Dangerous Formidable Foe

By early October 1864, there was no doubt in the mind of the Union commanders in Missouri and Kansas that Confederate Major General Sterling Price and his "Army of Missouri" were heading north into eastern Missouri.

No one knew what Price's ultimate goals were. However, Major General Samuel Ryan Curtis commanding the Department of Kansas became convinced that an invasion of Kansas would come from the east and northern part of Missouri and not from the Indian Territory along the southern border of the "Jayhawk" state.

The following telegrams and short letters indicate the "Union" concern about the direction and threat posed by the Army of Missouri as it marched north and west up the Missouri River Valley. All of the documents are located on Pages 571, 622, 624, 648, 651 and 657, Series I, Vol. 41, Part III, Correspondence of the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion.

"Fort Leavenworth, Oct. 2, 1864.

Colonel Ford,

Independence, Mo.:

I am informed Price has reached Franklin and Washington, on the Pacific Railroad. Try to get scouts to get intelligence and keep me posted. Also keep constant intercourse with General Brown and inform me what he hears. I want to know every move of Price now, from this on. The enemy below (Stand Watie) has crossed the Arkansas and Price is now the dangerous foe!

S. R. Curtis

Major General.

"Fort Leavenworth, Oct. 4, 1864.

(Kan.) Governor Thomas Carney:

General Brown telegraphs from Jefferson City that Price attacked Hermann last evening. Had three pieces of cannon. It is said to have taken (captured) a train and four locomotives. Also that he took four guns (cannon) from Ewing and most of his troops. Also four ferry boats. Is preparing to defend Jefferson, but a poor show. Thinks Price is coming UP RIVER! I advise General Brown to take care that boats and bridges on Gasconade and Hermann are not available to price. Hermann is east of Gasconade.

S. R. Curtis

Major General."

"Fort Leavenworth, Oct. 4, 1864.

Colonel Ford,

Kansas City: Dispatches received.

Bushwackers and Price are now our most formidable foes! I must have information from below you. You must send out scouts and spies. Also try to get telegraph news through General Brown's headquarters. If raining, as it does here, you better not move today.

S. R. Curtis

Major General.

"Headquarters Department of Kansas,

Fort Leavenworth, Oct. 5, 1864.

Maj. Gen. George Sykes:

General: ... Price on the south side and Bushwhackers on the north side of the Missouri (River) seem to have their own way within 30 miles of St. Louis. Generals Brown and Fisk are apprehensive Jefferson City will be attacked and they are fortifying for defense with about 6,000 troops at that place. A scout of mine just in reports Price's force at 35,000, with some prospect of accessions. (Actually, it was approximately 12-15,000) these heavy rains will materially retard Price's movements and I hope enable our troops to get in position around him. Ford's command is still in Missouri, reporting to me. Governor Carney called yesterday to confer as to the militia being called out. I have agreed to defer the further call till I get further news, when upon my presentation the governor will call out from most of the counties as may seem necessary.

While it rains as it has done for three days past it is needless to call; nobody would answer, I am going to send down four siege guns, two for Olathe and two for Paola, understanding, as I do that the forts at these places are about completed.

Lt. Robinson informs me that he found matters at the Lawrence fort very poorly arranged. The troops had built an oven close by the magazine (where gunpowder and ammunition are stored). Ammunition was exceedingly scarce, the infantry not having enough to fill their cartridge boxes. Arms and ammunition always require special inspection to keep them ready.

There is nothing in the service so often calls for correction. We have but a very small force and must try to have it in the best possible position.

S. R. Curtis,

Major General."

"Fort Leavenworth, Oct. 5. 1864.

Col. C. R. Jennison,

Mound City:

Price is all along the Pacific Railroad from Franklin to Hermann with about 15,000 men.

Ewing is the only man that has had a fight with him and that was not much. He (Price) must come farther west before we go for him!

S. S. Curtis

Major and aide-de-Camp."

"Headquarters

Saint Louis, Oct. 6, 1865.

Maj. Gen. S. R. Curtis

Fort Leavenworth, Kansas:

General (Rosecrans) not in. Price is crossing the Osage; his advance is skirmishing with cavalry from Jefferson City. Can you patrol the river with light draught boats to prevent parties of Guerrillas from crossing north? If you can spare cavalry they can be of great service west of Jefferson City; if infantry they can be sent by boat to Jefferson City.

McNeil has 2,500 cavalry near Jefferson City today. We will send 9,000 infantry up the river tomorrow or next day.

J. V. Du Bois

Colonel & Chief of Staff."

"Fort Leavenworth, Oct. 6, 1864 -- 11 p.m.

Major General Rosecrans:

Few boats and low water prevent my doing much. Have armed boat on river; will start another in the morning. Have called out militia and will do all I can. (General) Fisk telegraphs that he holds the enemy at the Moreau tonight. A few killed and wounded. Push forward your forces tonight. Delay is disatrous!

S. R. Curtis,

Major General."

General Price and his Army of Missouri continued to be dangerous and formidable foes as they advanced up the Missouri River towards Jefferson City and the war went on.