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Title: From "C." to "Col."
Description: This letter, dated September 21, 1861, is from "C." in St. Joseph, Missouri to "Col." C. reports that the Federal troops surrendered at the Battle of Lexington on September 20. He writes that "our country has been rob[b]ed by both parties . . . nearly evry body that is worth any thing has been rob[b]ed more or less, no matter what their politics are." He adds that people are "bitter" about the Platte Purchase, and predicts that fighting will ensue.
Date: September 21, 1861

Title: Laura Hidden Pearson
Description: This tintype, ca. 1860, depicts Laura Hidden Pearson, an Ohio native who married William D. Pearson in Cass County, Missouri. William was the oldest child of Robert D. Pearson, an early Cass County pioneer. William served in Confederate Captain Shanks’ company for nine months until he was taken prisoner near Lexington, Missouri; he was eventually released on parole. Laura and William married after the war.
Object Type: Image

Title: Letters and Telegrams Sent (Provost Marshal's Office, 6th District Missouri)
Description: This notebook contains copies of letters and telegrams sent from the Provost Marshal's Office, 6th District of Missouri, in Lexington Missouri, between May 21, 1864 and November 3, 1864. The letters, written by A. Comingo, Provost Marshal of the 6th District of Missouri, address topics such as guerrilla activity in Chariton County, Missouri and reopening the Provost Marshal's office in Lexington following "the rebel invasion." Correspondents include Missouri Provost Marshal General E.B. Alexander, U.S. Provost Marshal General James B. Fry, and Maj. Gen. W.S. Rosecrans.
Date: May 21, 1864-November 3, 1864

Title: Battle field of Lexington
Description: Battle field of Lexington, Mo., showing plan of earthwork defended by Federal and State troops under command of Col. James A. Mulligan, U.S.A. during the 18th, 19th and 20th Sept. 1861. Surrendered to Genl. Sterling Price, C.S.A., Sept. 20th 1861. This map Shows fortifications, troop positions, vegetation, drainage, streets, and relief by hachures and spot heights. Important sites are listed in the legend and keyed to the map by letters.
Date: 1870-1879

Title: The Battle of Lexington, Missouri
Description: This image depicting the Battle of Lexington appeared in the October 12, 1861 issue of Harper's Weekly.
Object Type: Image
Date: October 12, 1861

Title: Release of Robert T. Van Horn
Description: This November 1861 document certifies that Major R.T. Van Horn was released after being a prisoner of war. He had been taken prisoner by the Missouri State Guard at the First Battle of Lexington on September 20, 1861, and was released in accordance with an agreement made between Maj. Gen. John C. Fremont and Maj. Gen. Sterling Price. The certificate is signed by Price and by D. Robert Barclay, Commissioner.
Date: November 1861

Title: Report on Loss of Clothing and Equipage
Description: This report, dated March 30, 1865, is signed by Capt. A. Comingo, Provost Marshal for the 6th District of Missouri, and members of his Enrollment Board. The report attempts to explain "the destruction and loss of Clothing, Camp and Garrison Equipage…that occurred during the rebel raid into this state" in October 1864. Comingo concludes that the loss was "inevitable" under the circumstances. The report includes a copy of a letter sent by Gen. Samuel R. Curtis to Comingo on October 5, 1864.
Date: March 30, 1865

Civil War on the Western Border: The Missouri-Kansas Conflict, 1854-1865