The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-08-14

The most important news from the seat of war
which we have to record to-day comes from Mis-.
souri,, where the gallant General Lyon has been
contending in the southwestern portion of that
State with an immense force of the rebels.
and this news, we regret to say, tells of
the death of General Lyon and the retreat
of his army. 1t will be remembered that on
Thursday last General Lyon had fight
with his advance guard and that of the rebels
under Ben. McCulloch at Dug Spring, near Spring.
field, where he cndeavored to draw the latter out
Of bis shelter in the woods. II appears from Official
intelligence received by Major General Fremont,
at St. Louis, from one of General Lyons aids, that
the fight was renewed on Saturday morning at half
past six 0'clock-three columns of the Union forces,
respectively commanded by General Lyon, Gene
ral Siegel and Major Sturgis, numbering in all
eight thousand men, being engaged on one side,
and body of rebels under General McCulloch and
General Price, numbering twenty-tirec thousand
on the other. The battle took place ut Davis
Creek, about nine miles southeast of Springfield
Against this immensely superior force, which was
composed of regiments from Louisiana Mississip-
pi, Tennessee, Arkansas and Texas, the
troops Of General Lyon were still able to main.
tain their ground, and pressed the enemy back to
their encampment on Wilson's Creek, which
General siegel actually occupied for the night ;
but fearing flank movement Of tie rebels, he with
drew his small force. General Lyon was killed
while charging at the head of his column. The
engagement was severe one. Eight hundred of
the Union troops arc reported killed and wounded
The loss of the rebels was very heavy and is said
to include General McCuloeL and General Price.
All the tents and wagons of the rebels were lost.
General Siegel effected retreat to Springfield in
good order and from there fell back on RolIa, tie
terminus Of the southwest branch of the Pacific
Railroad, leaving only one gun behind him on the
Geld. He captured ninety prisoners, and brought
back as trophy the horse and sword Of Ben
McCulioch, together with s25,0O0 in specie from
the Springfield bank. AT last report there was no
appearance OF pursuit on Seigels retreating
columns, and his army was considered SAFE
The report of the rebel loss has been confirmed
by the statement Of prisoners taken, and their
numbers have been ascertained by the muster rolls
found on the field.
despatch confirming the account of the battle.
and the death of General Lyon, was received at
the War Department yesterday from General
Fremont.
We have nothing of importance to report of
military movements at Washington.
The Navy Department appears TO be stirring
itself little at last. Orders were issued yester.
day for the construction of Eve out OF twelve of
the new steam gunboats authorized by Congress
Two of them are to be built at the Kittery yard
in Maine; one at Charlestown Mass; one at Brook
Ign and one at Philadelphia. The other seven are
to be built 10y contract outside OF the navy yards
Proposals for two iron clad steamers we're also
issued yesterday, 10 be constructed by contract
We give full account to-day OF the where.
abouts of the rebel privateer Sumter. 1t appears
that she arrived at Csracoa on the 18th Of Jnlv
but her flag not being recognized at the fort there
ehe was not permitted to enter; but upon Iieate
nant Semmes, her commander, sending boat
ashore and representing her position to the Cover.
nor as war vessel Of the Confederate States,
he was permitted to enter and re.
ut. She went to sea on the cath ult.
steering TO the eastward. There were one hun.
dred and fifty men on the Sumter. The vessel
took no provisions on board at Curacao, one Of tho
officers stating that they had taken enough out Of
one OF the last prizes TO keep The crew for some
weeks. She was armed with four thirty.two
and two sixty-four FOUNDERS Those officers Win
had been in the United States Navy wore their
Old uniforms, with the United States NAVY button
The general feeling among the merchants at the
port was against admitting the priva,eer. There
was Dutch man.of.war in the harbor and the
osccrs refused &c associate ai.,. .a ocs.. '. -,