William F. Fox, Lt. Col. U. S. V., Regimental Losses in the American Civil War, 1861-1865: A Treatise on the extent and nature of the mortuary losses in the Union regiments, with full and exhaustive statistics compiled from the official records on file in the state military bureaus and at Washington

[521] to the troops furnished the Union Army, the State was obliged to raise regiments to protect its own territory from the partisan bands which continually invaded it long after the main armies of the Confederacy had abandoned the field.

With this purpose in view the regiments known as the Missouri State Militia were organized. These troops were mostly mounted men, and were enlisted “to serve during the war, in Missouri.” They were efficient, reliable commands, and the frequent engagements in which they participated is evidenced by the large number of their men who were killed in action.

In addition to the State Militia, some regiments were organized which were designated the United States Reserve Corps, and were enlisted for three months, after which they were reenlisted “to serve during the war, in Missouri.”

The State furnished 109,111 men, exclusive of a large force of militia which was in active service during most of the period of the war, and whose pay and expenses were borne by the State. In view of the terrible disadvantages under which it was compelled to labor, Missouri made a loyal and gallant record,--one which will compare favorably with her sister States, and which entitles her to a place of honor in the history of the war.