The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-03-25
GENERAL PRICES RETREAT FROM
SPRINGFIELD. MO.

The following is the substance of Gen. Sterling
Prices official report of his retreat from Spring
field, dated February 25 addressed to Gov. Jack
son, of Missouri 1t furnishes a sufficient answer
to the Federal accounts, and affords additional
evidence of the mendacity of the Federal Gen.
erals:
About the latter part of December, [ left my
camp on Sac liver, St. Clair county, TELL back,
and took up my quarters at Springfield for the
purpose Of being within reach OF supplies, pro-
tecting that portion of the State from home guard
depreG atoms and Federal invasion, as we'll as to
secure a most valuable point for military move
ments At Springfield l received from Grand
Glaze considerable supplies Of clothing, camp aud
garrison equipage, and having built huts, our
soldiers were as comfortable as circumstances
would permit am pleased to say few complaints
were made or heard Missouri having been adj
mtted as an equal member of the Confederate
States and having my command much augmented
by recruits, | was enabled to raise and equip
about 4 900 men for the Confederate service. A
brigade o. these, consisting Of two regiments of
infantry, one regiment of cavalry, and two light
batteries Of artillery, have been rendered the
Confederate Government.
About the latter part Of January, my scouts
reported that the enemy were concentrating In
force at Rolla and shortly thereafter they occupied
Lebanon. Believing that this movement could
be for other purpose than to attack me, and
knowing that my command was inadequate for
such successful resistance the interests OF my
army and the cause demanded, | appealed to the
commanders of the Confederate troops in Arkan-
ausas to come to my assistance. This, from cor
respondcuce | was led confidently to expect, and,
relying upon it, l held my position to the very
! last moment, and, the sequel proved, almost
too long; for, on Wednesday, the 18th OF Feb
ruary, MY pickets driven in, and reported
the enemy advancing upon me i'll force. No re-
source was now left me except retreat, without
hazarding all with greatly unequal numbers upon
the result of one engagement. This L deemed 1t
unwise to do | commenced rctreating at once.
| reached Cassville, with loss unworthy of men
ton in any respect. Here the enemy in my rear
commenced a series of attacks, running through
four days. Retreating and fighting all the way
to the Cross Hollows in this State, am rejoiced
to saw nv command under the most eXhaustlng
fatigue all that time, with but little rest for either
man or horse, and no sleep, sustained themselves,
and came through. repulsing the enemy upon
every occasion with great determination and
gallanuy. My loss does not exceed four to six
killed, and some fifteen eighteen wounded.
That Of the enemy We know to be ten times as
great.
Col. Henry Little, commanding the 1st brigade,
with Colonies. b. A. Rives and j. . Burbrdge of
the infantry, and Col f. Gates of the cavalry,
covered this retreat from beyond CaSsville, and
acted as the rear guard. The Colonel command
ing deserves the highest praise for unceasing
watchfulness and the good management of his
entire command I heartily commend him to
your attention. All these officers merit, and
should receive, the thanks of both Government
and people To all the officers and men of my
army | under obligations; men officers
were ever more ready and prompt to meet and re-
pei an enemy. Governor, We are confident of the
future. STERLING Price,