[By Special Order No. 42, Head Quarters Western Dept. St. Louis, dated Aug. 9, 1861, Curtis was ordered to “command a Camp of Instruction for Volunteers at Jefferson Barracks. General Curtis will use the utmost expedition in drilling and disciplining the Regiments which will be directed to report to him. The School of the Company and Battalion will be commenced at once.” By order of Genl Fremont.]
[By Special Order No 43, dated as above Aug 11, 1861, Curtis’ command “is extended to include Jefferson Barracks where he will establish his Head Quarters.” The former commander, Lt. Col. Burbank1 assigned to the Arsenal.]
Jefferson Barracks August 14, 1861
My dear wife
You have no doubt heard the sad news of the death of General Lyon and the reverses of our troops under his command.2 I deplore the divided Condition of our force which seems to expose us to defeat in all portions of our line. It is so contrary to first principles I cannot help feeling disposed to join in the general clammer against the Commander in chief who ought to admonish his Generals everywhere against such detachments. This has been a day of toil and anxiety here. At 12 Oclock I had orders to have my entire force ready to move to the Arsenal and was informed transports would be furnished this after noon. I had about 6 thousand troops in aal forms and conditions Cavelry horses without riders and Cavelry Companies without horses All without arms except some 300. As the order was to move all the troops my first trouble was to dispose of the stores which are very extensive and the sick and dead for we had two of the latter without Coffins and no lumber to make them. I set to work having everything Carried to the landing. At ¼ of 1 I received an order to send three Regiments to town. This I did very promptly. At 2 I received directions that one of these should go to the Depot on 7th Street St. Louis. The rest of the force is still (5 PM) waiting transports which I hope are not going to arrive. I dislike the Arsenal for many reasons, and especially as a place to meet a foe.
It seems Genl Fremont has seised some of the leading Secessionists and declared a sort of Martial law.3 I know this will exasperate many people and no doubt grave threats are made against him.
It is a bad time here in Missouri throughout the length and breadth of the State, and we have great need of desisive and strong demonstrations. I regret that we are not better prepared to meet the exigency.
John Avery arrived here just now from his farm. He brought me a basket of nice ripe peaches and said he had prepared go if we have to. I hope we may remain. I do not believe we could be of any use anywhere till we get better organized and equiped. I was sorely grieved at having to send Col Laumans4 Regiment, raged and without arms through St. Louis to 7th Street Depot–But that was the order and so they went. They will get arms at the Depot. Col McDowells4 regiment goes to the Arsenal, So he will get arms, and I trust soon be permitted to return here for drill. Of course am glad you are not here now and no doubt you are.
I have only a half sheet and must close
Affectionately & Ever yours
Saml. R. Curtis
1. Sidney Burbank, U. S. Military Academy, 1827, maj. of infantry, 1856, lt. col. May 14, 1861, col. Sept. 16, 1862, was made a brut brig. gen. for services at Gettysburg.
2. Battle of Wilson’s Creek, or battle of Oak Ridge or Springfield, was fought Aug. 10, 1861. It was one of the bloodiest of the war; in this engagement Gen. Lyons was mortally wounded. The 1st Iowa Vol. Inf., a 90 day regiment, shared the heavy brunt of the battle.
3. Fremont declared martial law for the city and county of St. Louis Aug. 14. 1861. Presumably this was a repercussion of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, and apprehended dangers to St. Louis. Maj. J. McKinstry was appointed provost marshal. See Nicolay & Hay. Lincoln, 4. 411: Official Records, War of the Rebellion, 1st ser., 3, 442.
4. Jacob C. Lauman, Burlington, Iowa, appointed col. 7th Iowa Vol. Inf., July 11, 1861, promoted to brig. gen. March 21, 1862.
5. Probably John Adair McDowell, Keokuk, Iowa, appointed Col., 6th Iowa Vol. Inf., June 20, 1861, he resigned March 12, 1862.