The Sun.
London, England, 1861-09-03 00:00:00

'TUESDAY EVENING, SEPTEMI3EII 3, 1861,

!sound system. (Hear, hear.) I look upon it as
contrary to all principles of political justice. and
expediency. lam fully aware of the vast diffieul-
' ties—perhaps insuperable difficulties—that would
attend meddling with that subject. Ido not mean
that it should be meddled with rashly orincon-
siderately; but I am not prepared at all to recal
that express:on of opinion as to the injurious nature
of the influence z-,n both morality and religion, and
on the Church of England itself, which is exercised
by the IrLiii stahlishment. I think a third charge
made against me by Mr. Leslie and his supporters
was, that I ha:l voted on one occasion in a sense
which would be deemed highly displeasing to the
religious notions of the community at large. I was
rather amused to perceive that neither my friends
nor my foes had, got hold of that matter in its right
bearings and right cast. I observed that on one
occasion it was said, by an opponent of myself, that
I had voted for opening the Crystal Palace on Sun-
days ; and I observed, too, that the reply orone of
my friends was that I had voted only for opening
the Crystal Palace Gardens. The fact is, I neither
voted for one nor the other. (Laughter.) I believe
the matter of opening the Crystal Palace was never
brought up while I was in Parliament ; but, upon
one occasion, I certainly voted for opening the Na-
tional Gallery and British Museum upon Sundays.
I will explain my reasons. These do not bear much
upon the reiigieu4; part of the question. I confess,
however—for I will deal frankly with you—that I
do not share in, its' strictest view the ideas with
regard to the observance of the Lord's-day which
are common in this country. I think there may
be made many interpretations of the word Rest.
I think what is rest to one man may not be
rest to another. But with the theological-question
I will not interfere ; it has really nothing to do
with the matter. The question at issue was this—
the British Museum and National Gallery belong to
the people of England—they are their collections.
Now, if any man has a private collection of pictures
or antiquities, or even a joint-stock company, as for
instance the Zoological Gardens, the proprietors
may, if they choose, go into them on Sundays, or
they may abstain from going ; but they have the
right to decide according to their conscience and
views in either case. Now my view with regard
to the National Gallery and British Museum is this,
that they are national property, and it may be left
for the people themselves to decide whether they
would go or would not go on Sundays. There-
fore I voted according to my own views and
' opinions on the subject; but I do believe the
public feeling of the country is opposed to
any such relaxation, and to such public feeling
I should be quite prepared to bow. (Applause.)
It is now my duty to bid you farewell—certainly
for long years—perhaps—for what are the changes
and chances of life ?—perhaps for ever ! I need not
say Ido so with regret. The Sovereign has been
pleased to confer upon me the government of an
important province in that vast colonial empire
which obeys her rule. To that province I shall
shortly repair ; and in quitting this country I feel
as I never felt before. Till one leaves for a long
period a man is not aware how deep a hold his own
country has obtained upon his heart and affections.
(Cheers.) lam proud to call myself an Aberdeen-
shire man. I trust I shall never be found unworthy
of the name. Farewell. (Loud applause.)
Mr. GRANT-DUFF then moved the thanks of the
meeting to Mr. Gordon for his candidature and ex-
pressive of its regret at his leaving the country.
Mr. DYcE NICOL seconded the resolution, which
was unanimously adopted, and a vote of thanks to
the chairman terminated the proceedings.

liberties which they so well know how to defend.
In numbers far exceeding those authorised by your
laws, they have pressed the tender of their services
against the enemy. Their attitude of calm and
sublime devotion to their country; the cool and
confident courage with which they are already pre-
paring to meet the threatened invasion in whatever
proportions it may assume; the assurance that their
sacrifices and their services will be renewed from
year to year with unfaltering purpose, until they
have made good to thelittermest their right to self-
government; the generous and almost unquestion-
ing confidence which they display in their Govern-
ment during the pending struggle, all combine to I
present a spectacle such as the world has rarely, if
ever, seen.
To speak of subjugating such a people, so united
and determined, is to speak in a language incom-
prehensible to them. To resist attacks on their
rights or their liberties is with them an instinct.
Whether this war shall last one, or three, or five
years, is a problem they leave to be solved by the
enemy alone ; it will last till the enemy shall have
withdrawn from their borders—till their political
rights; their altars, and their homes are freed from
invasion. Then, and then only, will they rest
from this struggle, to enjoy in peace the blessings
which, with the favour of Providence, they have
secured by the aid of their own strong hearts and
sturdy arms.

THE BA72LE OF SP.RINGIITEED.

(From the Missouri Democrat.)

SPRINGFIELD, GREEN CO., MO., AUG. 11.
Night before last a little army of fifty-two hun-
dred men moved in two columns on a march of
twelve or fifteen miles to attack a body of rebels
twenty-two thousand strong. In a military point
of view the move was one of doubtful propriety, not
to say absolute rashness. The larger force were,
with the exception of three thousand men, well
armed and equipped, and they had a very large
body of cavalry_ But the question of evacuating
Springfield, the key of the entire south-west, had
already been discussed and settled in the negative.
It was decided that the loyal citizens of Green and
the surrounding counties should not have cause to
say we had left them without a struggle—aban-
doned themselves, their families, their all, to a
heartless and desperate foe, until the enemy had felt
our steel and tried the mettle of our troops. That
mettle proved itself worthy of the great cause in
which it was engaged. The Union troops who
fought and won the battle of yesterday need no
higher mark, no brighter name, than the laurels
earned justly entitle them to. They fought like
brave men, long and well.

General Siegel, with six pieces of cannon, his own
regiment, and that of Colonel Solomon, moved in a
southerly direction, marching about fifteen miles,
passing around the extreme south-eastern camp of
the enemy, and halted until daylight, or for the
sound of artillery from the north-west to announce
the opening of the battle.

General Lyon, with the volunteers composing
the Missouri Ist, Lieut.-Col. Andrews; lowa Ist,
Lieut.-Col. Merritt; Kansas Ist, Col. Deitzler ; and
2d, Col. Mitchell; part of the Missouri 2d, under
Major Osterhaus ; ani a detachment of 20 men from
Col. Wyman's Illinois Regiment ; three or four com-
panies of mounted Home Guards; a force of regulars
about 800 strong, and two batteries of four and six
pieces respectively, left Springfield about 8 p.m.,
marching slowly along until 2 a.ro'., when we halted
for two hours, at which time Capt. Gilbert's com-
pany of regulars and Major Osterhaus's battalion
were thrown out as skirmishers on either side of
the column and we moved forward.

Shortly after 5 o'clock a party of rebels, acting as
a picket, was seen scattering over the hills to give
the alarm, but a portion of our column had already
penetrated far enough to cut off their route, unless
they took a very circuitous one, in which case we
should reach camp ahead of them. We soon came in
sight of the valley in which they were encamped.
A thousand tents stretching off into the distance
and partially screened from view by a hill, jutting
into an angle of Wilson creek, wero before us, pre-
senting as animated an appearance as a young city.
The enemy's camp extended from the head of tho
valley, overlooked on the nprth, east, and west sides
by hills and ridges, 200 or 300 feet in height, south-
ward about a mile, thence eastward a mile and a-
half, and then southward half a mile, following the
windings of the creek, along whose banks the gently
sloping hills on either side afforded the most excel-
lent camping ground.

Near the northern end of the valley lived John
111‘Nary, formerly from Indiana, who, finding the
rebels within five miles on Tuesday last, packed up
his few worldly goods, took his family, and started
for the good old Hoosier State, where it is not a
crime to be loyal to the Government under which
we live. Not less than 20 or 30 families, living on
farms in the vicinity, started about the same time,
most of them having little or no idea where they
were going, except to escape from the dangers
which threatened them.

The battle field, viewed by your correspondent,
where the most severe fighting was done, was along
the ridges and hills on either side (mostly on the
west) of the stream for the first mile mentioned.
above, where the creek runs in a southerly direction

As we crossed the hill on the north, moving in a
south-westerly direction, Capt. Wright, with the
mounted Home Guards, was sent to the east side so
as to cut off a party of rebels seen in that direction.
Adjutant Hascock, with a glass, rode to the brow
of the hill, where, looking down, he could see every
movement of the enemy beneath him. His appear-
ance in full view caused a great hubbub in the rebel
camp, which had already been thoroughly aroused
by our appearance, and camps and baggage were
hastily loaded and moved towards the south. We
had completely surprised them. The evidence of
that fact was everywhere visible, but they had
got quickly into line of battle, their clouds of
cavalry were visible, and their 21 pieces of cannon
were not long silent after ours had opened the en-
gagement.

On the sides of the first ridge on the western side
of the valley Col. Blair's regiment, at 10 minutes
after six o'clock, encountered a heavy force of in•
fantry, not less than a full regiment, and after a
severe contest they gained the summit, and the
defeated rebels dispersed rapidly, going in a direc-
tion which rendered it impossible for any consider-
able number of them to again participate in the
battle. Totten's battery then threw a few balls as
feelers to draw out the enemy's cannon.
Col. Blair's regiment moved forward and were
soon met by a well-equipped regiment of Louisiana
troops whom, after a bitter contest of 45 minutes,
they succeeded in routing, though suffering severely
themselves. Capt. Lathrop's company of rifle re-
cruits now assisted them, and together they, with
Major Osterhaus's men, moved up the second hill,
which was considerably longer than the first, and
meeting a third regiment finally succeeded in driving
them back with the assistance of Totten's battery,
and gaining the summit. In this part of the fight
the gallant Missouri volunteers acted bravely; in-
deed,ustic e.n o words of praise could more than do them
j

Of course, many acts of valour were performed
not witnessed by me, but among those I saw con-
spicuous were Capt. Gratz, leading his men against
overwhelming odds, and falling in death just
as he had repulsed the foe ; Lieutenant
Murphy dashing forward ahead of the line, waving
his high in the air, shouting " Onward" to
th
e almost
wavering men, who gained fresh courage
from
sword
the exhibition, and pushing forward drove the
enemy from the &la. In this fight many of our
brave soldiers fell to rise no more, while Colonel
Andrews had his horse shot from under him and
wounded himself slightly. General Lyon suffered
in a similar manner; Captains Cavender, Cole, and
Yates, each slightly, or at least not dangerously
wounded; Lieutenants Brown and Johnson, and
Corporals Conant and Rogers, more or less severely
wounded.

During this engament two companies of regulars

PRICE 4d.
STAMPED sd.

were sent to the east side of the creek to engage a
force which was operating against Captain Wright's
cavalry, sheltering themselves behind a fence. Cap-
tain Plummer and Captain Gilbert with their com-
panies marched close up to the fence and delivered
an effective fire, but were compelled by great odds
to retire, which they did, hot again renewed the
attack. The enemy being largely reinforced, and
having now at le:ast -three thousand jumped
over into the corn field, and Captain Plurntner's
gallant baud was imminently threatened with
annihilation. They retreated rapidly-, firing as they
did so, when Lieutenant Dubois having got his bat-
tery under head way on the hill, near the Missouri
Volunteers, seeing the position of affairs on the
opposite side of the valley, threw in the most pre-
cise manner several shells, which exploded just as
they reached the dense mass of Secessionists, scat-
tering them lifeless on the ground in scores, while
all who could were glad to run for dear life.
The gallant men in Colonel Blair's regiment were
now ordered back, and their position taken by the
lowa First. General Lyon had previously had a
poor opinion of the fighting qualities of these men,
formed more from supposition than upon any real
failure in duty ; but now the time had come for him
to reverse his judgment, which he did after the first
repulse of the enemy. They fought like tigers; drove
the enemy back, and followed up the advantage
gained for a considerable distance. Captain
Mason, Company C, was killed soon after his
regiment was engaged. Lieutenant Purcell
was mortally wounded. Major Porter and
Colonel Merrit, gallantly cheering on their boys,
escaped unharmed. The Kansas Ist and 2d Regi-
ments were now ordered forward to support the
right flank of the lowas.
Colonel Green's regiment of Tennessee cavalry,
bearing a Secession flag, now charged upon our
wounded, who were partially guarded by one or
.two companies of infantry. Seeing the movement,
Captain Totten poured a few rounds of canister into
their ranks just in time to save our sick men from
being trampled to death, dispersing the rebels so
completely that nothing more was seen of them
during the day.
General Lyon now desired the lowa boys, whom
he had found so brave, to prepare to meet the next
onset of the enemy with the bayonet immediately
after firing. They said, " Give us a leader, and we
will follow to death." On came the enemy in over-
whelming numbers, confident of victory over such
a meagre force. No time could be lost to select a
leader. "I will lead you," exclaims Lyon. "Come
on, brave men ;" and placing himself in the van,
received a fatal bullet just at the pit of the stomach,
which killed him instantly. The lowas delivered
their fire, and the enemy retired, so there was no
need of charging bayonets. General Lyon's body
was carefully picked up, and conveyed lifeless
toward the ambulances by two of his body-guard.
In his death, as in his life, he was the same devoted,
patriotic soldier, regarding his own life as of no
value if he could but rescue his country. There
was no feeling of depression on the part of the
troops at the unexpected calamity, but rather a
feeling of quiet determination to revenge his death.
On the Tuesday night previous he bad arranged for

a night attack upon the enemy, but singularly found
himself delayed two hours behind the prope r time for
starting, by rumours of a skirmish on the prairie west
of town, and the attack was postponed. Wednesday
he said to me, " Well, I begin to believe our term
of soldiering is about completed. I have tried
earnestly to discharge my whole duty to the
Government, and appealed to them for reinforce-
ments and supplies, but alas! they do not come,
and the enemy is getting the advantage of us."
He then called a council of war, at which
there was nearly an unanimous voice for evacuating
Springfield. General Sweeny pleaded eloquently
against such a course, declared it would he the ruin
of the Union cause in that quarter of the State, and
urged a battle as sooq as the enemy were within
striking distance. He also pointed out the loss of
reputation both to the general and his officers which
would follow such a step. This counsel decided the
course to 'be pursued, and on Thursday, when the
brigade quartermaster inquired when we were to
leave Springfield, General Lyon replied, "Not be-
fore we are whipped." This was the proper course
to pursue. If he retreated without a battle he would
certainly have been pursued by a boastful and un-
punished enemy, and very likely have his retreat
entirely cut off. After being wounded he exclaimed
to Major Scholefield, " The day is lost ;" but the ma-
jor said, " No, general, let us try once more." So
they tried, and the general fell. It was now a little
after 9 o'clock, and the battle had raged with a
fierceness seldom if ever equalled for three hours.
The smoke hung like a storm-cloud over the valley,
a fit emblem of mourning for the departed hero.
He sleeps his last sleep, he has fought his last battle,
No sound shall awake him to glory again.

The battle raged fur two hours more, the com-
mand devolving upon Major Sturgis. The enemy
made repeated attempts to retake the heights from
which they had been driven, but were gallantly re-
pulsed each time. The Kansas regiments behaved
with a bravery seldom or ever equalled, forming am-
buscades for the benefit of the rebels by lying fiat
on the ground until the enemy came near enough
for them to see their eyebrows, when they would
pour a deadly volley into their opponents, and again
remain in possession on the field. The last repulse
of the enemy was the most glorious of all, and was
participated in by members of every regiment on the
field. The enemy came fresh and deceived our men
by bearing a Union flag, causing them to believe
Siegel was about making a junction with our forces.
Discovering the ruse in time our gallant boys rushed
upon the enemy, who, with four cannon belching
forth loud-mouthed thunder, were on the point of
having their efforts crowned with success, and again
drove them with great loss down the slope on the
south side of the hill.

Captain Totten's ammunition was now nearly
exhausted, and placing Dubois's battery upon the
hill at the north end of the valley, Major Sturgis
ordered the ambulances to move towards town.
The infantry in Totten's full battery followed in
good order, and were not pursued by the enemy,
who was evidently glad to be let alone.
Among the prisoners taken was a surgeon living
in St. Charles county. He was immediately re-
leased, and Dr. Melcher accompanied him to the
rebel generals, arranging for the return of our wag.
gons to bring in our wounded and dead.

Lieut.. Colonel Horace H. Brand, of the Ist Regi-
ment, Sixth Division, who commanded the rebel
force at Boonville, and who said he was now acting
as aide to General Price, WAS taken prisoner early
in the day.

The Illinois twenty made themselves useful by
guarding the prisoners. One of them had a horse
shot under him.

When General Siegel, who commanded the eastern
division, heard the roar of Totten's artillery, he at
once attacked the enemy in his quarter, driving
him half a mile and taking possession of his camp,
extending westward to the Fayetteville road. Here
a terrible fire was poured into his ranks by a regi-
ment which he had permitted to advance within a
few paces of him, supposing it to be the lowa Ist.
His men scattered considerably, and Salomon's
could not be rallied. Consequently, Siegel lost five
of his guns, the other being brought away by Capt.
Flagg, who compelled his prisoners, some 60 in
number, to draw the artillery off the field.
Our troops took some 400 horses and about 70
prisoners, and compelled the enemy to burn nearly
all his baggage to keep it from falling into our

hands. _ _
. ,
The enemy had 21 pieces of cannon, and at the
last 26, including those taken from Siegel. They
were none of them worked with precision, every
shot for nearly an hour going whiz 20 feet over our

heads.
Our army reached Springfield in safety, and are
now preparing to move towards Rolla, but with no