Page:Confederate Military History - 1899 - Volume 12.djvu/226

812 Lyon represented the United States. This also failing, the governor issued his proclamation on the 12th of June, describing his extraordinary efforts to avoid war, and the causes of their failure, and at the same time called for 50,000 men "for the purpose of repelling invasion and for the protection of the lives, liberty and property of the citizens." General Lyon had insisted, in the peace conference with Jackson and Price, on the complete occupation of the State by the military forces of the United States, in order to reduce it, as avowed by himself, "to the exact condition of Maryland," and on the governor's rejection of these terms prepared at once to overthrow the State government by his military force. The day following the governor's proclamation, Lyon moved with 1,500 men from St. Louis upon Jefferson city, which he seized, and proceeded toward Booneville, where he was met in battle by the governor, who with Colonel Marmaduke had collected a small body of Missourians. The affair was small in casualties, but signified fully that the Federal government was resolved on the conquest of the State. After this there was rapid increase of military events. June was consumed in recruiting and marching to positions. The Federals had gained great advantage in the prolonged negotiations for peace, during which the increasing and arming of commands went on. The adjoining State of Illinois also stood prepared to throw 10,000 troops across the State lines on any day. Lyon sent out many scouting parties and various expeditions which harassed Missouri. Many small encounters occurred, and one of larger measure at Carthage, where General Price, with General Rains and Governor Jackson, defeated Sigel on the 5th of July. About a month later Lyon lost his life in battle at Wilson's creek, or Oak Hills, in which Price and McCulloch, with Missouri and Arkansas regiments, won a Confederate victory. The situation in Missouri at this period, while the first battle of Manas-