NEWS OF 150 YEARS AGO
November-December 1862
From The Missouri Democrat, Wednesday, November 5, 1862.
FROM PATTERSON, MISSOURI.
General Inspection and Review—The Arrest of Col. Fletcher—Col. Boyd—Prisoners, &c., &c.
PATTERSON, MO., Nov. 1, 1862.
Editors Missouri Democrat:
Yesterday was a “big day” with the troops here; there was a general inspection, review and muster for pay. Colonel Boyd, commanding Davidson’s Division in the field, was busy; all the officers were dressed up, and the soldiers were out in their best. The splendid 23d Iowa made an imposing show, but the Excelsior Regiment, 31st Missouri, being all present, and recently uniformed, presented the finest appearance of all the regiments reviewed. The soldierly bearing of the men was generally remarked. Col. Fletcher was as coolly and calmly commanding as though he had never been under arrest; folks about here having concluded that the aforesaid Col. Tom Fletcher, in military as well as civil matters, acts with a full knowledge of what he is about. His men idolize him, and he possesses the most perfect control over them, and his order seems to have the instantaneous effect of electricity to stop or to move his regiment.
Nobody here knows anything more about his arrest than that it was done by General John B. Gray, on account of a very firm refusal of Col. Fletcher’s to obey an order of Gen. Gray to take his command south of Patterson without having it armed in the manner he desired. His release was only known when he appeared on the parade ground in full uniform with his sword by his side. The most hearty cheers which we ever heard in this region greeted him from his men, and “made the welkin ring again.”
General Gray is going to Pilot Knob to take command of that post. Colonel Fletcher will be in command of the 1st Brigade.
Colonel Boyd, the “Ozark Boy,” as he is called—the fighting colonel of the southeast—is certainly one of the practical men of the times. His fighting qualities have been tested, and his off-hand, ready way of doing things calls forth the approval and admiration of the military men hereabouts.
About forty prisoners were sent up from here yesterday. They were a motley group, captured principally from Boon’s command, out on Current river; they were almost naked, some bare-footed, and some with moccasins made of raw hide.
This is a splendid place for an encampment, being a high, healthy situation, with plenty of wood and good water.
There are no rebels south of this in the State, except a small band in the swamps. Colonel Lazear, of the 12th cavalry, Col. Dewey, of the 23d Iowa, with Jaenseh, of the 31st Missouri Volunteers, have driven the last remnant of them into Arkansas. Our forces are now returning with a number of prisoners.
very respectfully,
LOOKOUT.