NEWS OF 150 YEARS AGO
June 1861
From The Missouri Democrat, Thursday, June 20, 1861.
THE WAR IN MISSOURI.
The Battle at Boonville Confirmed.
Former Reports of Killed and Wounded Exaggerated.
OFFICIAL REPORTS FROM GEN. LYON.
THE REBELS COMPLETELY ROUTED.
Gen. Price Left Before the Fight.
GOV. JACKSON HAS FLED.
REBEL REINFORCEMENTS DISMAYED AND RETURN HOME.
SECESSIONISTS TAKING THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE AT JEFFERSON CITY.
[Special Dispatch to the Missouri Democrat.]
JEFFERSON CITY, June 19, 1 P. M.—The report of a fight at Boonville has been confirmed by parties from Syracuse, who report that about six hundred of the fugitives are there preparing for defense. It is probable that but few were killed on either side, although the accounts are conflicting. The boats landed five miles below Boonville, and the federal troops proceeded immediately to the attack. After the first attack the federal troops retreated and the State troops quickly followed. It proved to be a strategic movement, however, as they made a stand after gaining an open field, and completely routed the State forces. It is reported that Gen. Price ordered his troops to disband on Sunday and went home. A greater portion of them, however, being anxious for a fight, refused to leave. Gov. Jackson has fled.
SECOND DISPATCH.
JEFFERSON CITY, June 19, 3 P. M.—A man coming from California states that the rebel companies of the adjacent counties on the march to Boonville to join the rebel army, have dispersed at the news of the battle of Boonville, and gone home in the greatest hurry. Squire George Staihr, a notorious secessionist, has taken the oath of allegiance to the United States, also Geo. McHenry, of the Commissary Department of Jackson’s army. He left Boonville before the battle. Secessionists are getting very scarce. No further news from the seat of war. It is rumored that the prisoners and wounded of the battle of Boonville will arrive here to-day. — CARL BOERNSTEIN.
Sec. Lieut. Sec. Infantry, M. V., Act. Adj.
THIRD DISPATCH.
[Special Dispatch to the Missouri Democrat.]
JEFFERSON CITY, June 19, 6 o’clock P. M.—The steamer Sunshine has just arrived from Boonville, bearing dispatches from Gen. Lyon to Col. Boernstein, under date of yesterday (Tuesday) evening. These dispatches fully confirm the news which I had previously sent you. The rebels were completely routed at all points, and an immense quantity of arms, horses, ammunition and stores were taken. Nearly all of our officers are not provided with the horses taken from the enemy.
It is generally believed, and probably true, that Gen. Price resigned his command of the secession forces before the battle.
Ex-Governor Jackson fled into the country—whither, it is not positively known, although it is generally supposed he has gone South into Arkansas to join the rebel forces there, and we may possibly hear from him again.
The steamer J. C. Swon will leave to-morrow for Hermann, and will carry you a full report of the whole brilliant affair from your own reporter, now at headquarters in Boonville.
C.
