The New York herald., 1862-03-23
General Prices Official Report.

CAMP ON Cove CRERK, ARKANSAS, Feb. 25, 1862.
To Ais Excellepcy c. F. JAcKsoS Governor OF Missouri
SRI have the honor TO lay before you OF
the circumstances surrounding my command within the
last two weeks, compelling me TO evacuato Springfield
and retreat beyond the State line into tho territory Of
Aransas the intelligence OF which has doubt reached
YOU
About the latter part Of December left my camp on
Sac river 81. Clair county, fell hack and took up my
quarters a Springfield for the purpose OF being within
reach OF supplies protecting that portion OF State
from both Home Guard and federal inva.
sion, well as 10 secure most valuable point FOR mill
tary movements. At Springfield received from Grand
Glaze considerable supplies OF clothing, camp and garri
squpags, and having built huts, soldiers
comfortable as circumstances would permit. ] am
pleased TO say few complaints were either made
heard. Missouri having been admitted equal
Der Of tho Confederate States and having my command
much augmented by recruits, was enabled 10 raise and
equip about 1000 men for the Confederate fervico.
brigade Of these consisting or two regiments or infantry
regiment OF cavalry and two light batteries Of art
lery have been rendered the Confederate government
About the latter part Of January my scouts reported
that the enemy concentrating IN forco at Roa,
and shortly thereafter they occupied Lebanon. Bo-
lieving that this movement could be for other
purpose than to attack me, and know ing that my
mant was Inadequate for such successful resistance
the interests of my army and the cause demanded,
appealed TO the commanders Of the Confederate troops
Arkansas to come To my assistance. This from
pondence led confidently expect, and relying
upon IT, hold my position to tho very last moment,
and as the sequel proved almost too long for on We'd
nesdny, February IL, my pickets were driven in and
reported the enemy advancing upon me in force No
resource left except retreat without hazard
ing all with greatly unequal numbers upon the result
Of one engagement This deemed II unwise to do.
commenced retreatng at reached Cassvilc with
loss unworthy OF mention in any respect. Here the
enemy In my commenced series OF attacks run.
ming through four days. Rctreatng and fighting all
the way to the Cross Ilollows in this State, | am
reoiced 10 say my command, under the most
eyhausng fatigue. all that time with but little rest for
either horse, and Sleep sustained themselves,
through rspulsng the enemy upon every
sion with great determination aud gallantry. 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.
Colonel Henry Little, commanding the First brigade,
with COlonels B A. Rvcs and J. o. Burbrdgo Of the in.
fantry and Colonel +. Gates, OF the cavalry, covered
this retreat from beyond Cassvie and acted tho
guard. The Colonel commanding deserves tho highest
praise for unceang watchulness and the good manage
ment OF his entire command. I heartily commend him
10 your attention. All these officers merit and should
receive the thanks OF both government and people,
all the officers and men OF my army am under obisa-
tons No or officers over ready and
prompt 10 meet aud repe enemy. Governor, wo are
confident Of the future. STERLING PRICE,
Mainr GAnfrn Com lnndinr Al q