165 YEARS AGO: Despite the recent loss of Lexington and the scattering of his forces, John C. Fremont reports that his troops are somehow “gathering around the enemy” in Missouri.
Category: Missouri
Great Distress and Alarm Prevail
John C. Fremont continues garnering ill will among fellow officers, and Abraham Lincoln endures criticism from politicians for modifying Fremont’s controversial decree.
The Fall of Lexington
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: Sterling Price’s pro-secessionist Missouri State Guards capture a Federal force and a key commercial town in their effort to expel the Federals from their state.
A Deadly Drift of Lead
165 YEARS AGO: The pro-secessionist Missouri State Guards advance northward and threaten Lexington, a key commercial town on the Missouri River.
Writing in a Spirit of Caution
165 YEARS AGO: Abraham Lincoln addresses the delicate issue of John C. Fremont’s proclamation imposing martial law in Missouri and freeing slaves belonging to disloyal masters.
Missouri Must Now Take Her Position
165 YEARS AGO: Demoralized Federal troops begin a long retreat out of southwestern Missouri after their defeat at Wilson’s Creek.