CHAPTER IV.
THE FIRST BATTLE IN MISSOURI Moving up the River .-- A Landing Effected .-- The Battle .-- Precipitous Retreat of the Rebels .-- Spoiling a Captured Camp .-- Rebel Flags Emblazoned with the State Arms .-- A Journalist's Outfit .-- A Chaplain of the Church Militant .-- A Mistake that might have been Unfortunate .-- The People of Booneville .-- Visiting an Official .-- Banking-House Loyalty .-- Preparations for a Campaign.
Daybreak on the 17th found us slowly moving up the river toward Booneville.

General Lyon sat forward of the steamer's cabin, closely scanning both banks of the stream.

Four miles below the town his glass sought out two pieces of artillery, partially concealed in a clump of trees, and trained upon the channel by which we were to pass.

At once our engines were reversed, and the boats moved back to a landing about eight miles below Booneville.

A little before seven o'clock we were on shore, and our column of fifteen hundred men began its advance upon the Rebel camp.
It was the story that has found its repetition in many a battle since that time.