The proprietor of the hotel where I stopped held the reputation of an earnest friend of the Union, ready to Suffer any thing rather than sink his principles.  He introduced me to several citizens, most of them, like himself, thoroughly loyal.  We discussed freely the condition of affairs in Missouri.

It was evident the State authorities intended war, as soon as the necessary preparations could be made.  They were not quite ready to strike their first blow, but when they should be prepared, they would not hesitate a moment.  Governor Jackson was exerting himself to the utmost to accumulate arms and military stores at various points in the State, where they would be of most value.  In defiance of the truce between Generals Price and Harney, companies were being formed throughout the State, and were drilling for service in the field.  Time was of great importance to the Rebels, and this they had secured by means of the truce.

During my stay at Jefferson City, I met the three, men most prominent in bringing war upon Missouri.  These were Governor Jackson, General Sterling Price, and Jeff.  Thompson.  Governor Jackson was elected in the previous December, before it was thought any serious trouble would grow out of Mr. Lincoln’s election.  He was not looked upon as a man of great ability, but no one doubted his desire to promote the best interests of the State.  Those who knew him said his strength lay more in a public than in a private direction.  He had few, if any, personal friends, and was considered dangerous when his passions were roused.  Some said he was cold and treacherous, giving all around him a feeling of aversion.  Even among the Secessionists, and those who should have been his ardent supporters, he was never mentioned with enthusiasm.

Within two weeks from the day I saw him, Governor Jackson, by his own act, was a fugitive from the State capital.  He never returned.  After wandering in Arkansas and Louisiana, during the early part of the war, he died at Little Rock, in 1863, in a condition of extreme poverty.

Of General Price, I heard many praises, even from those who opposed his course.  He was said to be a man of warm friendship, of fair abilities, and quite popular among the masses of the inhabitants.  He possessed much personal pride, and his ambition for public honor was very great.  At the outset he deprecated secession, and prophesied a devastating war as the result.  He was inclined to be loyal, but his ambition was greater than his patriotism.  The offer of a high position in the Rebel service touched his weakest point, and carried him with the insurgents.

In the Rebel service he never obtained much distinction.  His principal successes were in saving his army after defeat.  He displayed a capacity for annoying the Union armies without doing great damage.  Though his oft-repeated promise of victory was never fulfilled, it served to keep many Missourians in the Rebel ranks.  He was constantly expected to capture St. Louis.  Some of the Rebel residents fully believed he would do so, and kept their wine-cellars ready for the event.  Until the official announcement of the surrender of all forces west of the Mississippi, they did not abandon hope.  General Price had given his promise, and, as they argued, was sure to keep it.