It was the misfortune of the time that the Unionists were usually passive, while their enemies were active.

In certain counties where the Unionists were four times the number of the Secessionists, it was often the case that the latter were the ruling party.

The Union people were quiet and law-abiding; the Secessionists active and unscrupulous.

"Peaceably if we can, forcibly if we must," was the motto of the enemies of the Republic.
In some localities the Union men asserted themselves, but they did not generally do so until after the first blows were struck at St.Louis.
When they did come out in earnest, the loyal element in Missouri became fully apparent.
To assure the friends of the Union, and save Missouri from the domination of the insurgents, it was necessary for Captain Lyon to assume the offensive.

This was done on the 10th of May, resulting in the famous capture of "Camp Jackson." On the night of the 9th, loyal parties in St.Louis supplied a sufficient number of horses to move the light artillery necessary to accomplish the desired object.