New-York daily tribune., 1861-08-18
ghs Federal Army Falling Back to
Avoid Being Outlanked.
col. BRAND AND So OTHER REBELS
TAKEN PRISONERS.
SPRINGFIELD, Green Co., Mo-,
Pres Our Own Correspondent.

Sunday, Aug, IL, 1861.
We have passed through one Of the most terri
BE battles ever fought upon the continent, and,
though We drove the enemy from his stronghold,
and successfully repulsed his repeated attempts TO
retske it, forced him to burn bis baggage train
.Dd tents to keep them from falling into our
1ands, and captured large numbers OF prisoners
ana horses we have lost our commander, and
our army is compelled to fall back by the nu.
merical force of the Rebels, who are seeking to
Outaank us, and cut off our communication with
81. Louis. A review of tire events Immediately
preceding the battle, viii show the causes which
induced Gen. Lyon to attack an army fornida-
bly, armed and equipped, and outnumberDg his
syu more than three to one. 1t will be seen
taAt to the last be was the gallant soldier and
srue patriot, with an eye single TO the cause Of
the Union, and counting bis own life as nothing
compared with the honor and glory of his
soUntry
WHAT INDUCED GEN. LYON TO GIVE BATTLE.
As wrote you on the 1tb, tire enemy were
eucsmped twelve miles from Springfield on Tues
6,y, while our force was scattered upon the diff
ierent roads leading to the city, at distance Of
three to five miles. 2,OOO were five miles from
town, on the Fayetteville road, under command
OF Mai. Stureis Of theregular army. This force
was ordered by Gen. Lyon to be ready to move
at a moments notice, and at p. m. on that
isy they were in ranks, artillery horses har-
Esssed, aid syerythipg in readiness. Shortly after
y o'clock an incesssnt stream of visitors, mes
stBgers, and communications poured in upon the
General, some reporting the engagement Of Capt.
Stockton, of the Kansas 1st and two companies
of Home Guards with party Of Rebel cavalry,
on the prairie west of the town, in which two Of
the latter were wounded and carried off by their
comrades; others receiving orders, and st 9th
ers waiting for the same. Two companies were
ordered to the relief Of Capt. Stockton. Eight
companies Of tie Kansas lst part OF the Kansas I'd,
and Mai. Osterhaus's battalion Missouri I'd were
ordered to certain point in town to await
tie arrival Of Gen. Lyon, who, strange to
say, was so entirely occupied that instead of
starting at 10 O'Clock it was two hours later
wten he left his headquarters, and without look
ing ct his watch be proceeded to Camp Hunter,
having already ordered Major Sturgis to drive in
the enemys picket if within two miles Of his
eva. Captain Steels Company Of Cavalry were
dispatched on this errand at half past 12,
end General Lyon, with the troops above men
Toned, arrived at 3 q. IN. Here he consulted
bi watch, and finding it more than two hours
later than he supposed, at once called together
tie principal officers, communicated bis embar-
IassiDg position, and took their advice, which
resulted in the withdrawal of the entire force TO
Springfield. Tie General had intended moving
iis force seven miles further aud attacking the
srcmy ut daylight On the return 70 town, the
Grueral said to friend that be had premoni-
on that a night attack would prove disastrous,
ssd yet he had felt iDipeled to try it once, and
al not know but he must do SO again. Before
Nc reached Springfield it was daylight. An sm.
Oesh was prepared mile from the city, which
~ould open upon the enemy II they pursued.
During Wednesday, continual alarms were cir
ealatmg, and real panic prevailed among the
nzeas, who rapidly packed up and left for sup-
s"sed places of safety. The troops were under
arms IN every quarter, and several times it was
reported that fighting had actually commenced.
Toward night the panic in degree subsided,
bot many Of those who remained did NOT retire
sr attempt to sleep. consultation was held
aud the question Of evacuatDg Springfield seri.
"W Y discussed. Looking at it in a military
lew, there was no doubt Of the propriety. and
eseu necessity Of the step and many Of Gen.
Lsons officers eOunseled such movement Some
favored retreat in the direction Of Kansas
~te Others regarded Rolla as the more desra.
Die. Gen. Sweeney, however, pointed out the
disastrous results which must ensue upon re.
araliug without bbttle-bOw the enemy would
D. flushed and bOastiul over such an easy con.
IseSt the Union element crushed or estrsDged
'r"n us, and declared himself in favor Of holding
OF 10 Tie last moment, and Of giving the enemy
0"'''e ss soon as he should approach within
'Ukiog distance. This kind of counsel decided
'ea' Lyon to remain, save bis own reputation
-"' tiat OF the officers under him, and not
''Neaa'e Springfield until compelled
IiiE EVENTS OF THURSDAY AND FRIDAY.
iAursoay noraing the rebels we're reported
''""y advancing upon tie city. The troops
guiC~y III line Of battle, bsegeee.wsgons
- s'l' ~ 'he center Of the town. and in this
t'-Iaca hey remained during pyarl, tDe entire