Arkansas true Democrat., 1862-03-06
Gen. Prices Official Report.
HEAD QUARTERS, M. s. G. CAMP ON CovE GREEK, ARK,
 February 25, lS62
To HIS EACELLENNY v. Y. JAtkaOA
 GOVERNOR or MISSOURI

February 70, lSO2o
 To Hrs EYcELLENcY C. F. JACKsog,
 GOVERNOR or MISSOURI
 SIR - have the honor to lay before you an account of the circumstances surround ing my command, within the last two weeks, compelling me to evacuate Spring field, and retreat beyond the State line, into the territory of Arkansas: the intelh- gence oi w--ffc-t. T. has no doubt reached You. About the latter part of December, ieIt my camp on Sac river, st. Clair coun- ty, fell baGk, and took up my quarters at Springfield for the purpose of being within reach of supplies, protecting that portion of our Stae from both home guard depre- datious anl federal invasion, .as we'll as to secure . lnst valuable point for military movement At Springfield, l received from Grant Glaze, considerable supplies of clothing, camp and garrison equiprage, and having built huts, our soldiers were as comfortable as circumstances would permit i am pleased to say few com plaints were either made, or heard Mis- 1 s0uri having been admitted as an equal member 0i the Confe lerate States, and having my command much augmented by recruits, vas enabled t0 raise and equip about 4,0Qe men for the Confederate ser vice A brigade of these. consisting of two regiments of infantry, one regiment of cavalry and lva light hattaria9 Qt artillery, have been tepdered the Confederate gov ernment.
 About the latter part of January, my scouts reported that the enemy were con centrating in force at Roila and shortly thereafter, they occupied Lebanon. Belev- ing that this movement could be for no other purpose than to attack me, and knowing thst my command was inadequate for such successful resistance a8 the inter ests of my army and the cause demanded, 1 appealed to the commanders of the Con ledtlate troops in Arkansas to come to my assistance. This from ccrrasro ondence, was led confidently to expect, amt relying upon it, held my position to the very last moment, and as the sequal proved, almost too long, for on Wednesday the l2th Feb'y my pickets were driven in, and re- ported the enemy advancing upon me in force. No resource was now left me eN- cept retreat, witnout haAardi4g al Witil greatly unequal numbers upon the result oi one engagement. This deemed it unwise to do. 1 commenced retreating at once. l reached Cassville, with loss unworthy oi mention-.n any respect. Here the enemy in my rear commenced series Of attacks running through four days. Retreatng and fighting all the way to the Cross Hol- lows in this State, am rejoced to say, nay comnand, under tho most eThaustlns fatigue, all that time, with but little rest for either man or horse, and no sleep, sus- tained themselves, and came through, re- pulsing the enemy upon every occasion, with great determination and gallantry My loss does not exceed four to six killed, and some fifteen or eighteen wounded.-- That of the enemy we know to be ten times as great,
 Col Henry Little commanding the Isl l brigade with Co.'s. B. A. Rivps and J. C Burbridge of the infantry and Col. Y Gates of the cavalry, covered this retreat from beyond Cassville and acted as the real guard, Tho Col. commanding deserves the highest praise for unceasing watchiul ness, and the good management of his en tire command 1 heartily commend hin l to your attention. All these officers merit and should receive the thanks of both gov ernment and people To all the officer and men of my army l am under obllga tions, no men or officers, were ever nor ready and prompt to meet and ropel al enemy.-- Governor we are confident oi tn future.
 STERLING PRICE,
 Mai Gen. Commanding NJ, s, C.