Three companies from Hannibal arrived first to the rescue, with two pieces of cannon of superior power to that of the enemy, and Colonel Smith immediately assumed the offensive. Toward evening, a body of cavalry under the command of Governor Wood, of Illinois, arrived and fell upon the rear of the enemy, when the struggle soon ended, and the rebel besiegers fled, with a loss of thirty killed and wounded, seventy-five prisoners, one gun, and a large number of horses. Of the Union troops, but four or five were severely wounded—none killed. GUERRILLA BANDS IN MISSOURI. In consequence of the disorganized condition of society in this State, bands of armed rebels took occasion to commit depredations upon the loyal citizens. Skirmishes became frequent, terror took the place of security, and distrust that of confidence. Men once high in public opinion and the councils of the nation became leaders in revolt, and encouraged by their example, the rabble threw off all restraint, and boldly became banditti. Brigadier-General Pope was assigned command in northern Missouri, and from his headquarters at St. Charles, issued a proclamation, assuring loyal citizens of protection, and threatening disorganizers and secessionists with severe punishment. The State Convention assembled on the 22d of July, at Jefferson City, and passed an ordinance on the 23d by a vote of sixty-five to twenty-one, declaring the office of President of their body, held by General Sterling Price, to be vacant, and elected General Robert Wilson, a firm Union man, in his place. A committee of seven—one from each Congressional district, was appointed to report what action was necessary for the State to take in the crisis, and prepare an address to the people. The report was made, Union in all its bearings, and the Convention adjourned. Major-General Fremont arrived at St. Louis on Sunday the 25th, and assumed military command. The month of July was prolific in proclamations from the commanders of the rebel forces as well as of the Federal troops. On the 30th of July, rebel regiments from Tennessee, Mississippi and Kentucky, occupied New Madrid, on the Mississippi river, in the southern extremity of the State, and fortified it, and General Gideon J. Pillow issued a manifesto, in which he called upon the men of Missouri to enter his ranks. On the 1st of August, Jefferson Thompson, not to be outdone in the declamatory department, also issued a fiery proclamation. Depredations had become so numerous and troublesome on the line of the Hannibal and St. Joseph’s railroad, that General Pope appointed General S. A. Hurlbut to guard it, and divided it into sections, notifying the people that all who had property and interests at stake, would be expected to take an active part in their own protection and security. Citizens were appointed district superintendents.