Clay County, Missouri - History Of. the County from 1822 to 1830, 1885 (part 3 of 4)

Of a trutii eternal vigilance was the price of slaveiy. So long as slave labor was a recognized factor in our political and commercial economy, it had to be protected and watched over. This could have been done by our people quietly and without a resort to extraordinary measures, but for the exasperating conduct of the Abolitionists, who took delight in irritating the slave owners in every possible way. Not only did they steal or entice away the slaves, but after the fugitives were well on the road to Canada, the liberators would often send to the masters taunting and insulting letters, full of sarcasm, denunciation and contempt. Pamphlets and circulars were distributed liberally, denouncing slavery and slaveholders in the vilest terms. The former was described as " the sum of human villainies ; " the latter wore termed " trafEckers in human flesh," "brutes who breed up their own children for the slave market, and sell their own daughters to become the concubines of other slave-breeders," etc., etc. It was but natural, therefore, that the slaveholding population of the South should have but small regai'd for Abolitionists, and should resort to severe means and methods in dealing with them. A few Abolitionists, zealous and earnest, were capable of an infinite deal of mischief. In the language of the Abolition song, old John Brown -

And one fanatical, working " liberator " could set an entire county agog, and have whole neighl)orhoods up in ai'ms ; and so the greatest care and extremest vigilance were required and exercised to keep that one Abolitionist out of the country, or to make his reception such that he would not care to return after being expelled.

Then the legislation of many of the Northern States against the institution, especially in regard to the execution of the fugitive slave law, the speeches of Free Soil orators and the utterances of the Free Soil press, all excited and embittered the people, and led tiiem to do certain things which it would have been better to have left undone.

In explanation of the severity with which Northern Methodists were dealt, it is to be said that upon the division of the Methodist Church, in 1844-45, an exciting controversy arose, and as the division resulted from a discussion of the slavery question, the Northern wing opposing the institution, animosities were engendered against that organization which required many years of time to extinguish. Abolitionists were not wanted in Missouri, and as every Northern Methodist was akin in sentiment to, if not altogether, an Abolitionist, his room iiere was preferable to his company.

As to the dubious and really reprehcnsil)le policy of exporting voters to Kansas who were not and so far as they really knew did not intend to become actual residents of the Territory, who went over one day and returned the next, it is only the truth to state that the Free Soilers were pursuing practically the same tactics. In New England and New York the Abolitionists and their sympathizers organized "emigrant aid societies," regularly incorporated associations, with thousands of dollars of capital, and these societies sent hundreds and thousands of men into Kansas to be and remain there, so far as the societies expected or cared, only until after the election. True, these importations of the aid societies remained longer in Kansas than our Missouri voters, but the principle that governed them in coming to the

Territory was the same - they came " to help our side." The early elections in Kansas were nearly all farcical and fraudulent anyhow. Where the Pro-Slavery men had the upper hand they regulated matters their own way ; where the Free State men were in the majority they did the same.

Coming to the circumstance of the raising of money and means to help along the slavery cause, to arm and equip men and sustain them in the field, did not even the Republicans the same? Collections were taken up throughout New England and in New York and Ohio, even in the churches, to buy aruis for and generally assist the men who went to Kansas " to consecrate the soil to freedom." Powder and shot were bought with the receipts of mite societies to assist in this " consecration ; " ministers of the gospel prayed God from their pulpits to assist the Free State army, and Henry Ward Beecher distributed among some of the " cohorts of freedom " Sharpe's rifles which had been purchased with the contents of the contril)ution boxes of Plymouth Church.

Jim Lane marched through Southern Iowa into Nebraska and then down into Kansas at the head of a small army of mounted men, having with them cannon and a goodly supply of shot and .shell. Cannon were smuggled into the Territory and mounted at Lawrence and Topeka. To meet these, the Missourians carried over other pieces of artillery taking them wherever they could find them.

The whole matter of the Kansas question, when viewed fairly and impartially, and when the elements of fraud and violence are contemplated, resolves itself into the homely expressed case of " six of one and half a dozen of the other." Many things were done by each side which were very discreditable, but the faults were nearly, if not quite, equally divided, and the honors and dishonors were easy.

Census Of 1850

The total population of Clay county in 1850 was 10,332, as follows: Whites, 7,590; blacks, 2,732. The number of heads of families was 1,352 ; number of school children, 2,403 ; number of ftirms, 1,000; number of deaths during the year, 151; amount of hemp raised in the county during the year, 1,232 tons. The population of Liberty was 827.

From 1850 to 1855, steauiboating was ver}^ active on the Missouri. Frequently four or five fine l)oats passed up and down dail}'. Some of the steamers of 1853 making trips regularlj' l)etween St. Louis and Weston, Leavenworth and St. Joseph were the Banner State, Isabel, F. X. Aubrey, Robert Campbell, Timour No. 2, Polar Star, Clara, Ben West and Sonora. In August, 1853, the Polar Star made one trip from St. Louis to Liberty Lauding in 52 hours and 47 minutes, making all intervening landings and losing three and a half hours. This was regarded as exceptionally fast time.

Upon the death of Dr. Wm. Jewell, in Liberty, August 7, 1852, a large public meeting was held and eulogistic resolutions of the philanthropist's character adopted. A very large funeral procession paraded the streets.

In October, 1853, the Clay County Agricultural Societ3' was formed. W. E. Price was the first president, and W. T. Withers, secretary. The first fair of the society was held on the grounds, near Liberty, October 12, 13, and 14, 1854. Exhibitors from all the adjoining counties competed.

The drouth in the year 1854 was quite severe in this county, and the following October wheat was quoted at from $1.37 to $1.72 per l)ushel, and corn was worth 60 cents.

When the financial distress of 1857 came upon Clay county the people had their pockets filled with free bank paper, much of which proved worthless, and many men were pretty badh' injured by the crash. However, there was plenty of good money in the country, and it was not long until the county had well recovered.

Some time in June, 1859, a meeting was held in Liberty, in aid of a railroad " from Kansas City to the North Missouri, at some point in Randolph county." The road then contemplated was to pursue substantially the route over which now runs the Kansas Cicy uianco of the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific, from Moberly, in Randolph county, to Kansas City. A large meeting in favor of a road on this line was held at Richmond in July.

Prof. Oliver H. Cunningham, the well known teacher, whose schools in Liberty from 1844 to about 1858 were attended by so many Clay county people, died in Richmond, in the spring of 1859.

Building Of The Present Court-House

May 19, 1857, the county court decided to build the present courthouse, on the site of the old building, and appropriated $35,000 therefor. The plan was furnished by Peter McDuff, of Weston, who was appointed commissioner and paid $G per day.

The contractors were Crump & Thompson, and the linilding was finally completed and accepted November 9, 1859, but it bad been occupied by the courts and clerks for some time previously. The jail had also been used for the confinement of prisoners. The total cost of the building was about $41,000.

Aside from the holding of courts the first public use to which the circuit court room was put was when, in the spring of 1860, Prof. T. S. Rarey, the renowned horse-tamer, was allowed to use it for a series of lectures.

The Kansas City And Cameron Railroad

Upon the completion of the Hannibal and St. Joseph railroad, in February, 1859 - and even before - a project had been on foot to build a branch of that road from Cameron to Kansas City via Liberty. The new town of Cameron hjid been laid out by E. M. Samuel and other Liberty men, who were interested in its prosperity almost to the extent that they were in their home town, and the enterprise was pushed vigorously.

000 to the proposed branch road. The sense of the people was to be ascertained at a special election held June 11. The towns of Missouri City and Smithville opposed the subscription, but the vote was largely in its favor, as follows : -

The county court duly made the subscription, and a month or two later (in August) an additional appropriation of $25,000. Private subscriptions were also obtained to the amount of nearly $25,000 more.

In August the contract was let for the building of the road to J. A. Quealey, of Hannibal, for $300,000. This included the grading, bridging, tieing and laying down the iron. The leading officers of the Kansas City and Cameron road at this time were Dr. G. ]M. B, Maughas, president ; S. W. Bouton, secretary, and E. M. Samuel, treasurer.

Thf Presidential Campaign Of 1860

In very many respects the Presidential campaign of i860 was the most remarkable, not only iu the history of Clay county, but of the United S tates. Its character was affected not only by preceding but succeeding events. Among the former were the excited and exciting debates in Congress over the repeal of the Missouri Compromise and the Kansas-Neb raska controversy ; the passage by the Legislatures of various Northern States of the "personal liberty bills," which rendered inoperative in those States the fugitive slave law ; the John Brown raid on Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, iu the fall of 1859, and various inflammatory speeches of prominent leaders of the Republican and Democratic parties iu the North and in the South.

There was the greatest excitement throughout the country, and when it was in full tide the Presidential canvass opened. The slaveiy question was the all-absorbing one among the people. The Republican part}-, while it had not received a single vote iu Clay county, had carried a large majority of the Northern States iu the canvass of 1856, and every year since had received large accessions to its ranks, and under the circumstances, there beins ^reat dissensions in the Democratic party, projinosticating a sjjlit, bade fair to elect its candidates. The Democratic Convention at Cliarleston, South Carolina, April 23, after a stormy and inharmonious session of some days, divided, and the result was the nomination of two sets of candidates - Stephen A. Douglas and Herschel V. Johnson for President and Vice-President, by the " regulars," and John C. Breckinridge and Joseph Lane by the Southern or States rights wing of the party.

The "Constitutional Union " party, made up of old Whigs, Know Nothings, and some conservative men of all parties, nominated John Bell, of Tennessee, and Edward Everett, of Massachusetts, on a platform composed of a single line - "The Union, the constitution and the enforcement of the laws."

The Republican party was the last to bring out its candidates. It presented Abraham Lincoln and Hannibal Hamlin, on a platform declaring, among other things, that each State had the absolute right to control and manage its own domestic institutions; denying that the constitution, of its own force, carried slavery into the territories whose normal condition was said to be that of freedom. Epitomized, the platform meant hostility toward the extension of slavery, non-interference where it really existed.

It was to be expected that Missouri, being the only border Slave State lying contiguous to the territories of Kansas and Neljraska, should be deeply concerned in the settlement of the slavery question. Her people or their ancestors were very largely from Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia and other slaveholding States, and many of them owned slaves or were otherwise interested in the preservation of slavery, to which institution the success of the Republican party, it was believed, would be destructive. There were manj' of this class in Clay county. There was not only a selfish motive for the friendliness toward the '-peculiar institution," but a sentimental one. It was thought that it would be unmanly to yield to Northern sentiment of a threatening shape or coercive character. If slavery was wrong (which was denied) it must not be assailed at the dictations of Northern Abolitionists.

The canvass in the State was veiy spirited. The division in the Democi-atic party extended into Missouri. The Democratic State convention nominated Claiborne F. Jackson, of Saline county, for Governor. The Bell and Everett party nominated at first Robert Wilson, of Andrew, and, on his withdrawal, Hon. Sample Orr, of

Very soon the politicians began a series of maneuvers designed to develop Jackson's views on the main question before the country, and especially as to which of the two Democratic presidential candidates he favored. For a long time the wily Saline county statesman succeeded in evading the question and defining his position ; but at last the Missouri Republican and other Douglas organs " smoked him out." He announced in a well written communication that he was far Douglas, because he believed him to be the regular and fairly chosen nominee of the party; but at the same time he announced himself in favor of many of the principles of the Breckinridge party. He was called by some who disliked him " a Douglas man with Breckinritlge tendencies," " a squatter sovereign on an anti-squatter sovereignty platform," etc.

When Jackson's letter appeared soon thereafter tiie Breckinridge men called a State convention and put in nomination Hancock Jacks'on, of Howard, for Governor, and Monroe M. Parsons, of Cole, for Lieutenant-Governor.

Being encouraged by the feuds in the Democratic party, the Bell and Everett men had high hopes of electing their gubernatorial candidate at the August election, and carrying the State for " Bell, of Tennessee," the ensuing November. To this end they did everything ]jossible to foment additional discord and widen the breach between the two wings of their opponents ; but they overdid the business. The Democrats saw through their tactics, and agreeing to disagree as to presidential candidates, practically united in the support of Jackson and Reynolds at the August election, and triumphantly elected them by a plurality of about 10,000. The vote stood: C. F. Jackson, Douglas Democrat, 74,446 ; Sample Orr, Bell and Everett, 64,583 ; Hancock Jackson, Breckinridge Democrat, 11,415; J. B: Gardeiihire, Republican, 6,135.

Presidential Election

Nothing daunted by their defeat in August, the Bell and Everett men in Missouri kept up the fight for their Presidential candidates, and came within a few hundred votes of currying the State for them in November, the vote standing : -

For the Douglas electors, 58,801 ; for the Bell electors, 58,372 ; for the Breckinridge electors, 31,317; for the Lincoln electors, 17,028. Douglas' majority over Bell 429, over Breckinridge, 27,484.

It is said that many Democrats voted for Bell Ijecause they thought he was the only candidate that could beat Lincoln. In the October elections the Republicans had carried Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana, and Lincoln's election was almost inevitable. Fusion tickets against the Republicans had been formed in New York, New Jersey, and other States, and many thought the Tennessee statesman might be elected after all.

Following was the vote in Clay at the Presidential election, 18(50: Bell, 1,036; Douglas, 524; Breckinridge, 304; Lincoln, none. For circuit attorney D. C. Allen received 782 ; Samuel Hardwick, 662 ; John W. Otey, 212; A. C. Ellis, 20. Mr. Allen was elected.

During the campaign, October 22, there was a large meeting of all parties at Liberty. Gen. David R. Atchison, Senator James S. Green and Col. Samuel Churchill spoke for Breckinridge ; Messrs. Hovey and J. H. Moss for Bell, and Col. Jones for Douglas. A day or two later Hon. Henry Clay Dean, of Iowa, spoke for Douglas.

After The Election Of Lincoln

The news of the election of Lincoln and Hamlin was received by the people of Clay county generally with considerable dissatisfaction ; but, aside from the utterances of some ultra pro-slavery men, there were general expressions of a willingness to accept and abide by the result - at least to watch and wait. A number of citizens avowed themselves unconditional union men from the first - as they had every year since 1850, when they met in convention from time to time, and these were men who voted for Bell, and men who had voted for Douglas, and even men who had voted for Breckinridge. Upon the secession of South Carolina and other Southern States, however, many changed their views. Indeed, there was nothing certain about the sentiments of men in those days, but one thing - they were liable to change ! Secessionists one week became Union men the next, and vice versa. There was withal a universal hope that civil war might be averted.

Already the best men of the country feared for the fate of the republic. Northern fanatics and Southern fire-eaters were striving to rend it asunder. The former did not want to live in a country ( so they said) whereof one-half depended on the begetting and bringing up of children for the slave market, and so the constitution which permitted slavery was denominated an instrument of infamy, and the flag of the stars and stripes was denounced as a flaunting lie. The fire-eaters of the South were blustering and complaining that their " rights" had been or were about to be trampled on by the North, and therefore they were for seceding and breaking up a government which they could not absolutely control.

A majority of the people of the county, it is safe to say, believed that the interests of Missouri were identical with those of the other slave-holding States, but they were in favor of waiting for the development of the policy of the new administration before taking any steps leading to the withdrawal of the State from the Federal Union. "Let us wait and see what Lincoln will do," was the sentiment and expression of a large number. A respectable minority were in favor of immediate secession, and so declared publicly.

"Missouri is a peninsula of slavery running out into a sea of freedom," said Gov. Bob Stewart, in 1861. It was bounded on three sides by Free States, and " Black Republican " States at that - Kansas, Iowa and Illinois. Should she secede and become a part of a foreign nation her condition, as suffering from Northern Abolitionists and slave liberators, would be aggravated. When one negro ran away while the State remained a part of the Union, ten might be expected to "skedaddle" if she seceded. Thus argued many Pro- Slavery men at the time.

The Liberty Tribune said that Lincoln had been fairly elected President, and that there was no ground whatever for secession. " Lincoln is powei'less to do harm if he would," argued the Tribune, " since both houses of Congress and the Supreme Court are against him, and he can have no legal power to interfere against the institutions of the South. Let the Union men stand firm."

Always attached to the Union, editor Miller was especially zealous in its defense at this critical juncture. The Tribune of December 7 contained reflections and aspersions against the motives that actuated the Secessionists of the Cotton States. A leading editorial charged that the Secessionists were taking steps to lead their States into secession : - and consequent inauguration of Lincoln, but because of deep-seated and long-clierished hostility to the Government in which we live. They have long desired a dismemberment of the Union ; their desire to secede existed long before the establishment of the Black Republican party. Their actions are not based on the apprehension of danger from Lincoln, but they urge prompt action at this time because they lielieve other States, incensed at the result of the late presidential election, are now prepared to go with them. If they were satisfied that a justifiable cause for disunion would be furnished by any act of Lincoln's administration, they would wait for its occurrence, because they know that then there would be no division in the South.

A financial crash was imminent in this State and throughout the West, owing to the disturbed and menacing condition of affairs, and a pul>lic meeting at Liberty, November 28, declared in favor of a sus pension of specie payments on the part of the banks, especially of the State bank and its branches at Lexington, Paris and Liberty.

As time passed, the spirit of alarm diffused itself more and more among the people. At a public meeting at Liberty, December 24, Col. H. L. Routt and Hon. J. T. V. Thompson were the speakers. They bade their hearers to prepare for action, for there was no prophesying then what they might be called . upon to do. Thirty men enrolled themselves as " minute men," and elected H. L. Routt, captain ; L. L. Talbott, John C. Dunn and G. W. Morris, lieutenants, and A. Gillespie, orderly sergeant. There was considerable comment on this action, many deeming it untimely, others unwise, but there were many who approved it.

The close of the year 1860 found the county in a highly prosperous condition. Crops had been fairly abundant, money was reasonably plenty, the country was finely improved and teemed with wealth, good schools and churches were plenty, enterprises were opening on every hand, a new railroad had been begun and was certain of completion, and altogether it would have seemed that the temporal future of our people was of the highest promise.

But a fell spirit of distrust and malevolence toward that vast section of our common country called the North had found lodgment in the minds of many. Prophecies of evil were continually shouted in the ears of the unwary. Memories of injuries suffered at the hands of the anti-slavery ites were revived, and every Northern gale and every Southern breeze fanned into flame the fires of sectional hate which had for a time been smoldering. The clear sky was overcast with clouds, and they were dark and lowering.

Chaptee Yii

The Legislature of IStU - Election of Delegates to the State Convention - The Work of the Convention - After Fort Sumpter - Capture of the Liberty Arsenal - Maj. Grant's Reports - After the Arsenal's Seizure - Preparing for War in Earnest - Organization of Military Companies - Gen. Doniphan Declines a Military Appointment - Departure of the Secession Companies for the War - The First Federal Troops - Events of the Summer and Early Fall of 1861 - Proclamation of Gen. Stein - Rallying to His Standard - The Battle of Blue Mills - The Killed and Wounded - Reports of the Leaders - Col. Saunders, Hon. D. R. .\tchison, Col. Scott - List of Killed and Wounded inf the Third Iowa - War Incidents of the Fall and Winter of 1861 - The Neosho Secession Ordinance.

The Legislature Of 1861

On the last day of December, 1861, the Twenty-first General Assembly met at Jefferson City. The retiring Governor, Eobt. M. Stewart, delivered a ver}'^ conservative message, taking the middle ground between secession antl abolition, and pleading strenuously for peace and moderation. He declared, among other propositions, that the people of INIissouri " ought not to be frightened from their propriety by the past unfriendly legislation of the North, or dragooned into secession by the restrictive legislation of the extreme South." He concluded with a thrilling appeal for the maintenance of the Union, depicting the inevitable result of secession, revolution and war. Many of Gov. Stewart's predictions were afterwards fulfilled with startling and fearful exactness.

The inaugural of the new Governor, Claiborne Fox Jackson, indorsed the doctrine enunciated in his famous resolutions of 1849 - that the interests and destiny of the slaveholding States were the same; that the State was in favor of remaining in the Union so long as there was any hope of maintaining the guarantees of the constitution, but that in the event of a failure to reconcile the differences which then threatened the disruption of the Union, it would be the duty of Missouri "to stand by the South ; " and that he was opposed to the doctrine of coercion in any event. Gov. Jackson concluded by recommending tiie immediate call of a State convention, in order that " the will of the people may be ascertained and effectuated."

tiire, on Januuiy 17, passed a hill calling a convention, to be composed of three times as many members as in the aggregate each senatorial district was entitled to State Senators - that is, three delegates from each senatorial district in the State - and appointing February 18 as the day on which they were to l)e elected, and February 28 the day on which the convention should assemble. Hon. J. T. V. Thompson and Hon. Luke W. Burris, respectively the State Senator from this district and Representative from this county, voted for the convention bill. The tenth section of this bill contained the following important provision : -

No act, ordinance or resolution of said convention shall he deemed to he valid to change or dissolve the political relations of this State to the government of the United States, or any other State, until a majority of the qualified voters of this State, voting upon the question, shall ratify the same.

Mr. Thompson voted especially for this section, which was introduced in the Senate by Hon. Charles H. Hardin, then the Senator from the Boone and Callaway district, and afterward Governor of Missouri in 1874-76. Thus the secession of the State was made an impossibility without the consent of a majority of the voters, although Hardin's amendment was adopted by the close vote of 17 to 15. After a much disturbed and very turbulent session the Legislature adjourned March 28.

Election Of Delegates To The State Convention

The Thirteenth Senatorial District was composed of the counties of Clay and Platte. On the 28th of January the Unconditional Union men of Clay met in convention at Liberty, with Dr. W. A. Morton chairman. Resolutions favoring the Crittenden compromise and opposing coercion were unanimously adopted and Col. A. W. Doniphan and James H. Moss, of Clay, and Elijah H. Norton, of Platte, nominated for delegates to the State convention.

February 1 a "Southern Rights" meeting was held at Liberty. John R. Killer presided. Col. H. L. Routt spoke and was replied to by James H. Moss. Resolutions looking to secession in certain contingencies were introduced, and though the chairman declared them adopted, it was the general expression that they had been rejected by the meeting, a majority of whose member's were Union men who, under the leadership of Mr. Moss, had come in and " captured " it.

lai'ly nominated, though not without dissent, Messrs. Doniphan, Moss and Norton. Certain " Southern Rights" candidates were announced independently.

On election day, February 18, there was much interest manifested in this county. At Missouri City even the ladies were interested. They assembled in a public meeting, indorsed the Crittenden compromise, declared for the Union and then, carrying the old flag, with 34 stars and 13 stripes, mai'ched in procession to the polls and urged and entreated the voters to cast their ballots for the Union candidates, Doniphan, Moss and Norton, and assist in preventing civil war with all its enormities and horrors. Never before had the ladies of Clay county abandoned their domestic duties to engage even indirectly in politics, and their action on this occasion indicates what must have Ijeen the prevalent feeling among our people.

The selection of Doniphan, Moss and Norton by a vote of nearly ten to one againt the Secession candidates, clearly and unmistakably shows that a large majority of the people of Clay and Platte were for the Union in the winter of 1861 - at least were opposed to secession at that time. But it is just as true, although not shown by official records, that they were strenuously opposed to coercion. There must be no war. It was folly and unwise for the Cotton States to secede, but there must be no attempt on the part of the General Government to l)ring them back into the Union by force of arms. In such an event, many openly declared, " we will stand by our Southern brethren . ' '

The Work Of The Convention

The convention assembled at Jefferson City, February 28, 18(51. Sterling Price, of Chariton county, afterward the distinguished Confedei'ate general, was chosen president. On the second day it adjourned to meet at St. Louis, where it re-convened March 4, continued in session until the 22d, when it adjourned to meet on the third Monday in December, subject, however, to a call of a majority of a committee of seven. Betbi'e adjourning, a series of resolutions was adopted, two of whicli wei'e of superior importance, and here proper to be noted : 1. Containing the explicit declaration that there was no adequate cause to impel Missouri to dissolve her connection with the Federal union. 2. Taking unmistakable ground against the employment of military force by the Federal government to coerce the seceding States, or the employment of military force by the seceding States, to assail the government of the United States.

Mr. John F. Redd, of Marion, and Mr. Harrison Hough, of Mississippi, presented a minority rejjort, declaring the Abolitionists of the North responsible for the then condition of aflairs and favoring the holding of a convention by the non-seceding Slave States at Nashville, Tennessee, for the adoption of a plan of settlement of the existing difficulties on the basis of the Crittenden compromise.

The resolutions from the committee on Federal Relations being under consideration, Mr. Moss, of Chiy, moved to amend the fifth of the majority (Gaml)le) series by adding the following: -

And further. Believing that the fate of Missouri depends upon a peaceable atljustment of our present difficulties, she will never countenance or aid a seceding State in making war on the General Government, nor will she furnish men or money for the purpose of aiding tlie General Government in any attempt to coerce a seceding State.

The Moss amendment was under discussion in the convention for several days, during which period several si>eeches were made upon it by the ablest and most prominent members. Mr. Moss himself deilivered an able argument in its favor, at the same time avowing himself an unconditional Union man, opposed to fanatical Abolitionists and coercionists alike ; declaring that he verily believed a majority of the people of the seceded States were really Union men, but that a " reign of terror" existed among them, stifling their voices and awing them into submission.' Following was the conclusion of his speech: -

In conclusion, I only desire to state that I hail from a county where Lincoln did not get a vote, and where the Secessionists got only less than two hundred. My constituents are Union men, and they indorse my position, and they believe that all Missouri has is staked on the die - that she must have a peaceable settlement. They do not want to go out of the Union, but they ask that their honor shall be safe in your hands. We occupy the middle ground, and we can extend to both sections a friendly hand, and say we want peace, and our salvation depends upon it.

Ayes - Eli E. Bass, of Boone ; Geo. Y. Bast, of Montgomery ; R. A. Brown, of Cass; J. R. Chenault, of Jasper; Samuel C. Collier, of Madison ; A. Comingo, of Jackson ; R. W. Crawford, of Lawrence ; R. W. Donnell, of Buchanan ; Geo. W. Dunn, of Ray ; R. B. Frayser, of St. Charles ; Joseph Flood, of Callaway ; N. F. Givens, of Clark: H. M. Gorin,-of Scotland; A. S. Harbin, of Barry; R. A. Hatcher, of New Madrid ; V. B. Hill, of Pulaski ; W. J. Howell, of Monroe ; Prince L. Hudgins, of Andrew ; J. Proctor Knott, of Cole ; J. T. Matson, of Ralls; J. H. Moss, of Clav ; E. H. Norton, of Platte ; R. D. Ray, of Carroll ; J. T. Redd, of Marion ; S. L. Sawyer, of Lafayette ; E. K. Sayre, of Lewis ; J. K. Sheeley, of Jackson ; J. G. Waller, of Warren; N. AV. Watkins, Cape Girardeau; Warren Woodson, of Boone - 30.

J^oeg - J. S. Allen, of Harrison ; Orson Bartlett, of Stoddard ; J. H. Birch, of Clinton; Joseph Bogy, of St. Genevieve; S. M. Breckinridge, of St. Louis ; J. O. Broadhead, of St. Louis ; H. E. Bridge, of St. Louis; Isidor Bush, of St. Louis; Robert Calhoun, of Callaway ; M. P. Cayce, of St. Francois ; Wm. Douglass, of Cooper ; Charles Drake, of Moniteau ; John D. Foster, of Adair ; H. R. Gamble, of St. Louis ; T. T. Gantt, of St. Louis ; J. J. Gravelly, of Cedar; Willard P. Hall, of Buchanan; Wra. A. Hall, of Randolph: John B. Henderson, of Pike ; Littleberry Heudrick, of Greene ; Henry Hitchcock, of St. Louis ; Robert Holmes, of St. Louis ; John Holt, of Dent ; Harrison Hough, of Mississippi ; John How, of St. Louis ; J. M. Irwin, of Shelby ; Z. Isbell, of Osage ; Wm. Jackson, of Putnam ; R. W. Jamison, of Webster; J. W. Johnson, of Polk; C. G. Kidd, of Henry ; W. T. Leeper, of Waj-ne ; M. L. L. Linton, of St. Louis ; John F. Long, of St. Louis ; Vincent Marmaduke, of Saline ; A. C. Marvin, of Henry; J. W. McClurg, of Camden; J. R. McCormack, of Perry; Nelson McDowell, of Dade; James Mo- Ferran, of Daviess ; Ferd. Myer, of St. Louis : W. L. Morrow, of Dallas; J. C. Noell, of Bollinger; Sample Orr, of Greene; John F. Phillips, of Pettis ; Wm. G. Pomeroy, of Crawford ; C. G. Rankin, of Jefferson ; M. H. Ritchey, of Newton ; Fred. RoAvland, of Mann ; Thos. Scott, of Miller ; Thos. Shackelford, of Howard ; J. H. Shackelford, of St. Louis; Jacob Smith, of Linn ; Sol. Smith, of St. Louis; J. T. Tindall, of Grundy ; W. W. Turner, of Laclede ; A. M. Woolfolk, of Livingston; Uriel Wright, of St. Louis; Ellzey Van Buskirk, of Holt; G. W. Zimmerman, of Lincoln, and the President, Sterling Price, of Chariton - 6L

Absent - A. W. Doniphan, of Clay; C. D. Eitzen, of Gasconade; A. W. Maupin, of Franklin ; J. P. Ross, of Morgan ; Robt. M. Stewart, of Buchanan ; Aiknian Welch, of Johnson; Robt. Wilson, of Buchanan .

The convention juljourned March 22, to meet the third Monday in the following December, but was called together October 10, 18(51. Messrs. Moss and Doniphan attended subsequent sessions, and voted with the other conservative members against the test oaths. Doniphan voted for the emancipation ordinance, adopted July 1, 18(53, providing for the abolition of slavery in the State July 4, 1870. This ordinance was adopted by a vote of 51 to 30, but its provisions were rendered of no force l)y the adoption of the thirteenth amendment.

After Fort Sumpter

The firing on Fort Sumpter by the Confederates, April 12, 1861 ; the proclamation of President Lincoln calling for 75,000 volunteers ; Gov. Jackson's indignant refusal to respond to the requisition on Missouri ; the excitement throughout the South ; the uprising in the North, these are incidents in the history of the country, the particulars of which need not be set forth in these pages.

The reception of the news of the firing on Sumpter caused the most intense excitement in Clay county. Cheers for South Carolina and Gen. Beauregard rang out, and secession Hags fluttered in the breezes at Liberty and Smithville. When Lincoln's proclamation was heard of, a great storm of indignation swept over the county, bearing down all but the staunchest Union men. Many who had opposed secession up till now, changed their views suddenly, denounced the administration, and avowed themselves " on the side of the South." The " snbmissionists," as the unconditional Union men were termed, were few and undemonstrative; the Secessionists were numerous and noisy.

Capture Of The Liberty Arsenal

The Missouri border was ablaze. In Clay county a long meditated act - an act forming an incident of a grand scheme - was accomplished, highly important in its results to the Secession cause. This was the capture of what was generally known as the Liberty arsenal, although it was really four miles from Liberty, and was called by the U. S. authorities the Missouri Depot. It is altogether probable - theugh the evidence can not be had, owing to the reluctance of certain parties to give it in such clear terms as is desirable - that a plan had been organized by leading Secessionists of the State, Gov. Jackson among the number, to seize not only Liberty arsenal, but the St. Louis arsenal, and even Ft. Leavenworth.

Gov. Jackson, yet they received his personal sanction and approval, and that of other prominent gentlemen of Secession proclivities in the State, as M. Jeli" Thompson, John W. Reid, James S. Rains, S. H. Woodson and certain St. Louisans. Col. Peckham, of St. Louis, states that Col. Marmaduke (now Governor) was sent to Ft. Leavenworth and that the sum of $25,000, of which $5,000 was drawn from the bank at Arrow Rock, was placed at his disposal for the purpose of bribing Maj. Haguer, the officer in command, to surrender the post when called upon by an invading force from Missouri.^ A letter written by the compiler of this volume to Gov. Marmaduke, and asking for an affirmation or denial of this statement of Peckham's, received no answer.

Saturday morning, April 20, as Maj. Nathaniel Grant, in charge of the arsenal, was at breakfast, a negro boy entered hastily and handed him a note. The note was not signed, but was written by a Union man, then living near the lauding and read substantially as follows: -

A company of men from across the river camped in the bottom last night. I understand that another company is at or near Liberty, and that the destination of both is the arsenal. Look out. If you want to make a speech, get it ready.

A few minutes later about 200 armed and mounted Secessionists rode up to the arsenal gate, forced admission and demanded of Grant the surrender of the post and its contents. There was but little need of this demand, since the post was already in their possession. No thought of resistance was entertained at any time, for the force at the arsenal consisted of Maj. Grant and two employes. Armorer Giros and Wm. L. Madden. Had the note of warning come earlier it would have made no diflerence in this respect. Grant contented himself by protesting vigorously against the seizure, and this was allowed him with great good humor, and amid laughter and raillery.

The force that captured and seized the arsenal was about 200 Secessionists, composed of one company ft'om Jackson county commanded by Capt. McMurray, of Independence, and a strong company from Liberty and Clay county under Col. Henry L. Routt, the whole under command of Col. Routt. The Jackson county company had crossed the river the previous evening. No authority was presented by Routt implicating Gov.^Jackson or any other officials, but he significantly stated that he knew what he was about. Asked if he didn't fear that the Governor would order the arms returned, he replied, Never!''

The Secessionists held possession of the arsenal for a weeic, until all the stores and munitions hatl been removed. The Jackson county men took away some cannon, muskets, etc., with them and sent i)ack for more. Lieut. J. W. Gillespie was guarding the stores that had not been removed and refused to give any portion of them up. Whereupon a fight over the spoils was imminent, and only prevented by a concession on the part of Lieut. Gillespie, who gave the delegation from Cracker's Neck half of what they demanded.

The property taken consisted of three six-pounder brass cannon, each weighing 882 pounds, mounted on field carriages ; 12 six-pounder iron guns, unmounted ; one three-pounder iron gun ; five caissons, two battery wagons, two forges, besides all the ordinary artillery equipments and accompaniments, and several hundred rounds of artillery ammunition, chiefly solid shot and canister ; l,180percussion muskets, complete ; 243 percussion rifles, 121 rifle carbines, 923 percussion pistols, 419 cavalry sabers, 39 artillery swords, 20 cavalry and artillery musketoons, 1,000 pounds cannon powder, 9,900 pounds of musket powder, 1,800 of rifle powder, about 400,000 cartridges, besides accoutcrments and equij)- nients for all small arms in great number, and in excess of the arms taken.

By far the greatest portion of the arms and munitions were taken possession of and hauled in wagons, provided for the purpose, to Liberty. Here they were distributed to the " minute men " of Clay and surrounding counties. Col. Routt's ice-house was converted into an armory, and here the military companies repaired from time to time and received their guns and other munitions of war, which in time did eflective service against the Government to which they belonged. The powder in barrels amounted to thousands of pounds,' was hidden away in difl'erent portions of the country - in haystacks, hollow logs, and elsewhere, and long after much of it gave its custodians uo end of uneasiness, anxiety and trouble, for fear of its discovery by the Federal soldiery.

Missouri Depot, Sunday, April 21, 1801. Sir - I embi'ace the first opportunity to inform you that the depot was taken yesterday, about 10 o'clock, by a body of armed men from this and the adjacent counties. While I am writing the depot yard and grounds ai-e filled with men, who are i-apidly moving the ordnance and ordnance stores from the post. Having no means of resistance, my protest against the forcible and unlawful seizure of the public property was of no avail, and I was informed that all the military stores would be taken. I send this to Saint Louis by boat to be mailed, and so soon as it can be done a detailed report of all the facts, so far as they can be ascertained, will be forwarded. Very respectfully, I am, sir, your obedient servant.

Liberty Arsenal, in Missouri, was taken possession of by Secessionists yesterday, and 1,500 arms and a few cannons distributed to citizens of Clay county. The Missouri river is blockaded at Independence. All quiet here at present.

Sir - On the 21st inst. I informed you - by letter sent to St. Louis by boat to be mailed - that this depot had been seized by armed men from this and adjoining counties, and that the arms, ammunition, etc., were being rapidly removed. The only reason assigned for this act was that the property was considered essential to the safety of the frontier ; and they assumed that the State would eventually become responsible for it to the General Government, and they to the State. Having no force to repel them, nor to prevent the removal of the stores, I was compelled to submit.

The post was evacuated by the insurgents to-day, and during the period of their possession they removed all the cannon, gun carriages, caissons, battery wagons, forges, arms, accountermeiits, implements, ammunition and part of the tools, etc., from the depot. The post was occupied by a force varying from 100 to 200 men during the first three days, and was then left under a guard of about 20 men to remove the balance of the stores.

turbed ; but it appears that the late telegraphic dispatches from other States produced much excitement among the people, and meetings have been held and Secession flags raised in almost every town during the past week - this state of things being inaugurated by the seizure of the depot.

I understand, however, that this feeling is by no means universal, and that a majority of the citizens here disapprove the seizure of the public property ; but this feeling of disapproval, being simply negative in its character, is powerless to prevent the violent measures advocated by those holding extreme political views, and the Conservatives, or Union men, who have done their utmost to preserve the peace and the Union, begin to despair, and are of the opinion that the State is fast drifting into the current of secession.

The exact condition of the property at the depot can not be accurately reported until I can make an inventory of the stores not taken, and this will I)e done with as little delay as possible. The forcilile seizure of the public projjcrty in my charge leaves me at a loss how to proceed in the absence of special instructions.

News of the capture of the arsenal was telegraphed to the outer world the same day, and created considerable sensation throughout the country, North, South, East, and West. It was the first overt act of citizens of Missouri against the Federal government. Lincoln heard of it and telegraphed to Leavenworth for an explanation. Harney heard of it at St. Louis and refused to believe it, but Lyon and Sweeney at the St. Louis Arsenal doubled their guards, planted two cannon at the gate, and sat up all night to watch the movements of a large crowd of Secessionists at the Berthold mansion, who were dispersed at a late hour by Mayor Daniel Taylor.

Among those who believed in secession tlie tidings were received with great joy and exultation. Clay count}^ was cheered heartily ; the act itself was applauded, and Routt and his men were the heroes of the hour. There can be no question that the capture or seizure was of inestimable advantage to the Secession cause, and so far was a success. In this county it decided, or helped to decide, the course of hundreds of men in twenty-four hours !

Monday following the seizure a large and enthusiastic Secession meeting was held at the court-house. Circuit court was in session, Judge Dunn on the bench. Eloquent and impassioned speeches were

Resolutions were adopted condemning President Lincoln for the call for troops, and indorsing Gov. Jackson for his " noble reply ; " declaring that the State Convention did not represent the will of the people when it said that Missouri would remain in the Union, even if the Crittenden compromise was refused ; favoring a new convention, and resolving -

That in the event there should be a new convention ordered, we pledge ourselves to support no man for delegate for said convention who will not aver himself a Southern Rights man, and that we will use all honorable means for the immediate secession of Missouri.

The stream of secession had swollen from insignificance to a mighty and almost resistless torrent, and was bearing down upon its current hundreds who had aforetime declared that, in the language of Henry Clay, the time could "7iever, never,'" come for secession and disunion. Two months before the vote was ten to one against secession; now, if an expression could be had the vote would be largely in its favor. So much had old gray-haired Edmond RutEn done for Clay county when he pulled the lanyard that sent the first shot against Sumpter.

But many of the conservative Union men were not demoralized or dismayed, by what had occurred elsewhere, and what had occurred in their midst. The next day after the Secession meeting they assembled at the court-house and held a meeting of their own. Dr. W. A. Morton was chairman. Col. Doniphan and James H. Moss addressed the audience in speeches full of fervor and feeling, pleading still for the Union, and crying peace, " when there was no^cace." Doniphan said he could not take part in the war. He would not fight against the flag under which he fought and conquered in the war with Mexico, and he would not draw his sword against his neighbors, his kinsmen, and his friends in the South. The sentiment of the meeting was alike opposed to secession and coercion.

The proceedings of this meeting were niarkcd with befitting gravity and deliberation. Resolutions were passed declaring that "secession is a remedy for no evil," approving Jackson's reply to Lincoln, and asserting that " the true policy of Missouri at jiresent is to main- tain an independent position within tlie Union, holding her soil and institntions ai^ainst invasion or liostile interference from any quarter."

And now in the season of spring, when the winter was over and gone, and the time of tlie singing of birds and the blooming of flowers had come, there was the note of preparation for bloody and deadly conflict heard in our county of Clay, and the fancy of the young men did not turn to thoughts of love. There was mustering and there was forming and tlie setting of squadrons in the field. Military companies were organized everywhere throughout the county.

In Liberty the first company w;is organized. This, as distinctly announced, was for " home protection," and was called the " Lilterty Home Guards." The members were to defend the town against everything hostile, but to assail nothing. It was composed largely of Union men. Capt. O. P. Moss, an unconditional Union man, and the veteran commander of the Clay county company in the Mexican War was elected captain ; James H. Moss, Wm. G. Garth, and John Dunn, lieutenants, and Larkin Bradford, orderly sergeant. The Liberty Home Guards numbered 107 men, and the company was organized April 24.

But other companies were organized whose objects were not so pacific. A company at Liberty called the "Mounted Eangers," was formed contemporaneously with the Home Guards. Its members were " Southern Rights" men. H. L. Routt, like Moss, a Mexican War veteran, was captain, and L. S. Tall)ott, George W. Morris and J. W. Gillespie, the lieutenants. The men were well armed with the arsenal arms.

A cavalry company at Smithville was composed of 120 men, well mounted and armed. Theodore Duncan was captain, P. M. Savery, Wm. Davenport, J. E. Brooks, lieutenants, and J. W. Duncan, orderly sergeant.

In Gallatin township an infantry company of 80 men was ofBceretl by G. W. Crowley, captain, Amos Stout and R. H. Stout, lieutenants, and John Neal, orderly sergeant.

May 1, the " Washington Guards," 43 men, were organized at Greenville. L. i\L Lewis, captain ; G. W. Mothcrshead, M. D. Scruggs, Richard Lattbon, lieutenants; John A. Perry, orderly.

At Gilead, on the 11th of May, a company for " home defeuse" was organized at a public meeting, of which Anthony Harseli was chairman. The officers were O. H. Harris, captain ; W. W. Smith and Samuel Henderson, lieutenants, and Tapp Soper, oi-derly.

Some of these companies were afterwards broken up, and reorganized ; others changed their officers, but nearly all of the members did more or less service for the Confederate cause, at one period or another, during the war.

About the 1st of May, Col. M. Jeff. Thompson, of St. Joseph, military inspector for this district under Gov. Jackson, came to Liberty, clad in full military uniform, with sword, sash, epaulets, etc., to look after the compau}^ organizations in this quarter. He made a speech at the court-house in which he said that in capturing the Liberty arsenal the Clay county men, though meaning well, had " acted the fool," as they had prevented the capture of the larger and more important arsenal at St. Louis ! News of the seizure here, he said, had been telegraphed to St. Louis in time to put Gen. Lyon on his guard.

Upon the news of the capture of Camp Jackson the Missouri Legislature hastily ^jassed the famous" military bill" and adjourned. Gov. Jackson ordered several companies of the Missouri State Guard to assemble at the capital for its defeuse, and on the 20th of May, Capt. Koutt's company of " Mounted Rangers " and Capt. Theo. Duncan's Smithville cavalry company left the county, pursuant to orders, for Jeft'ersou City. Before leaving Libert}^ Capt. Eoutt's company was presented with a beautiful Missouri flag l)y a number of ladies. Miss Minnie Withers making the presentation.

Notwithstanding what had already occurred, and the fact that preparations for war were still making everywhere, mau}^ yet strove for peace. Numbers of citizens protested against the enrollment of companies openly and boldly, and Capt. O. P. Moss declared that Col. Routt had no more right to capture the Liberty arsenal, with its government arms and munitions, than John Brown had to seize the arsenal at Harper's Ferr}^ The Tribune still opposed secession and war, and denounced the " military bill " in unstinted terms.

Gen. Doniphan Declines A Military Appointment

Under the provisions of the " militaiy bill " the State of Missouri was divided into militaty districts. Clay county was in the fifth district, composed of the counties of Atchison, Nodaway, Holt, Andrew, Buchanan, Platte and Cla}'. Gov. Jackson tendered the appointment of brigadier-general of this district to Col. A. W. Doniphan, of Clay, but he refused it, saying that he did not desire the honors of a brigadier at that time, as he had held that rank at the age of 29, and besides he had learned that Gens. Harney and Price had made a " treaty " by the terms of which peace was to be secured to the State anyhow.^ Governor Jackson then appointed Gen. A. E. Stein, an ex-lieutenant of the regular army, to the command.

Departure Of The Secession Companies For The War

Pursuant to the Harney-Price agreement Gov. Jackson ordered the companies of the State Guards to return to their respective counties from Jefferson. But May 31st Gen. Nathaniel Lyon succeeded G'en. Harney in command of the U. S. forces at St. Louis, and on the 11th of June, in an interview with Gen. Price and Gov. Jackson, he kicked over the agreement, and gave the Governor and his general two hours to leave St. Louis. Jackson and Price left for Jefferson City on a special train, burned the Osage river bridge behind them and cut the telegraph wires, and the next day the Governor issued a proclamation calling into the field 50,000 State militia " for the purpose of repelling invasion and for the protection of the lives, liberty and property of the citizens of this State."

The Clay county companies had returned to their homes within a few days after their departure, but on the receipt of Jackson's re-call, Routt's, Duncan's and Mothershead's companies sprang into their saddles, and on the 13th departed for Independence, all well armed and well mounted, to assist the State Guards in driving out the Federal forces which had come to Kansas City under Capts. Sturgis and Prince. The same day occurred the skirmish at Rock Spring, in Jackson county, between the Missourians under Col. Halloway and the Federals under Lieut. D. S. Stanle}', and in which Halloway was killed.

Sunday evening, "June 16, while in camp on the Blue, Capt. Theo. Duncan was shot by a member of another Secession company, who some aver was a half-insane man. A few days later the Smithville company returned home, owing to the wounding of their captain, ami to a misunderstanding and disagreement. Capt. Duncan died from his wound June 27, and was biu"ied at Liberty, the first victim of tlu; Civil AVar from Clay county. He had served in Moss' company in the Mexican War, and was not only a brave soldier, but a worthy citizen. Tlje man who shot Duncan was killed the next day by some of the Clay county men.

A short time after the skirmish at Rock Spring the State Guards, Secession forces, were ordered to Lexington to perfect their organization. Lexington was in Gen. J. S. Rains' district, but hither many companies repaired from the north side of the river. In Clay Capt. Thos. McCarty organized a company of infantry, with A. J. Calhoun, J. C. Vertrees and R. P. Evans as lieutenants, and J. C. Dumi orderly. This company started for Lexington June 17, and on its arrival went into camp. Li a few days four other Clay county companies were at Lexington - Capt. Talhott's, Capt. Holt's, Capt. Mothershead's and Capt. Crowley's. Capt. Talbott succeeded H. L. Routt to the command of the " Mounted Rangers," Routt having been promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel.

The First Federal Troops

On the morning of June 19th Clay county was first invaded by the Federal troops. A company of regulars, commanded b}^ Capt. W. E. Prince, came over from Kansas City to Liberty, taking the people somewhat bj' surprise and creating no little consternation. About 20 of the State Guards were in town, mainly at the hotels, and were speedily made prisoners, and their arms and horses taken from them. They were released by taking an oath not to serve against the United States during the war, and mainly upon the solicitations of Capt. O. P. Moss, known to be a sound Union man, Capt. Prince gave them back their horses and private arms.

Tlie Federals remained in town only a few hours. After cutting down the Secession flag which for some weeks had been floating undisturbed, cheering for the Union, and " chaffing " the Secession people, they returned unmolested to Kansas City. A da_v or two previously Capt. Prince had sent over a spy, who on his return had fully apprised him of the situation. Some of the Secessionists believed that certain Unionists had been in communication with the Federals, and were responsible for their visit, and serious threats were made against the supposed informers. The paroled prisoners paid no regard to their paroles, but taking the same arms and horses which had been restored to them entered the Southern army within a few days.

The next Federal soldiers that visited this quarter did not get off so easily and with equal success. Some time about the 12th of July Col. Stifel's regiment of St. Louis Germans (Fifth United States Re- serve Corps), which had been at Lfyin<;1<)ii for some days, came up the Missouri on the steamer White Chiud to destro}' the ferry-boats on the river and prevent the crossing of the State Guards from the north side to the south. At Blue Mills landing they were fired on from the Jackson county side by some State Guards in ambush, and had one man killed and twelve men wounded.^ The fen-y-boat was burned, as were a warehouse and store-room at the landing. At Missouri City the German Federals seized a number of fire-arms and carried them oft".

A few days later the same force came up the river on the way to Leavenworth to procure a company for the reinforcement of the Federal garrison then being formed at Lexington. A number of young men of this county repaired to the bottom, and when the boat came up opened fire on it with their rifles and shot-guns. No serious damage was done, but the Federals returned the fire and the Secession boys ran away.

Events Of The Summer And Early Fall Of 1861

From the middle of July until the first part of September, 1861, the peace of the county was scarcely disturbed, save by the exciting news from Southwest Missouri, whither the State Guards had retreated after the fight at Boonville, and whither they had been followed t)y the Federal forces under Lyons and Sturgis.

July 5 Capt. McCarty's company took part in the battle of Carthage, and lost one man, Albert Withers, killed, and a number wounded. At Wilson's Creek, August 10, the following men from Clay county, under Gen. Price, were killed : Sergts. A. W. Marshall, John W. Woods and Amos Stout ; Privates David Morris, John Grant and Richard Gates. The wounded were : Geo. Hollingsworth, mortally ; Capt. Thos. McCarty, seriously, and Lieut. T. K. Gash, James Miller, J. B. Winn, C. S. Stark, Richard Talbott, Wm. Hymer and L. B. Thompson, more or less severely. The Clay county troops were attached to Col. C. C. Thornton's " extra battalion."

Some time after the battle of Wilson's Creek many of McCarthy's company returned home, and their stories of that desperate conflict were listened to with great eagerness and interest by their friends and neighbors. Recruiting for Price's army was greatly stimulated by the tidings of the Federal defeats at Carthage and Wilson's Creek, and many hastened to enlist before the war should be over ! The Federals at Kansas City and Leavenworth were quiet and kept well at home, and hundreds of men passed to and from Gen. Price with nothing to molest them or make them afraid.

About this time there was one Federal officer found who did not enfoi'ce the doctrine of the old maxim that in time of war the law is silent. In August it was learned that Henry Harrison, the absconding railroad contractor, was a soldier in the Federal army at Leavenworth. Harrison had escaped from the Liberty jail by knocking down his keeper and running away. Jailer Ford, himself a Secessionisj;, went to Ft. Leavenworth and demanded the fugitive, who thought, doubtless, that his enlistment would prevent his return to the wellknown "rebel" county of Clay. But Capt. Prince, the commander of the post, gave him up without a word of objection or remonstrance, and even sent a strong guard with him to the river to prevent the possibility of his rescue or escape. The jailer reached Liberty with his prisoner in safety.

Near the 1st of September Col. Boaz Rol)erts and Majs. Tiiorntou and Morris came up from Price's army, and brought word that the Southern troops needed clothing and other supplies. An open, public meeting was held at the court-house to take measures for their relief. The contributions were considerable. Committees were appointed for each township to secure additional aid, and especially to furnish cloth to the jKitriotic Southern ladies, who gladly agreed to make it up into clothing for " the boys " in th^ tented field.

In the latter part of August and during the. first week in September several Union men either left the county^ through fear or were driven out by armed Secessionists. In Liberty Capt. O. P. Moss, James H. Moss, E. M. Samuel and Judge James Jones were forced to flee under the penalty of being " put out of the way," and they made their way up to the Union settlement of Mirabile, Caldwell county, where they were safe for a time. There must have been a serious state of aSairs for the Unioifmen, when men of such undoubted personal courage as the Mosses could be induced to leave by threats and hostile messages.

In the latter part of August Gen. Stein,' the commander under Gov. Jackson of this military district, issued a proclamation to the people in order to stimulate them to enlistment in the Southern ser- vice. Hitherto Gen. Stein's division had existed chiefly on paper. It contained but few men. The Chiy county Secession troops were chiefly attached to Gen. Slack's division, and Stein was especially desirous of recruiting his command to something like respectable proportions. For some time it had been merely a laughing stock. Following is a copy of the proclamation referred to : -

I, as your Brigadier-General, call on you to arouse and come to the rescue of your State. Your State has been invaded by a Northern army, your rights have been trampled on, the privacy of your firesides have {sic) been disregarded. Will you tamely submit to the dictates of a tyrant? JSfo! every man exclaims. Then come and meet the invader, transfer the war from 3'our own homes, meet them in other parts of the State, and never stop until the last foe has " bit the dust," or been driven from your State.

Organize into companies of from 50 to 100. Come, and I will lead you to victory. Bring your shot-guns and rifles ; they have been tried on the plains of Carthage and Springfield, and they did good work. Come, and do not wait for the army to get to your homes before you come out. A. E. Stein,

Stein's proclamation, albeit not seemingly a very spirited, thrilling or even well-worded document, was not altogether without effect. Soon after its appearance, or by the 10th of September, a considerable force of Secession troop rendezvoused at Lexington, under Col. H. L. Routt, of this county, encamping in the fair grounds in front of the Federals under Mulligan. In Clay L. B. Dougherty commanded a company, of which Lina Roberts, James A. Gillespie and L. A. Robertson were lieutenants. Two other companies raised in this county about the same time were Capt. John S. Gi'oom's and Capt. P. C. Pixlee's. All three of these companies repaired to Lexington to await the coming of Gen. Price's army, then known to be on its way up from Springfield.

The following Clay county companies participated in the siege of Lexington and assisted in the capture of 2,800 Federals under Col. Mulligan, who surrendered September 20. Clay county men were present during the siege, which lasted eight days, and took a hand as members of other commands, but the regularly organized companies from this county were those of Capt. G. W. Mothershead, Gideon Thompson, L. B. Dougherty, Johh S. Groom and P. C. Pixlee. Out of perhaps 400 men engaged. Clay county had but two or three wounded at Lexinston.

The Battle Of Blue Mills

Preliminary to an account of the battle of Blue Mills - if it he projoer to call that insignificant collision of hostile forces, unimportant in character and indecisive in results, a battle - it is proper to detail the situation preceding and the circumstances which led to it.

When Gen. Price's army had reached the Osage river, on its way northward to Lexington, whei'e the Federals were under Mulligan, the general dispatched swift messengers ahead with orders to the State Guards and other Secession forces in Northeast and Northwest Missouri to meet him at Lexington. Gen. Thomas A. Harris and Col. Martin E. Green responded with a force of 2,500 or 3,000, crossing the Missouri at Glasgow, after a brief but rather creditable campaign against the Federals under Pope and Hurlbut and the then Col. U. S. Grant.

In Northwest Missouri - in the counties of Gentry, Andrew, Nodaway, Holt, Buchanan and DeKalb - hundreds of men had organized for service in the Southern cause, but found it difficult and dangerous to get to the army of Gen. Price, where they must be in order to be effective ; for the Federals in this quarter, though not numerous, were vigilant and active and in addition to their being stationed in the principal towns they were keeping all the principal fords and crossings of the Missouri. But at last, about the 15th of September, these forces under their own leaders, having received the orders of Gen. Price, succeeded in uniting near St. Joseph, and set out at once for Lexington.

All told the Northwest Missourians numbered about 3,500 men, as follows: From the fifth military district (Gen. Stein's), thei'e were five regiments of infantry, under Col. J. P. Saunders, and one regiimeut of cavalry, under Col. Wilfley ; from the fourth district (Gen. Slack's), there were five regiments of infantry, under Col. Jefl'. Patton and one battalion of cavalry, under Col. Childs.^ There was also Capt. E. V. Kelly's battery of three guns.

About 4,000 State troops passed through the cit}' on Mondaj' last, on their way to Lexington. Most of them were mounted and tlie baggage train numl)ered over sixty wagons. They had three caniuni - two six-pounders and one nine-pounder.

Col. Saunders, in his report, mentions but 1,500, aside from Col. Boyd's and some other commands. From the best evidence now to be had it is quite probable that the number did not exceed 3,500.

On the evening of September 15th Geu. Price sent forward from Lexington Hon. D. R. Atchison, to hasten forward the recruits for whose arrival he was waiting to begin active operations against Mulligan and his cooped-up Federals. Atchison reached Liberty the next day, and met the troops and pushed them forward to Blue Mills Landing, where a considerable portion of them, including the artillery (Kelly's battery), crossed the same night. The remainder were waiting their turns.

At this time the Federals had forces at Cameron and at the Hannibal and St. Joe railroad bridge across Platte river. Those at Platte river were the Sixteenth Illinois infantry. Col. R. F. Smith, and some companies of the Thirty-ninth Ohio, Col. Groesbeck. At Cameron there were the Third Iowa infantry, Lieut. Col. John Scott, and four companies of Missouri Home Guards ; of the latter, one company, 35 strong, was from Adair county, under command of Capt. Cupp ; one - merely a squad - from Macon, under Capt. Winters ; two from Caldwell county, one under Capt. E. D. Johnson and the other under Capt. M. L. James. All the troops at Cameron were infantry, except Capt. James' homo guard company, which was mounted.

Learning of the movement of the Northwest Missourians towards Gen. Price's army, Gen. Pope, then in command of the Federal troops in North Missouri, determined to intercept them. Accordingly, pursuant to his orders, Col. Smith set out from Platte river bridge and Col. Scott from Cameron, with instructions to unite at Liberty the day before the Secession troops should reach that point.

Col. Scott moved more rapidly and more continuously than Col. Smith, and reached Liberty early on the morning of the 17th, " the day after the fair," as the Secessionists had passed through the day before, and half of them were already across the river and safely on the way to Gen. Price at Lexington.

Col. Scott was using the Caldwell county Home Guards, under command of Capt. Moses L. James, as an advance guard, they being mounted. At about 8 o'clock an encounter occurred between a detachment of this company, numbering 40 men, under the command of Lieut. James Call, of the Third Iowa, and the rear guard of the Secession forces, commanded by Col. Childs, and consisting of his battalion of cavalry, 300 men. This encounter took place about three miles south of Liberty, on the road to Blue Mills, or Owens' Landing, and resulted ia the complete discomfiture of the Caklwell Home Guards, four of whom were killed outright and one wounded. The remainder retreated in some confusion, but all, or nearly all, ultimately joined Col. Scott at Liberty.

Scott was in something of a quandary. He feared to attack the Missouriaus (who, as everybody informed him, largely outnumbered his forces) unless Smith would join him, and Smith was " long, long on the way." The lowan sent some of his mounted men out to meet. Smith and hurry him forward. He also sent out other scouts to discover, if possible, the situation at the river. Some of these exchanffed shots with the enemy, but could learn nothing except that they were crossing as rapidly as possible and seemed more eager to get to Gen. Price than to fight. Col. Scott thought if they were attacked they would stop to fight, and that he could hold them until Smith came up. Accordingly he concluded to attack them.

About 11 o'clock some of the fugitives from the skirmish with the Secession rear guard reached town and reported to Col. Scott, who now resolved to move his command down to the scene and if possible prevent the further crossing of the Missouriaus. He determined not to wait for Smith, but dispatched another messenger to him informing him of the situation.

Accordingly, with some 500 men of the Third Iowa, the Adair county Home Guards, the Caldwell county company, and 15 volunteer artillerists in charge of a six-pounder brass cannon - in all about 600 men - Col. Scott moved toward Blue Mills Landing. Reaching the pickets of the State Guards, the Federals were fired on and halted. The State Guards fell back, and after some little time spent in reconnoitering, Col. Scott concluded they had retreated, and again ordered the advance.

Col. Saunders, in command of the State Guards, had full knowledge of the movements of the Federals, and was well prepared to receive them. The ground was well calculated for an amljush, each side of the narrow road being thickly wooded and filled with vines and rank shrul)bery, forming an almost impenetrable jungle, and well adapted for concealing a considerable armed force. Some years before a cyclone had uprooted a number of trees, which now formed admiraljle vantage points for the riflemen, and on the west side of the road ran a then dry slough with a considerable eml)ankment, forming a good strong breastwork. Into this thicket Col. Jefl". Patton's regiment of Northwest Missouriaus was placed, on both sides of the road. Supporting them were other battalions and companies, and from the best iiiformatiou now to be obtained, the State Guards and the Federals were about equal in numbers - 600 on each side; the State Guards may have numbered 700.

As the Federals were marching gaily along, " eager for a fight," as they said, suddenly a galling fire was opened upon them from both sides of the road. A fierce little fight was begun and kept up for nearly an hour. But the advantage was with the Missourians from the start until the close, and the Federals were at last driven from the field, and retreated into Liberty in something like disorder and more of haste. Their artillery was of little service to them. The \)\ece, as stated, was manned by German volunteers, under a sergeant, whose name is best i*emembered as Waldeschmidt, and the surprise was so perfect that only a few rounds could l)e fired,' and they were not effective. The alleged artillerists abandoned the gun, and it would have been captured had not a few plucky lowans rallied to it and drawn it away.

The Federals returned the Hre, but they declared they " saw nothing to shoot at," and so those of their shots which took effect were chance ones. Some of them were driven back into ]\Ir. Beauchamp's wheat field, and here it is said they saw their enemies. A wagon imi)rovised into a caisson and loaded with ammunition was left on the field.

The fight took place about four miles east of south of Liberty, or between the wooden bridge across the town branch, a little below the arsenal, and Mr. Beauchamp's, though extending a little beyond (n. e. Visec. 33, tp. 51, range 31). The locality is a mile below where now (1885) the Wabash railroad crosses the comity road to the ferry landing.

A few, and only a few. Clay county men took part in the Blue Mills fight, against the Federals, of course. These had joined Col. Saunders' forces as they passed through.

Returning to Liberty Col. Scott found that Col. Smith had come up with about 2,500 troops, and was in camp about the square in Col. Lighlburne's orchard. Everything was now safe on the Federal side, and equally safe on the Secession side. Col. Saunders had not seen proper to follow up his victory, as it would seem he could have done - and if so should have done - and was content to get across the river without further molestation.

The Federals visited the field that night, and succeeded in removing nearly all of thgir wonnded. The next day all were brought back and taken to ths William Jewell College building, which was converted into a hospital. The Federal surgeons had their hands full for a day or two, and were assisted by Dr. "\Y. A. Morton and perhaps another local sui-geon.

September 20 two companies of Home Guards from Kansas Citj'-, imder Capts. Hyde and Thomas, came down to Liberty Lauding on the steamer Majors, and mai'ching thence to Liberty, removed all the wounded able to be transported to Kansas City, where they were cared for till they I'ecovered. These companies also took away with them some blasting powder and a few tools that the Secessionists had left the previous April at the seizure. But there were no arms left for them to take.

The Killed And Wounded

According to the best information obtainable, discarding all wild and sensational repoi'ts made without grounds and never authenticated, the Federal loss in the Blue Mills fight amounted to 14 killed outright on the field - 7 in the Third Iowa, 1 of the German artillerists, and 4 of the Caldwell county Home Guards, aud 2 of the Adair county Home Guards. In the Third Iowa there were mortally wounded : David H. Dill, Co. E, died September 28; Michael Wierna, Co. H, died November 19 ; Larian T. Washburn, Co. I, died next day, September 18. This information is obtained from official records, muster rolls, etc., yet on file in the offices of the adjutant-generals of Iowa and Missouri, and agrees with the memory of Dr. W. A. Morton, who was at the Federal hospital. The Federal wounded amounted to about to about 80 - 74 in the Third Iowa, 3 of the Caldwell Home Guards, and 3 or 4 of the German artillerists and Adair Home Guards.

The loss of the Missourians was 3 killed dead on the field - James W. Gillespie, of Patton's regiment; Dr. John Ross, of Wiltiey's regiment; and William Pope, unattached - and it is believed that 2 more died of their wouuds within a week. The wounded numbered 17 or 18.

other, have phiced the number of killed and wounded much larger. Immediately after the engagement each side grossly exaggerated the loss of the other - the wish fathering the thought in this particular - and each side, too, vastly over-estimated the forces of the other. The statements of the leading officers were seized upon by their respective partisans, and lost nothing in volume by their currency and circulation, until finally it came to be believed in certain quartei'S that 100 or more Federals were killed and three times as many wounded, and in certain other quarters that four score " rebels " had bitten the dust and a proportionate number wounded.

Happily official records, complete and perfectly authenticated, with no motive noio for prevaricating or concealing the truth, do not leave anything to be guessed. In the light of these, and in the face of other testimony corroborative, and with no design of disparaging the veracity of either Col. Scott or Col. Saunders, it is l)ut the plain simple truth that when one said, " the loss of the enemy (the Missourians) * * * from accounts deemed reliable, is not less than 160," and " his total force about 4,400," and the other said, "the enemy (the Federals) admitted a loss of 150 to 200 killed, wounded and missing," and that " 42 were left dead on the field," - both were mistaken.

Reports Of The Leaders

The official records of Col. Scott, commanding the Federals, Col. Saunders, commanding the Missouri State Guards, or Secession forces, and Gen. D. E. Atchison, a volunteer ^JW tern., serving under the orders of Gen. Price, are herewith given as necesgar}' portions of an account of the engagement at Blue Mills.

Brig.-Gex. a. E. Stein - I have the honor to submit to you the following report of an engagement on the 17th at Blue Mills ferry, between the State forces under my command, and a body of some 1,100 Federal troops. From the hour of leaving St. Joseph until I reached the river at Blue Mills, reports of the enemy hanging on our rear were hourly received. But upon the night of the 16th relialjle information reached us of the enemy's presence in considerable force (estimated variously at from 1,.500 to 3,000) upon the Centerville road, some 12 miles distant.

My command, consisting of my own regiment of infantry, embracing 11 companies, numbering about 400 men ; Col. Jefl'. Patton's regiment of infantry of aljout the same number; Lieut. -Col. AVilflev's regiment of cavalry of an equal number; Col. Child's battalion of some 300 men reaclaed the Missouri river at about four o'clock on the 16th, but could not commence crossing until 2 o'clock a. m. on the 17th, the boats being occupied by Major Boj'd's troops, who reached the ferry in advance of me. My orders being imperative to push on, I permitted no delay in crossing, with such facilities as were at my command. When about one-fourth of my train, consisting of about 100 wagons, were crossed about 8 o'clock a. m. my pickets were driven in. I had posted Col. Child's some four miles back upon the road with his battalion, and when his men were driven in, he took prompt steps to hold the enemy in check until I should be prepared to receive them.

The ready and judicious disposition of this officer in the morning, as well as his gallantr}^ later in the day, deserves the highest commendation, and is especiall}' brought to your attention.

After some sparring between pickets, Col. Childs succeeded in killing four and severely wounding one man, who was left upon the road and was afterwards given up to his friends.

After reconnoitering I concluded the enem}' had retired and marched my men - who had been formed in order of battle - back to the river and proceeded with the work of crossing, when, at 3 o'clock, about one-half had crossed, reducing my eliective force which could be ralli'ed, to about 600, our pickets were again driven in.

I ordered Cols. Patton and Childs forward with such forces as could be hastil}' formed, and directed Lieut. -Col. Cundift'to go forward with the remainder of my regiment while I should rally and bring up all the available forces not yet over the river.

The enemy opened on us with grape from a brass six-pounder, which my men silenced at the sixth round, killing all their artillery men (except one, who was slightlv wounded and taken prisoner) and their horses, f he men from the rear now commenced reaching the scene of action, and adding their cheers to those in front, the enera}' commenced flying, leaving their caisson on the ground containing 123 shell and a large lot of canister, grape and round shot. My men ran them some three miles, and only desisted when quite exhausted. The officers and men under my commtind behaved most gallantly, and deserve especial notice for their bravery, and coolness during the action.

M}' loss was 1 killed and 17 wounded, as follows: OfCapt. Fisher's company, W. P. McGee, dangerously wounded; P. Smith Roberts, slightly wounded.

Of Col. Wilfley's regiment. Dr. John Ross, killed ; B. Allen, Chas. Thorp and Thos. Spencer, seriously wounded ; James A. Burnham, slightl}' wounded.

The enemy admitted a loss of 150 to 200 killed, wounded and missing; 42 were left dead on the field. We got the prisoners, who are still in my hands. Several gentlemen not in any company or official capacity deserve especial mention for gallantry and activity ; among those were G. W. Van Lear, of St. Joseph, and Win. Pope, of Buchanan county ; the latter fell mortally wounded in the very front of my advancing column.

Lexington, Mo., September 21, 1867. Sir - In pursuance of your orders I left this place on the evening of the 15th inst. and proceeded forthwith to Liberty, C\ay county. Mo., where I met the State Guard on the march from the Northwest - live regiments of infantry, under the command of Col. Saunders, and one regiment of cavalry, under the command of Col. Willley, from the fifth district ; five regiments of infantry, under command of Col. Jetf. Patton, and one battalion of cavalry, under Col. Childs, from the fourth district. I delivered your orders to the above connnands to hasten to this point (Lexington) with as much dis[)atch as possible. They marched forthwith, and arrived at the Missouri river about four o'clock in the evening, when Col. Boyd's artillery and battalion and baggage were crossed over to the south, where the colonel took his position, Capt. Kelly planting his artillery so as to completely command the river. The crossing continued all night without interruption, every officer and man using his best exertions. We received news during the night that the enemy would be in the town of Liberty, about six miles distant from Blue Mills ferry, at an early hour the ensuing morning. We were crossing in three small flats, and much time was necessary to move the large train of some hundred wagons. Col. Childs with his command had taken post for the night about two miles from Liberty on the road to the ferry. Here he engaged the enemy's advance or pickets in the morning, killing four and wounding one, with no loss on our side. The enemy fled and we heard no more of them until 3 or 4 o'clock, when their approach was announced in large force, supposed to be al)out 000 men, with one piece of artilery (a 6-pounder). The men of our command immediately formed. Col. Jefl". Patton leading the advance, to meet the enemy. After proceeding about three miles from the river they met the advance guard of the enemy and the flght commenced. But the Federal troops al most immediately fled, our men pursuing rapidly, shooting them down until they annihilated the rear of their army, taking one cais-

>on, killing about 60, and wounding it is said, about 70. The Federal 1 roops attempted two or three times to make a stand, but ran after <lelivering one fire. Our men followed them like hounds on a wolf <-hase, strewing the road with the dead and wounded, until they were (compelled to give over the chase from exhaustion, the evening being very warm. Col. Saunders, Col. Patton, Col. Childs, Col. Cundiff, Col. Wilfley, Maj. Gause, Adj. Shackelford, and all the other officers and men, as far as I know or could learn, behaved gallantly.

Sir: - In relation loan affair of 3'esterda3- whichoecurred near Blue Mills Landing, a!)Out five miles from this place, I have the honor to report : -

Agreeably to your orders, I left Cameron at 3 p. m. of the 15th inst., and through a heavy ruin aud bad roads made but 7 miles during the afternoon. By a very active march on the 16th I reached Contrevillo, 10 miles north of Liberty, by sunset, where the firing of cannon was distinctly heard in the direction of Platte City, which was surmised to be from Col. Smith's Sixteenth Illinois command. Had sent a messenger to Col. Smith from Haynesville, and sent another from Centreville, apprising him of my movements, but got no response. On the 17th, at 2 a. m., started from Centreville for Liberty, and at daylight the advanced gnai'ds fell in with the enemy's pickets, which they drove in and closely followed.

At 7 a. m. my command arrived at Liberty, and bivouacked on the hills north of and overlooking the town. I dispatched several scouts to examine the position of the enemy, but could gain no definite information. They had passed through Liberty during the afternoon of the 16th to the number of about 4,000, and taken the road to Blue INIills Landing, and were reported as having four pieces of artillery. At 11 o'clock a. m. heard firing in the direction of the landing, which was reported as a conflict between the rebels and for disputing their passage over the river.

At 12 m. moved the command, consisting of 500 of the Third Iowa, a squad of German artillerists and about 70 Home Guards, in the direction of Blue Mills Landing. On the route learned that a body of our sco'uts had fallen in with the enemy's pickets, and lost 2 killed and 1 wounded. Before starting dispatched courier to Col. Smith to hasten his command.

About two miles from Liberty the advance guard drove in the enemy's pickets. Skirmishers closely examined the dense growth tlirough which our route hi}', and at 3 p. m. discovered the enemy in force, concealed on both sides of the road, and occupying the dry bed of a slough, his left resting on the river aud his right e x teiuling beyond our observation. He opened a heavy tire, which drove back our skirmishers, and made simultaneous attacks upon our front and right. These were well sustained, and he retired with loss to his position. lu the attack on our front the artillery suffered so severely that the only piece, a brass G-pounder, was left without suiScient force to man it, and I was only able to have it discharged twice during the action. Some of the gunners abandoned the piece, carrying off the matches and primers, and could not be rallied.

The enemy kept up a heavy fire from his position. Our artillery useless, and many of the officers and men already disaljled, it was deemed advisable to fall back, which was done slowly, returning the enemy's fire, and completely checking pursuit. The 6-pounder was brought off by hand, through the gallantry of Capt. Trumljull, Lieuts. Crosley and Knight, and various officers and men of the Third Iowa, after it had been entirely abandoned by the artillerists. The ammunition wagon, becoming fastened between a tree and a log at the roadside in such a manner that it could not be released without serious loss, was aljandoned.

I have to regret the loss of a number of brave officers and men, who fell gallantly fighting at their posts. I refer to the enclosed list of killed and wounded as a part of this report.

Maj. Stone, Capts. Warren, Willett and O'Neil were severely wounded, and also Lieuts. Hobl)s, Anderson, Tullis and Knight. The latter refused to retire from the field after being three times wounded, and remained with his men till the close of the engagement.

Among the great number who deserve my thanks for their gallantly I might mention Sergt. James F. Lakin, of Co. F, Third Iowa, who bore the colors and carried them into the thickest of the fight with all the coolness of a vetei-an.

The loss of the enemy can not be certainly ascertained, but from accounts deemed reliable is not less than 160, many of whom were killed. His total force was about 4,400.

[The following list of the killed and wounded of the Third Iowa Infantry, in the l)attle, has been kindl\' furnished for this history, properly certified, by Col. W. L. Alexander, Adjutant-General of

Company A - Wounded, First Lieut. D. J. O'Neil, in the arm; First Sergt. D. J. Duane, in the thigh ; Corp. Wm. H. Munger, in the thigh ; Privates, Elliott Critchfield, in the arm ; James P. McCafl'erty, in thigh, John Schi'age, in the leg.

(Jom-pany B - Wounded, Second Lieut. Albert Hobbs, in shoulder,; Sergt. John C. Woodrufl', through left lung; Corp. W. F. Hart; Privates Benjamin Robins, in left arm, Josiah M. Woodruff, left thigh badly shattered.

Company D - Killed, Wm. B. Miller. Wounded, Capt. George R. Wiliett, in knee ; Second Lieut. Ole A. Anderson, in head ; Private, Wm. B. Hickert, in knee.

Company H - Wounded, Michael AVierna (died November 19), Capt. John H. AVarren, in legs ; First Lieut. James TuUis, in legs ; Sergt. John McMannus, in arm ; Privates Ed. A. Barbour, Isaac Gamble and Jesse McClure.

Company / - Killed, G. W. Bedell, Thos. M. Mix, Benj. F. Darland. Wounded, Lorain T. Washburn (died next day) ; First Lieut. John P. Knight, in arm, leg and chin; Sergts. David Forney and Isaac M. Henderson ; Corp. William Burdick, in leg ; Drummer Chas. E. Balcoml), in neck; Privates James Buel, in right leg; Leroy Carter, in leg; Peter S. Darlund, severely; Richard C. Dolph, severely ; Daniel W. Foot, Wolsey Hawks, Wm. H. Miritield, in leg; Lewis D. Powers, inarm; Wm. L. Pei^pers, in leg and arm; A. S. Russell, severely in arm ; Geo. W. Stocks, severely in head and arm ; Geo.H. Smalley, in leg; Ferdinand Seick, Samuel Trowbridge, Joseph Wyborney, in left knee ; Asa H. Warner, A. M. Wilcox, severely in leg ; Thos. B. Walicy and James E. White.

were Linus Miller, Daniel Strope, John Smith and James Bogau. Three of Johnson's company were wounded - Capt. E. D. Johnson and privates Whitheld Early and Wm. O. Dod<re.

Other War Incidents Of The Fall And Winter Of 1861

On Friday, September 20, a considerable Federal force under Gen. S. D. Sturgis came into Liberty from the north and east and united with the Third Iowa and Sixteenth Illinois. Stui-gis' command consisted of the Twenty-seventh and Thirty-ninth Ohio regiments of infantry, and some Gentry county Home Guards. The next day, Sturgis at the head, the Ohio regiments departed for the west, going toward Fort Leavenworth. A day or two before their arrival at Liberty they had attempted to reinforce Mulligan at Lexington, but iu the Missouri bottom, opposite and about four miles from Lexington (or near the present site of R. & L. Junction), they were diverted from their pui'pose by the presence of Gen. Rains' division of Missourians, sent across by Gen. Price to stop them, and they moved rapidly to the westward to get out of the way, burning some of their wagons.

Not long after September 21, the Third Iowa and Sixteenth Illinois, with the Missouri Home Guards, left, and in their case the citizens considered it a good riddance of a lot of bad rubbish. For with these commands, especially among the Home Guards, were a lot of rapacious and unscrupulous thieves and plunderers that out-jayhawked the Kansas jayhawkers. Hen roosts, pigpens, gardens, even kitchens and private houses were preyed upon and stripped by these scamps, and two stores in Liberty were completely "gutted." The Missouri Home Guards did the greater part of this pillaging ; next to them were the Sixteenth Illinois men, and then came the Third Iowa, though it is said only comparatively a few of the latter regiment engaged in the plundering, but such as did were quite active.