The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 09, No. 53, March, 1862: A Magazine of Literature, Art, and PoliticsVarious
History
The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 09, No. 53, March, 1862: A Magazine of Literature, Art, and Politics
Various
American periodicals
Hunter has not yet been heard from: three couriers have been sent after
him. General Pope is now in command here. It is understood, that, until
the Commanding General arrives, the army will stand upon the defensive,
and that no engagement will take place, unless it is attacked. General
Fremont and his staff will leave to-morrow for St. Louis.
This evening I rode through Sigel's and McKinstry's camps. The general
order and the farewell address had been read to the regiments, and the
camp-fires were surrounded by groups of excited soldiers, and cheers for
Fremont were heard on every side.
_November 3d, 8 P.M._ This morning it became apparent that the
departure of the General before the arrival of Hunter would endanger the
discipline of the army. Great numbers of officers have offered their
resignations, and it has required the constant and earnest efforts of
General Fremont to induce them to retain their positions. The slightest
encouragement upon his part of the discontent which prevails will
disorganize the divisions of Sigel and Asboth.
The attitude of the enemy is threatening, and it does not seem possible
to avoid a battle more than a few hours. Great numbers of people, flying
before Price, have come in to-day. A reconnaissance in the direction of
Springfield has been made, and the following report rendered by General
Asboth.
"HEAD-QUARTERS FOURTH DIVISION WESTERN DEPARTMENT.
"_Springfield, November 3d, 1861._
"To MAJOR-GENERAL J.C. FREMONT, _Commanding Western
Department._
"GENERAL:--The captain commanding the company of Major Wright's
battalion, which was sent out on a scouting party to Wilson's
Creek, has just sent in his report by a runner. He says, last
night the enemy's advanced guard, some two thousand strong,
camped at Wilson's Creek. Price's forces are at Terrill's Creek
on the Marionsville road, nine miles behind Wilson's Creek, and
McCulloch's forces are at Dug Springs.
"Both these forces were expected to concentrate at Wilson's
Creek to-night, and offer battle there.
"The scout depicts every road and path covered with moving
troops, estimating them at forty thousand men.
"Very respectfully,
"Your obedient serv't,
"ASBOTH,
"Act. Maj.-Gen'l Com'd'g 4th Div."
According to this report, the whole of Price's army is within twenty
miles of us, and probably nearer. Hunter has not been heard from,
and it is impossible to discover his whereabouts. This afternoon
General McKinstry designed to make a reconnaissance in force with
his whole division towards Wilson's Creek; but yielding to the
solicitations of the chief officers, and in view of the imminence of
battle, to-day General Fremont resumed the command, and ordered
McKinstry not to make his reconnoissance,--not wishing to bring on a
general engagement during the absence of Hunter.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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