Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1862-08-23
Guerilla Warfare !, Missouri.

Tne 81. Louis correspondent Of the New York
tribune coniradicss the story that the uprising Of
derstanding with Price, and gives some interest
Ing facts concerning their number and depreda-
tions He writes:
The seoessionists have invented story that
the recent general and apparently preconcerted
uprising Of guerilas in this State is the result of
an understanding between Price and his men af-
ter the battle Of Pea Ridge. They say that Price
their crops and rejon him early in the fall, whea
he promised 10 lead them 30 st. Louis-this time
surely and triumphantly. This enteresting story
was told In confidence to supposed secessionist
In the military prison, and by him communicat-
ed to the authorities. 1t 10 hardly necessary to
pranounce II fcticn from beginning to end
Instead Of dismissing his men, Price, after de.
fested at Pea Ridge, tried his best to get his
troops TO follow his fortunes to Cornth, but, out
Of 600 Missourians, all he could obtain for the
Confederate service was about 5000. These men
followed him to Corinth.
The cause Of the recent guerilla outbreaks may
De traced to entirely different reason, rather to
dinsrent combination Of circumstances. The
leaders Of tie present guerilla bands have been
engaged In bushwacking for over year. Some
Of them have been quiet for many months, but
tneY are all remembered az bushwhackers Of a
years notoriety. After the temporary check given
to Mcclellan In front Of Richmond, these Leaders
thought II would be good time to revive guer-
lila warfare, but they had no idea IL would as
sumo Its present extensive proportions. While
thus engaged, Gen. Schofeld's order was issued
to enroll the militia This produced stampede
Immediately, and recruits for the guerillas were
easily obtained by working on the fears Of rebel
sympathizers relative to forc BILE
ing. This order gave such an impetus to bush.
whacking, that the guerilla leaders soon found
themselves surrounded BY thousands instead OF
hundreds Competent judg es profess to estimate
the number Of armed guerillas at large In this
State at ten thousand. Refugees and others ar
riving from infected localities report th.t women
only live In the houses now. The men on both
sides are living In the bush.
The movements Of the guerillas have been
closely watched by the State authorities; and pur
suing parties Of Union cavalry are after a hall
dorm different gangs Of guerillas. Porter's gang
has been scattered in the northern counties by
Col. Mcneil, Of the ID State Militia battalion
Two or tnree skirmishes have taken place, tst
mest important Of which was fought In the town
uf kiTksTil', Adair county, where Porter's men
were whipped, with a loss Of fifty men, forty
wagon leads Of provisions, and several loads OF
stolen arms. The guerillls have divided theiI
forces, and retreated In several directions Mcneil
pursued and on Thursday night 9th Aug pustI
came up with q couple Of hundred, commanded
by Porter In person Another fg ht took place
and, as u,ual, the rebels divided and skedaddled
They lost several men, horses, arms and co uip.
menf. The prisoners represent the whole gang
as demoraliZed A significant fact 10 reported II
connection with the prisoners MANY Of then
have been recognized Q men who have taken th,
oath OF allegiance, and given bonds. Quantre
Is reported TO be on the north side of the Missour
river, gathering sufficient men to justify an attacl
on st. joseph.