T. DWIGHT THACHER, Editor and Proprietor.

Wednesday, October 26, 1964.

     Some fifty additional prisoners arrived in town this morning, captured by our forces from Price's retreating columns.  These were taken about forty miles out.  Price's retreat is reported to be most precipitate.  The road is lined with his cast off plunder.  Wagons, buggies, even the extra cannon wheels of their batteries are thrown aside to lighten their loads.

     The Southern Methodist church is being fitted up as a Hospital, and preparations are going on for the comfort of all the wounded.

     The Government steamer Gen. Grant came down from Leavenworth to-day after more wounded.  Those able to be removed, were sent up to that city.

     Dr. McMurray was left by Price in charge of the wounded rebels, now in the hospital at this place.  The doctor is well known in this city and vicinity, having formerly edited a paper in Independence.

     GENERAL BROWN UNDER ARREST. -- We learn that Gen. Pleasanton put Gen. Brown under arrest last week, and turned his command over to the ranking Colonel.  Brown, it is said, was dilatory and disobeyed orders in not attacking the enemy as directed, and Pleasanton promptly relieved him.

     PRICE'S HEADQUARTERS ON SUNDAY. -- It is now definitely ascertained that Price had his headquarters on Saturday night last, at the widow Marsh's, about nine miles from Westport.  Large quantities of beef and other stores were left by him at that place.  Some forty of his wounded were also there The force that our boys engaged at Westport on Sunday was Shelby's division.  Shelby himself is reported to have been severely wounded in that fight.  At first they talked of taking him into Mr. Wornel's house, but though it was a little too risky and took him further to the rear.

     THE PRISONERS. -- Every dictate of humanity should be obeyed in our treatment of prisoners, but humanity does not require that rebel officers should be allowed on the streets, a a Captain was yesterday, who boasts of having escaped twice already.  We understand also that there are a couple of Rebel Surgeons here.  From forty to sixty of their comrades are lying wounded out on the Blue, with but one surgeon and a single nurse to take care of them.  These prisoners should all be carefully guarded.  We cannot afford to loose any of them by military kindness.

     Trains are running again regularly on the North Missouri railroad.

     By order No. 59, Col. Coates relieves Maj. Pritchard as commander of this post.

     The military were pressing teams all the morning, to bring in the remainder of the wounded.

     Shirts are in demand at the hospitals.  Those having a spare one should send it immediately.

     The weather to-day has been changeable  The reopened business houses have been doing a splendid trade, and the city assumes again its old business activity.

Monday, October 24, 1864.

BATTLE OF WESTPORT

Old Price Defeated.

He Is Fleeing South.

     In our Saturday's edition we gave an account of the fighting on Friday, during which day our forces fell back from Little Blue to Big Blue.
     On Saturday the enemy succeeded in forcing a passage across Big Blue at the Upper Fords, greatly outnumbering our forces and driving Moonlight and Jennison back to Westport.  Our loss was considerable in this day's operations, the Kansas Militia suffering a loss of from 100 to 150 killed, wounded and prisoners.  Gen. Curtis, on Saturday afternoon, moved his headquarters from Big Blue to this city, and Saturday night the whole army was concentrated about this point, the advance being at Westport.
     The enemy was encamped about three miles beyond Westport, on the  Fort Scott road.  Price, from all accounts, was himself in command.  They were confident of being in Kansas City by Sunday night.  Many former residents of Kansas City was among them, desirous of wreaking vengeance on their former friends and neighbors.  Early yesterday morning the battle commenced, the enemy greatly outnumbering our advance, and extending his line west nearly to Shawnee Mission and crowding down in front into the timber South of Westport.  Cols. Ford, Jennison and Moonlight were soon hotly engaged.  Moonlight held the extreme right, to prevent the enemy's outflanking us.  Gen. Curtis soon ordered the militia up and the boys went in with a will.  The 19th Kansas militia were dismounted and sent to the front, also the Miami county boys, and did excellent service in checking the rebel advance.  The infantry were ordered up, and formed a line on the bank of Brush Creek, South of Westport.  Our batteries were playing lively on the enemy and there was rapid firing along the line.
     The enemy were gradually forced back from the timber into the open ground and fields along the Fort Scott road near the Wornal place. Here they made a strong stand making temporary breastworks of rails and firing from the stone walls and cornfields.  But our fire was too hot for them and a ringing cheer along our lines told that the enemy was being forced back. This was about 11 o'clock, and for the last hour and more cannon firing off from the extreme left, had told of the approach of Pleasanton's forces from the East.  They now emerged in strong lines along the prairie, a short distance beyond the forks of the Fort Scott and Harrisonville roads, and charged upon the enemy's flank while our boys charged down on the front, putting them to complete rout.
     The artillery and cavalry pushed on as rapidly as possible, shelling the rebels from every eminence and keeping up the pursuit till dark.
     The battle field exhibited evidence of the fierce contest.  The enemy had fled in such haste that he had been forced to leave his dead, and many of his severely wounded. In the field next to the lane, on this side of Wornal's house, there were seven dead rebels lying side by side, and near them an officer, said to have  been Col. McGee; around the latter the rebels had built a little pen of rails.  A little further on were the remains of a rebel cannon, broken to pieces by a shot from one of our guns. 
     The open prairie beyond Wornal's, the evidence of the fight were visible all about -- dead bodies, saddles, blankets, broken guns and dead rebels.  A distance from the forks of the road, on the Harrisonville road, lay a dead rebel, the top of his head shot off by a cannon ball.  He was the very image of a bushwhacker, and had on three pairs of falcons.  On one of his fingers was a large gold ring.  One of our soldiers tried to take it off, but the finger was so swollen that it would not come off, and he left it and passed on.  Another dead rebel, we saw on this part of the field, was clothed in a fine new suit of clothes, evidently the plunder of some store or house.  On the prairie our shells seemed to have done the  main execution.  About three miles out  was a rebel shot through the bowels and left by his companions by the roadside to die.  At a house by the road, was one shot through the neck -- a mortal wound.  Early in the day, the rebels took possession of Mr. Wornal's house for a hospital.  Here they left about a dozen too severely wounded to be moved, and three soldiers to take care of them.  We interrogated some of these men, and they were all members of Dobbins' Brigade of Arkansas troops.  With one exception, of those we conversed with, they claimed to have been forced into service.; one, a boy of 18, said he volunteered rather than be conscripted.  The most of those wounded will die, being shot through the body.  The less severely wounded were removed last night to Westport, and are receiving the same attentions as our wounded.
     Quite a haul of prisoners was made during the day.  Some forty or fifty of them were marshaled in line, just at night, as we came through Westport, and started off under guard at this place.  Many of them were mere boys, from sixteen to nineteen years old.  Some of them had a bushwhacker look, while some of them looked like "good quiet farmers," who had lately joined the expedition for plunder.  One remarked that they "had got the joke on Old Pap this time, as they would surely beat him into Kansas City."  Another replied that "he wished Old Pap was along with them." 
     One thing was to be remarked of all the rebels we saw -- dead or alive --the solid, ignorant, degraded appearance of the whole of them.  They seem to belong to a different race from ours, and most certainly an inferior one.  In truth, this war is one of intelligence, enlightened, and Christian civilization against barbarism.  These miserable, degraded, hungry wretches, on their errand of plunder and devastation to our peaceful homes, are fit representatives of the half civilized power that is endeavoring to overthrow Republican institutions on this continent.
     We would have lost the homes of this hated city, had these wretches made good their entrance here.  That they did not, we owe under the good Providence of God, to the brave Kansas boys who helped us beat the invaders back.  We should certainly have been overpowered, had they not crossed the line and helped fight their own as well as our battle on Missouri soil.
LATEST NEWS!
     The Enemy in Full Retreat and
Our Boys After Them.

     A courier just in from Gen Pleasantoni reports that the officer attacked the rebels again early this morning.  They fled at the first fire and are already thirty miles from Westport.  Our forces are in hot pursuit.  It is thought that the main body of Price's troops, with his immense train moved in that direction before yesterday and that it was an outside column with which our forces fought yesterday.
     A COUPLE OF PAROLLED PRISONERS. -- We mentioned in Saturday's paper the capture of Sam Fry and Jerry ????? by the rebels.  They have since been parolled by Price.  We learn from them that they were captured by the notorious Todd.  Price, it seems, had given strict orders against the killing of prisoners, and Todd to show that he was obeying these orders, took these two men to Price.  He questioned them sometime and dismissed them under care of the Provost Guard.
     The boys soon fell in with McLane of Kansas notoriety, -- "Candlebox" McLane -- who having known them in the old Kansas times secured their parole.  They were prisoners during the fight of the Little Blue and say that Geo. Todd was killed at that fight, beyond any doubt.  They heard the fact repeatedly mentioned in the rebel camp.  Price said of Todd that he was a brave man but a "great scoundrel."  The rebels robbed Jerry and Sam of all they had.

Saturday, October 22, 1864.

FIGHT ON THE LITTLE BLUE!

Major Smith, of the 2d Colorado Killed!

Our Forces Fall Back to Big Blue!

Independence has been Abandoned!

     Yesterday was a "field day" with the Army of the Border.  Col. Moonlight was holding the line of the Little Blue with his regiment, the Kansas 11th.  Early in the day the enemy appeared in force, and succeeded in crossing the Little Blue.

     Col. Ford, with his brigade, was immediately ordered up from Independence.  His brigade consisted of ten companies of the Second Colorado, the 1st Colorado Battery, part of the 16th Kansas cavalry, and a regiment or two of the Kansas Militia.

     The command went down from Independence on the double-quick and struck immediately for the front, C. B., 2d Colorado, in advance.  Deploying into the line of battle as they came on the field, the were hotly engaged in less than five minutes.  The troops engaged in the fight were Col. Ford's brigade, as above stated, the Kansas 11th, under Col. Moonlight, and the Kansas 15th, under Col. Jennison, and McLane's Colorado Battery.
     Generals Curtis and Blunt were on the field in person.  Our forces being outnumbered, were forced to fall back, stubbornly contesting every inch of ground, holding the enemy in check at ever favorable position, and fighting in perfect order and discipline.  The fight continued all day -- our forces falling back at night behind the Big Blue.

     The enemy fought well, it is said, and seemed well disciplined, fighting by the call of the bugle.  The fighting on both sides was done by cavalry and artillery, the cavalry dismounting and fighting on foot, most of the time.

     The 2d Colorado behaved with the conspicuous gallantry which has always marked the history of that splendid regiment.  The "boys" are enthusiastic in praise of Col. Ford, who was under fire all day and acted with the most admirable coolness and bravery.  He had several narrow escapes, at one time a s hell bursting in the limbs of an apple tree beneath which he and his staff were standing.

     The noble Major Smith, than whom a braver soldier never gave his life for a good cause, was killed early in the engagement.  He had just received orders from Col. Ford and rode off waving his hat and cheering his men on, when a musket ball struck him near the left nipple, the ball passing thorough his body.  He lived a few moments, long enough to give some directions to a brother officer concerning his private affairs.  They boys were nothing daunted by the loss of this brave officer, but seemed possessed by a zeal to avenge his death.

     The loss in this regiment will amount to about 100 killed , wounded or missing -- probably not more than 15 or 20 killed.  Among the wounded are Lieutenant Spencer, of Company G, wounded in the foot, Sergt. Taylor, Co. K, lost a leg; Sergeant Kenton, of Co. B, wounded; Frank Gould, Orderly Sergeant, time expired by volunteer aid, shoulder torn off by a shell, will probably die.  The conduct of Sergeant Gould was heroic in extreme.  Though so terribly wounded, he hurrahed for the gallant Colorado as he was born from the field, waving the arm that was left.  Sergeant Errest, of Co. D., severely wounded; Corporal Bradford, of Co. C, mortally wounded.

     Among the killed of this regiment, we learned the names of Bob Bates, of Co. F, Charles Sherman, of Company C, Cummings and M Bryan, of Co. L, and Duffer of Co. B.

     The 15th Kansas, is said to have behaved splendidly.  This regiment and the 2d Colorado would alternately fall behind each other, load their pieces, pass to the front and fire.  Col. Jennison, to use the language of the boys in the fight, was a "perfect brick" and distinguished himself all day.  Lieut. Col. Hoyt behaved like the dashing soldier he is.  He made a charge which is spoken of in the most enthusiastic terms.

     Col. Moonlight, of the 11th Kansas, won universal admiration by his coolness and skill.  The boys of the 2d Colorado are loud in his praise.

     McLane's battery did splendid execution.  It was the first time the boys had a chance to use their new rifle pieces in action, and they were delighted with them.  Captain McLane was reported wounded, but escaped unharmed.

     The Kansas 16th regiment is reported to have behaved bravely and to have done good execution.  Under the lead of such brave and experienced officers as Lieut. Col. Walker, Major Ketner and others, they could hardly do otherwise.  Captain John Wright is said to have distinguished himself.

     In this engagement our gallant boys held the whole Rebel force in check all day, fighting them over a distance of seven miles.  If the enemy attempts to cross the Big Blue, there wil be a tremendous fight.  A courier in from the front this morning says our pickets had been driven in and skirmishes had commenced before he left.  Rumor says Rosecrans drove the Rebels out of Lexington yesterday, capturing their transportation and many prisoners.  The same authority puts Brown at Hickman's Mills. 

     We have not been able at this writing to learn the casualties of the Kansas Regiments.  Jerry Glahart and Sam Fry, of Lawrence, are reported to have been captured by the enemy.  Some prisoners were captured by our side -- how many we cannot learn.

THE LATEST.

     News form the front is that the  enemy are moving south from the Blue, towards Hickman's Mills.  Whether this is a bonafide retreat to escape from Rosecrans' forces, which are supposed to be closing in on the rear, or is an attempt to flank our forces, is unknown.  A few hours will probably demonstrate.

     JUST IN. -- A gentleman just form the front reports no fighting, so far, to-day.  Some light artillery firing was heard just as he left, on our right, toward Hinkle's Ford.  It is believed the enemy is either retreating or attempting to flank us by way of Hickman's Mills.  A courier is reported to have just arrived stating that Jennison is hard pushed at Hickman's Mills.

     BURIAL. -- Major Smith was buried this afternoon at 4 o'clock.  Peace to the ashes of the fallen hero.

     ROSECRANS' FORCES. -- Must by this time be close upon Price's rear.  Indeed, the pressure of his men on the enemy from the east, is the most reasonable solution of the bold push they have been making toward the rest.

     HOLD THE TOWN. -- There should be no disposition to yield the town, save in the last extremity.  A couple of thousand resolute men behind these fortifications can hold Price's whole army at bay, at least until Rosecrans can come up.

Friday, October 21, 1864.

      BUSINESS. -- All business outside of military departments, was suspended to-day by military order.  The town has the appearance of a second edition of Goldsmith's "Deserted Village."  We trust this will be the case for only a short time.  We do not see any military end to be achieved by the restriction of  business except so far is it is directly interferes with military operations.  Certainly the bakeries, provision stores, &c., should be allowed to be open part of the time, or the community must suffer.

      STATION GUARDS ATTENTION! -- Capt. Carpenter's company of station guards will meet for roll call and drill, at 4 P. M., to-morrow, (Saturday) 22 inst.,  -- all delinquents look out.  All members of above company entitled to fresh beef for the last twenty days, will put in an appearance between 8 and 12 o'clock, A. M., to-morrow morning.  EDMOND BRYON, Commissary Sergeant.

     FIGHTING AT THE FRONT. -- A courier has just arrived this P. M. from the front announcing that skirmishing is going on the Little Blue, east of Independence.  Surgeon Akin immediately left for the scene of action  Whether this is the commencement of an attack in force, or merely a skirmish, time will develop.

     SKIRMISH AT LEXINGTON. -- We learn from a gentleman who participated in the advance of our forces under Blunt, that they had occupied Lexington for a day and a half, before Price's forces attacked them.  Our forces contested their advance beyond Lexington, until compelled by disparity of numbers to fall back.  The fight was continued on this side of Lexington, our forces falling slowly back and the enemy pressing on as far as Wellington.  Artillery was used on both sides.  The enemy had rifled cannon.  Our loss was supposed to be about forty killed, wounded and missing.  Two companies were separated from the main force for a time, which led to the report that they were captured by they were not.  Our forces are in constant communication with Gen. Rosecrans, and all are acting in conjunction and  harmony.

Thursday, October 20, 1864.

 
BLUNT DRIVEN OUT OF LEXINGTON!
MISSOURI UNDER MARTIAL LAW!
KANSAS MILITIA TO REMAIN ON THE BORDER!
 
      Blunt got into Independence yesterday.  He says he was driven out of Lexington by 20,000 rebels.  Gen Rosecrans telegraphs from Sedalia that he thinks the attack on Lexington is a feist to cover Price's retreat from the state, by way of Shelby's old rout.  Missouri is placed under martial law.  The Kansas militia will remain on the border, with headquarters at the Blue.

     Parties from Clay county to-day report "all quiet" there.

     Snowflakes were flying this morning.

     INTO THE GUARD HOUSE. -- Some of Capt. Dowd's company of militia refused to obey orders yesterday and do duty, and were accordingly shut up in the guard house.  It is a poor time to bolt now.  Every man should be ready and willing to do his duty.

     BOY WANTED. -- A smart intelligent boy of good  habits, who wishes to learn the Book Binder's trade can find a place at this office.

     DEATH OF MR. COTTRILL. -- Mr. Mahlo Cottrill, one of the proprietors of the Kansas City, Santa Fe & Denver Express & Stage Company, died in this city to-day.  Deceased was about 70 years of age.  He was born in Vermont and resided t here until coming west some few years ago.  He enjoyed the respect of the entire community.  His funeral will be attended from the Methodist Church to-morrow at 3 o'clock, P. M.
     COMPANY C. -- Captain Shouse's company will meet to-morrow, 22nd inst., at 3 o'clock for roll call at their quarters, in Dively's Block, on 3rd street.  By order of Capt. Shouse.  M. DIVELY, Ord. Serg't.

Wednesday, October 19, 1864.

 
     We regret to learn that Mr. Cottrell, of the Santa Fe Stage Company, lies dangerously ill.

     Capt. J. C. W. Hall, Provost Marshal at this Post, has been ordered to take the field by Gen. Curtis.

     WHY HAS PRICE WAITED SO LONG? -- Price's waiting so long while our forces have been gathering around him is very strange.  There is something behind the scenes which must explain this.

     Our citizens are again doing guard duty in this city.  There certainly never ought to be a draft here, for our people are "in the service" most of the time.

     CAPT. EDGAR SEELYE. -- This efficient officer has been appointed Chief Quartermaster of the Army of the Border.

     Emboldened by the presence of the invaders, guerrilla bands are increasing in North Missouri, depredating upon the inhabitants, and claiming to be on the way to join Price.

     There are a large number of strangers in town, and our hotels crowded.  The streets are full, and business generally active.

     The weather continues unexceptionable and city improvements are being pushed forward.  We shall soon have a brick sidewalk the whole length of Main street.

     BENNETT HOUSE. -- This hotel under its efficient hostess, Mrs. Ferguson, is receiving a large share of public patronage.  It sets a good table, and its accommodations for travelers are ample and complete.  J. A. Hutchison has the bar, which is well stocked with liquors and cigars.

Tuesday, October 18, 1864.

     Our streets are very lively these days.  What with the movement of troops, the receiving and forwarding of supplies, and the general business of the campaign, we are having busy times.

     BUSHWHACKERS. -- The bushwhackers are said to be gathering in Clay county preparatory to a strike at Liberty.  They are congregated in quite large force near Richfield, and keep pickets out.

     BUSHWHACKER KILLED. -- Four or five of these scoundrels attacked a house on the road to Parkville, on the other side of the river, last night.  They were driven off with the loss of one of their number.

     NEW DAILY. -- We have received the Daily Herald, published at Paola, Kansas.  It has a very clean and intelligent face.

     ARTILLERY. -- Col. Coates has obtained some artillery to be stationed at this point.  We have needed this a long time and are very glad that we have at last got it.

     The Benton came down to-day with supplies for the troops.  Kansas City is, as we have always said, the natural point for supplying the border.  When the time for the real defense of Kansas comes, here is where Headquarters will virtually have to be.

     THEATRE. -- The Theatre was well attended last night.  To-night "Miriam's Crime" and the "Dumb Belle" are repeated; both are excellent plays, and performed with the perfectness which practice always gives.

     There is said to be no great loss without some small gain.  And if our citizens have lost by interruption to business occasioned by Price's invasions, they have at least gained the instructions they have received in military matters.  They are now all armed and organized.  We wish tat from this time forward, as long as war lasts, they could be thoroughly drilled, at least as often as once in two weeks.  In times like these, nothing contributes so greatly to the security of any community as a thorough preparation for war.

     The experiences of the last two weeks should teach us wisdom for the future.  How many absurd and improbably rumors gained credence?  How many times the rebels were close upon us?  How sure people were that Price had Independence?  And yet, now we see that while there was all the time danger, and danger sufficient to justify the most vigorous measures of self-defense that we put forth, still t here was at no time any such imminent peril as to reasonably cause fright.  In times of war there are two things which should not be neglected:  First, a full preparation for all the dangers that ought to be reasonably guarded against, and, secondly, the cultivation of a spirit of coolness and self-possession.  Thus we may not only diminish real dangers, but may be delivered in good part from the fear of imaginary ones.