The National tribune., 1896-06-04
EARLY DAYS IN MISSOURI.
Springfield Ligh. Guards Rendered Sub
stantial Service to the Union.


EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: In the
Spring of 1860 / moved to Springfield, Mo-,
and located on the top of the Ozark Mount
aims, surrounded by beautiful black walnut
groves, and on the northwe:t and southern
side large springs of water burst from the
earth. / thought il was one of the most
beautiful places j had ever seen, and that 1T
well deserved the name Queen City.
1t was the home of Hon. John S. Phelps,
then serving his 18th year in Congress.
William c. Price at that time was Assistant
United States Treasurer under Bnchanan's
Administration, and many others of less re-
nown welded considerable influence in
State and County affairs.
My recollection is that there were about
90 votes cast for Lincoln at November cleo
ton. At many of the polling places in the
Congressional District the polling books
were not opened for the Presidential cleo
ton on the Republican ticket, and it had
been asserted in some places that no man
should be allowed TO vote for Abe Lincoln.
At all of these places there were Southern
men in whom American principle was
stronger than partisan love, and they forced
the opening of the polls and voted for Lin
coin. These men, so far as | have been able
to ascertain, became good soldiers in the
Federal army, aud many of them since the
war have done good service for the State in
the various offices with which they have
been houored.
In 1860 we organized militia company,
with about so members, and our uniform
was composed of more gold lace, white belts,
gloves, and fine feathers than 1 ever saw in
whole army corps from '6l to '65. We
had 10 idea we should ever be called upon
to perform any more arduous or dangerous
duty than parade on the Fourth of July and
Washingtons Birthday
After it was decided that Lincoln wss
elected excitement became intense in all
cases of society. Our Legislature, by a
large majority, were Secessionists, but afraid
to take the responsibility Of passing an act
OF Secession. Then the Governor called for
sCoaveation TO decide what the State should
do To this Convention the Counties in cur
Congressional District returDed Union dele
gates by majorities varying from four to one
in some Counties to eight to one in Others in
favor of the Union. Greene County US Union
majority was six to one. Over niDe-tenths
of the inhabitants were either born in Mis-
souri, or from Southern States, Virginia, North
Carolina, and Tennessee being most largely
represented
All business enterprises came to n sudden
stop. Mass. meetings 10 discuss the situation
were of weekly and almost daily occurrence;
personal anim0sities were so aroused that
old-time friends met with a scowl upon their
faces and threatening of the hand towards
the belt, TO which was usually attached a
knife or "A revolver.
Immediately after the Inauguration Of
4. al
latter pat of March, 1861, about 40 of the
members of our Light Guard company re-
signed, being the extreme Southern element,
ard Immediately organized a new company,
called the Southern Light Guard, with the
intention of taking possession of the town
with an organized force, and compelling the
Union men TO remain quiet or join the State
Guard.
But next morning by a. m we had our
100 stout-hearted Union lads enrolled in the
Springfield Light Guard, with a uniform of
gray shirt, black pants, and light hat
Being afraid the young hot-blooded South
erners might be led to commit some overt
act, by request of the Mayor and Council of
the town we mounted guard every night
and patrolled the streets until morning.
There WAS very little powder in the coun-
~ y
few kegs that were Ola hand were taken pas
session of by the boys, and while we had
perfect confidence that Providence would
eventually settle the difficulty all right, we
wereexceedingly careful to keep that powder
dry. and not 10 waste any of it.
We had erected on the top of the Court
house a fiagpole about 100 feet long; the
Courthouse, as usual in Southern towns
standing in the center of the public square.
AS matters continued to grow worse and
the people choosing sides daily, our position
was becoming very uncomfortable, although
our party was in the ma ority b. cause we
had as arms about 80 old overland carbines
aud old shotguns and rifles; carbines were
more dangerous behind than in front. But
we knew that the people of The North did
not believe that the people of the South were
in earnest and meant fight.
Our Stale Government was opposed TO us,
and had strong force between us and those
who should help us. We had asked the
Governor for arms, and he had promised
them to MS if we would take an oath to sup
port him and his military bill, which WAS
virtually an act Of Secession in disguise.
Our reply bad been more emphatic than
polite, whereupon he had organized and
armed small squads of men all about us in
adjoining Counties, intending to take us in
when il suited him.
The Secessionists had appointed day for
barbecue and fiag-raising, TO which they
invited some Of the State Guard. We i'm
mediately sent call TO the Union men 10
meet on the same day at Phelps farm TO Or
ganize. The great day came. The Secesh
had secured the services of the band (the
only one in the country to play for them.
The drummers and fifers had always played
for u.s. and wished TO do so this day, but
were required by their rules to 90 with the
band. They (drummers and fifers) had pin
ned on their hats miniature fiags-stars and
stripes. The Secesh Marshal ordered the
fla-s taken off, which the boys refused to
obey; upon refusal they were old to take off
the flags or leave the crowd, which was Just
what they wanted. They left in a hurry
and told them they would soon be in better
company.
Thrty-five hundred men answered our
call, and met at Phelps farm. They were
already organized as companies, and as all
wanted Hon. John S. Phelps for Colonel it
was decided TO organize as one regiment
Just as we had organized we received a
communication from the Secesh crowd, which
consisted of about 600, asking if we would
object TO their raising Secesh flay; to which
4 prompt refusal was given. Then they
wished 10 raise State flag; to which no OBJ
Jeclon was made.
Our regiment marched to and through
the business portion of the town, all being
mounted except our company. There was
no one seen on the street, Union families