Lyon yielded so far as to allow Glover to get out the writ of replevin, but he was not disposed to dally long with that subterfuge, and his line of battle would not be far behind the Marshal. Even before he went out to the camp he had sent an Aid to procure 36 horses for his batteries from the leading livery stables in the city, because he feared that Maj. McKinstry, the Chief 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
Department. I have had no occasion to change any of the
views I entertained at that time, neither of my own volition
nor through orders of my constitutional commander.
I trust that after this explicit statement we may be able,
by fully understanding each other, to keep far from our
borders the misfortunes which so unhappily afflict our
common country.
This communication will be handed you by Col. Bowen, my
Chief of Staff, who may be able to explain anything not
fully set forth in the foregoing.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. M. FROST,
Brigadier-General, Commanding Camp Jackson, M. V. M.
It is an almost impossible task for the historian to reconcile this extraordinary letter with Gen. Frost's standing as an officer and a gentleman. It certainly passes the limits of deception allowable in war, and has no place in the ethics of civil life.
The camp was located where it was for the generally understood purpose of attacking the Arsenal, and this purpose had been recommended to the Governor of the State by Gen. Frost himself. Every Secessionist, North and South, understood and boasted of it. Jefferson Davis approved of this, and he sent artillery with which to attack the Arsenal, which was then in Frost's camp. Gen. Lyon refused to receive the letter. He was busily engaged in preparations to carry its answer himself. He had under arms almost his entire force. Two regiments of Home Guards were left on duty protecting the Arsenal, and to be ready for any outbreak in the city, and a majority of the Regulars were also so employed.
Gen. Lyon was a thorough organizer, and had his work well in hand with every one of his subordinates fully instructed as to his part. The previous military training of the Germans here came into good play, and regiments formed quickly and moved promptly. Col. Blair, with his regiment and a battalion of Regulars, marched to a position on the west of the camp. Col. Schuttner with his regiment went up Market street; Col. Sigel led his column up Olive street; Col. Brown went up Morgan street; and Col. McNeil up Clark avenue. A battery of six pieces went with a Regular battalion, at the head of which rode Gen. Lyon. The news of the movement rapidly diffused through the city; everybody was excited and eagerly expectant; and the roofs of the houses were black with people watching events. Not the least important, factor were the Secessionist belles of the city, whose lovers and brothers were in Camp Jackson, and who, with that inconsequence which is so charming in the young feminine mind, were breathlessly expectant of their young heroes each surrounding himself with a group of "Dutch myrmidons," slain by his red right hand.
So admirably had Lyon planned that the heads of all his columns appeared at their designated places almost simultaneously, and Gen. Frost found his camp entirely surrounded in the most soldierly way. The six light pieces galloped into position to entirely command the camp. With a glance of satisfaction at the success of his arrangements, Gen. Lyon rode up to Sweeny, his second in command, and said: