The Saline County journal. [volume] (Salina, Kan.) 1871-1893, 1879-01-16
The Story OF Wilson's Greek, as told by the
Late Mrs. Governor pieIDs.


Late Mrs. Governor Phelps.
The battle of Wilson's Creek, fought
about twelve miles southwest OF Spring
field, No, August 10, 1861, was the fret
serious encounter in the Western cam
paign, and one Of tho most daring anG
spirited efforts of the war. The army
of General Lyon consisted OF 5000
men, most OF whom were volunteers,
enlisted for the brief term Ut three
months, which term had already ex-
pired. The Confederates, under Price
and McCulloch, numbered 10000, and
advanced upon The forces Of Lyon and
Sigel with oil the proud arrogance of
assured victory. For the purpose OF
illustrating to them the vanity of their
confidence, General Lyon persuaded his
brave volunteers to stand By him and
deliver one telling blow upon the enemy.
The collision came August 10, and
proved fatal to the heroic General. The
Union forces were routed, but the time
ly exhibition Of pluck prevented the
visitors from vigorously following up
their advantages, and tho retreat from
Southwestern Missouri was conducted
leisurely and without further mishap.
The fate OF poor Lyon, after perishing
on the field of honor, was host peculiar.
Soon after he fell his body was placed
in On ambulance, by ono of his aids, to
be taken to Springfield. Persons who
later got charge of the ambulance, not
knowing the precious character of their
freight, removed the dead man to give
place to one or two wounded. Some
hours then elapsed, and General Price
had possession of the field, when cap
tured surgeon of the Union army (Dr.
MeIeher) pointed out the deserted body
of General Lyon, and he was commits
stoned to have it tenderly removed and
placed in charge of his friends in Spring.
field. 1t reached Springfield just as the
retreatIng army was leaving the town,
and was taken to the house previously
occupied as his headquarters. There it
was kindly taken in charge by Mrs.
Mary Phelps, and widow lady named
Beal. The Confederates placed u guard
at their disposal, and the two angels OF
mercy prepared the body tor the grave.
iSasoh Vi VASitCuhNht sshu Soutu
sion attending the earlier events OF the
war, the grave, which was ordered dug
at the farm OF Mrs. Phelps, some nine
miles out Of town, was opened, and
when the body (then encased in a coffin
of walnut, inclosed in box of TIM was
brought to the farm, the grounds were
occupied by an encampnent of Con-
federate troops. Mrs. Phelps accord
ingly had it deposited in fruit house
under a lot of straw. Several days
latter it was consigned to grave, and
two weeks after that 1t was called for
and taken East by brother of the
General, in metallic casket with which
it was provided. The walnut coffin was
then utilized for the burial Of Captain
Gratz, Union soldier, who was found
dead on the field, three weeks after the
battle.
Mrs. Governor Phelps, who figures
so honorably in this episode of the war,
died in February of last year. As q
recognition OF he: merItorious acts on
this and other occasions, Congress at
the close of the Sar voted her So, 900.
She visited the coast few years ago
October, 1870, and while stopping at
Portland, Oregon, narrated the full and
authentic particulars embraced in this
article.-San Francisco Alta California.