Pope's Advance from THE CAPTURE OF MILFORD. the river. Pope disposed his forces with ingenuity and manœuvred them with consummate skill. Strong detachments were left at Laurine bridge, Georgetown, Sedalia, and at a point twelve miles southwest of the latter place-dispositions made to blockade all the avenues of communication between Price's camps-then at Rose Hill and Clinton, north of the Grand river branch of the Osage, and at Osceola — and Lexington. Pope's main body pushed on toward Clinton, but he shrewdly diverged from the Clinton road thirty miles from Sedalia, bearing to the west for the purpose of cutting in between Clinton and Rose hill. But, to lure out Price, a cavalry force of two hundred and fifty men under Major Hubbard, drawn from the First Missouri, pressed on to Clinton. Only the enemy's pickets were found there, and Hubbard dashed on, driving in the out guards until he had gone twelve miles beyond Grand river toward the Osceola (main) camp. He then turned northward again, securing his prisoners (sixty in number) and a considerable quantity of supplies, horses and arms. This bold dash into its very lines greatly excited the Osceola camp; but Price did not come out as hoped. He only prepared for retreat. The Pursuit from 455 toward Clinton, hoping to bag more of Price's supplies and recruits. About one hundred of the unwary were secured, together with several wagons of stores. Pope now directed his march to Warrensburg, from whence he proceeded eastwardly to a point about half way to Knob Noster, where the Clear Fork creek crossed the direct Warrensburg and Sedalia road. There he arrived on Thursday, Dec. 19th, to learn from his scouts that the heavy supply train of which he was in pursuit was at Milford, only seven miles away, on the north side of the Blackwater river nearly opposite the mouth of Cedar Fork creek. The Capture at From Milford two roads diverge-one to Warrensburg and one to Sedalia. Pope at once dispatched two bodies of cavalry, under Colonel Davis and Major Marshall, to approach the town by both roads. Colonel Jefferson C. Davis took the Warrensburg route, and just before dark came dashing up to the Blackwater. Davis, with a battalion of the Iowa cavalry, passed from the approaching road, designing to ford the river by swimming if necessary, in order to reach and surprise the enemy's right; while the remainder of his forces-composed of companies B, C and D of the Fourth cavalry, regulars under command of Lieutenant Amory, pressed on over the narrow bridge. The rapid evolutions of the regulars anticipated Davis' movements. They crossed over at high speed to send consternation into the rebel camps; and Davis came up (having fail The main body of Pope's two brigades, after diverging from the Clinton road, struck out for Chilhowe, a point between Rose hill and Clinton. The Federal cavalry rode over the surrounding country, picking up great numbers of men and a large quanti-ed to ford the stream owing to its deep and ty of stores traveling south from Lexington for Price's camp. The enemy's force at Rose hill, about twelve hundred in numbers, becoming informed of Pope's approach suddenly fled-taking a direct road to the south; nor did they restrain their weary soles until the Osage was passed at a point south of Johnston. Pope dispatched the regiments of Colonels Brown and Foster, with a strong force of cavalry, and a section of flying artillery in pursuit; but the rebels were too fleetfooted-they all escaped. The pursuit was discontinued at Johnston-the cavalry and artillery returning direct to Chilhowe, while Colonel Foster, with the infantry, passed up swift current) to find the whole affair settled: Amory had received the surrender of the camp and contents. This prize was found to consist of Colonels Robertson and Alexander, Major Harris, Lieutenant-Colonel Robinson, seventeen Captains, thirty Lieutenants, one thousand three hundred and forty privates, one thousand stand of arms, one thousand horses and mules, sixty-three wagonloads of supplies, besides rations, small arms, saddles and extra clothing claimed by the privates. A writer from the scene of action, said of these really admirable operations: "During the six days' absence of this expedition it has performed one of the most Results of Pope's arduous undertakings ever acOperations. complished. The distance travelled by some of the cavalry forces is not less than from eight hundred to one thousand miles. In many cases they rode day and night, with only two or three hours rest in the twenty-four, and this was continued day after day, and night after night, till, in many cases, men and horses fell from utter exhaustion. The untiring energy and sagacity of General Pope in conducting this expedition, as well as the immense importance of its results, will be fully appreciated by the people. I have no doubt that General Halleck, aided by this able officer, and seconded also by the veteran Steel, will very soon de velop plans that will either force Price to a capitulation or drive him ignominiously from the State, and thus settle at once and forever the question of National supremacy in Missouri." The writer's prophecy was quickly verified Price's pretty projects had all miscarried, and the again stricken chief turned his face southward, followed by his now fully disorganized forces. He preceded his men. General Rains covered the "withdrawal." Bridges were burned and roads obstructed to prevent the apprehended pursuit. The long bridge at Warsaw, a monument of Fremont's labors, was among those destroyed. But, no immediate pursuit was made. Halleck was not then prepared for the onward to Springfield. Pope's successes were a surprise to his superior as well as to the enemy. Much remained to do in clearing out the numerous bands of bridge burners, guerrillas and thieves who roamed over the country. Prentiss' and Hunter's troops did good service against the vagabonds. They had, for several weeks, been employed in trying to stay the destruction and suffering wrought by these strolling bands, but only with partial success. Well mount ed, thoroughly acquainted with every by path, fastness and avenue of escape, it was almost impossible to encompass their destruction. Severe measures were called for. Hunter issued the following order, which the rebel authorities of course stigmatized as scending all the rules of civilized warfare:" "HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF KANSAS, FORT LEAVENWORTH, Dec. 2d, 1861. Efforts to Suppress Guerrillas. "TO THE TRUSTEES OF PLATTE CITY, &c.: "tran "Gentlemen: Having received reliable information of depredations and outrages of every kind commit. ted by a man named St. Gordon, a leader of rebel marauding bands, I give you notice that unless you seize and deliver the said Gordon to me at these headquarters within ten days from this date, or drive him out of the country, I shall send a force to your city with orders to reduce it to ashes, and to burn the house of every secessionist in your county, and to carry away every slave. "Colonel Jennison's regiment will be entrusted with the execution of this order. "The following persons are particularly directed to this notice: David Hunt, Clinton Cockerill, James Merryman, Robert Cain, John Murray, H. T. Freeland, William Paxton, W. C. Bemington, Andrew Tribble, R. P. S. Ely, Jackson Miller, Robert Clark, W. Tutman, H. M. Cochrane, Samuel M. Hayes, Joseph Todd and Jonas Burkhart. "D. HUNTER, 'Major-General Commanding." This was a strong proceeding; but, as in the case of the old man and the boy stealing his fruit-milder measures only excited rebel derision. He therefore resorted to the stern rule of holding the enemy's immediate sympathisers responsible for their outrages. Jennison, schooled in suffering and wise from his own wrongs, was not a man to shrink from extreme measures against those who, as "border ruffians," had caused so much blood-shed on Kansas soil in 1856. But, no efforts seemed to avail. Even after the retreat of Price's forces,* the reign of ruffianism continued. Under date of December 26th, Halleck was forced to proclaim martial law "in and about all the railways in the State"-thus reviving another of Fremont's much maligned measures. One by one the instruments adopted by "the Pathfinder" to suppress the rebellion in Missouri, were resumed as the only treatment adapted to the unusually malignant and cruel type which the insurrection in Missouri assumed. The order was promulgated owing to sudden and apparently preconcerted (second) efforts of the secessionists to burn bridges and destroy property. When Price's army retreated, large numbers of his recruits, which *The General stated to his troops that he had retreated by orders from the Confederate headquar As the retreat was a flight upon compulsion, his orders" came rather late to save his military prestige. ters. 46 Efforts to Suppress EFFORTS то SUPPRESS GUERRILLAS. 457 Efforts to Suppress had been gathered from the | bloodless; they were, on the river counties, returned to contrary, quite generally actheir homes, professing to companied with bloodshed accept the amnesty offered by Halleck to all and frequently proved of a sanguinary charac who would lay down their arms. These men, ter. The affair at Silver creek (January 8th) as in most cases of those taking the oath of alle- was of this nature. Major Torrence, of the First giance, accepted the clemency extended only Iowa cavalry, was put on the track of the that they might the more effectually strike rebel emissary Colonel Poindexter, who, as a their foe. Honor and principle alike were recruiting agent for the cause of Governor dead virtues in the Confederate breast when Jackson, had established a camp of rendez"the Yankees" were concerned. And this vous at Silver creek, in Howard county, as was not strange when we consider that their well as minor camps in Roanoke and Johncause was grounded in dishonor. A letter son counties. The Major scoured the country from St. Louis, December 27th, said: "A around thoroughly. At length, joined by new secret secession organization, confined to Major Howard's battalion, a section of Colothis State, has been discovered, and at the nel Merrill's dragoons under Major Hunt, proper time full particulars will be given to and one company of the Fourth Ohio, Cap the public. The oaths and obligations are tain John Foster, the camp at Silver creek, of the most diabolical description, and bind about thirty miles north of Boonesville, was the members to do anything' to overthrow assailed. the present Government of the United States." Anything for success! was the pass word. At length, however, the vigilance practiced by the several excellent officers in command along the lines of the roads, succeeded in breaking up the principal organized gangs of marauders. On the 2d of that month it was said from St. Louis: "Dispatches received at Halleck's headquarters announce the capture of the notorious Jefferson Owens, Colonel Jones and fifty of their bridge burning gang, near Martinsburg, Adrian county, by General Schofield, commander of the State militia, and the various guerrilla bands along the north Missouri railroad have been pretty thoroughly scattered." Further arrests occurred, in which the First Kansas, Colonel Deitzler, took an active part. It was a most gallant affair, in which officers and men vied in valor. The enemy after a sharp defense fled, leaving the entire property of the camp, even their supplies. Major Torrence destroyed every thing of value and returned to Booneville to receive the thanks of his commander for his dashing little "guerrilla campaign." The loss of the rebels was twelve killed, twentytwo wounded and fifteen prisoners. The Federals lost three killed and ten wounded. Colonel Jennison's rangers scouted the counties along the Kansas line so thoroughly, and acted with such decision, as to rid that section of the most malignant evil-doers. His procedure though severe was called for by the treachery of many of the people, and the unsparing cruelty of the guerrilla bands which they assisted to maintain. To General Prentiss was assigned the Army of North Missouri.' His labors were directed to keeping open the Hannibal and St. Joseph railway. To anticipate the bridge burners in their efforts he fell upon the rebels at every This regiment held Lexington after its second occupation, and succeeded in securing camparative peace to that immediate section; but, here and there the spirit of incendiarism would break forth. It may be said the central section of the State was not opportunity. The attack at Zion's Church actually freed from these visitations of the enemy until late in the spring of 1862. The numerous conflicts with bands of guerrillas, the chase and exploration for them, would form, if written, a very exciting and novel chapter. Such encounters were not always in Boone county, amounted to a battle-the rebel loss being twenty-five killed, a large number wounded and thirty prisoners. By this rapid stroke a strong rebel organizatiou under Colonel Dorsey was broken and effectually scattered (Dec. 28th). It was the last of Jackson's recruiting offices in the very | laid down the law: “Martial heart of the State. Halleck's Proceedings Halleck's Proceedings law having been declared in Halleck carried out his this city by authority of the administration with a firm President of the United States, all the civil hand. His military rule authorities, of whatever name or office, are was rigid but not oppressive except to seces- hereby notified that any attempt on their sionists whose conduct rendered them ame- part to interfere with the execution of any nable to Orders. St. Louis swarmed with order from these headquarters, or impede, these "friends of the South," who were, chief-restrain, or trouble any officer duly appointed ly, persons of wealth, wedded to the South to carry such order into effect, will be regardby close affinities or by trade. Upon this ed as a military offense, and punished accordclass Halleck's order No. 13, levying contri-ingly. The Provost-Marshal-General will arbutions to support the refugees, bore with rest each and every person, of whatever rank some severity. Several of those assessed re- or office, who attempts in any way to prevent fused to comply with the demand; whereupon or interfere with the execution of any order the General-Commanding ordered out an ex-issued from these headquarters. He will call ecution under which property was seized, to upon the commanding officer of the Departcover the first assessment and twenty-five per ment of St. Louis for any military assistance cent. additional, as provided for in order No. he may require." 24. This action was resisted by a replevin process served on the Provost-Marshal, at the instance of one Samuel Engler. Halleck instantly committed Engler and his attorney to prison, and an order soon issued banishing Engler beyond the lines of the Department. All this higher-authority proceeding created great excitement; but, that it was required, none who knew the dangers of a civil process from a Missouri court could deny. In the special order of banishment Halleck thus After this there was very little interference with the military power; and the decision then shown did more to "subjugate" the disloyal element than a great victory over Price and Rains. The operations in Grant's district during January properly constitute the preliminary narrative to the expeditions against Forts We therefore reserve Henry and Donaldson. their details to one of the opening chapters of Volume III. CHAPTER VIII. ROSECRANS IN WESTERN VIRGINIA. OPERATIONS AGAINST FLOYD AT NEW RIVER. FLOYD'S RETREAT AND ESCAPE. THE GUY AD ANDOTTE MASSACRE. ROSECRANS IN WINTER QUARTERS. DRESS то HIS TROOPS. FLOYD'S ADDRESS то HIS MEN. GEN ERAL KELLEY'S OPERATIONS AT ROMNEY. GOVERNOR LETCHER FEDERAL "USURPATIONS." ON By orders promulgated | were disposed as stated on Disposition of Troops. Disposition of Troops. November 9th, 1861, reor- page 316. In addition to ganizing the several military departments, the forces there named, were Reynold's troops Brigadier-General W. S. Rosecrans was as holding Cheat Mountain; and still further signed the Department of Western Virginia north, guarding the line of the Baltimore and [See page 414]. His forces November 1st, Ohio railway, was General B. F. Kelley's Disposition of Troops. FLOYD'S ESCAPE command at New Creek, from whence, by a forced night march, it fell upon Romney (October 26) and, after a sharp struggle, secured that rebel headquarters with much stores, provisions and arms. This command, however, passed into the Department of the Cumberland, and therefore was not reckoned as part of Rosecrans' disposable strength, although he relied upon it to operate against General Lee, then still in camp at Greenbrier, should he attempt to move north. Attack on Floyd's Floyd's Escape. just below the Gauley river Rosecrans, having maAttack on Floyd's tured his plans for encomStronghold. passing Floyd and for bagging his entire host, proceeded to work by ordering Benham with his brigade to cross the Kanawha at Deep creek, thence to advance up the creek to the rebel rear, striking the Raleigh road below Fayetteville. Floyd had advanced to the line of the Kanawha river just above Gauley river mouth, where his cannon commanded the communication between the upper and lower camps of Rosecrans' brigades. He was strongly posted, and prepared for obstinate work. His camp at the mouth of Laurel creek was backed by entrenchments, at Dickerson's, on the road to Fayetteville. His avenue of retreat, if such a contingency should occur, was by the road (turnpike) from Fayetteville to Raleigh C. H. | Thus, it will be seen, that Benham's part of the programme was of the most important nature; celerity of movement would determine all; by his occupation of the turnpike Floyd could not escape except by cutting Benham to pieces. For the front assault, it was arranged to use a deserted ferry on the Kanawha (called New river above the confluence with the Gauley) which would permit an approach to Fayetteville direct, and thus at once bring matters to an issue. After in-heavy day's work, though it remains to be credible labor Major Crawford with his pioneers (regulars) succeeded in landing boats and floats at the ferry; but, at the critical moment, the waters suddenly came rushing along in a great “rise,” rendering it impossible to use the floats without a risk of drown-patient study of all the documents submitted in the case. Benham in his report labored to give the ing all the men. This approach had, therereasons for his several movements, but no explanafore, reluctantly to be abandoned. Rosecrans tion, we hold, should suffice for a total miscarriage thereupon determined to strike Floyd's po- of a plan so palpably proper as that compri-ed in sition by a flank movement over the Kanawha | his original orders--to prevent the enemy's retreat. It shown why he could not pursue with his light troops as fast as the enemy with his lumbering trains could flee.* * This version of Floyd's escape we give after a |