The following is the substance of
General Sterling Price's official report of his retreat from
Springfield, (dated February 25,) addressed to
Gov. Jackson, of
Missouri.
It furnishes a sufficient answer to the
Federal accounts, and affords additional evidence of the mendacity of the
Federal Generals:
A bout the latter part of December, I left my camp on Sac river,
St. Clair county, fell back, and took up my quarters at
Springfield for the purpose of being within reach of supplies, protecting that portion of the
State from home guard depredations and Federal invasion, as well as to secure a most valuable point for military movement At
Springfield, I received from Grand Glaze considerable supplies of clothing, camp and garrison equipage, and having built huts, our soldiers were as comfortable as circumstances would permit.
I am pleased to say few complaints were either made or heard,
Missouri having been admitted as an equal member of the
Confederate States, and having my command much augmented by recruits, I was enabled to raise and equip about 4,000 men for the
Confederate service.
A brigade of these, consisting of two regiments of infantry, one regiment of cavalry, and two light batteries of artillery, have been tendered the Confederate Government.
About the latter part of January, my scouts reported that the enemy were concentrating in force at
Rolla, and shortly thereafter they occupied
Lebanon.
Believing that this movement could be for no other purpose than to attack me, and knowing that my command was inadequate for such successful resistance as the interests of my army and the cause demanded, I appealed to the commanders' of the confederate troops in
Arkansas to come to my assistance.
This, from correspondence, I was led confidently to expect, and, relying upon it, I held my position to the very last moment, and, as the sequel proved, almost too long; for on Wednesday, the 1 th of February, my pickets were driven in, and reported the enemy advancing upon me to force.
No resource was now left me except retreat, without hazarding all with greatly unequal numbers upon the result of one engagement.
This I deemed it unwise to do. I commenced retreating at once.
I reached
Cassville, with loss unworthy of mention in any respect.--Here the enemy in my rear commenced a series of attacks, running through four days. Retreating and fighting all the way to the
Cross Hollows, in this State, I am rejoiced to say, my command, under the most exhausting fatigue all that time, with but little rest for either man or horse, and no sleep, sustained themselves, and came through, repulsing the enemy upon every occasion, with great determination and gallantry.
My loss does not exceed four to six killed, and some fifteen or eighteen wounded. That of the enemy we know to be ten aims as great.
Col. Henry Little, commanding the 1st brigade, with
Colonels B. A. Rives and
J. Q. Burbridge of the infantry, and
Col. E. Gates of the cavalry, covered this retreat from beyond Caseville, and acted as the rear guard.
The
Colonel commanding deserves the highest praise for unceasing watchfulness and the good management of his entire command.
I heartily commend him to your attention.
All these officers merit, and should receive, the thanks of both Government and people.
To all the officers and men of my army.
I am under obligations; no men or officers were ever more ready and prompt to meet and repel an enemy.
Governor, we are confident of the future.
Stealing
Price.
Maj. Gen. commanding M. S. G.
