Now, therefore, I, C. F. Jackson, Governor of the State of
Missouri, do, in view of the foregoing facts, and by virtue
of the power invested in me by the Constitution and laws of
this Commonwealth, issue this, my proclamation, calling the
Militia of the State, to the number of 60,000, into the
active service of the State, for the purpose of repelling
said invasion, and for the protection of the lives, liberty,
and property of the citizens of this State. And I earnestly
exhort all good citizens of Missouri to rally under the flag
of their State, for the protection of their endangered homes
and firesides, and for the defense of their most sacred
rights and dearest liberties.

This proclamation was given out to the press, but even before it
appeared the Governor had telegraphed throughout the State to leading
Secessionists to arm and rush to his assistance.

This did not catch Gen. Lyon at all unawares. He had long ago determined
upon a movement to Springfield, which, being in the midst of the farming
region, was the center of the Union element of southwest Missouri.
Immediately, upon reading the Governor's proclamation, he saw the
necessity of forestalling the projected concentration by reaching
Jefferson City with the least possible delay. Before he retired that
night he had given orders for the formation of a marching column, and
had placed the affairs of his great Department outside of this column,
of which he proposed to take personal command, in the hands of Col.
Chester Harding, to whom he gave full powers to sign his name and issue
orders.

121

Having thought out his plans well beforehand, Gen. Lyon began his
campaign with well-ordered celerity. Part of the troops he had at
command were sent down the southwestern branch of the Pacific Railroad
to secure it. Others were sent to points at which the militia were known
to be gathering to disperse them.

Gen. Lyon himself, with his staff, the Regulars, infantry and artillery,
and a force of volunteers, embarked on two steamboats to move directly
upon Jefferson City by the way of the Missouri River.

They arrived at the Capital of Missouri about 2 o'clock in the afternoon
of June 15, and were met with an enthusiastic reception from the loyal
citizens, of whom a large proportion were Germans. Gov. Jackson had only
been able to assemble about 120 men, with whom he made a hasty retreat
to Boonville, about 50