First Charge of Fremont’s Bodyguard, Led by Major Zagonyi, on the Confederate Garrison at Springfield, Mo., October 25th, 1861
(from Frank Leslie’s Illustrated History of the Civil War…, edited by Louis Shepheard Moat, Published by Mrs. Frank Leslie, New York, 1895)
“While encamped at Pomme de Terre, Mo., Fremont learned that a Confederate force had just been established at Springfield. He at once ordered Major Zagonyi to take his cavalry on a reconnoissance, and to capture the camp if deemed practicable. When Zagonyi arrived near Springfield he learned that the Confederate force was nearly 2,000 strong, while he had but 150 men. ‘Notwithstanding this disparity he made a gallant charge into the enemy’s ranks in the face of a hailstorm of bullets. He succeeded in, forcing the Confederates to break away in wild disorder, thus making the first charge of the bodyguard a great success.”