&on 

in 1864, returned to law practice in Sea.rcy, and waB elected deputy secretary of 

Arkanaaa in 1881. He died in April 1899. 
79 

Brigadier General Moeby M. Pansons, camslander, 6th Division, Missouri State 

Guard, was born in Charlottesville, Virginia, on 21 May 1822. Later, he moved to Cole 

County, Missoti, stu&ed law, and WEB admitted to tbe bar. Afterward, be commanded a 

company of mounted volunteers in the Mexican War. From 1853 to 1857, Parsons was 

attomey general of Missouri end later was e&-ted to the state senale. Immediately 

before the Civil War, he actively allied himself with Governor Claibome Jaclrson in an 

effort to get Missouri into the Confederacy. At the outbreak of war, he commanded the 

6th Division oftbe Missouri State Guard until he ws.s commissioned B brigadier general 

in the army of the ConFederate St&es of America in November 1862. In the Civil War, be 

fought at Carthsge, Wiion’s Creek, Pea Eiidge, and in the Arkanaas campaigns of 1862 

and 1863. He &o reinforced Richard Taylor during the Red River campaign and was 

present at the Battlea of PIeasant Hill and Marks’ Mills and at Jenkine’ Ferry wainst 

Steele. Parsons was assigned duty as a major general in April 1864 by Kirby Smith but 

was never ofEicially appointed by President Jefferson Davis OF confirmed by the 

Confederate Senate. Parsons accompanied Price in the Missouri expedition in X864 and 

after the war went to Mexico. His death is a mystery, but be may have attached himself 

to the forces ofMaximi&xn +snd been killed byrepublican irregulars in Auguet 1865 near 

China on the San Juan River m the Mexican state of Nuevo Leon. He is supposedly 

buried near that site. 

Brigadier General N, Bar% Pearce, commander, Pearce’s Brigade of McCulloch’s 

command, was born about 1816 in Kentucky. Twenty-sixth of forty-four cadets in the 

U.S. Military Academy class of 1850, he wss later commissioned in the Infantry, serving 

on the frontier and in the Utah expedition before he resigned in 1658 Do be a farmer and 

merchxnt. hn May 1861, he raised troopa for the Arkamse State Militia and fought at 

Wilson’s Creek. Pearce was named chief commissary of the Indian Territory in 

December 1861 with the rank of major gene&, Confederate Statea sf America, and chief 

commissary of Texas in June 1863. At the time, he was accused of improper deeding with 

speculators. Pearce ser9ed out the war with Kirby Smith. 

Major General Sterling Price, commander, Missouri St&e Guard, was second in 

command of the Southern army at Wilson’s Creek. Born 20 September 1809 in Prince 

Edward County, Virginia, he was educated at Hampden-Sydney College and later 

studied law. He moved to Miseouri about 1831. with his parents and purchased a farm in 

Chsriton County. He later served six years in the legislature and was speaker of the 

state house. Price was elected to Congress ham 1844 to 1846 but resigned to take part in 

the Mexican Wsr as a colonel of the 2d Missouri Infantry and, later, brigadier general of 

Volunteers. He was subsequently military governor of New Mexico, governor of Missouri 

from 1853 to 1857, and president of the state convention in 1861. Price opposed aeceesion 

but accepted E c ’ -on in the Missouri State Militia in May 1861 end combined his 

force with Gener utloch prior to Wilw5"a Creek. Afbrward, he retook Springf%eId 

and czqkxwed Ltrx~n, Missouri, but retreated to A.&aPisas in the late fs.II of 1861. 

Price c.~mm8.&ed of the Confederat-e force at Pea Ridge and was Eater commissioned 

.s major general, Confederate States of America, on 6 Mm& 1862. He commanded at 

&.&a and Corinth, Missieaippi, in October 1862 and ELM Helena, Arkansas, in 1863. He 

aided Kirby Smith in repulsing Steele’s Camden expedition in early 1864. AEerward, he 

commanded an expeditian into Misaowi in the fall of 1864, Zn Texas at the end of the 

war, he faed to Mexico with many of his folIowere, returning to Missouri in 1866. He died 

in St. Louis in September 1867 and is buried in the Bellefontaine Cemetery in St. Louis. 

Brigadier General William Y. Slack, commander, 4th Division, Missouri State 

Guard, was barn in Maeon County, Kentucky, on 1 August 1816. He moved to Boone 

County, Missouri, in I.819 and settled neer Columbia. A.&T studying Iaw, be moved to 
Cbillicotbe, Missouri, and began his practice. Slack served as captain of the 2d Missouri 

Volunteers under Sterling Price in the Mexican War, then returned to law practice. He 

was appointed brigadier general in the Missouri State Guard in 1861 and fought at 

Cai-thage and Wihon’s Creek, where be was wounded in the hip. After recovering, be 

fought at Pea Ridge, where he was again wounded in the hip. Siack ‘tingered until 21 

March 1862 then died and was buried in the yard at bis home in Moore’s Mill, A&msas. 

He was later reinterred in the Confederate Cemetery, Fayetteville, Arkansas, in 1880. 
APPENDIX B 

Medal of Honor Recipients at WiIson’s Creek, 

10 August 1861 

Nicholas Bouquet, private, Company D, 1st Iowa Infantry, was born on 14 

November 1642 in Germany and entered tbe service in Burlington, Iowa. His medal was 

issued 16 February 189’7. 

Citatton: Bouquet voluntariIy left tbe line of battle and exposed himself to imminent 

danger horn a heavy fire of the enemy in assisting in the capture of a riderless horse, at 

large between the lines, and bitching him to a disabled gun, thw saving the gun fmm 

capture. 

In 1862, Bouquet joined the 25th Iowa lizfantzy and served with this unit through 

the rest of the war. Promoted to sergeant in Company E, Sergeant Bouquet fought in the 

siege of Vicksburg; the Battles of Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, and Missionary 

Ridge; the Atlanta cam@@; Kennesaw Mountaim the “March to the Sea”; and the 

Carolinas campaign. 

Lorenzo D. ImmeB, corporal, Company F, 2d U.S. Artillery, was born in Ross, 

Ohio. His medal was issued on 19 July 1890. 

C&z&n: ImmeII was cited for bravery in action. 

Immeli was discharged from the 2d U.S. Artillery in 1862 and accepted a 

commission as a second lieutenant in Battery G, 1st Missouri Light ArtSIery. Promoted 

to first lieutenant during the war, ImmeIl commanded Battery G, 1st Missouri Light; the 

12th Wisconsin Battery; and the 6th Ohio Battery (which were part of the lV Corps, 

Army of the Cumberland). At various times, Lieutenant Immell also served as the acting 

assistant adjutant general of the artillery brigade, RI Corps, and as acting impector of 

artillery for the IV Corps. He is buried in the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery 

near St. Louis, Missouri. 

John M. Schofield, major, 1st Missouri Infantry, was born on 29 September 1831 

in Gerry, New York He entered the service at St. Louis, Missouri. and was issued his 

medal on 2 July 1892. 

Citcrtion: Schofield was conspicuously gallant in leading a regiment in a euccessful 

charge against the enemy. 

A career Army officer, Schofield graduated from West Point in 1853 and served as 

General Nathaniel Lyon’s chief of&&fat the Battle of WiIson”a Creek. He later served in 

the Western theater as a major gene& and was the commander oftbe Federal army that 

defeated John Bell Hood at Franklin, ‘Tennessee. After the war, Schofield served brie.Sy 

aa secretary of war and superintendent of West Point (l&76-811. In Fehrusry 1888, be 

became commanding general of the U.S. Army and was promoted to lieutenant general 

in February 1895. He retired on 29 September 1895 at the age of sixty-faur afk fortysix years in the Army. Schofield died in 1966 and is buried in tbe Arlington National 

Cemetery. 

William M. Wherry, first lieutenant, Company D, 3d U.S. Reserve Miesouri 

Infantry, was born on I.3 September 1836 in St. Louis, Missouri. He entered the service 

at St. Louis, Missouri, and his medal was issued on 30 October 1896. 
82 

Citation: Wherry displayed conspicuous coolnese and heroism in rallying troops that 

were recoiling under heavy tie. 

Wherry served an General iyon’s ata.E at the Battle af Wilson’e Creek. He served 

throughout the Civil Wax and participated in the Battles of Atlanta, Franklin, and 

Nashville. Ha continued in the Army after the wer and served as a brigadier genera1 of 

VoEtmtee~~ during the SpaGh-American War. Wherry retired in 1899 after thirty-eight 

years of service and is buried in the Bellef&x&ne Cemetery in St. Lou&, Miseouri. 

Henry Clay Wood, fast lieutenant, 11th U.S. Infantry, was born in Winthrop, 

Maine. He entered the eetice in Winthrop and received his medal on 28 Oct.&r 1893. 

Citation: Waod was cited for dietinguiehed gallantly. 

Wood retired in 1904 with the rank. of brigadier general sfter Efty years of active 

duty. He was an 1854 graduate of Bowdoin CaHege Cn Augusta, Maine. Wood ie buried in 

the Arlingtun National. Cemetery. 
APPENDIX C 

Families on the Wilson’s Creek Battlefield 

John M. Gibson was a farmer and miller by trade and operated a mill along the 

east bank of Wileon’s Creek During the battle, the Gibeona took refuge in the cellar of 

their house. 

Joseph Sharp was a farmer and owned the large cornfields in which moat of the 

Southern cavalry camped. The famiIy took refuge in its cellar during the battle. The 

Sharp’s farm and home suffered Borne damage during the battle. Later in the war, the 

houseburned, and the family abandoned the farm. 

E. B. Short operated a farm near the site of the presentday Visitor’s Center. Lyon’s 

Army of the West aurprieed the Short femily during break&t on the morning of the 

battle. General Lyon poeted his wagon park near the Short’s springhouse. 

Larkin D. Winn ovyned._the farm near the Pulaski &tiBery Battery% position. 

After the battle, the Winns left l&s&our-i and moved to Arkaneae. 

6. B. Manley owned a farm on the eaAem side of Wilson’s Creek in which elements 

of the Mieeouri State Guard and Arkanaaa troops camped. AfIer the battle, the family 

cemetery was a temporary resting place for the Confederate dead. 

T. B. Manley was C. B. Manley’s brother end farmed the south elope ofwhat is now 

called Bloody Hill. The Glidewell family, direct descendants of the Manleya, sold the 

farm to the statpr of Missouri in the 196Oa ae part of the batttefield development. 

Susanna Edgar owned a small farm on the north edge of the battlefield. The park 

maintains the family cemetery. 

William Edwards was a Union men and accompanied Lyon’s Army of the West to 

Springfield after the akiiah at Dug Springe. After the bettIe, Edwards moved about 

five miles away and built another cabin, which baa been preserved and moved to 

Wilson’s Creek at the site of Confederate General Price’s headquartera. 
APPENDIX D 

Order of BattEe, Wilson’s Creek, 10 August 1861 

UNION ARMY (5,600) 

Brig. Gen. Nathaniel Lyon 

1st Brigade ES41 

Maj. Samuel D. Sturgia 

1st U.S. Infantry, Capt. Joseph B. Plummer (4 companies, 300 men) 

2d Missouri Infantry Battalion,Maj. Peter J. Osterhaus (150) 

Company I, 2d Kanaae Maunkd Infantry, and 

Company D, 1stU.S. Cavalry (3501 

Company F, 2d U.S,Arti!lery, Capt. James Totten (6 guns, 84 men) 

2d Brigade (l&1 

Col. Franz S&gel 

36 Missouri Infantry, Lt. Cal. Anselm Albert, and 

5th Missouri Infantry, Cal. Charles E. Salomon (9901 

Company I, 1st U.S. Cavalry, Capt. Eugene A. Carr (6% 

Company C, 2d U.S. Dragoona, 2d Lt. Charles E. Farrand (60) 

Backoff’s Battery, Lieutenants Edward Schuetzenbach and Frederick Schaeffer 

(6 gum, 85 men1 

3d Brigade (1,116) 

Lt. Cal. George L. Andrew8 

1st Missouri Infantry, Lt. Coi. George L. Andrews (775) 

2d U.S. Infantry, Capt. Frederick Steele (4 companies, 275 men) 

Du Bois’ Battery, 2d ht. John V. Du Boia (4 guns, 66 men) 

4th Brigade C&4001 

Cal. George W. Deitzler 

l8t Kanaae I&n*, Cd. George W. Deitzler (8001 

2d Kansas Infantry, Lt. Cal. Charles W. Blair 1600) 

1st Iowa Infantry, Cof. John F. Bates (8001 

Home Guards, Capt. Clark Wright f2661 

85 
86 

CONFEDERATE ARMY tlQ,1751 

Brig. Gen. Ben McCullach 

Pearce’s Brtgade (2,2341 

Brig. Gen. N. Bart Pearce 

1st Arkansas Cavalry, Cd. De Rosey Car&l (3501 

Carroll’s Cavalry, Capt. Charlea A. CerroEl(40) 

3d Arkansae Infantry, Cd. John R. Gratiat (500) 

4th Arkansas Infantry, Cal. J. D. Walker (5501 

5th AA.ansas I&u&q, Cot. Tom P. Dtxkery (650) 

Woodruff’s Battery, Capt. W. E. Waodr& Jr. (4 guns, 71 men] 

Reid’s Battery, Capt J. G. Reid (4 guns, 73 men) 

McCulLock”s Brigade (2,7202 

Brig. G-en Ben McCulbch 

3d Iaisiana Infantry, Col. La;& H&ert (700) 

Arkansas Infantry, Lt. Cal. D. McR.ae (220) 

lat ArkansaaMounted Rifles, Cal. T. J. Churchill (6001 

2d Arkansas Maunted Riffles, CoI. James McIntosh (4001 

South Kansas-Texas Mounted Regiment, Cal. Elkanah Greer (800) 

MISSOURI STATE GUARD (5,221) 

Maj. Gen. Sterling Price 

2d Diuisim (2,526) 

Brig. Gen. James S. Rains 

Infantry Srigude (I,2501 

Co). Richard H. Weight-man 

1st Missouri State Guard InfLntq 

2d Miseouri State Guard Infantry 

3d Missouri State Guard Infantq 

4th Mieequri State Guard Infautz-y 

Cavalry Btigade (1,210) 

Cal. Hawthorn 

Peyton*s Cavalry 

McCowan'e Cavalry 

Hunter’s Cavalry 

Bledsoe’s Battery (3 guns, 66 men) 
3d Division (513) 

Brig. Gen. Charles Clark 

Burbridge’s Ixfantq, Cal. J. Q. Burbridge (273) 

Major% Cavairy, Lt. Col. J. P. Major (300) 

4thDivision (934) 

Brig. C&n. William Y. Slack 

Hughea Infantry,Col. John T. Hughes end 

Thornton’s Infantry, Maj. C. C. Thornton (6501 

Rives’ Cavalry, Cal. B. A. Rives (234) 

6th Division (601) 

Brig. Gen. Monroe M. Parsona 

Kelly’s infantry, Cal. Kelly (195) 

Brow& Cavahy, Cal. Brown (406) 

Guibor’s Battery, Capt. H. Guibor f4 guns, 61 men) 

Brig. Gen. J. H. McBride 

Wingo’s Infantry, Cal. Wing0 03001 

Foster’s Infantry, Cal. Foster (305) 

Campbell’8 Cavalry, Capt. Campbell (40) 
BIBLIOGRAPHY 

Recommended Readings for StaffRide and 

BattlejWd Participants 

Bearsa, Edwin C. The Battle of !Tikon’s Creek. 2d ed. Bozeman, MT: Wilson’s Creek 

Natimd Battlefield Foundation, 1986. 

The Wur of tke Rebel&on.* A Compilation tif the Official Records of the Union and 

Confederate Armies. Ser. 1. VoI. 3. (Pages 53-130.) Washington, DC: U.S. 

Government Printing Of&e, 1881. Reprint. Wilmington, NC: Broadfoot 

Publishing Co., 13%. Ser. 1. Voi. 53. (Pages 451-763.) Reports, Carrespondence, Etc. 

Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1898. 

,Library of Congress 

Sturgie, S. D. Collection; W61-81. Library of Congreaa, Manuscript Division, 

Miscallaneous Manuscripts Collection, Washington, DC. 

This coktion cantaim an account of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek that has been 

copied from the Franklin Repository and Transcript, 9 Oct&er 1861. 

Wood, Henry C. Papers, 1838-1907. Library of Congress, Manuscript Divisian, 

washingtan, DC. 

These papers are composed of 300 items and are, in part, photocopies and 

tr&nscripta. Within this material are some items concerning the Battle of Wilson’s 

Creek. 

Books 

Bearq Edwin C. The Battle of W&on’s Creek. 2d ed. Bozeman, i+&E Wilson’s Creek 

National Battlefield Foundation, 1985. 

This book provides a campaign overview and battle narrative. 

Bra.& Randolph C. Campaign of&n. Lyon in Missouri. War Paper No. 3, Oregon . . . 

Military Order of the Loyal Legion. Portland, OR: Schwab Brothers Printing Co., 

1895. 

Carter, D. G. As It Was: The Story ofDouglas J. CateT’s Life. San Antonio,TX, 1981. 

~attan,buce. ThisHallowed Gro&f. Garden City, NT: Doubleday and Co., 1963. 

T’hie is a campaign overview and battle narrative. 

Collier, Calvin L. “They’d Do to Tie To!“: Tke Story of the Third Regiment, Arkansas 

Infantry, CSA. Littie Rock, AR. 

Dacus, R&e& H. Reminiscences of Company “Zi.” First Arkansas Mounted Rifles. 

Dardmelle, AR: Post-Dispatch Print, 1897. 

89 
90 

Hammock, John C. With Honor Untarnished: 7% Story of the First Arkansas 1nfmb-y 

Regiment, Confederate Skates Army. Little Bock, AR: Pioneer Press, 1961. 

Holcombe and Return Ira Adams. An Account oftke Battle of Wilson’s Creek. SpringfieId, 

MO: The Springfield Public Library and Greene County Historical Society, 1961. 

This is a battle narrative that was originaBy published on the twenty-second 

anniversary of the battle. 

Hulston, John Ii;. West Point and W&on’s Creek. Springfield, MO: Evangel College, 

1986. 

The work is a battle narrative. 

Ingenthron, Elmo. Borderland Rehllion. Branson, MO: The Ozarks Mountaineer, 1980. 

Kemp, Hardy A. A&out Nathaniel Lyon Brigadier General, United States Army 

Volunteers and Wilsds Creek.. 1979. 

Leeper, Wesley T. Rebeki Vahnt: Second Arkansas Rii(les (Dismounted). Little Book, 

AR: Pioneer Rese, 1964. 

McDonald, Arthur Y. Person& Civil Wcu Easy of Andrew Young McDonald, April 23, 

1861 to September 12,186l. Dubuque, LA, 1956. 

@Zoneor, Henry. History ofthe First Regiment of Powa Volunteers. Muscatine, IA: Faust 

Print House, 1862. 

Bombauer, Robert J. The Union Cause of St. Louis in 1861. A Kistoricab Sketch. St. 

Louia, MO: Press ofNixon-Jones printing Company, 1969. 

Sanford, G. B. Fighting Rebels and Redskins. Experiences in Army Life of Colonel George 

B. Sanford, 1861-1866. Norman: University of Oklahoma Resa, 1969. 

Tunnard, William H. A Southern Recor& The Hlsfory of the Third Regiment, Loui&ana 

Infan@ Baton Bouge, LA (printed by the author), 1866. 

The Far of the Rebellion: A Compilation uf the Official Records of the U&n and 

Confederate Armies. Ser. 1. Vol. 3. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing 

Office, 18&l. Reprint. Wiimington, NC: Broadfoot Publishing Co., 1985. 

These are primary sources of information containing Wnion and Confederate 

correspondence and after-action reporte. 

Ware, Eugene F. The Lyon Campaign in bfissouti. Topeka, KS: Crane BE Co., 1907. 

Woodruff, William E. Wtik the Light Guns in ‘61-‘66: Reminiscences of Eleven Arkansas* 

Missouri, and Texas Light Bat&Ties in the Civil War. Little Fiock, AR: Eagle Press, 

lS63,1987. 

This is an excellent battle narrative. 
91 

Articles 

Allbritton, OrvaI E. “The Third Arkansas Regiment From Formation to Fredricksburg.” 

Arkansas Historical Quarterly 16 (19571:150-&Z. 

Austin, Robert A. “Battle of Wilson’s Creek.“ &f&souri Historical Reuiew 36 (193% 

33k46-49. 

Bearss, Edwin C. ?%s Battle of Wilson’s Creek.” Annals of Iowa 36 (1!%1-62):81-109, 

161-86. 

Berg, Richard “Wilson’s Creek to Pea Ridge.” Str&gy and Tactics (MapJune 198@:4- 

8,14. 

Berg’s article is a campaign overview and battle narrative. 

Blocker, Albert. ‘The Boy-Bugler of the 3dTexas CavaIry.” Military History of !lkws and 

the Southwest 14, pt. 1-3, nos. 2-4 (1978):71-92, 147-67, 215-21; 15. pt. 4, no. 1 

(1979):21-34. 

Catton, Bruce. “A Mean-Fowt Fig&* and ‘?Ihe Hidden Intentions.” In Terrible SW@ 

Sword. The Centennial History of the Civil War. New York: Doubleday & 

Company, Inc., 1963. 

These chapters provide a campaign overview and battle narrative. 

Cheavens, H. M. “Journal of the Civil War in Miasouri, 1861.” &fissouri Hisrorlcol 

Review 56/October 1961):X%-25. 

Clark, James Samuel. “General Lyon and the Fight for ?&ssouri.” Mi&ory Q&r of he 

L.-q& Legion of the United States-Iowa. Vol. 2. Iowa Commander-y. Dee Moines, I.4, 

274-92. 

Du Bois. “Account of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek.” Missouri Historical Rev&~ 60, pt. 1 

(July 19f6):436-59; 61, pt. 2 (October 1966):22-50. 

“Flag Day Reunion of the First Iowa Infantry Veterans Association, August 10, PEE%.* 

Des Moines, L4,1894, DNW, 

Flournoy, George M. “An Unofficial Account of the Battle of W&on Creek.” AF~MSCZS 

Historical Quarterly 15 (Winter 1956~:36@-64. 

Fremont, John C. “In Command in Missouri.” In Battles and Leaders of the Civil War, 

edited by Robert Underwood Johnson and Clarence Clough Buei. Vol. 1. New York 

The Century Co., 1887. 

This articEe provides a campaign overview. 

“In the Ranks Under General Lyon in Missouri.” Blue and Gray 4 (1894):142-47; 5 

(1895):6640,141-47,199-203. 
92 

Lademann, C&to C. “I’he Battle of Carthage, MO, Friday July 5, 1861.” Captain, 3d 

Missouri. Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States-Wisconsin. Vol. 4. 

Milwaukee, WE Burdick h Allen, 1914. 

_. “The Battle of Wilson% Creek, August 10,1861.” Military Order of the Loyal Legion 

of the United States-Wisconsin. Vol. 4. Milwaukee, WI: Bnrdick & Allen, 1914, 

433-49. 

_. ?he Capture of Camp Jackson, St. Louis, Mo, May 10,186t.” MZitsry Order of the 

Loyal Legion of the United States-Wisconsin. Vol. 4. Milwaukee, WI: Burdick h 

Allen, 1914,69-35. 

Lobdell, Jared C. “Nathaniel Lyon and the Battle of Wilson’s Creek.” Bulletin, Missorrti 

Histotical SQcicty 17 /1961):3-15. 

McDonald, William N. “Battie of Wilson’s Creek” Southern Biuouac 3 (1884-85):49-54. 

- ._ 

McGonigle, James A. “First Kansas Infantry in the Battle of Wilson’s Creek.” 

Transactions Kansas Historical Society 12 /1912):2X-95. 

McNamara, J. “My Knapsack: General Sterling Price’s Report of the Battle of Oak 

Hills.” Southern .?ugazine 2 (1869):99-104. 

This account was fast published in the Springfield, Missouri, Mirror, 12 August 

1861. 

Mudd, Joseph A. “What I Saw at W&son’s Creek.” Missouri Historical Quarterly 7 

(1931):89-105. 

Pearce, N. B. “Arkansas l’roope in the Battle of Wileon’s Creek.” In B&&es and Leaders 

of the Ciuil War, edited by Robert Underwood Johnson and Clarence Clongh Bael. 

Vol. 1. New York The Century Co., 1837,298-303. 

This is a battle narrative. 

Sigel, Franz. %e Flanking Column at Wilson’s Creek.” In Battles and Leaders of the 

Civil War, edited by Robert Underwood Johnson and Clarence Clough Buel. Vol. 1. 

New York: The Century Co., 1887,304-6. 

Tbia is a battle narrative. 

Snead, Thomas L. “The First Year of the War in Missouri.” In Battles and Leaders oftPus 

Ciuil Wczr, edited by Robert Underwood Johnson and Clarence Clough Buel. Vol. 1. 

New York: The Century Co., 1887,X2-77. 

Thia is a campaign overview. 

Taylor, 0. W. “Joseph H. Haney, An Arkansas Engineer in the Civil War.” Arkansas 

Histoarical Quarterly 14 (Spring 1955):62-71. 

Trader, John W. “Brigadier Surgeon John W. Trader’s Recollections of the Civil War in 

Missouri.” Missouri Historical Quarterly 46 /1952):323-34. 
93 

Upton, Lucile. “Battle of Wilson’e Creek.” Reprinted from articles by Lucile Morris 

Upton in the Springfield News and Leader. Printed end distributed by the Wilson’s 

Creek Battlefield Foundation, 1950. 

Wherry, William M. “The Campaign in Missouri and the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, 

1861.” A paper read before the Missouri Historical Society, St. Louis, March 1866. 

_. “Wilson’s Creek and the Death of Lyon.” In &&tles and Le.adsrs of the Civil War, 

edited by Robert Underwood Johnson and CEarence Claugh Buel. Vol. 1. New York: 

The Century Co., 18&7,289-97. 

This is a battle narrative. 

Wilkie, Franc B. “The Battle of Wilson’s Creek.” The Palimpsest 9 (1928):291-310. 

This article was frost published in the Dubuque Her&don 21 August 1861. 

Williams, J. C. “The Fire of Hatred.” Civil War Times I&&rated 17 (January 1879E:26- 

31. 

.- ___-- -.- --__ -.--. ____x.-.-~