The offer of a high position in the Rebel service touched his weakest point, and carried him with the insurgents.
In the Rebel service he never obtained much distinction.

His principal successes were in saving his army after defeat.

He displayed a capacity for annoying the Union armies without doing great damage.
Though his oft-repeated promise of victory was never fulfilled, it served to keep many Missourians in the Rebel ranks.

He was constantly expected to capture St.Louis.Some of the Rebel residents fully believed he would do so, and kept their wine-cellars ready for the event.

Until the official announcement of the surrender of all forces west of the Mississippi, they did not abandon hope.