OCTOBER 15, 1864:
The Battle of Glasgow,
Missouri. Glasgow is known to history as the unofficial capital of “Little
Dixie,” the most staunchly pro-Confederate area in Missouri.
On
this day, Confederate forces under General Sterling Price take the town of
Glasgow, and hold it for three days, during which they appropriate the contents
of the Federal supply dump there, including 1,200 muskets, 1,200 overcoats, and
150 horses, plus stocks of food and ammunition. During the battle, the town’s Unionists
blow up the City Hall, where many munitions are stored. The resulting explosion
devastates the downtown, and many buildings burn to the ground.
After
the battle, captured Union troops, whom Price cannot care for, are paroled and
are even allowed to keep their sidearms for protection against “ruffians,”
among whom are “Bloody Bill” Anderson and his gang of cutthroat “Confederate
guerrillas” nominally under Price’s command. Given that Missouri has
degenerated into a slaughterfield, Price’s action stands out for its simple
humanity.
No comments:
Post a Comment