ief Quartermaster of the Department, could not
be trusted; a doubt which seems to have been well founded, for Maj.
McKinstry afterwards refused to pay for the horses until he was
compelled to do so by a peremptory order from Lyon. The Secessionist
spies were as vigilant and successful as those of the Unionists, and
Gen. Frost was promptly informed of the designs upon him, whereupon on
the morning of the fateful May 10 he dispatched Col. Bowen, his Chief of
Staff, with the following letter to Gen. Lyon:

Headquarters, Camp Jackson,

Missouri Militia, May 10, 1861. Capt. N. Lyon, Commanding
United States troops in and about St. Louis Arsenal.

Sir: I am constantly in receipt of information that you
contemplate an attack upon my camp. Whilst I understand you
are impressed with the idea that an attack upon the Arsenal
and the United States troops is intended on the part of the
Militia of Missouri, I am greatly at a loss to know what
could justify you in attacking: citizens of the United
States, who are in the lawful performance of duties
devolving upon them, under the Constitution, in organizing
and instructing the Militia of the State in obedience to her
laws, and therefore have been disposed to doubt the
correctness of the information I have received.

I would be glad to know from you personally whether there is
any truth in the statements that are constantly poured into
my ears. So far as regards any hostility being intended
toward the United States or its property or representatives,
by any portion of my command, or as far as I can learn (and
I think I am fully informed) of any other part of the State
forces, I can say positively that the idea has never been
entertained. On the contrary, prior to your taking command
of the Arsenal, I proffered to Maj. Bell, then in command of
the very few troops constituting its guard, the services of
myself and all my command, and, if necessary, the whole
power of the State to protect the United States in the full
possession of all her property. Upon Gen. Harney's taking
command of this Department I made the same proffer of
services to him and authorized his Adjutant-General, Capt.
Williams, to communicate the fact that such had been done to
the War

74

Department. I have had no occasion to change any of the
vi