A residence of several weeks in St.Louis had somewhat familiarized me with the appearance of troops at the arsenal and at the various camps in the city, but the preparations to take the field were full of novelty.
I was on the boat which carried the First Missouri Infantry, and which General Lyon had selected for his head-quarters.

The young officers were full of enthusiasm, and eagerly anticipating their first encounter with the Rebel battalions.

Colonel Blair was less demonstrative than the officers of his regiment, but was evidently much elated at the prospect of doing something aggressive.

General Lyon was in the cabin, quiet, reserved, and thoughtful.

With Colonel Blair he conversed long and freely.