New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-11-26

urging him to attack Fremont. 1t ia not
strange therefore, that be snapped at the bait
which Fremont adroitly presented to him.
It ia admitted on all sides that he advanced to
Cassville, a movement which can be explained
only by supposing 'that he intended to give
battle. Whether, as is asserted, he came up
az far az Wilson's Greek we leave for further
information to decide. The confusion which
exists upon the subject Of Prices advance, may
be explained by the circumstance, that as soon
as be heard that the Union reinforce
ments had arrived, he fell back, and therefore
when Hunter reconnoitered to the South OF
Springfield he did not find the enemy.
On Tuesday, Oct. %, Asboth brought bis divi-
sion into Springfield. On Thursday McKinstry
arrived, having marched 20 miles in three days,
and on Saturday and Sunday Pope's division
came in. On Saturday the order suppressed
ing the General was placed in his hands, and
the command was Immediately transferred to
Gen. Hunter, but, that officer not coming up,
at the earnest request of the army, and owing
70 the threatening attitude OF the foe, Gen.
Fremont reassumed the command and decided
to advance against the enemy on Monday, Nov.
4. On Sunday evening the division and brigade
commanders received their orders The army
was to advance in the following order: Sigel
on the right, Asboth upon the left McKinstry,
who had the finest division in the army, in the
center, while Pope was to form the reserve
Gen. Fremont intended to accompany Nc
Kinstry. This arrangement did not include
Hunter. that officer not having been beard from.
The attacking column consisted of u 600 men,
with 20 pieces Of artillery. The rebel force
numbered $4,000 men, with "a guns. Il would
have made little difference which course Price
and McCuoch might have taken. II they had
rctreated, vigorous pursuit, such as Fremont
with his large cavalry aud artillery force could
! have made, would have compelled the Rebels
J to abandon their train and disorganize their
army. II they had given battle, the Union arms
would without doubt have achieved the first
considerable victory Of the war. Price dis
posed of, the road lay open to the capital of
Arkansas. The fine weather which had previ-
; ously favored him has continued, and by
the last Of this week Fremont might
have completely turned the enemys position,
presented himself before Memphis, and our
troops upon the river might be pressing after
the retreating columns Of Pillow, Hsfdee and
Thompsop.
The bold enterprise Of Fremont in carrying
bis right wing into the southwestern part OF
Missouri aud approaching Memphis from the
west, now appears to have been not only prac.
ticable, but easy of accomplishment. The army
has made a retreat to st. Loais quite as
difficult as such an advance would have been.
A retreat which we must regard as severe
blow to our cause. A third Of Missouri is
abandoned to the enemy. A beautiful and fer
tile region is given up to the inroads OF mer-
cless horde The hatred which vindictiye
civil war has engendercd, will expend itself
upon those pleasant homes, and the loyal people
who came forth with banners TO greet tho ap-
proach Of our troops, confident that no defeat
could turn back that proud and powerful army,
are now flying panic-.tricken after our re-
treating soldiers. The modification which fills
the ranks of our soldiers, in being compelled to
turn their faces away from the foe, is felt
throughout the country, and the distress which
afliicts our brethren in Western Missouri, falls
heavily upon the nations heart.