The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1861-11-09

could possibly have happened. The blum
deriug and vascillation of the administra-
ton in this business has really been anna
zing. The removal of Frimont itself may
have been a necessity, but the time mode
and manner of it were passing strange.
The following is the despatch from
Springfield, Mo-, detailing the occurrences
on the arrival of the news at that point.
SrRlYGFIELp Mo, Adv g.
Yesterday small bodies of the enemy
came within twelve miles Of US, and news
was received of the approach of their adj
vance, $500 strong
Preparations were making to go out
and attack them, when Gen Fremont
received the unconditional order from
Washington relieving him at once from
his command. simultaneously came the
newspapers announcing the fact The
intelligence spread like wildfre through
the camp, and created undesirable ex-
citcment and Indignation. Great numbers
of officers signified their intention to re-
sign at once, and many companies laid
down their arms, declaring they would
fight under no one but Fremont. The
General spent much of the afternoon ex-
postulating with the officers, and urging
them, by their patriotism and their per-
sonal regard for him, not to abandon their
posts. lie also issued the following faro
well order to the troops:
"HE,pQr ,ETERs, WESTERN DEPARTMENT,
SPRINGFIELD, No, Nov. 2, 1851.
" Soldiers of the Mississippi army:
"Agreeably to orders this day received,
take leave of you. Although our army
has been of sudden growth, we have grown
up together, and have become familiar
with the brave and generous spirits which
you bring to the defence of YOUR country
and which makes me anticipate for you
a brilliant career. Continue as you have
begun, and give to my successor the same
cordial and enthusiastic support with
which you have encouraged me- Emulate
the splendid example which you have
already before you, and let me remain, as
am, proud of the noble army which |
have thus far labored to bring together
Soldiers, regret to leave you most sin
cerely. ] thank you for the regard and
confidence you have invariably shown to
me. | deeply regret that shall not have
the honor to lead you to the victory which
you are just about to win; but | shall
claim to share with you in the Joy of every
triumph, and trust always to be fraternaly
remembered by my companions in arms.
(Signed) j.. C. Fremont,
Major General, L. g. A"
Feeling ran intensely high during the
whole Of last evening, and there was a
meeting almost everywhere The various
bands serenaded the General, and where
ever he appeared he was greeted with
cheers.
On Monday evening Cen Hunter arriv-
ed at Springfield, taking command; and
next day Fremont, with his body guard,
and his numerous staff. except Coils. Love
JOY, Shank and Hudson, left FOR st. Louis
Gen. Ashboth, commander of diAision,
also resigned and left with him.
The imminence of battle at Springfield
however, seems to have been exaggerated.
At last accounts Price was at Cassyille, at
least 80 miles south of Springfield, and
although report said he was marching
north with from 10000 to 10000 men. it
IS certain he is not at or near Wilson's
creek
The excitement about the removal Of
Fremont appears to have measurably sub
sided, and the army generally would not
suffer in morale by the change The spirit
of LoycjOy and the two Indiana Colonies
of Fremonts staff, in remaining with the
army is highly commended, while Gen.
Ashboth, and the famous guard, are as
greatly censured. Col Loyejoy has been
placed on Gen Hunters staff