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.

Exploring the most important 55 months in American history
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.
The pro-secessionist Missouri State Guards advance northward and threaten Lexington, a key commercial town on the Missouri River.
Federals not only suffer a second major defeat within a month, but they lose an army commander as well.
Opposing forces inadvertently advance upon each other in southwestern Missouri, setting the stage for a battle.
Political turmoil and military maneuvering continue in the bitterly divided state of Missouri.
Secessionists defeat a Federal detachment in a minor clash as both sides scramble to link with their main forces in southwestern Missouri.