Other traces of the conflict were visible, as I moved slowly over the field.  Here were scattered graves, each for a single person; there a large grave, that had received a dozen bodies of the slain.  Here were fragments of clothing and equipments, pieces of broken weapons; the shattered wheel of a caisson, and near it the exploded shell that destroyed it.  Skeletons of horses, graves of men, scarred trees, trampled graves, the ruins of the burned wagons of the Rebels, all formed their portion of the picture.  It well illustrated the desolation of war.

The spot where General Lyon fell was marked by a rude inscription upon the nearest tree.  The skeleton of the general’s favorite horse lay near this tree, and had been partially broken up by relic-seekers.  The long, glossy mane was cut off by the Rebel soldiers on the day after the battle, and worn by them as a badge of honor.  Subsequently the teeth and bones were appropriated by both Rebels and Unionists.  Even the tree that designated the locality was partially stripped of its limbs to furnish souvenirs of Wilson Creek.

During the first few days of our stay in Springfield, there were vague rumors that the army was preparing for a long march into the enemy’s country.  The Rebel army was reported at Cassville, fifty-five miles distant, fortifying in a strong position.  General Price and Governor Jackson had convened the remnant of the Missouri Legislature, and caused the State to be voted out of the Union.  It was supposed we would advance and expel the Rebels from the State.

While we were making ready to move, it was reported that the Rebel army at Cassville had received large re-enforcements from Arkansas, and was moving in our direction.  Of course, all were anxious for a battle, and hailed this intelligence with delight.  At the same time there were rumors of trouble from another direction—­trouble to the commander-in-chief.  The vague reports of his coming decapitation were followed by the arrival, on the 2d of November, of the unconditional order removing General Fremont from command, and appointing General Hunter in his stead.

Just before the reception of this order, “positive” news was received that the enemy was advancing from Cassville toward Springfield, and would either attack us in the town, or meet us on the ground south of it.  General Hunter had not arrived, and therefore General Fremont formed his plan of battle, and determined on marching out to meet the enemy.

On the morning of the 3d, the scouts brought intelligence that the entire Rebel army was in camp on the old Wilson Creek battle-ground, and would fight us there.  A council of war was called, and it was decided to attack the enemy on the following morning, if General Hunter did not arrive before that time.  Some of the officers were suspicious that the Rebels were not in force at Wilson Creek, but when Fremont announced it officially there could be little room for doubt.