New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-08-19
The Federal Army Falling Back to
Avoid Being 0utfanked'
COL. BRAND AND 6s OTHER REBELS
TAKEN PRISONERS
y.on On Own Correspondent.
SPRINGFIELD, Green Co., No.,


SPRINGFIELD, Green Co., Mo-,
Sunday, Aug, IL, 1861.
we have passed through one OF the most terri
Die battles ever fought upon the continent, and,
though we drove the enemy from HE stronghold,
md successfully repused his repeated attempts TO
retake il. forced him to burn his baggage train
and tents to keep them from falling into our
hands, and captured large numbers of prisoners
md 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
outfank US, and cut of our communication win
st. Louis. review of the events mmediateiy
preceding the battle, viii show the causes when
induced Gen. Lyon to attack an army formula
bly armed and equipped, and OutnumberiDg his
swn more than three to one. 1t will be seen
that 10 the last he was the gallant soldier and
true patriot, with an eye single to the cause Of
the Union, and counting his own ne as nothing
compared with the honor and glory Of his
country.
WHAT INDUCED GEN. LYON TO GIVE BATTLE.
As l wrote you on the 9TH, the enemy were
encamped twelve miles from Springfield on Tues
day, while our force was scattered upon the diff
ferent roads leading to the city, at distance Of
three TO FIVE miles. 1000 were five miles from
town, on the Fayetteville road, under command
Of Mai. Sturgis Of the regular army. This force
was ordered by Gen. Lyon to be ready to move
At q moments notice, and at P. m. On that
day they were in ranks, artillery horses har-
messed, and everything in readiness. Shortly after
9 o'clock an incessant stream of visitors, mes
uengers, and communications poured in upon the
General, some reporting the engagement of Capt.
Stockton of the Kansas LIST 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 still 9th.
srs waiting for the same Two companies were
ordered to the relief of Capt. Stockton. Eight
companies Of the Kansas lst part of the Kansas I'd
and Mai. Osterhaus's battalion Missouri Cd were
ordered to a certain point in town to await
the arrival of Gen. Lyon, who, strange to
cay, was 90 entirely occupied that instead Of
starting at 10 o'clock it was two hours later
when he left his headquarters, and without look
ing at his watch he proceeded TO Camp Hunter,
having already ordered Major Sturgis to drive in
the enemy's picket if within two miles Of his
own. Captain Steels Company Of Cavalry were
dispatched on this euand at half past IL,
and General Lyon, with the troops above men,
toned, arrived at a. m. Here be consulted
his watch, and finding it moro than two hours
later than he supposed, at once called together
the principal officers, communicated bis embar-
raising position, and took their advice, which
resulted in the withdrawal of the entire force to
Springfield. The General had intended moving
his force seven miles further, and attacking the
enemy at daylight. On the return to town, the
General said to friend tina! he had Fremont.
ton that night attack would prove disastrous,
and yet he had felt impelled to try it once, and
did not know but he must do so again. Before
we reached Springfield it was daylight. An am.
bush was prepared mile from the city, which
would open upon the enemy if they pursued.
During Wednesday, continual alarms were cir.
calatiDg, and real panic prevailed among the
citizens, who rapidly packed up and LEFT for sup.
posed places Of safety. The troops were under
arms in every quarter, and several times it was
repo ted that Sighting had actually commenced.
Toward night the panic in degree subsidized
but many Of those who remained did not retire
or attempt to sleep. A consultation was held,
and the question of evacuatiDg Springfield seri.
ously discussed. Looking at it in a military
view, there was no doubt Of the propriety, and
even necessity of the step, and many of Gen.
Lyons officers counseled such movement. Some
favored retreat in the direction of Kansas,
while others regarded ROlla as the more desira-
bic. Gen. Sweeney, however, pointed out the
disastrous results which must ensue upon re.
treating without battle-how the enemy would
be lushed and boastful over such al easy con-
quest, the Union element crushed or estraDged
from us, and declared himself in favor of holding
CAL 10 the last moment, and of giving the enemy
battle as soon as he should approach within
striking distance. This kind of counsel decided
Ten. Lyon TO remain, save his own reputation
md tat of the officers under him, and not |
rvacuate Springfield until compelled.
THE EsExTs or THURSDAY AND FRIDAY.
Thursday morning the rebels were reported |
etnalb advancing upon the CITY Ibe troops